Knowsley Council’s commitment to neighbourhood cleanliness and safety has seen the launch of the council’s new Environmental Enforcement team.
The new in-house team will be at the forefront of efforts to tackle environmental crimes committed by those involved in fly tipping, littering, waste offences and dog fouling – ensuring a consistent and community focused service for residents.
The team will be out and about in local communities able to respond quickly to reports of littering, dog fouling or fly tipping hotspots.
Current legislation (including the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005), gives the council powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to individuals caught littering or committing other environmental offences.
Fines are currently set at £150 for littering, £100 for failing to clear up dog fouling and £400 – minimum – and a possible prison sentence for fly tipping. The council’s ‘We’re not messin’ environmental cleanliness campaign will be promoted borough-wide – highlighting the penalties for committing environmental crimes.
Income from any fines issued will be reinvested directly back into council services aimed at improving the borough’s environment. This will help to enhance street cleansing, waste management and public awareness initiative – creating cleaner, greener and more pleasant neighbourhoods for everyone.
As well as issuing Fixed Penalty Notices to those caught committing environmental offences, officers in the team will be involved in community education and prevention initiatives.
This includes working closely with residents, businesses and schools, supporting community clean-up events, and providing a high-profile presence in hotspot areas.
Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods Cllr Shelley Powell said: “By creating our own dedicated team of Environmental Enforcement Officers we will have more control over how enforcement is delivered across the borough. Unfortunately, this is necessary due to the irresponsible behaviour of some individuals who continue to blight their neighbourhoods by committing these offences.
“The team will offer a more accountable and responsive service to residents, shaped around local priorities and delivered by officers who understand the borough and its communities.
“Our commitment to providing this essential service demonstrates a clear focus on improving environmental quality and taking meaningful action against those who damage public spaces.
“With these changes, the council is taking a positive and forward-looking approach to protecting the local environment and boosting pride across the borough.”
Government figures reveal that in England agencies dealt with 1.26 million incidents of environmental crime between 2024 and 2025, an increase of 9% from the previous year. The number of FPNs also increased by 9% – 69,000 were issued during 2024/5.
How you can help keep Knowsley clean
– Dispose of litter in the bins provided. There are over 700 litter bins in the borough. If one is not available, keep hold of your litter until you find one that is, or take it home with you.
– Tie-up your own bin-bags carefully and use a bin with a lid.
– Report over-full public litter bins.
– Pick up after your dog and dispose of dog poo in a litter bin or at home.
– Report fly tipping, dog fouling and littering on the Knowsley Council website.
– Litter pick in your local area or join a local group in your community. Find out more about becoming one of Keep Britain Tidy’s #LitterHeroes Volunteer Projects | Keep Britain Tidy
Find out more about the penalties for environmental crimes.