The Port Health & Environmental Services Committee meeting scheduled for 21 April 2026 was set to consider service plans for commercial environmental health and port health food enforcement for the upcoming year. Additionally, the committee was scheduled to review a draft Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and a report on actions taken regarding Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) fees.

Commercial Environmental Health Service Plan 2026-27

The committee was scheduled to consider the Commercial Environmental Health Service Plan for 2026-27. This plan outlines how the City Corporation will deliver its regulatory functions for food and occupational health and safety, in line with national Codes of Practice. The plan is expected to be approved by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The report recommended that the committee approve the service plan.

Port Health Food Enforcement Service Plan 2026-27

The Port Health Food Enforcement Service Plan for 2026-27 was also scheduled for consideration. This plan details how the London Port Health Authority (LPHA) will carry out its food safety and standards controls within its jurisdiction, which includes ports along the River Thames and the London Gateway Logistics Park. The plan outlines the LPHA's aims and objectives, its organisational structure, and the scope of its food service, which focuses on imported food and animal feed. The report also provided an update on the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement and its potential impact on future food and feed border controls. The committee was recommended to approve the service plan and note the update on the SPS agreement.

Draft Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document

A draft Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was scheduled to be presented for information. This document provides detailed guidance on how applicants should manage and minimise air pollution emissions from new developments to comply with policies in the City Plan 2040. The SPD aims to ensure that developments minimise emissions at source, with any remaining emissions subject to air pollution damage costs, which will be reinvested in measures to improve air quality across the Square Mile. This approach is intended to improve health outcomes and support the transition to a net-zero carbon City. The document was scheduled for public consultation following committee approval.

Report of Action Taken - HARC Fees

The committee was scheduled to note a report detailing actions taken under delegated authority regarding fees and charges at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC). A decision was made to amend the HARC fee structure by up to 50% per annum for a period of up to six months. This temporary measure was introduced to support importers facing flight disruptions due to the Middle East conflict, particularly impacting fish and large animal imports. The decision aimed to assist the Corporation's commercial positioning and acknowledge the operational challenges faced by the trade.