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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 15 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Friday, 22 May 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Graffiti and Litter

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the consistency of enforcement action taken by local authorities in relation to a) littering and b) graffiti offences.

Answer

The Government has not assessed the consistency of enforcement action by local authorities (LAs) or whether LAs have sufficient resources for enforcement in relation to littering or graffiti offences.

LAs have legal powers to take enforcement action against offenders. Anyone caught littering or doing graffiti may be prosecuted in a magistrates’ court, which can lead to a criminal record and fines of up to £2,500 on conviction. Instead of prosecuting, LAs can issue a fixed penalty (on-the-spot fine) of up to £500.

To support LAs to consistently, proportionately and effectively use litter enforcement powers, including fixed penalty notices, the Government has recently published new Statutory Guidance, Litter enforcement powers: when and how to use them. LAs will need to have regard to this guidance when using their powers.

Advisory guidance on managing graffiti and flyposting for LAs and businesses is available here. The guidance outlines the options available for tackling these issues with examples of good practice.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
1822
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Enforcement Graffiti Litter
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk