Littering and dog fouling fines
Environmental enforcement in Adur and Worthing
We have teamed up with an enforcement agency specialised in tackling dog mess, litter and fly-tipping to help keep our towns and villages clean and welcoming.
From Monday 29th September 2025, National Enforcement Solutions (NES) will be operating along our coastline, across our green spaces and in our shopping areas to reduce waste issues by giving fines to those who cause the problem.
We want Adur and Worthing to be the cleanest, greenest coastal communities in the UK, but while our staff have the job of cleaning the streets, we don't have a specialist team to focus on preventing these issues happening in the first place.
We have therefore partnered with NES, an industry-leading enforcement service delivered to local authorities and landowners, on a 12-month contract to see if the service makes a positive impact on the cleanliness of our streets, parks and coastline.
The enforcement company has assembled a team for Adur and Worthing, which will have the power to issue fines to residents and visitors who commit offences. Those who drop litter could be fined £75, while those who don't clean up after their dogs could be fined £100. A proportion of the income from fines will be returned to the council and used for environmental improvement work.
We look forward to working with NES, businesses representatives and other local stakeholders as part of this trial to maximise the benefits for our communities.
Whilst most people take great pride in their local environment, we hope this initiative will deter the small percentage of people who deliberately cause a mess, so that our parks, villages and town centres are nicer places to visit.
Pay a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)
If you have been issued a Fixed Penalty Notice by National Enforcement Solutions (NES) on our behalf, there are multiple ways to pay your fine:
Online: You can pay using the online form using a debit card or credit card. You will need your FPN number to hand, which is on your printed notice:
Telephone: You can pay over the phone using a debit or credit card by calling 03303 149705 and follow the instructions for making a payment. You will need your FPN number to hand, which is on your printed notice.
Cash: You can pay at a post office, PayPoint, or Payzone using the unique barcode found at the bottom of your printed notice.
FAQ - littering and enforcement
Why has Adur & Worthing Councils hired an external enforcement agency?
We want Adur and Worthing to be as clean as possible, but while our staff have the job of cleaning the streets, we don't have a specialist team to focus on preventing these issues happening in the first place. We have therefore partnered with NES, an industry-leading enforcement service, on a 12-month contract to see if the service makes a positive impact on the cleanliness of our streets, parks and coastline.
How much money have the councils paid for NES' services?
NES is delivering its services at no cost to the councils. We will also receive 15% of the funds from each fine, which will be reinvested back into environmental improvement work for the benefit of the area.
Where will the enforcement officer patrol in Adur and Worthing?
Enforcement officers are operating along our coastline, across our green spaces, and in our shopping areas. The team of officers will split their time between Adur and Worthing, to ensure that both areas benefit from their attention.
Where do National Enforcement Solutions' powers and authority come from?
They are delegated from local authorities, such as Adur & Worthing Councils, with clearly defined parameters of authority. Their officers will enforce all legislation in accordance with the law and inline with the enforcement policy of the local authority.
Are all of National Enforcement Solutions' officers vetted?
Yes, all of its officers are vetted and DBS checked in compliance with national standards.
Who designates what legislation National Enforcement Solutions' officers enforce?
This is set out either in a contract or service legal agreement with each council and is signed off by both parties prior to any patrol deployment.
Are National Enforcement Solutions' officers paid against the number of Fixed Penalty Notices they issue?
No, all of its officers are paid an hourly rate and do not receive any bonuses whatsoever.
Are there any exemptions in relation to whom National Enforcement Solutions' officers can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice to?
Yes, these exemptions are determined by our enforcement policy, and include members of the public with proven physical and mental disabilities.
Do National Enforcement Solutions' officers have body-worn cameras? If so, when are they operated?
Yes, the officers have body-worn cameras. These are used to protect the public and officers from being subject to aggressive complaints or intimidation by offenders seeking to avoid paying the issued penalty. The cameras are only switched on at the point the officer introduces themselves to the alleged offender.
Who has the final say in whether an alleged offender is prosecuted?
The decision lies with Adur & Worthing Councils.
How much is a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)?
We have set our Fixed Penalty Notices at £75, which is in accordance with the penalty levels set by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
Can I appeal a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)?
You cannot formally appeal a Fixed Penalty Notice, but you can make an informal representation to the issuing authority to dispute it. Your representation should explain why you believe the penalty should not have been issued, and it will be placed on hold until a decision is made. If your representation is rejected, you have the option to either pay the penalty or challenge it in court.
To make a representation, please email:
What happens if I refuse to pay the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)?
You may be prosecuted for the offence shown on the notice, which could result in a larger financial penalty.
What happens if someone refuses to give their details to an authorised officer?
It's an offence to fail to provide your name or provide false information to an authorised officer when asked, meaning you could be prosecuted for failing to provide these details.
Why should I pay a Fixed Penalty Notice when there were no litter or dog bins nearby at the time?
Though every effort is made to place bins where they are most needed and at the areas with the highest footfall, it's not feasible for us to put bins on every corner. Where bins are not available, it's up to everyone to act responsibly and make arrangements to either take their litter home or carry it until a litter bin is available.
I have limited funds and will not be able to pay my notice within the 14-day period. What can I do?
You can make a representation to us using the details provided at the bottom of the Fixed Penalty Notice. Once you have explained your circumstances, this will be reviewed and you may be granted an extended period to pay the notice.
How can I report a public litter bin or dog bin problem or extensive littering?
To report a public litter bin or dog bin problem, or any fly-tipping, to the councils, please see:
Need assistance with this service?
Get in touch:
Recycling, Refuse & Waste (including bin day queries)
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Page last updated: 10 October 2025