Eventually … Government responds   The measures were announced as part of the government’s response to a select committee report on littering.

Defra & Decc ‘The government will launch a national clampdown on litter louts to liberate the country from trash and protect our neighbourhoods from becoming rubbish dumps. Communities Minister Marcus Jones and Environment Minister Rory Stewart today (5 December 2015) sent a warning to those blighting England with litter that their selfish behaviour will no longer be tolerated.

They revealed work will begin on a first-ever national litter strategy to put in place a coherent clean-up plan for England. The ministers were clear this is a priority for our communities who deserve a lasting legacy of clutter-free towns, cities and countryside. In order to galvanise a collective sense of responsibility over the issue, the government will for the first time work with town halls, campaign groups and businesses – including fast food firms and manufacturers of chewing gum, confectionary and soft drinks – to ensure a coherent and joined-up approach.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ministers-move-to-rid-the-land-of-litter-scourge