The Port Health & Environmental Services Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 03 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the annual review of fees for the Animal Health and Welfare Service, and the pricing for residential garden waste collection. Additionally, the committee will receive updates on action to deal with unnecessary engine idling, the Air Quality Annual Status Report for 2025, and the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement.

Animal Health and Welfare Service - Annual Review of Fees

The committee is scheduled to consider a report concerning the annual review of fees for the Animal Health and Welfare Service. This service delivers statutory duties under the Animal Health Act 1981, including rabies controls for Greater London and animal welfare protection at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC). The report proposes increases of between 5% and 10% for services provided at HARC, with an average increase of 6% for inspection fees for the Animal Health Team. Approval is also sought for the reapproval of delegated authority for the Executive Director of Environment to amend the HARC fee structure.

Residential Garden Waste Collection - Pricing

A report will be presented regarding the pricing of the residential garden waste collection service. This service was introduced on a six-month trial basis, free of charge, following the requirements of the Environment Act 2021 and its Simpler Recycling initiative. The report will outline the outcomes of this trial, including service usage and operational performance, and will present options for future charging arrangements, with a recommendation for the service to continue free of charge.

Update on Action to Deal with Unnecessary Engine Idling

The committee is to receive an update on actions being taken to address unnecessary engine idling. The City Corporation employs a range of measures, including Civil Enforcement Officers issuing Penalty Charge Notices, alongside proactive engagement and awareness campaigns. Data from a six-month period in 2026 indicates a high compliance rate, with a significant majority of observed vehicles already having their engines switched off.

Air Quality Annual Status Report for 2025

The committee will receive the Air Quality Annual Status Report for 2025. This report details progress on actions within the City Corporation's Air Quality Strategy and presents monitoring data. In 2025, 98% of monitored locations met the national standard for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and 67% met the City's aim of 30µg/m³. All three particulate matter (PM₁₀) monitoring sites complied with the national standard, and PM_2.5 concentrations met the new national standard ahead of the 2040 deadline.

Risk Management Update

A report will be presented to provide assurance that risk management procedures within the Environment Department are satisfactory and align with the corporate Risk Management Framework. The report will cover key risks for the Port Health and Public Protection division and the Cleansing Service. A departmental risk concerning Air Quality has seen its score reduce significantly since 2015, reflecting the City of London's commitment to improving air quality. Other key risks discussed include border controls and their impact on Port Health and Animal Health, road traffic collisions caused by unfit drivers, and the potential for Walbrook Wharf to become unusable due to a major incident.

UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement - Update

The committee will receive an update on the delivery of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) border controls under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) and developments concerning a future UK-EU SPS agreement. The London Port Health Authority (LPHA) continues to deliver official controls on imported food and feed. The report notes that a new SPS agreement is not expected before mid-2027 and that detailed implementing requirements are yet to be published. The potential reduction in income from EU imports under a new agreement is highlighted, with the City Corporation awaiting further guidance from the Government.