Fly-tipping and Graffiti

Oral Answers to Questions — Communities and Local Government – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 17 December 2012.

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Photo of Bob Russell Bob Russell Liberal Democrat, Colchester 2:30, 17 December 2012

What advice he has given to local authorities in respect of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 on the use of surveillance cameras to identify those committing fly-tipping and graffiti offences.

Photo of Eric Pickles Eric Pickles The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

The Protection of Freedoms Act introduced new measures to stop the abuse of surveillance by town halls, delivering on promises made, as I am sure my hon. Friend will remember, by both Conservatives and Liberal Democrats before the general election. Surveillance is now restricted to serious crimes and requires a magistrate’s warrant. Guidance has been produced by the Home Office.

Photo of Bob Russell Bob Russell Liberal Democrat, Colchester

Could the Secretary of State advise us on how local authorities can best tackle fly-tipping and graffiti offences which, in the eyes of many people, are serious antisocial offences that cause nuisance to neighbourhoods?

Photo of Eric Pickles Eric Pickles The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

My hon. Friend raises an important point. If graffiti and fly-tipping are so serious, his council can go to a magistrates court and obtain a warrant so that surveillance can take place; otherwise they would have to pursue the normal process of dealing with fly-tipping and graffiti.