Question reference: S5W-35770
- Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 5 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 18 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what action it is taking to help tackle (a) littering, (b) flytipping and (c) dog fouling in communities.
Answer
Our National Litter Strategy, which also encompasses aspects of flytipping, has come to the end of its five year lifespan. Ministers have been considering next steps and have decided to proceed with a new National Litter and Flytipping Strategy, which will be published early next year subject to the outcome of the election. At the earliest opportunity, we will also publish a report from a review process we have undertaken to assess progress against the commitments in the current National Litter Strategy.
In January, I met with stakeholders to discuss current challenges in relation to flytipping and proposals for future action. One important action that we expect to be taken forward, subject to outcome of the election, is the establishment of a regular flytipping forum that will have its first meeting later in the year.
A litter summit hosted by Keep Scotland Beautiful in partnership with Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland took place on 17 March. This event provided an opportunity to reflect on progress to date and look at future priorities for tackling litter.
The Scottish Government supports local authorities to take action to effectively tackle dog fouling and the inconsiderate behaviour of dog owners. Local authorities have a range of powers available to them through the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 including applying fixed penalty notices. In March 2020 we shared examples of best practice in tackling dog fouling across all local authorities in Scotland to encourage constructive responses to this issue.