Sentencing Council proposes new guidelines for fly-tipping offences
They also aim to ensure that the level of fines given to offenders matches the seriousness of the offences they have committed. Appropriate financial penalty should be given as well as acting as a deterrant from committing more crime.
This is the first time guidelines have been produced for these offences. The Sentencing Council is proposing that magistrates make more use of the highest levels of fines available to them for some of the more serious offences that come before the courts. This is expected to lead to an increase in fines for those that cause the most damage or risk to health, which is likely to include corporate offenders.
The proposals can be viewed on the Sentencing Council website.
The NFU will be responding to the consultation and a draft response will be available to view shortly.