Action Item List

The Action Item List (AIL) functions as an essential notice board for inquiries, suggestions, and concerns raised by the IRC to both the local council and central government regarding debris issues in Peterborough. The IRC has compiled key items from the AIL to provide clear explanations and references that report on the current status of each issue. This list not only supports meetings and discussions with the council but also ensures the general public remains informed about these important matters.

AIL 01

Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)

If this is introduced it will reduce litter at a stroke.

IRC has asked the government to verify the targeted date for the introduction of the DRS.

AIL 02

Open Trucks creating Debris.

This is an issue on all national roads, there must be legislation to make all vehicles secure and cover the loads.

IRC has asked the government to table a motion to enforce this requirement and thus dramatically reduce the litter on our roads.

AIL 03

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN)

The FPN process for littering must be simplified and raised for local authorities to provide a better deterrent. Steer the justice system towards higher fines for fly-tipping and must never be less than a FPN. Persistent offenders who litter and/or fly-tip must be treated with far harsher penalties.

Current FPN situation in Peterborough
Number of incidents reported since 1 January 2023, the council issued 251 fixed penalty

notices (FPNs) for fly-tipping offences and 55 cases were taken to court. IRC has requested to the government to table an amendment to the current law to revise the process and increase the penalties. Also, to include new measures to ensure vehicles are registration and authorised to move debris. Currently many such vehicles use false number plates so a unique DVLA mandatory marking on the outside of the vehicle is recommended.

AIL 04

Litter & Fly-tipping UK government environmental plans.

The UK government’s 25 year environment plan states that by maximising resource efficiency and minimising environmental impacts at end of life and achieving zero avoidable plastic waste by the end of 2042.

IRC has asked the government to show progress and how is it monitored?

AIL 05

Private landlords and HMOs

Peterborough Council could do more locally based on existing regulations and powers associated with Landlords and HMO facilities. In particular to minimise the risk to public health from food waste and bin services.

The IRC request a review the current local regulations to better use the powers they have based on a public health risk. With the many issues of litter and waste

management. i.e. - insufficient bins to match the occupancy of dwellings of HMO’s and Private Business. Also, existing and future Service Contracts to ensure cleanliness from bin usage with data to reflect monitoring and audits. All Fines and Penalties to be made available to the general public.

PCC Response 14/2/25 - Our Waste and Recycling team are working closely with social landlord's to ensure that properties have the right number of bins for the number of occupants alongside educational activity so people know what to do with their waste. We are happy to explore what powers the council has to act on some of your suggestions. In a meeting of the Climate Change and Environment Scrutiny Committee in January members agreed to establish a cross-party Fly-Tipping Task and Finish Group. We will ensure this group are aware of the suggestion to consider this area further.

AIL 06

Litter on roadsides and grass

Litter is not always collected before cutting back the grass or vegetation, it is supposedly shredded.

IRC as the question to the council officers is “why is this practice ongoing?” and "should a review the current contract and procedures with Services and other contractors take place to stop this practice in the future?".

PCC Response 14/2/25 - PCC can confirm that Aragon Direct Services, who undertake this work on behalf of the Council, endeavour to ensure litter is collected before grass cutting takes place. On the whole we are comfortable that this takes place. There are occasions where mistakes happen and when we and/or Aragon become aware of these incidents, we take necessary action to rectify the situation. It is worth noting that the Council are not responsible for grass cutting on the National Highways network.

AIL 10

Food waste

Many residents do not understand how to dispose of food waste. A lot of this gets fly tipped, creating a public health hazard in many locations across Peterborough.

IRC asked the council - Can the council issue clearer instructions in multi languages as part of the 2025/26 Council Tax leaflet sent to all households across Peterborough.

PCC Response 14/2/25 - We are currently running a campaign on food waste recycling and expanding the service to flats across the city. Information on food waste recycling will be included in the Council Tax booklet; however, due to space limitations, this section will primarily rely on images rather than translations. To ensure accessibility, we translate our waste and recycling service leaflets into 16 different languages, actively engaging with communities where English is not the first language.

AIL 12

Pathways

There is inadequate care and maintenance along many of the footpaths and cycleways in Peterborough when managing vegetation. Many footpaths and cycleways have been left to overgrow resulting in partially blocking such routes.

IRC asked the council - “is the council prepared to carry out more frequent care and maintenance along all pathways in Peterborough and share the plans of all locations?".

PCC Response 14/2/25 - The Council undertakes an annual cut back of all shrubs that it is responsible for and will investigate whether any additional cutbacks are needed on health and safety grounds that are reported to us. In order to go beyond in some locations the council is in the process of agreeing a partnership arrangement with the National Probation Service who will be able to undertake some additional work in agreed locations. Private shrubs and hedges are the responsibility of the owner and if these are obstructing the highway our highway inspectors can contact the owner to instruct remedial action when these instances are reported through.