Highland Council backs Scottish Government litter consultation
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HIGHLAND council has backed the results of a Scottish Government consultation on litter and flytipping that has blighted communities.
Members of the local authority's Communities and Place Committee agreed to endorse the response to the the National Litter and Flytipping Strategy.
Highland Council said it recognises the benefits that could be achieved by carrying out research to understand the influences on littering behaviour.
The council also said it supports a collaborative national anti-littering behaviour change campaign.
Feedback also highlighted the need for what it called “behaviour change interventions” for areas such as fast food, night-time economy, schools, roadside and tourism.
The council also backed the idea of the Scottish Government working with local authorities to develop targeted interventions on litter and further work to support community led voluntary litter picks.
Chair of the Communities and Place Committee councillor Allan Henderson said: “We do care immensely about litter and fly tipping in our beautiful Highland region. The Highland Council does respond well to incidences of littering and fly tipping where notified.
“The response to the government highlights where the council has responded particularly well in providing a seasonally enhanced service (Ranger Service, Waste employees, additional litter bins) that reflects the significant impact of visitor numbers in the Highland area. The service has also employed route optimisation software; improved litter bin management through the provision of recycling on the go litter bins; and better opportunity for collaboration through using remote meeting technology.”
Highland Council said it also supports exploring raising fixed penalty amounts to ensure they are an appropriate deterrent, and would support exploring alternative penalties, particularly examples that have been successful in other countries.
However, the authority said it would have concern over the practicalities, appropriateness and administration of options such as enforced litter picks or education courses for offenders.
