Government backs borough plans to improve waste and recycling in London

London Councils has today expressed its delight that the government is backing its proposals to improve the way waste is managed and recycled in the capital.

Environment minister Ben Bradshaw has confirmed that the government will now place the London Waste and Recycling Fund on a statutory footing - a move proposed by London Councils earlier this year.

The Waste and Recycling Forum and Fund were suggested by the government last year as a way to improve waste management in London. Its aim was to bring together all those involved in the capital - including councils, the Mayor and businesses - to meet the twin challenge of increasing recycling and reducing waste sent to landfill. 

London Councils supported the proposal in sentiment, but argued that simply bringing people around the table was not enough to improve waste management in the capital and that the Fund needed to be placed on a statutory footing. London Councils argued that providing a statutory basis for the Fund would give the new body greater dynamism, a clearer definition of purpose and make it easier for it to receive government funding.

The government has today agreed with this approach arguing that placing the body that manages the Fund on a statutory footing will provide 'focus, clarity and stability' to waste management in London. The government will now move an amendment to the Greater London Authority Bill to place the body directing the Fund - the London Waste and Recycling Board - on a statutory footing.

The Board's functions will include taking action to improve sustainable waste management and will focus on getting things done in London - bringing together the strategic role of the Mayor and the service delivery expertise of the boroughs.

It will consist of eleven representatives - four from London boroughs and four from the Greater London Authority, with these eight nominating three further representatives from business and the wider community. The Mayor will be invited to chair the Board - or nominate a chair if he prefers.