The Environment Committee met on Wednesday 14 October 2026 to discuss fly-tipping and environmental progress in London. Key discussions included the challenges of fly-tipping across the capital, the effectiveness of current interventions, and the role of various agencies in tackling the issue. The Committee also received an update on the Mayor's environmental priorities, including progress on the Clean Rivers and Waterways Plan, the Heat Ready London Plan, and the development of a new Climate Action Plan.

London's Fly-Tipping Problem

The Committee heard that fly-tipping incidents in London have reached record levels, with 481,088 incidents recorded in 2024/25, an 8% increase on the previous year. Representatives from Camden, Barnet, and Havering Councils discussed the varied approaches to tackling fly-tipping, noting that a common reporting system across London would be beneficial for both residents and officers. Concerns were raised about the misreporting of fly-tipping due to commercial waste being left out for collection, and the perception of fly-tipping in areas with time-banded waste collections.

A key theme was the need for a more consistent approach across London in defining, capturing, and reporting fly-tipping incidents to establish a robust baseline for effective strategies. The discussion also highlighted the challenges of enforcing fly-tipping, with low payment rates for Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) and the significant resources required for investigations. The effectiveness of CCTV and AI in detecting fly-tippers was discussed, with a consensus that while helpful, these technologies are not a complete solution. The role of community engagement, including volunteer groups and initiatives like CSI tape, was seen as crucial in behaviour change.

The Committee also explored the challenges of tackling organised crime and large-scale fly-tipping, noting the difficulties in working with the Environment Agency and the Metropolitan Police due to resource constraints and differing priorities. The need for greater inter-agency cooperation and a more formalised approach to environmental crime was emphasised.

The Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban MBE, and Megan Life, Assistant Director for Environment and Energy at the GLA, provided an update on the Mayor's role in tackling fly-tipping. They highlighted the importance of ReLondon in coordinating best practices and advocating for London's needs at a national level. The potential for a regional approach to waste crime, as proposed by the Government, was discussed, with an emphasis on ensuring that any such approach is developed in partnership with London boroughs and reflects their on-the-ground experience. The need for a London-wide target for fly-tipping reduction was also raised.

Environmental Progress and the Draft London Plan

The Committee received an update on the Mayor's environmental priorities, including progress on the Clean Rivers and Waterways Plan, the Heat Ready London Plan, and the development of a new Climate Action Plan. The Deputy Mayor highlighted the devastating impact of recent heatwaves on London's emergency services and the importance of the Heat Ready London Plan in building the city's resilience.

The Climate Action Plan aims to consolidate existing environmental policies into a single, transparent document. Engagement with young Londoners through the Youth Climate Summit was noted as a key part of this process. The Committee also discussed the importance of engaging a wider range of Londoners, including older adults and working people, in climate action.

The Draft London Plan's approach to energy efficiency and low-carbon heating was discussed, with a focus on decarbonising heating and cooling. The Plan aims to accelerate the delivery of heat pumps and heat networks, address skills shortages in the green economy, and build public confidence in new technologies. The Committee also raised concerns about the removal of explicit policies on food growing from the Draft London Plan, arguing for stronger protections for existing allotments and growing spaces.

Discussions also covered the Plan's approach to Green Belt land, with a commitment to a brownfield-first policy, though concerns were raised about the robustness of enforcement and the potential for development on higher-quality Green Belt land. The importance of Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) and other green spaces within London was also emphasised, with calls for stronger protections against development.

The Committee heard about the development of the Clean Rivers and Waterways Plan, which identifies ten strategic locations for intervention and has secured significant investment from partners. The Plan also aims to improve water quality, increase access to waterways, and enhance flood resilience through nature-based solutions. The reintroduction of species like beavers and white storks into London was highlighted as part of the Mayor's commitment to nature recovery.

Finally, the Committee discussed the challenges of water management in London, particularly in light of recent heatwaves. Concerns were raised about the current model of Thames Water, with a call for greater accountability, environmental protection, and consumer safeguards. The possibility of public ownership or alternative models for water management was discussed as a potential solution to the perceived failures of privatisation. The need for robust policies on water efficiency, including smart metering for commercial users, and the importance of maintaining existing water fountains were also highlighted.