Southampton City Council is stepping up action against environmental offences with the launch of a new environmental enforcement contract with Waste Investigations Support & Enforcement (WISE), an environmental enforcement company working with councils across the UK.

The contract will provide additional, visible enforcement officers across Southampton, complementing the work already carried out by the council’s in-house teams.

As part of the council’s zero-tolerance approach to environmental offences, officers will carry out visible and targeted patrols across the city, taking appropriate enforcement action where offences are identified.

The additional officers will help the council tackle environmental issues including littering, fly-tipping, waste presentation, and bins and excess waste being left on streets.

The approach will combine enforcement with education and engagement. Visible patrols will aim to deter environmental offences, encourage responsible behaviour and make it clear that people who commit offences can expect action to be taken.

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) can be issued for certain environmental offences. Where a reduced payment is available, this is not the amount of the initial FPN. Anyone receiving an FPN should check the notice carefully for the full penalty amount, any reduced early-payment amount, the relevant deadlines and instructions on how to pay.

Councillor John Savage, Cabinet Member for Environment and Net Zero, said: “Residents rightly expect us to take action when a minority of people litter, dump waste or behave in ways that make our neighbourhoods less pleasant places to live.

“This new contract gives us additional boots on the ground and strengthens the work our teams are already doing across Southampton.

“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to environmental offences. We want the message to be clear: if you dispose of your waste responsibly, you have nothing to worry about. But where environmental offences are committed, we will investigate and take appropriate action.

“Keeping Southampton cleaner and greener is something we all have a part to play in, and by tackling the behaviour that harms our streets and neighbourhoods, we can help create a city that residents are proud to call home.”

Councillor Toqeer Kataria, Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Leisure, said: “Fly-tipping, littering and waste left on our streets are a real blight on our communities. It’s incredibly disappointing to see the impact that this behaviour has on our neighbourhoods, particularly when so many residents work hard to take pride in where they live.

“Our communities deserve clean, safe and welcoming streets, and this additional enforcement will help us tackle the issues that residents regularly raise with us.

“By working together, taking action against those who spoil our local environment and encouraging everyone to play their part, we can continue to make Southampton a cleaner, safer and more pleasant place to live.”

Warren Hodgson, Managing Director of WISE, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Southampton City Council and look forward to building a strong and successful relationship that makes a real and lasting difference to the city and its communities.

“At WISE, we firmly believe that environmental enforcement is about much more than issuing Fixed Penalty Notices. Our priority is to educate, engage and encourage positive behavioural change, helping residents, businesses and visitors understand the important role they play in keeping Southampton clean, safe and welcoming for everyone.

“Our Environmental Enforcement Officers will work closely with the Council and local communities to tackle environmental offences. Alongside our proactive patrols, we will also support the Council in addressing fly-tipping, waste-related offences and areas of particular concern to residents.

“We recognise that the vast majority of people take pride in their local environment and act responsibly. Our aim is to build on that positive behaviour through visible patrols, education and constructive engagement, while ensuring that appropriate and proportionate enforcement action is taken where necessary.

“We are particularly looking forward to working alongside Southampton’s communities, supporting local environmental initiatives and helping to raise awareness of the impact that littering and irresponsible waste disposal can have on our streets, parks and public spaces.

“We are incredibly proud to be part of this new partnership and look forward to the positive impact we can achieve together.”

The council will continue to communicate enforcement activity and provide information to residents about environmental offences and Fixed Penalty Notices.

Residents can report environmental issues, including fly-tipping and litter, through Southampton City Council’s website.