The Environment, Arts and Culture Policy and Accountability Committee met to discuss the Parks and Environment Service, waste and recycling developments, and the Culture, Tourism and Sport briefing. Key discussions included the management of parks and cemeteries, improvements to recycling services, and the promotion of arts, culture, and sports within the borough. The committee reviewed the draft work programme for the upcoming municipal year.

Parks and Environment Service

Jessica Bostock, Assistant Director for Parks and Environment, presented an overview of the Parks and Environment Service, highlighting its responsibilities for managing parks, open spaces, cemeteries, flood risk, and capital projects. The service achieved a record 26 Green Flags, with plans to maintain and potentially increase this number. Challenges include ageing infrastructure within parks and cemeteries, with capacity being a significant issue in the latter. Proposals to address cemetery capacity include the reclamation of older graves and the opening up of disused spaces. The service is also preparing to tender for a new grounds maintenance contract and update its Parks Strategy.

Councillor Amanda Lloyd-Harris raised concerns about the performance of the tree services contractor, Red Squirrel, and the condition of out-of-borough cemeteries, specifically North Sheen Cemetery, due to its proximity to a school. Councillor Stella Antoniades inquired about improvements at Loris Gardens and the management of pathways within Brook Green. Councillor Laura Janes asked about the annual clearance of park gullies, which was confirmed to be undertaken. The committee also discussed the ongoing Playground Transformation Programme, which involves significant investment in upgrading playground facilities across the borough.

Update on Waste and Recycling Service Development

Annie Baker, Assistant Director for Street Environmental Services, provided an update on waste and recycling services, noting that Hammersmith and Fulham is among the top 10 performing authorities nationally for waste minimisation, producing less than 250kg of waste per household per year. The borough's recycling rate has now exceeded 30%. Recent improvements include the expansion of recyclable materials to include items like plastic tubes and aerosol cans, the introduction of a garden waste recycling subscription service, and the rollout of food waste recycling to communal properties, schools, and businesses.

Councillor Lloyd-Harris raised concerns about bins being left in front of gates after collection, creating a security risk, and the potential for small electrical items left out for collection to be mistaken for fly-tipping. Councillor Janes enquired about educational initiatives for children regarding recycling. Councillor Antoniades asked about plans for more frequent reuse and recycling events. The committee also discussed the challenges of textile recycling and the potential for future government legislation to mandate retailer take-back schemes. A proposal was made for a visit to the Smugglers Way Household Reuse and Recycling Centre.

Culture, Tourism and Sport Briefing

Val Birchall, Assistant Director for Culture, Tourism and Sport, presented a briefing on the services provided, including arts development, events, filming, libraries, archives, destination management, and sport and active wellbeing. The borough has high levels of cultural engagement, with 94% of adults participating in the arts. The Young People's Borough of Culture programme has received £500,000 to support activities by and for young people. The destination management partnership, Visit H&F, has seen an increase in visitor footfall and spend.

Councillor Lloyd-Harris questioned the effectiveness of the sports booking system, citing instances of courts being booked but unused, and suggested more promotion for the Linford Christie Stadium. She also inquired about engaging local film producers and West End/Broadway producers to mentor young people. Councillor Antoniades asked about outreach to schools and communities for theatre engagement and the potential for pop-up sports facilities. Councillor Janes enquired about the methods used to encourage inactive residents to become more active and the extent of disability inclusion in sports activities. The committee noted the importance of libraries as community hubs and their role in providing services such as warm and cool spaces and public toilets.

Draft Work Programme for 2026/27

The committee reviewed the draft work programme for the municipal year 2026/27, which included potential topics for future discussions related to the Parks and Environment Service, Waste and Recycling, and Culture, Tourism and Sport. Members were invited to suggest additional items for consideration, with a view to developing a more detailed programme for upcoming meetings. The committee noted the draft work programme for further discussion and suggestions.