Calderdale Welcomes New Powers to Tackle Illegal Waste Sites

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 11:30

Calderdale Council has welcomed Government plans for enhanced enforcement powers to tackle waste crime, but says further action is needed to combat organised criminal activity.

Calderdale Council has welcomed new Government measures designed to strengthen action against illegal waste sites and waste crime, while warning that more powers are needed to tackle the scale of the problem.

Under the Government's announcement, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester will be the first areas to introduce new region-led approaches to waste crime.

The approach will see council leaders and mayors take a greater role in coordinating the work of local authorities, police, regulators and other enforcement agencies.

Councillor Dan Sutherland, Leader of Calderdale Council, said the authority welcomed the enhanced enforcement powers, describing waste crime as a "blight" on communities.

He said he had recently met council officers, police and senior officials from the Environment Agency to discuss the issue.

Councillor Sutherland said reducing crime and creating cleaner streets were priorities for the council and welcomed West Yorkshire being among the first areas to benefit from the new approach.

However, he warned that the measures do not go far enough.

He said: “Whilst the announcement is welcome, it is still not enough to tackle the scale of the challenge of the sustained organised crime that we're having to deal with.”

Councillor Sutherland called for Calderdale Council to be given more extensive powers to bring those responsible for illegal waste activity to justice.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm