Overview

• Families were fined £250 for leaving children’s toys and other items with “please take” signs, a practice the council regards as fly-tipping
• Some residents say enforcement officers threatened to call police when they refused to pay, leaving parents distressed
• A whistleblower claimed officers were instructed to use aggressive tactics and target vulnerable households to boost fine income
• The council emphasizes support for responsible reuse and is directing residents to donate through charities like the British Heart Foundation or via online platforms
• Merton Council has withdrawn the disputed fines and vowed that future penalties will be proportionate to the offence severity