Agenda item

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment which set out the scope for a multifaceted project where the City of London could use its unique position to lead by example and show what possibilities there are for a local authority to raise awareness of the issues of single use plastics and reduce their volume across the City.

Members welcomed the initiative, but asked that consideration be given to timescales and that further details be provided. Members commented that it was important to ensure that any proposals being put before businesses were being carried out within the Guildhall premises.

A Member noted the success of the Coffee Cup campaign and queried whether there would be any follow up from this campaign. It was further queried whether recycling provisions could be made available in the Members’ Room for plastic cups as at present, only the coffee cups were being recycled.

The Chairman advised the Committee that a request had been made to the Town Clerk’s Department for all Members to be issued with re-usable coffee cups. Members commented that the provision of re-usable cups increases the need for washing up and detergents used. A Member queried whether mugs, glasses and a dishwasher could be provided in the Members’ Room.

In response to the points raised by Members, the Assistant Cleansing Director explained that:

·         The Coffee Cup campaign continues to generate interest and whilst a decision had been made by Government not to introduce a levy on single use coffee cups, organisations have continued to meet with the Department to discuss the project.

·         That a detailed plan with timescales would be worked up in Spring 2018.

·         That the provision of portable cups to Members could be considered and officers would work with the Town Clerk’s Department on this.

Members noted that the funding for the project would be sought from current budgets and asked that the initial scope of the project not be limited due to financial concerns explaining that the plan should show the full range of what could be achieved, and the financial arrangements could then be examined.

A Member asked for assurance that the coffee cups provided in the Members’ Room were recyclable and not lined with plastic. Officers agreed to follow this up.

RESOLVED – That:

·         the Committee agree the commencement of a high-profile project in 2018 with the aim to reduce single use plastics within the Corporation and across the City of London; and

·         a follow up report with further details be presented to the Committee at their May 2018 meeting.