In another blow for Manchester's poorly-performing Labour Council, new figures have revealed that only around a quarter of the fines issued for littering in the city have ever been paid.
Councillor Paul Shannon, Lib Dem Deputy Leader, has received figures from the Council's Head of Street Management showing that only 28% of fines have ever been paid, and that 72% of litterbugs caught fouling the streets of Manchester are dodging fines.
Councillor Paul Shannon stated:
"These figures are dreadful. Nearly three-quarters of litter fines have not been paid. This means that over 4,900 litter louts in Manchester are getting away with it scott-free, due to poor enforcement procedures. The truth is that Manchester Labour are being soft on those who wreck our environment."
Cllr Shannon added:
"Think of the income that the Council has lost because of the high rate of non-payment in Manchester. Up to £393,000 has been thrown away simply because Labour can't be bothered to enforce payment. £393,000 would go a long way to making our streets cleaner! For example, there is supposed to be a Street Environment Manager (SEM) to clean up every ward in Manchester but some wards, such as Rusholme and Fallowfield, are having to share an SEM due to lack of resources."
He concluded:
"I urge the Council to crack down on those who spoil the environment for everyone else. Manchester Liberal Democrats are calling for the Council to truly get tough by introducing a new zero tolerance enforcement policy. Litter louts must not be allowed to get away with it."
End
The figures for rubbish fines in Manchester are as follows:
Fixed penalty notices for Litter Issued by Manchester Council
Period / Fines Issued /Fines Paid / Fines Paid as % of total
2004/2005 / 2412 / 485 / 20.11%
2005/2006 / 2760 / 735 / 26.63%
2006/2007 (to Oct 06) 1713 / 741 / 43.26%
Total: / 6885 / 1961 / 28.48%
Total Unpaid: /4924 / 71.52% unpaid
Council Income Lost: up to £393,920.00
(£80 per unpaid fine)
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