Local councils are to be given new sweeping powers to issue on-the-spot fines for minor misdemeanours such as climbing trees in parks. GB News has more.
The changes are part of Angela Rayner’s White Paper on English devolution, which would grant councils expanded authority to impose fixed penalty notices rather than taking people to court.
The move would significantly increase councils’ ability to enforce local by-laws without requiring permission from government ministers, as is currently required.
Critics fear the new powers could be misused by cash-strapped councils seeking to raise additional funds.
Under current rules, councils must obtain approval from a government minister to introduce new local laws.
The proposed changes would remove this requirement, allowing councils to enforce by-laws through fixed penalty notices instead of court proceedings.
Typical on-the-spot fines issued by local authorities currently range between £50 and £100.
Councils already possess limited powers to issue immediate penalties for offences like littering and fly-tipping. …
Kevin Hollinrake, the Shadow Local Government Secretary, has strongly criticised the proposals. …
Read more: Councils Set to Slap Britons With On-the-Spot Fines for Climbing Trees in Parks
