Somerset's councils could soon be given more powers to combat fly-tipping following an announcements by one of the county's MPs.

Rebecca Pow, who has represented the Taunton Deane constituency since 2015, has announced that the government would seek new powers to combat this "blight" under the forthcoming Environment Bill.

Ms Pow, who holds a ministerial position within Defra, said fly-tipping in any form was "unacceptable" and urged local authorities to take the matter seriously.

The Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) has issued advice for how potential fly-tipping can be spotted and prevented before a prosecution becomes necessary.

Ms Pow made her comments in a written statement laid before the House of Commons on Monday (June 15).

She said: "Fly-tipping is unacceptable and illegal wherever it occurs. It blights local communities and the environment and is an issue we are committed to tackling.

"Going forward, we are seeking powers in the Environment Bill to ensure agencies and authorities can work more effectively to combat waste crime through better access to evidence and improved powers of entry.

"In addition to enhancing enforcement powers, we committed in our resources and waste strategy to develop a fly-tipping toolkit to help local authorities and others work in partnership to tackle fly-tipping."

Since January 2019, local councils have had the power to issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs) of up to £400 to householders who "fail in their duty of care and give their waste to fly-tippers".

Councils also have the power to issue FPNs to fly-tippers, and to search or seize vehicles which they suspect may be involved in fly-tipping (whether past, present or future).

The SWP has said that rates of fly-tipping in Somerset remain near the UK average despite the temporary closure of recycling centres earlier on in the lockdown.

A spokesman said: "Fly-tipping has remained close to the average, demonstrating both the good sense of Somerset residents and the impact of reduced economic activity on dodgy man-and-van operators and rogue tradespeople.

"While enforcement and fines play an important role, what is far more vital is for Somerset residents and businesses to defend themselves by not funding criminals.

"There are simple steps to stop fly-tippers in their tracks. Never pay cash, never pay upfront. Always get a full receipt and copy of the waste transfer note. And check the waste carrier licence and keep note of names, numbers, vehicles.

"Between kerbside collections, 16 recycling sites being open hundreds of hours a week, bulky waste collections, and a full range of commercial services, there is never any excuse for fly-tipping."