“No plans” to hike up Rotherham litter fines

FINES for litter will remain at £80 despite national changes allowing fixed penalty notices of up to £150.

Rotherham Borough Council’s litter squad began work under a pilot project last April and caught 5,300 offenders in seven months.

The enviro-crime blitz is a link-up with Doncaster Council and its contract partner Kingdom.

The aim is to cut Rotherham’s £1.7 million bill from litter and other offences like fly-tipping.

New Government rules gave RMBC the option to increase fines from next month.

A council report to cabinet members this week said such offences would continue to be taken seriously — but added: “There is a risk that with higher fines comes a reduced payment rate.”

The fines will remain £80 for litter and £300 for fly-tipping, with late payments rising to £150 and £400 respectively.

General council fees and charges will increase by three per cent for 2018/19, generating about £1 million for the budget.