Harrow Council Rescinds £1,000 Fly-Tipping Fine Issued to Five-Year-Old

Harrow Council has reversed its position after its environmental enforcement team asserted it had identified a five-year-old girl engaging in fly-tipping and subsequently sought to fine her £1,000. The north-west London council dispatched a fixed penalty notice (FPN) addressed to the girl on 20 November, which alleged that she was “witnessed by a uniformed officer… committing the offence of fly-tipping”. However, it later came to light that parcel packaging bearing her name was discovered on a street situated away from her residential address. The girl’s father characterized the issuance of fines to children as “absurd” and attributed the presence of the packaging on the street to the “over-filled communal bins” at his block of flats. The five-year-old received a “final reminder” letter, addressed to her from the enforcement team, on 5 December. This letter advised her that they were “about to instruct the council’s legal team to start court proceedings” against her and warned that a conviction “carries a maximum penalty of £2,500”. The matter was brought before a council cabinet meeting, and the fine was subsequently cancelled. After unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue with the council via email and phone, the father – who wishes to remain anonymous to protect his daughter’s identity – attended a ward surgery hosted by his local councillor, Stephen Hickman. Hickman stated that while it is appropriate for the council to enforce fly-tipping laws, “residents expect a fair process where the information is correct and an appeals process that is transparent”. He further added: “Charging a child is ridiculous and the process has been very stressful for their father. I am hopeful that the council will look again at his case and review its protocols.” A spokesperson for APCOA, the contractor utilized by the council for issuing FPNs, commented: “APCOA has already contacted the family concerned to apologise and confirm that the FPN has been cancelled. “We have also taken steps to avoid a similar situation recurring as this case has not met our usual high standards of service.” When the issue was raised at a recent council cabinet meeting, councillor Pritesh Patel, portfolio holder for cleaner streets and public safety, affirmed that “of course it is not the official council policy to fine children” and pledged to investigate the case. Harrow Council leader, councillor Paul Osborn, remarked: “I’d like to find a child who could afford to pay a £1,000 fine at five-years-old. “Obviously that is totally unacceptable and we will look into any of those accusations.” For the best of BBC Radio London, listen on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.