COUNCILS are set to scrap fees for DIY waste as part of Government plans to curb fly-tipping.

Currently Hampshire County Council charges £2.50 per 30 litre bag of soil and rubble and up to £10 for a sheet of plasterboard.

But under new plans ministers will say that throwing away such forms of rubbish at tips should not incur a fee when they update guidance next week.

It will also be announced that those convicted of fly-tipping will be punished by being made to pick up litter during community service. The public will also be encouraged to download a new smartphone app to report littering.

According to reports, Andrea Leadsom, the Environment Secretary, blamed the charges for incentivising fly-tipping and said it was punishing responsible households.

She said: “Charging local residents for doing the responsible thing and taking their household waste to the tip is not only unfair and unacceptable, but could also be a lead factor in the reported increases in fly-tipping.

“As part of our new litter strategy, we’ll be issuing clear, common-sense guidance for waste and recycling centres so they can be in no doubt people have the right to take their rubbish to these sites free of charge.”

It has also been reported that Government officials will work with HM Prison and Probation Service to make sure fly-tippers on community service spend it picking up litter.

The drive is an attempt to reduce the £50 million cleaning bill picked up by the taxpayer.