Councils in tourist hotspots overwhelmed with litter

UNISON has warned that visitors locking to UK beauty spots are creating vast piles of litter that are putting enormous pressure on councils and their overstretched workers.

With people grounded for the summer once again, the union has said that the government needs to provide proper financial support to ensure local authorities can maintain services and keep communities rubbish-free for everyone’s safe enjoyment.

Cuts in council budgets over the past decade mean annual expenditure on waste collection has dropped by more than £200 million 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.

Christina McAnea said: “More of us are rediscovering what the UK has to offer. But the litter left behind by others can ruin the experience. Ministers should make sure councils have the money they need to run all their services properly. The pandemic has shown how much our communities need effective public services.

“Members of the public also need to think about their actions. Everyone can and should play a part in cleaning up after themselves.

“Stretched resources are adding to the pressure on council staff who’ve gone above and beyond for the past year. They’re also having to bear the brunt of public anger when parks and beaches have been left in a terrible mess.”