The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 26 November 2025 to discuss the Cleaner Borough Phase 2 update, the Lead Local Flood Authority update, and the Battersea Park Run Year 1 Evaluation. Key decisions included noting the progress of the Cleaner Borough Phase 2 initiative, acknowledging the ongoing work on flood resilience, and approving the findings of the Battersea Park Run Year 1 Evaluation.

Cleaner Borough Phase 2 Update

The committee received an update on the Cleaner Borough Phase 2 initiative, which focuses on waste collection and street cleaning services. Natasha Epstein, Executive Director for Government Services, presented the report, highlighting significant improvements in recycling rates, which have increased from 22.8% to 29.27% following the introduction of food waste collection. The initiative has also seen a reduction in miscollections, with the service now meeting its targets.

Key achievements of Cleaner Borough Phase 2 include:

• Improved Recycling Rates: The rollout of food waste collection has led to a substantial increase in the borough's recycling rate.
• Reduced Miscollections: Tighter contract management, increased monitoring officers, and the implementation of in-cab technology have helped reduce miscollections to target levels.
• Enhanced Street Cleansing: Increased town centre cleansing and litter bin emptying have resulted in a 20% increase in street cleansing tonnage and an 18% reduction in reported fly-tips. A designated CCTV operator has been appointed to tackle fly-tipping.
• Private Land Clearance: The council has undertaken 17 private land clearances that were causing an eyesore, with a small budget allocated for this ongoing work.
• Mega Skips and Reuse: The expansion of mega skips, particularly on housing estates, and a partnership with Collect Reuse aim to encourage a circular economy.
• Bulky Waste Services: The introduction of two free bulky waste services per year has been popular, with approximately 150 collections completed daily.
• Housing Estate Improvements: Nearly 1,000 new bins have been installed across estates, and bin enclosures have been upgraded.
• Flats Above Shops: A second waste and recycling collection has been introduced for residents in flats above shops, moving from a weekly to a twice-weekly service.

Frank Amur from Serco and Nico from Crinkles provided operational perspectives. Serco highlighted the implementation of in-cab technology (white space ) for live job logging and exception reporting, as well as their award-winning live lane technology for vehicle safety. Crinkles detailed their work on pavement washing and the digitalization of street cleansing routes. Both contractors emphasised their commitment to staff welfare, including health kiosks, physiotherapy services, and staff appreciation days.

Councillor Rex Osborn raised concerns about the complexity of the waste system for residents, particularly new ones, and the need for clear communication. He also questioned the practice of double dusting (re-collecting missed refuse) and requested more granular data on a street-by-street basis. Natasha Epstein responded that communication is a challenge, and the council is exploring ways to reach residents more effectively, including through local WhatsApp groups. She clarified that double dusting is a short-term measure to address specific issues and raise awareness of correct waste presentation.

Councillor Sheila Boswell inquired about the rollout of food waste collection in flats above shops and the process for recovering costs from private landowners for fly-tip clearances. Natasha Epstein confirmed that efforts are made to recover costs, citing a successful case in Richmond. She acknowledged the challenges of food waste collection in flats above shops and outlined ongoing work to find suitable solutions, including exploring lamppost-mounted bins.

Councillor Katrina French welcomed the crackdown on fly-tipping but expressed concern about a resident being fined for overflowing bins. She also raised questions about mega skips and the rollout of bulky waste collection points on estates, emphasizing the need for clear communication to prevent confusion with illegal fly-tipping.

Councillor Jonathan Cook sought clarification on the £2.5 million budgetary commitment for Cleaner Borough Phase 2, asking for a breakdown of spending. Natasha Epstein explained that approximately 40% was allocated to bulky waste services and flats above shops, and another 40% to street cleansing operations, including enhanced sweeping, fly-tipping services, and jet washing. The remaining funds came from the general fund.

Lead Local Flood Authority Update

The committee received an update on the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) activities, focusing on flood resilience and the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS). Councillor White highlighted the importance of this work given recent weather events and the council's commitment to increasing resilience through SUDS, pocket parks, and permeable surfaces.

Key points from the update included:

• London Surface Water Management Strategy: This strategy, led by the Flood Ready London Partnership, aims to improve resilience across London by empowering people and coordinating delivery across boundaries.
• Diamond Estate Progress: A flood action group has been formed for the Diamond Estate, and Thames Water is leading the development of a large-scale attenuation feature, with modelling currently underway.
• SUDS Implementation: SUDS are being delivered on Old York Road as part of public realm works, with aspirations for similar projects on Mitcham Road. The team is also supporting the delivery of parklets and the Community Bluescapes project on the Alton Estate.
• Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act: This legislation, which would grant LLFAs SUDS approving body status, has not yet been enacted.
• New National SUDS Standards: DEFRA has released new standards focusing on amenity, water quality, and biodiversity, which are expected to be rolled out by local authorities from January 2026.
• John Burns Primary School: Appendix 1 showcases SUDS work undertaken at the school.

Councillor Sara Apps highlighted the productive co-production work on the Alton Estate and inquired about the methods used to gather intelligence from local residents, particularly older individuals with long-term knowledge of flooding. Ms. Offer explained that engagement exercises are conducted in collaboration with housing colleagues and residents' associations, piggybacking on regeneration project events.

Councillor Jonathan Cook asked for more information on potential storage opportunities at Clapham Common. While discussions are ongoing with Lambeth Council and Thames Water regarding the Common, the London-wide water management strategy is currently focused on central London.

Councillor Tony Belton shared his recollection of discussions about a flood storage facility on Clapham Common in the past and offered to share any recovered details. He also stressed the importance of the planning system in promoting permeability and encouraged the council to pursue stronger regulations and provide better advice to residents.

Councillor Rex Osborn expressed concern about the long-term implications of climate change on flooding and inquired about liaison with the planning directorate regarding flood threats in areas like Mitcham Road. The officer confirmed that the LLFA reviews planning applications for their impact on flood risk and works with the planning directorate.

Councillor Apps also reflected on her own experience of paving over her back garden without understanding the environmental implications, emphasizing the need for better public advice and information.

Councillor Katrina French asked about the capital spend of £350,000 for interventions on the Alton Estate, requesting more detail on the nature and cost of these works. The officer explained that this was a high-level estimate, with significant costs associated with implementing SUDS such as rain gardens and underground attenuation, particularly in areas with London clay.

Battersea Park Run Year 1 Evaluation

The committee reviewed the first-year evaluation of the Battersea Park Run initiative, which aims to promote physical activity, community cohesion, and inclusive participation. Councillor White introduced the report, highlighting its success in delivering health, social, and economic benefits.

Key findings from the evaluation include:

• High Participation: In its first 46 events, Battersea Park Run has seen over 26,000 participants, with an average of 1,100 attendees per week.
• New Participants: Nearly 4,000 individuals have completed their first ever Park Run at Battersea.
• Local Engagement: Approximately 7,000 participants have registered Battersea Park Run as their closest Park Run, indicating a growing local presence.
• Volunteer Support: Over 870 volunteers have supported the events.
• Junior Park Run: This initiative has also been successful, with over 1,000 young participants since May.
• Health and Economic Benefits: Research indicates a significant economic benefit to the UK economy from Park Run participation, and the initiative is being used as part of GP prescribing schemes.
• Inclusivity: The event is highly inclusive, welcoming participants of all abilities, including wheelchair users, visually impaired runners, and deaf runners.

Will Marks, Battersea Park Run Director, shared his insights, emphasizing the global reach of Park Run and its commitment to being a free, inclusive, and volunteer-led event. He highlighted specific successes, including a deaf awareness takeover and a participant who received life-saving assistance from on-site volunteers and paramedics.

Ms. Sargent, from the council's Resident Services department, detailed ongoing work to address initial concerns raised by the community, such as park access, vegetation damage, parking congestion, and toilet facilities. Mitigation measures include improved event management, signage, parking restrictions, and continuous stakeholder engagement.

Councillor Ethan Brooks praised the initiative for its positive impact and its considerate approach to other park users. Councillor Tony Belton, whose ward borders the park, acknowledged initial concerns about public urination but noted that this has become a non-issue, likely due to improved provision of temporary facilities. Councillor Katrina French inquired about demographic data collection, particularly regarding participants with disabilities or those who have been socially prescribed. Ms. Sargent explained that while Park Run collects some data, local-level access is limited, but they are exploring ways to incorporate this information through GP practice partnerships.

Work Programme

The committee discussed its work programme. Councillor Mrs. Kim Caddy suggested exploring potential savings and revenue generation ideas within the environment department to address the council's financial challenges. Councillor Sara Apps proposed reviewing new developments in play parks and their connection to sport and activity, including areas like the Lachmere fitness area. The committee agreed to take these suggestions offline for further discussion.