THE GOVERNMENT’S crackdown on anti-social behaviour with a ban on nitrous oxide and tougher enforcement on fly-tippinghas been welcomed by the Meriden MP.
Saqib Bhatti commended Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, in the House of Commons when the Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan was revealed.
The Government’s plan is set to give 16 areas in England and Wales, including the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner area, funding to support new ‘hotspot’ police and enforcement patrols in areas with the highest rates of anti-social behaviou.
The Action Plan also sees tougher enforcement on fly-tipping, with an increase in the punishment for those who graffiti, litter or fly-tip with fines of up to £500 and £1,000, (up from £150 and £400 respectively) alongside council league tables published for fly-tipping.
The council league tables will help show which councils are able to take a muscular approach to enforcement and spread best practice.
Mr Bhatti has previously written to Ms Braverman on the anti-social behaviour and widespread littering associated with nitrous oxide, writing he has seen first-hand the unsightly nature of the littered canisters.
He has been contacted by litter-picking groups and Councillor Tony Dicicco on local anti-social behaviour and littering from nitrous oxide canisters.
Speaking in the Statement, Mr Bhatti said: “The Home Secretary will be aware that I wrote to her about the availability of nitrous oxide and I have spoken in the House about enforcement on fly-tipping, so I commend her for the tough action she has taken.”
