The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 26 November 2025 to discuss the progress of the Cleaner Borough Phase 2 initiative, updates on flood risk management, and the first-year evaluation of the Battersea Parkrun. Key decisions included noting the progress on waste and recycling improvements, the ongoing efforts to mitigate flood risks through sustainable drainage systems, and the success of the Battersea Parkrun in promoting community health and activity.

Cleaner Borough Phase 2 Update

The committee received an update on the Cleaner Borough Phase 2 plan, which aims to further improve waste and recycling services across the borough. Natasha Epstein, Executive Director of Resident Services, presented the progress made since the plan's approval in October 2024.

Significant improvements have been noted in waste collection, with missed bin collections reducing to 79.66 per 100,000 in Q2, nearing the industry target of 70 per 100,000. This has been achieved through tighter contract management with Serco, increased monitoring officers, improved collection processes, and better use of data and technology. The introduction of in-cab devices and a designated Whitespace controller has enhanced efficiency and data quality.

Fly-tipping has seen an 18% and 16% reduction in reported incidents in Q1 and Q2 respectively, attributed to increased street cleansing, more frequent bin emptying, and the appointment of a dedicated CCTV Officer to tackle offenders. The council has also cleared 17 instances of fly-tipping on private land, with attempts to recover costs from landowners.

The popular Mega Skip service has been expanded, with additional skips in busy locations reducing instances of skips closing early. A partnership with Collect 4 Reuse has helped refurbish and redistribute items, increasing skip capacity. To address lower usage on housing estates, targeted communication, including text messages, will be implemented.

The introduction of two free bulky waste collections per household per year has been well-received, with over 20,000 collections booked. A trial of designated bulky waste collection points on housing estates will commence to address issues where residents lack space to store bulky items.

Town centres have seen increased street cleansing frequency and the installation of 35 new litterbins based on resident feedback. A successful pilot of same-day cleansing for residential streets is being expanded borough-wide. Residents in flats above shops now receive a second collection day for rubbish and recycling to address storage limitations.

On housing estates, nearly 1,000 new bins and 200 bin enclosures have been installed. Bin locations have been reviewed for convenience, and bin enclosures have been updated with clear signage. The contract extension with Serco now includes clearing recycling left next to bins, reducing overflowing bin complaints. While a trial of providing recycling sacks to estate residents was inconclusive, sacks are now available for collection from libraries. Consideration is being given to closing rubbish chutes, which can discourage recycling, but resident consultation has so far not supported this. A survey on the William Willison Estate showed increased resident satisfaction with refuse and recycling services following implemented improvements.

Councillor Rex Osborn raised concerns about the granularity of statistics, suggesting street-by-street analysis for better insights. He also questioned the necessity and environmental impact of double dusts (re-collections) and highlighted issues with street cleaning, particularly regarding leaf clearing. Natasha Epstein responded that while street-by-street data is not currently available, the council does monitor roads with the highest number of missed collections. She explained that double dusts are a short-term measure to address miscollections and raise awareness of correct waste presentation. Regarding street cleaning and leafing, she acknowledged it as a significant challenge, especially during autumn, and that extra resources are deployed. Nico from Crinkles UK added that they aim to complete leaf clearing by Christmas and that specific locations and photos of street cleaning issues would be helpful for investigation.

Councillor Sheila Boswell inquired about food waste rollout in flats above shops and the process for recovering costs from private landowners for fly-tip clearances. Ms. Epstein confirmed that efforts are made to recover costs from landowners, citing a successful case in Richmond. She also explained the challenges in providing food waste services for flats above shops due to space limitations and the ongoing search for suitable solutions, including lamppost-mounted bins.

Councillor Katrina French welcomed the crackdown on fly-tipping but expressed concern about a resident being fined for leaving rubbish due to an overflowing bin, though the fine was rescinded. She emphasised the need for closer working with housing departments, particularly for council estates, and proactive measures for increased bin provision during peak times like Christmas. She also raised questions about the rollout of mega skips and bulky waste collection points, cautioning against sending mixed messages about waste disposal. Franco Amur from Serco assured that staff are contracted to work during bank holidays, including Christmas, and that there will be ample staff available.

Councillor Jonathan Cook questioned the breakdown of the £2.5 million net cost for Cleaner Borough Phase 2, with approximately 40% allocated to bulky waste and 40% to street cleansing operations. Councillor Sara Apps asked if families exceeding their food waste caddy capacity could request an extra one, to which Ms. Epstein confirmed this is possible, with a suggestion to include waste minimisation leaflets with additional caddies.

Lead Local Flood Authority Update

The committee received an update on the Lead Local Flood Authority's (LLFA) work, presented by Nick O'Donnell, Director of Place and Growth, and Ms. Offer from the LLFA team.

The Diamond Estate in Queenstown Road has experienced multiple flooding incidents, and a Flood Action Group involving Thames Water, the Environment Agency (EA), the National Flood Forum, and local residents has been established. A feasibility study identified potential flood alleviation measures, including storage opportunities on Clapham Common and a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Tank at Heathbrook Park, which Thames Water is leading. Property Flood Resilience (PFR) installations for the Diamond Estate are on hold pending the outcome of the Heathbrook Park scheme.

The Climate Change team is implementing street-based Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and parklets, with implementation expected to begin by March 2026. The Community BlueScapes project, led by Richmond Council, is working on the Alton Estate to develop natural flood resilience measures through co-production with the community. This project aims to create networks of natural spaces that reduce flood impact and enhance biodiversity.

The LLFA is required to have a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, which was updated in 2023. An Action Plan is progressing, including finalising an Asset Register and reviewing planning applications for flood risk implications.

London Councils has published a London-wide Surface Water Management Strategy to improve resilience to flooding, with ten Surface Water Catchment Partnerships being trialled. A £1.5 million commitment from the Mayor of London, Transport for London, and Thames Water will support the delivery of SuDS.

Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act, which would give LLFAs the role of Sustainable Drainage System (SAB) approving body, is expected to be enacted, requiring SuDS in developments over 100m². New national SuDS standards from DEFRA, focusing on amenity, water quality, and biodiversity, will be rolled out from January 2026.

The John Burns Primary School has successfully implemented SuDS measures, funded by the Department for Education, Thames Water, and the Council, reducing surface water runoff and increasing flood resilience for the wider catchment area.

Councillor Sara Apps inquired about gathering intelligence from local residents for flood resilience measures on the Alton Estate. Ms. Offer explained that the Community BlueScapes project engages with residents, residents' associations, and local groups, leveraging local knowledge and co-design principles. Councillor Jonathan Cook asked about storage opportunities on Clapham Common, and it was noted that discussions are ongoing with Lambeth Council regarding potential storage capacity. Councillor Tony Belton recalled discussions about a facility on Clapham Common in the past.

Councillor Books asked for more information on the estimated £350,000 capital spend for interventions on the Alton Estate. Ms. Offer clarified this is a high-level estimate for various interventions, including rain gardens and underground attenuation, with no final decisions made. Councillor Rex Osborn raised concerns about future flood risks and the liaison between the LLFA and the planning directorate regarding developments in flood-prone areas like Mitcham Road. Ms. Offer confirmed that the LLFA reviews planning applications for flood risk implications and that the council is looking at incorporating greening and SuDS into town centre improvements. Councillor Apps suggested more proactive communication to residents about the environmental aspects of paving over gardens, and it was agreed that this information could be disseminated more widely.

Battersea Parkrun Year 1 Evaluation

The committee reviewed the first-year evaluation of the Battersea Parkrun initiative. Will Marks, Parkrun Director, and Ms. Sargent from the council presented the findings.

The free weekly 5k event, launched in October 2024, has seen over 24,000 participants in its first 42 events, with 3,394 first-time runners. Junior Parkrun, launched in May 2024, has also been successful with over 1,000 young participants. The event aligns with the Wandsworth Moves Together strategy, promoting physical activity, community cohesion, and inclusive participation.

Battersea Parkrun is consistently ranked among the top 10 parkruns in the UK, with an average weekly attendance of 1,024. The event has seen significant participation from local residents, with 6,069 registering Battersea Park as their 'home' parkrun. The course is noted for its inclusivity, accommodating participants of all abilities, including those who are deaf, visually impaired, or use mobility aids. Partnerships with local GP practices are being developed for social prescribing, and the 'Park Walk' initiative is being promoted to encourage more walkers.

Local volunteers are crucial to the event's success, with over 1,117 volunteers contributing across both adult and junior parkruns. The event also has a positive local economic impact, with increased footfall reported by local cafes and businesses.

Initial concerns raised during public consultation, such as disruption to park access, vegetation damage, parking congestion, and toilet provision, have been addressed through improved event management, signage, and ongoing dialogue with stakeholders. The council is undertaking feasibility studies for additional toilet provision in the eastern section of the park.

Next steps include a review of the course route to minimise impact on other park users and the environment, a feasibility study for additional toilets, and a review of the overall programme of running events in the park. Ongoing engagement with stakeholders will continue to address concerns and implement further improvements.

Councillor Caddy praised parkrun for its consideration towards other park users and its positive community impact. Councillor Tony Belton, whose ward is adjacent to Battersea Park, acknowledged initial concerns about public convenience issues, which he noted have largely subsided. Ms. Sargent confirmed that feasibility work for additional toilet provision is underway. Councillor Katrina French inquired about demographic data, specifically regarding participants with disabilities or those referred through social prescribing. It was noted that while parkrun collects some data, local-level access is limited, but this could be built into future partnerships with GP practices.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the remainder of the municipal year. The Climate Emergency Action Plan update is scheduled for the February 2026 meeting. Councillor Mrs. Kim Caddy suggested exploring ideas for savings and revenue generation within the environment department to address the council's financial challenges. Councillor Sara Apps proposed examining new developments in play parks and their connection to sport and activity, including areas like the Lachmere fitness area. Councillor Belton supported the idea of exploring financial strategies and emphasised the importance of councillors having sufficient time to discuss key items and share their perspectives. The Chair noted these suggestions and indicated they would be taken offline for further discussion. Councillor Caddy also suggested that presentations could be more concise, assuming members have read the papers, to allow for more in-depth discussion. Councillor Apps suggested that speakers could add colour and examples to their presentations to provide a fuller understanding for both committee members and the public. The Chair agreed to formalise timing for speakers in future meetings. The report was noted by the committee.