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Written question asked by Lord Birt (Crossbench) on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Thursday, 12 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Fly-tipping: Private Property

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 20 January 2026 (HL13504), why a farmer or landowner is required to bear the cost of the unlawful dumping of waste by an unidentified third party on their land.

Answer

We recognise the financial burden that clearing fly-tipped waste places on landowners. However, central Government generally does not compensate victims of non-violent crime. It is important not to create a perverse incentive for some people to dump, or facilitate the dumping of, waste.

However, where there is sufficient evidence, fly-tippers can be prosecuted and, on conviction, a cost order can be made by the court so that a landowner’s costs can be recovered from the perpetrator.

We are working with a wide range of interested parties through the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group, such as the National Farmers Union (NFU), to promote and disseminate good practice, including how to prevent fly-tipping on private land.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL14471
Session
2024-26
Related items
Fly-tipping: Private Property
Tuesday, 20 January 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Costs Fly-tipping Waste disposal Private property
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk