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

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 & Safety Executive (HSE). The report recommended the approval of this service plan.

Port Health Food Enforcement Service Plan 2026-27

A Port Health Service Food Enforcement Service Plan for 2026/27 was also scheduled for consideration. This plan details the approach to managing and monitoring public, animal, and environmental health at the ports and surrounding areas, including controls on imported food and feed, food standards, food safety, and water quality. The plan also includes 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 this service plan and note the report, including the non-public appendix on the SPS agreement.

Draft Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The committee was scheduled to receive a report on the draft Air Quality SPD. This document provides detailed guidance for applicants on managing and minimising air pollution emissions to comply with policies in the City Plan 2040. The SPD aims to ensure that developments minimise emissions at source, with remaining emissions subject to air pollution damage costs, which will be reinvested in air quality improvement measures. The draft SPD was recommended for approval for public consultation.

Report of Action Taken - HARC Fees

The committee was scheduled to note a report detailing a delegated decision made under urgency procedures concerning fees at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC). The decision involved amending the HARC fee structure by up to 50% per annum for a period of up to six months. This was implemented to support importers facing flight disruptions due to the conflict in the Middle East, particularly impacting fish and large animal imports. The report indicated that the fee changes were necessary as the committee was not scheduled to meet before the planned implementation date of 1 April 2026.