VALE of Glamorgan AM Jane Hutt has welcomed proposals from the Welsh Government that will make it easier to fine fly tippers, as well as allowing councils to keep the money the fines raise.

The Unauthorised Deposit of Waste (Wales) Regulations will allow civil prosecutions with a lower burden of proof than is currently the case under criminal law. Fixed penalty notices will also enable the proceeds of any fines to be retained by local authorities.

At present, those looking to deal with fly-tippers are limited to two options: criminal prosecution in the courts, or for enforcement officers to issue a caution.

Ms Hutt said: “I welcome the Welsh Government’s determination to act on fly tipping. It is right to make it as easy as possible to fine perpetrators and that the money can be kept in our local area.”