Data from a freedom of information (FOI) request reveals that the Plasnewydd ward in Cardiff received the highest number of litter and fly-tipping fines since January 2026, with 55 penalties issued. This figure significantly exceeds the second-highest ward, Cathays, which recorded 37 fines over the same period.
Breakdown of fines in Plasnewydd shows 21 in January, 21 in February, six in March and seven in April. The fines collected by the council totalled £21,000 in January, £19,000 in February, £6,050 in March and £8,250 in April, amounting to £53,300 since the start of the year.
Political Criticism of Council's Approach
Cllr Rodney Berman, leader of the council's Liberal Democrat group, criticised the Labour administration's efforts. He said: 'As the council's official opposition, we have long been critical of the Labour administration's efforts in keeping our streets clean and tackling fly-tipping.' He cited closures of household waste recycling centres, charges for bulky waste collections, and inadequate recycling sacks as contributing factors.
Berman added: 'Labour also haven't prioritised street cleaning sufficiently in successive council budgets. Too much of the council's day-to-day spending has been diverted to cover the cost of massively increased borrowing to fund big projects like building a new County Hall.'
Concerns Over Enforcement Decline
Cllr John Lancaster, leader of the council's Conservative group, questioned whether the decline in fines from January to April reflected less litter or reduced enforcement staffing. He stated: 'Whatever the reason, with the Council trying to attract more visitors, it is vital that enforcement action is maintained in order to keep the city as clean and tidy as possible.'
Council's Response and Recycling Performance
A Cardiff Council spokesperson defended the administration's record: 'Cardiff has the highest recycling rate of any core city in the UK, and our recycling rate is improving year on year as we strive to meet Welsh Governments statutory 70% recycling target.' They noted that last year Cardiff achieved its highest ever recycling and composting performance.
The spokesperson highlighted that recycling centres at Bessemer Close and Lamby Way are operating below capacity, indicating sufficient provision. A restructure of street cleansing services from April 1 aims to increase standards and tackle improper waste presentation.
On borrowing, the spokesperson stressed that the council does not borrow for frontline services, which are funded through revenue budgets, and that borrowing for projects like County Hall is separate.
Full Ward Breakdown of Fines
The complete list of fines by ward since January 2026: Plasnewydd 55, Cathays 37, Riverside 25, Adamsdown 19, Grangetown 19, St Mellons 17, Splott 14, Caerau 9, Canton 9, Rumney 5, Butetown 3, Rhiwbina 2, Whitchurch 2, Gabalfa 2, Pentwyn 1, Fairwater 1. No fines were issued in Cyncoed, Ely, Heath, Lisvane and Thornhill, Llandaff, Llandaff North, Llanishen, Llanrumney, Pentyrch and St Fagans, Penylan, Radyr or Trowbridge.
