The Climate Scrutiny Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Thursday, 25 January 2024, to discuss air quality updates and an overview of food and safety enforcement activities. The committee noted the progress made in improving air quality and reviewed the council's enforcement actions, particularly concerning food businesses.

Air Quality Update

The committee reviewed the council's progress in tackling poor air quality, as detailed in the Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) 2023-2028. The report highlighted that harmful pollutant levels such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10) have decreased year-on-year. This improvement has been aided by policies like the Enjoy Waltham Forest scheme, which encourages less reliance on motorised transport. However, the report also noted that the targets for key pollutants are becoming more stringent, with a future focus on tackling fine particulate emissions (PM2.5), particularly from wood burning and commercial cooking.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about engine idling and questioned whether a reporting mechanism for such instances could be made available on the council's website. Christina Zervou, Air Quality and Environmental Protection Service Manager, confirmed that officers would investigate this. The committee also inquired about the placement of air quality monitors, with Ms Zervou explaining that while the council has its own monitoring stations, a request for a monitor on Lea Bridge Road was a resident-led issue. She confirmed that the results would be available on the Greater London Authority's (GLA) website.

The impact of traffic calming methods on air quality was also discussed, with David Beach, Director of Regulatory & Contingency Planning Services, stating that while there is a good network of monitoring stations, there was no indication that traffic calming measures had a significant impact on air quality. The committee was pleased to see that wood burning was a focus in the report and asked about its prevalence. Mr Beach explained that while most people burn wood for pleasure, communications would concentrate on the need to consider if it was truly necessary due to high CO2 levels. He also confirmed that officers did not believe wood burning was linked to poor households.

The committee noted the trial of Vortex Air Monitors and discussed their potential portability for use in other areas, such as outside schools, though this would incur costs. Regarding new developments, Mr Beach confirmed that relevant officers were consulted on major developments and that the AQAP includes an action on urban greenery, with specifics managed by the Planning teams.

The committee noted the report and made a recommendation that officers consider adding a reporting tool to the council website for residents to report instances of engine idling.

An Overview of Food and Safety Enforcement Activities 2023/24

The committee received an overview of the food and safety enforcement activities undertaken by the council during 2023/24. John Molyneux, Assistant Director of Public Protection & Contingency Planning, presented the report, highlighting the work of the Food & Safety team in protecting public health through food safety, health and safety at work, and infectious disease investigations.

The report detailed that there are over 2,000 food businesses in Waltham Forest, with the council responsible for regulating most of them. Approximately 1200 risk-based inspections are carried out annually in partnership with the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The council adopts the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), with around 85% of food businesses considered broadly compliant (scoring 3 or higher). The report also highlighted successful prosecution outcomes, including significant fines levied against McDonald's Restaurants Ltd and Busy Bees Nurseries Ltd for food hygiene contraventions. The FSA commended the council for its commitment to investigating complaints and acting appropriately, regardless of business size.

The committee commended the work undertaken and discussed the number of businesses below the expected food hygiene standards, with Mr Molyneux explaining that these businesses are inspected more frequently and enforcement action is taken if necessary. The challenges posed by 'dark kitchens' and ensuring food hygiene ratings are accessible were also discussed. Mr Molyneux explained that most food delivery apps require an acceptable food hygiene rating, and inspection standards are consistent for all food delivery services.

The committee noted the absence of comprehensive year-on-year data due to pandemic-related reporting suspensions but were informed that Waltham Forest is likely in the upper quartile for reporting, inspection, and enforcement activity across London, with an 85-90% compliance rate. The committee expressed a desire to see the progression of businesses' food hygiene ratings over time.

The Healthier Catering Commitment (HCC), a voluntary scheme encouraging caterers to make healthier food improvements, was also discussed. Mr Molyneux explained that it is a business decision for establishments to participate, but the council actively promotes the scheme. He also noted that achieving a 5-star rating requires commitment to various aspects of food safety management, not just cost. The committee raised the point that displaying FHRS ratings is not mandatory in England, unlike in Northern Ireland and Wales, which has driven up standards there.

The committee noted the report and made a recommendation that officers consider more regular communications to encourage residents to check the Food Hygiene Rating of a premises before visiting.

Committee Action Tracker and Forward Plan

Emily Wood, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's action tracker and forward plan. The committee noted the documents and discussed concerns regarding empty tree pits and damage caused by cars. Ms Wood confirmed she would raise this with the appropriate officers to be addressed in future reports on 'Parks and Open Spaces' or the 'Tree Strategy'.

The committee noted the forward plan and action tracker.