When do local authorities investigate environmental offences?

Environmental offences cover a broad range of crimes which affect the surroundings we live in. Local authorities are generally responsible for the investigation, enforcement and prosecution of less serious environmental offences.

There is an overlap between the responsibilities of the various enforcement bodies in England and Wales, namely, local authorities, the Environment Agency (EA), Natural England (NE) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW). In Scotland, it is the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) which investigates environmental crime.

For information on the enforcement of environmental offences generally, see Practice Note: Environmental prosecution and enforcement policy.

For information on the powers of the EA, see Practice Note: Environment Agency—powers to investigate environmental crime and Environment Agency (EA)—powers of entry.

For information on the powers of NE, see Practice Note: Natural England—powers to investigate environmental crime.

For information on the powers of NRW, see Practice Note: Natural Resources Wales—powers to investigate environmental crime.

For information on the powers of SEPA, see Practice Note: Scottish Environment Protection Agency—powers to investigate environmental crimes.

Where