As ministers prepare a strategy to create a "clutter-free legacy for England", the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is planning on increasing the fine for those dropping litter to £150.
Currently, local authorities can set fines of between £50 and £80 for littering, but under new proposals the minimum fine would increase to £100, with a recommended fixed penalty of £150.
Local Government Minister, Marcus Jones, said about littering: "It’s thoughtless, selfish and ruins shared spaces for everyone. Not only that, litter clearance and disposal costs hundreds of millions of pounds for councils every year – money that could be going on vital services. If litter louts can’t put their rubbish in the bin perhaps we can hit them in the pocket instead."
This year also sees the launch of the Clean for the Queen campaign; a nationwide clean-up operation which aims to clean up Britain in time for Her Majesty the Queen's 90th Birthday in June. The campaign asks for individuals, volunteer groups, councils, businesses and schools to take part in the Clean for the Queen weekend between 4-6 March.
