To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2009, Official Report, column 2223W, on waste disposal: fees and charges, what guidance (a) his Department and (b) the Waste and Resources Action Programme has given to waste collection authorities on the issuing or levying of fines on households which put waste out at times other than those specified by the local authority. (270133)

DEFRA does not advise authorities on how or when to use specific powers but, in line with good practice, it expects authorities to use all the powers available to them proportionately and sensibly, hand in hand with effective communications and support for residents.