Families who overfill bins set to face bigger fines than shoplifters

Families who put out too much rubbish are to face bigger fines than shoplifters, it was revealed yesterday.

Guidance sent to local councils suggests on-the-spot fines of £75 to £110 for people who put out wheelie bins so full their lids cannot close.

Shoplifters usually get fines of £80 if caught stealing goods worth less than £200.



Tory MP Eric Pickles said the Government was creating "an army of municipal bin bullies hitting law-abiding families with massive fines while professional criminals get the soft touch".

The Environment Department yesterday said: "Fixed penalty notice fines are an alternative to prosecution called for by local authorities so they could react to the severity and frequency of the environmental offence and ensure our streets are kept clean. Ultimately, the fines are there to act as a deterrent."

Mr Pickles said: "It is clear bureaucrats are instructing town halls to target householders with fines. "Yet with the death of weekly collections, it is hard for families to dispose of rubbish. It is unfair householders are now getting larger fines than shoplifters get for stealing." The Government has previously insisted bin fines were a matter for local councils to decide.