Debate raged about waste, fly tipping and the best way forward for Enfield this evening.

Councillors from both sides of the chamber blamed each other for perceived failings in waste management in Enfield over the past twenty years at tonight's full council meeting, and argued about best practice in dealing with fly tipping.

The Tories tabled a debate to discuss the rise in fly tipping in the borough, asking the ruling Labour party to adopt measures the opposition felt would improve the situation.

Amendments suggested by the Conservatives included making it easier to report fly tipping using social media channels, cameras at rubbish hotspots and a review of charges for waste removal.

Councillor Joanne Laban said: “Making it easier for the public to report fly tipping is essential to addressing the problem.

“Fly tipping is prevalent in the borough, it’s our home and as residents and councillors it’s our duty to clean up Enfield.”

The Labour-run council rejected the Tory suggestions and Labour instead tabled a motion of their own to lobby the Government to reinvest receipts from landfill sites in local government waste management.

In response to the proposed Tory amendments, Labour councillor Daniel Anderson said: “The accusation that Enfield is not a clean place to live is simply not true. Spending on waste management under the Conservatives was cut back by £450,000, we have never reduced spending on this issue.

“The opposition are just political point scoring, this administration is taking a pro-active approach to dealing with fly tipping.”

Following the suggested amendment, the two sides of the chamber agreed to send an amended letter to the Environment Secretary asking her to reinvest money from landfill sites in local government waste management.