NEW figures released by Waverley Borough Council have revealed cases of fly-tipping have doubled in the borough over the past 12 months - adding fuel to a debate over the controversial introduction of charges at community recycling centres across Surrey.

Waverley recorded 27 cases of illegally dumped waste blighting the borough’s countryside in September 2015 – but fast forward 12 months and that number rocketed to 54 cases in the same month this year. In total, there were 402 recorded cases of fly-tipping in 2015/16.

It coincides with Surrey County Council introducing charges for non-household waste at many of its recycling centres, including at Witley – despite massive opposition by the public and warnings by the Lib Dems it could increase fly-tipping.

Surrey’s cabinet member for environment and planning Mike Goodman suggested just last month that fly-tipping across the county has actually declined year-on-year - with 500 tonnes dealt with by councils in September 2015 compared with 283 tonnes a year later.

But speaking at last Tuesday’s meeting of Waverley’s executive, Waverley’s environment portfolio holder James Edwards disputed Surrey’s claim and confirmed fly-tipping is a growing problem in the rural borough.

The Haslemere councillor said: “The current level of fly-tipping, regardless of what Surrey County Council tells our members, is on the increase in Waverley. I’ve just had the figures for September and compared to September last year, the number of fly-tips has doubled.

“Waverley Borough Council is committed to tackling the scourge of fly-tipping. It blights our community and harms the environment and in particular the wonderful countryside in Waverley that we all enjoy.”

Mr Edwards’ comments came as members agreed to a new maximum £400 fixed penalty fine for those caught fly-tipping in Waverley, after adopting new powers under the Unauthorised Deposit of Waste (Fixed Penalties) Regulations 2016 which came into force in May.

He added: “The powers under these regulations will strengthen our ability to penalise those who fail to accept their responsibilities for the waste they produce, regardless of the impact on communities or the local environment.

“In line with our partners we wish to take a robust approach and set the fines at a level to make it clear to offenders how seriously we view the offence, and to ensure it acts as a serious deterrent.”

Waverley has also hired a new environmental enforcement officer, and is working in partnership with other local authorities, as well as the county police force and Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner to tackle the problem.

In addition, the council is undertaking a joint fly-tipping campaign with the Surrey Waste Partnership to encourage people to report fly-tipping and those responsible.

This includes a new online reporting facility at www.recycleforsurrey.org.uk.

Waverley leader Julia Potts said: “It is fair to say that a lot of us see fly-tipping as a growing and unnecessary scourge on our beautiful borough and quite frankly it is completely unacceptable. We have got to do everything we can to send a very clear message out there that this will not be tolerated and these fines will be implemented and further more if prosecutions do need to happen then we will prosecute as well.

“We cannot let this continue and we’ve set the fixed penalty fine at £400 because at the moment that’s the most we can set.”

• Surrey County Council came under further scrutiny after Lib Dems county councillors claimed the new community recycling centre charges, dubbed the ‘Tory Tip Tax’, “could be illegal”.

Legislation was passed in March 2015 by the then-coalition government which prevented councils from charging residents to use household waste recycling centres, either at the point of entry, exit or disposal.

The Government guidance makes it clear residents should not be charged for disposing of any waste from DIY, as it considers such material as a type of household waste. But by introducing a £4 charge for construction materials and tyres, plus a £50 ‘per car load’ charge for loose materials, the Lib Dems claim the legislation has been flouted by the county council.

Stephen Cooksey, the Lib Dems’ environment spokesperson, said: “What a mess the Tories have got themselves in. The last government rightly passed legislation to encourage residents to recycle and protecting them from charges. But Surrey County Council has pushed through its unpopular Tory Tip Tax regardless of what the law says.

“I am calling for an urgent re-think from the county council as we should be doing everything in our power to make it easier for people to recycle and in doing so, protect our beautiful countryside from fly-tipping.

“Surrey should pay back the money it has taken from residents if these charges are found to be illegal.

“And I have written to the Department for Communities and Local Government asking them to take action against Surrey County Council and pointing out to them that they are not above the law.”

Responding, cabinet member for environment and planning Mr Goodman said: “We’re aware of these reports and will watch with interest.

“We need to make savings across council departments because we face rising demand for services including adult social care, where demand is rising by £24 million each year.”