Fines for litter louts in Sandwell could be slashed by a third – because of the recession. Council chiefs say a £75 fine is too much for people to pay.

Under the plan, fixed penalty notices for offences including dropping litter and cigarette butts or flouting dog control orders will be reduced from £75 to £50 if people pay within 10 days.

It is thought Sandwell would be the first authority in the West Midlands to bring in the reduced payment scheme.

The proposal is set to go before Sandwell safety chief Councillor Derek Rowley at his next meeting on April 17.

Councillor Rowley said the reduction in the fine would give some people a more realistic chance of paying and avoid hauling them through the courts.

“We have to recognise that people are losing their jobs and £75 can put people into severe hardship,” he said.

“There are a couple of authorities that operate this system elsewhere in the country.

“If I approve it at the end of the month then it will start up in July. We will have to get new tickets made up and that sort of thing.”

He said he did not expect to see a major reduction in income from fines from the reduction because it was believed people would pay more readily.