Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Environment.

The Committee received the report of the Executive Director Environment providing an update on progress made between 01 October 2024 and 31 March 2025 against the high-level business plan 2025/25 for the cleansing service, and Port Health and Public Protection.

Referencing the community toilet figure shown in appendix 2, a Member asked whether more visible and mandatory signs could be distributed to signpost community toilet availability. The meeting noted that a comprehensive report is expected at the Committee’s September meeting to examine the matter to include signage. 

A Member asked for more information on currently closed coin-operated toilets in the riverside area (Tower Hill and Steelyard Passage in particular), noting the increased demand for those facilities particularly during the summer. The meeting heard that those conveniences were closed by the Committee due to a funding gap that has not been closed, noting that the matter will be discussed at the September meeting.

A Member commented on the apparent connection between increased levels of graffiti and reduced police patrol presence, noting also that residents are ultimately meeting the costs of graffiti clean-up and querying whether a change of policy on that has been introduced. The meeting noted that the Highway Authority is not responsible for graffiti on private buildings.

A Member asked for more information on monitoring and management of river pollution and vermin. The meeting heard that the Corporation works closely with the Environment Agency on river pollution, and that complaints about vermin are investigated in line with the kind of premises involved, and that the Corporation works closely with relevant entities to tackle vermin issues. Members were advised to report issues to the Public Protection Teams for advice and information.  

Referencing the waste recycling rate shown in appendix 2, a Member asked for more information on how waste recycling is being addressed. The meeting heard that Extended Producer Responsibility legislation is expected to be rolled out that is set to improve recycling rates. The meeting noted that recycling rates in the City of London are above the national average when the proportion of flatted properties are taken into account.  

Referencing the cleansing service information in appendices 1 and 2, a Member asked for more information on the outcome of the additional resources, noting in particular the relevant performance measures. The meeting heard that some of the savings considered as part of the Target Operating Model involved savings around cleansing services, and that additional funding since 2021 has focussed more on evenings and weekends, resulting also in significant improvements. Members noted that the cleansing contracts are carefully monitored.