Councils in tourist hotspots overwhelmed with litter problems

Visitors flocking to UK beauty spots are creating vast piles of litter that are putting enormous pressure on councils and their overstretched workers, says UNISON. The government must give proper financial support to ensure local authorities can maintain services and keep communities rubbish-free for everyone’s safe enjoyment, says the union. With people grounded for the summer once again, many are staying at home or heading to UK holiday destinations to enjoy beaches, the countryside and parks. But many popular public spaces are at risk of being swamped with waste as people dump food packaging, cans, bags, nappies, and even discarded swimming towels and body boards. Dealing with the mess is putting extra pressure on councils when budgets are already under huge strain. It follows years of cuts and extra responsibilities caused by the pandemic, says UNISON. The union is calling for the government to fund councils properly so they can keep local public spaces clean and free from the dangers of littering, such as stepping on broken bottles. Huge cuts in council budgets over the past decade mean annual expenditure on waste collection has dropped by more than £200m since 2011 in England alone, despite population growth. Street cleaning in that same period has been cut by almost £300 million, according to UNISON figures.* The union is also calling for everyone to do their bit by taking their litter home wherever possible, and at the very least be sensible by binning waste. UNI...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: News Press release council funding refuse workers Source Type: news