Waste and recycling board for London

The board will manage that budget and provide strategic advice to both City Hall and the boroughs.

Central government has taken pains to offer reassurances it will not take functions from existing bodies and will not act as a collection or disposal authority.

The board will not act as the Single Waste Authority which has been called for by the Mayor and opposed by the boroughs.

It will, according to Government, focus on ‘getting things done’ to help the Mayor’s office deliver its vision and the boroughs meet their obligations.

Ben Bradshaw, Environment Minister, said: “I believe that this framework provides an opportunity for London government at all levels to work constructively together with business and other key stakeholders.

“There has been progress on waste and recycling in London, but we are not complacent – we need to continue to drive up performance for more sustainable waste management. The Board will be able to direct the Fund towards issues that London itself identifies as its priorities, including stimulating investment in infrastructure.”

Liz Meek, regional director of the Government Office for London, said: “Government is keen to move forward and to help London deliver. We will work together with London stakeholders over the coming months to agree the detail of the membership and constitution of the Board.

“We believe that the best way of delivering the necessary step-change in waste management is to bring key stakeholders together in a small and focused body to find practical solutions for a sustainable future.”

Sam Bond