The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee reviewed the council's progress on household recycling and waste reduction, receiving a final report on the topic. The committee also received an annual update on leisure services, highlighting achievements in promoting physical activity across the borough, and a presentation on the Seasonal Health Interventions Network (SHINE) service, which aims to reduce fuel poverty and improve wellbeing.

Scrutiny Review Final Report: Household Recycling and Waste Reduction

The committee endorsed the final report of its scrutiny review into household recycling and waste reduction. The review identified that while Islington has made progress in reducing overall waste, recycling rates have plateaued. Key barriers to increased recycling include insufficient bin capacity on estates, confusing communications, and a lack of trust in the recycling process. The report makes ten recommendations, including improving recycling communications through a wider mix of formats and settings, developing targeted information for communities, strengthening food waste awareness and disposal options, and prioritising improvements to recycling capacity on council estates and in privately managed buildings. It also calls for enhanced data collection and analysis, exploration of mobile and pop-up recycling facilities, and assessment of the feasibility of a physical reuse and repair hub. The committee also recommended refreshing and strengthening the Recycling Champions programme and producing a borough-specific Reduction and Recycling Plan.

Annual Update on Leisure Services

The committee received an update on the council's leisure services, which are delivered in partnership with GLL. The report highlighted that Islington has the second-highest activity rate for adults in London, with a low inactivity rate. However, there has been a concerning drop in activity rates for young people. The Sobell Leisure Centre has seen a significant increase in usage following its refurbishment after a flood, with new facilities like the Active Multi Zone and Active Play proving popular. Investments have also been made in other leisure centres, including tennis courts and gyms, and Archway Leisure Centre has undergone decarbonisation works.

The update detailed various programmes aimed at increasing community participation in sports and physical activity, including free swimming lessons, support for athletes through the GLL Sports Foundation, and the Islington Football Development Partnership, which has seen a significant increase in female participation. The Access to Sport project has engaged thousands of young people, and new initiatives like the Boys Empowerment Club have been launched. The Healthwise programme, which offers a 12-week physical activity referral scheme for adults with health concerns, has surpassed its targets, with participants reporting improvements in weight loss, wellbeing, and reduced risk of heart attack. A pilot programme for cardiac rehabilitation has also commenced. The council is also working to promote physical activity for mental health through the Move for Mood initiative and engaging with GPs, social care commissioners, and community groups to encourage greater uptake. Key next steps include modernising Finsbury Leisure Centre, continuing to deliver the Active Together Action Plan with a focus on young people and older adults, and beginning the review process for the leisure contract with GLL, which ends in March 2029.

Presentation from SHINE Services

The committee received a presentation on the Seasonal Health Interventions Network (SHINE) service, which supports vulnerable households struggling with energy costs and poor housing conditions. SHINE aims to reduce fuel poverty, improve wellbeing, and cut carbon emissions by integrating energy advice with health and housing support. The service offers telephone-based advice, home visits to install low-cost energy-saving measures, fuel debt support, and onward referrals to other services.

The presentation highlighted the significant financial and carbon savings achieved by SHINE. Since April 2025, the service has generated over £1.3 million in estimated cost savings across London and over £585,000 in Islington. Carbon savings are also substantial, equivalent to millions of miles driven by an average car. The service targets low-income households, vulnerable populations, and those living in poorly insulated homes with inadequate heating systems. The report detailed the common adaptations installed, such as LED bulbs and radiator reflectors, which provide immediate cost savings and contribute to carbon reduction. The service also addresses urgent issues like damp and mould by referring to repairs teams. Demand for SHINE remains strong and growing, with Islington experiencing over 2,100 referral cases since April 2025. The presentation concluded by outlining how residents and partners can access SHINE through a freephone number, online referral form, or email.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions about the eligibility criteria for SHINE, the availability of energy-saving devices for those not meeting the criteria, and the potential for condensation and mould issues with certain adaptations. Officers clarified that while SHINE focuses on specific vulnerable groups, individuals can purchase energy-saving devices independently. They also explained that energy doctors assess properties holistically and refer to repairs teams for more significant issues, while also advising on ventilation. Concerns were also raised about the impact of overcrowding on fuel poverty and condensation, and the committee was assured that this would be taken back for further consideration. The service's capacity to handle demand and the potential for expanding advice on keeping cool during hot weather were also discussed. The presentation highlighted the significant impact of SHINE in reducing energy usage, achieving cost savings, and supporting the council's climate objectives.