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The UK's Environment Agency is facing criticism for its inability to effectively tackle the growing issue of illegal waste dumping. A report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has highlighted that the agency lacks the necessary powers and intelligence to deal with the problem, which is costing taxpayers £1bn a year.The committee found that there are at least 8,000 illegal dumps across the country, with several large-scale tips containing between 20,000 and 30,000 tonnes of household rubbish and other waste. The problem is attributed to organised criminals who are heavily involved in illegal waste dumping.The PAC chair, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, stated that the committee's report found that regulators were not sufficiently resourced to follow through with recommendations and carry out their responsibilities towards the environment. The report calls for closer cooperation and intelligence sharing between the Environment Agency, local authorities, police, and other agencies to tackle illegal waste dumping risks.In response, a Defra spokesperson stated that the report was out of date and did not reflect the significant reforms already underway, including publishing a waste crime action plan and investing in the Environment Agency to boost monitoring and investigations.