The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Thursday 12 February 2026 to discuss the progress of the Wandsworth Environment and Sustainability Strategy, the council's investment in play areas, parks, and open spaces, and to review the committee's action tracker. Key decisions included noting the progress on the environment and sustainability strategy, acknowledging the significant investment in parks and play areas, and reviewing the status of ongoing actions.

Wandsworth Environment and Sustainability Strategy Update

Councillor White, Cabinet Member for Environment, introduced the update on the Wandsworth Environment and Sustainability Strategy (WESS), highlighting the council's commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030 and a net-zero borough by 2043. The council has achieved an 'A' rating from the Carbon Disclosure Project for the third consecutive year and has risen to third in the climate action scorecard. Significant investments have been made, including £1 million from developer offsets and a potential further £3 million for decarbonising council buildings, alongside £4.7 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme for five other sites, including Putney Leisure Centre.

Progress includes the distribution of 1,500 warm packs to improve home energy efficiency, the rollout of food waste collection to 100,000 households, and a 28% improvement in the council's recycling rate, resulting in savings of £1.3 million. The council is also capturing electrical items and furniture at Smugglers Way for repurposing, promoting a circular economy. Adaptation and resilience strategies are being developed to address extreme weather events, with plans to extend wetlands, increase green areas, and implement sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). Emissions have decreased, with air quality targets met in all but one area. The council supports electric vehicles with 1,642 charge points and 346 cycle hangers.

Andrew Hager, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability, presented data showing a 54% reduction in borough-wide carbon emissions since 2005 and a 15% reduction in the last four years. The council's own carbon emissions have decreased by over half since the 2018-19 baseline, with a 28% reduction in scope one emissions due to reduced gas consumption. Scope two emissions are zero due to the purchase of zero-carbon electricity.

Councillors raised questions about the breakdown of scope one emissions, the pathway for further reductions, and the need for a council-wide tracker or dashboard to monitor progress. Councillor Brooks highlighted that 30.8% of borough emissions come from domestic heating and cooking, questioning how the council can support residents in transitioning away from gas. The council is working to make information on heat pumps more accessible and de-jargonified. Discussions also covered the pace of EV chargepoint installation compared to EV uptake, the challenges of charging for residents without off-street parking, and the decarbonisation of the council's housing stock. Councillor Belton raised concerns about a corporate approach to climate action, suggesting a need for more leadership in encouraging public participation, particularly regarding solar panel installations on council estates. Councillor White noted that the government's £1 billion for greener energy could help overcome some of these challenges.

Natasha Epstein, Director of Waste and Street Cleansing, provided details on the cost-effectiveness of free bulky waste collections, highlighting a reduction in fly-tipping by 18%. She also discussed efforts to increase recycling rates, expand food waste collection to all estates, and the upcoming inclusion of aerosols and aluminium tubes in kerbside recycling. The council is also trialling a soft plastics collection.

Councillor Caddy emphasised the importance of resident behaviour change and requested more data on the impact of council investments on outcomes, such as increased cycling journeys. Councillor White acknowledged that health and cost of living issues are significant drivers for this work. Councillor Belton inquired about the use of drones for tracking heat loss from housing.

The committee noted the report, with a commitment to developing a refreshed climate action plan for 2026-27.

Council's Investment into Play Areas, Parks and Open Spaces

Councillor White presented the report on the council's investment in play areas, parks, and open spaces, highlighting that green space and infrastructure improve mental and physical health and reduce health inequalities. The Leisure Infrastructure Plan, agreed in February 2025, has seen 10 sites opened between April 2025 and January 2026, with 11 more opening in spring and a further 30+ by 2028, representing a £15.5 million investment. Wandsworth has the highest rate of active children in London, and the Wandsworth Moves Together plan aims to increase activity levels further, particularly for women and girls.

The council now has 12 Green Flag parks, an increase of 140% since 2022. A £600,000 investment is planned for Tooting Triangle to address flood resilience, upgrade the playground, and support the boxing club and community garden. £675,000 is being invested in two play zones at Heathbrook Park and the George Shearing Centre. The council aims for 60% of the population to be within 400 metres of the strategic cycle network by 2030.

Councillor Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, spoke about the Year of Play initiative, aiming to create a legacy of improved play opportunities for children from birth to 18. This includes baby boxes, family hubs, and play packs.

Tom Alexander, Assistant Director for Culture and Leisure, and Paul Williamson, Play Strategy Programme Manager, presented a video and slides detailing the progress. They highlighted collaborative efforts across departments and with partners, including co-production with young people. Achievements include exceeding the target of 18 play projects, with 21 completed or underway. They also noted the success of the soft play initiatives and the development of the Biodiversity Action Plan.

Key projects include the transformation of Tooting Triangle, playground refurbishments on housing estates, and enhancements at schools, with a focus on inclusive play for children with special educational needs. The Kimber Skate Park is being refurbished, and new playgrounds are being developed in Roehampton. The Wandsworth Play Strategy aims for every family to be within walking distance of a high-quality play space. Play packs have been distributed to 5,000 eligible families, with a specific pack for children with SEND. The 10 by 10 and 10 by Teen programmes encourage activity and local engagement.

Councillors raised points about the importance of doorstep play, the need to encourage play in streets, and concerns about anti-social behaviour in parks affecting teenagers. They also discussed the cancellation of football matches due to poor pitch drainage and the need for improved facilities. The council has invested nearly £1.5 million in drainage over the last three years, leading to a reduction in cancellations.

The Green Flag award criteria were discussed, with emphasis on community input and biodiversity improvements rather than size. Councillor Apps requested that timelines for specific projects, such as the Oasis Green Space, be accelerated to benefit families during summer holidays. The committee also discussed the management of overlapping projects and the importance of sharing park improvement plans with friends groups to facilitate alternative resource sourcing.

Committee Action Tracker

The committee reviewed the Committee Action Tracker, which summarises actions arising from previous meetings. Councillor Belton raised concerns about the ongoing issues at Waybridge Point, including cladding problems and persistent fly-tipping, and requested an update. Councillor White acknowledged the blight and stated that efforts are being made to resolve the cladding issues.

Councillor Osborn expressed disappointment at the slow progress on the rollout of mini-museums in libraries and the clearing of pedestrian access at Greaves Place in Tooting Broadway. Councillor Caddy highlighted the significant financial challenges facing the council and stressed the need for the committee to focus on identifying savings. Councillor White responded that the council has good reserves and is pitching its financial needs annually, while Councillor Caddy argued for immediate action given the known financial settlement.

The committee noted the report and the ongoing actions. The meeting concluded with thanks to councillors and officers for their service and contributions.