08/07/2026
Reform UK calls for tougher action on fly-tipping in .
The Reform UK Group on has submitted a motion calling for “stronger action to tackle fly-tipping, reduce litter, restore civic pride and protect the Borough's environment”.
The group said the motion “follows continued concerns raised by residents across Solihull about fly-tipping, litter and environmental neglect affecting neighbourhoods, parks, country lanes and public spaces”. Reform UK councillors say “stronger enforcement, better community engagement and greater support from Government are needed to tackle environmental crime and keep Solihull clean”.
If approved, the motion would require officers to prepare a report for the relevant scrutiny board setting out current levels of fly-tipping across the Borough, existing enforcement activity and opportunities to strengthen enforcement, including the targeted use of mobile CCTV, ANPR technology where lawful and proportionate, and improved intelligence sharing with partner agencies.
The motion also calls for increased public awareness of waste disposal responsibilities, annual community clean-up initiatives involving residents, schools, businesses and voluntary organisations, and closer working with takeaway and fast-food businesses to reduce litter associated with commercial packaging.
In addition, the motion requests that the Leader of the Council writes to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs seeking stronger national measures against repeat and commercial fly-tipping offenders, greater support for local authorities tackling environmental crime, and planning and licensing powers that would assist councils in reducing litter, waste and environmental degradation.
Ahead of the Full Council meeting this week, Reform UK councillors and volunteers took part in a community action day on Saturday 4 July, carrying out litter picking at Park and across . The team also painted utility boxes and cut back overgrown hedges obstructing public pathways as part of its commitment to improving the local environment.
Councillor Samantha Gethen, Leader of the Reform UK Group on Solihull Council and proposer of the motion, said: “Residents regularly tell us they are fed up with seeing fly-tipping, litter and neglected public spaces in their communities. The vast majority of people dispose of their waste responsibly, and they should not be left paying the price for the actions of a small minority.
"This motion takes a practical approach by looking at where enforcement can be strengthened, how awareness can be improved and how we can work with residents, businesses and community groups to keep Solihull clean. It is about protecting the places people are proud to call home.
"Our community action day shows that Reform UK is prepared to lead by example. We believe councillors should not only campaign for cleaner neighbourhoods but also get out into the community and play their part in improving them."
Councillor Collette Brown, who seconded the motion, said: “Keeping Solihull clean is everyone's responsibility. Strong enforcement is important, but lasting change also comes from communities working together and taking pride in the places where they live.
"The proposals for annual community clean-up initiatives will help build on the fantastic work already carried out by local volunteers, schools and community groups, while ensuring the Council continues to take environmental crime seriously.
"This motion is about protecting our green spaces, supporting civic pride and ensuring Solihull remains a borough that residents can be proud of."
The Reform UK Group said the motion “forms part of its wider commitment to improving neighbourhoods, protecting the local environment and ensuring residents see visible improvements in the communities where they live”.
The motion will be considered at the meeting of Solihull Council tomorrow (Tuesday 7 July).
