Environment Agency may receive ‘police-style’ powers

The newly announced enforcement powers are part of the yet to be published Waste Crime Action Plan which looks to tackle issues such as fly-tipping and large illegal sites. 

The powers could allow enforcement officers to arrest alleged criminals without a warrant, seize assets, and search premises. The powers would be issued under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). 

The aim of the powers is to speed up intervention, prosecute more criminals, and to target organised gangs by impacting finances.