South London News & Media

Bexley residents have increased their food waste recycling by 29% in July 2026 compared to the same period in the previous year. This rise coincides with a significant increase in Food Box orders, which grew from an average of 550 per month to 3,348 in June 2026 and 1,737 in July 2026.

The surge in recycling figures follows the implementation of several new initiatives by Bexley Council, designed to encourage greater participation in the borough's free weekly food waste recycling service. These efforts include the placement of ‘food’s not rubbish so let’s recycle it’ stickers on general rubbish bins as a reminder to residents, and the extension of the free weekly food waste recycling service to all flats within Bexley. Simpler Recycling Officers have been actively engaging with residents across the borough, offering free food recycling boxes and distributing free food caddies in local supermarkets.

Councillor Rags Sandhu, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Leisure, highlighted that Bexley has been a pioneer in food waste recycling services since 2004 and has continued this leadership by extending the service to residents living in flats. Currently, the council reports that 99.7% of flats and flats above shops in the borough now have access to the free weekly food recycling service.

Contextualising Bexley's Recycling Performance

While specific London-wide average figures for food waste recycling are not readily available, London's overall recycling rate stood at 33% in 2025, with a target of 50% by 2026. In contrast, Bexley has demonstrated a strong performance, achieving a recycling rate of over 40% as of March 2025.

The initiatives undertaken by Bexley Council to enhance food waste recycling are supported through its operational budgets. The council first introduced its free weekly food waste recycling service for households in 2004. More recently, a significant expansion of this service to include flats, including those situated above commercial premises, was undertaken in late 2025.

While specific ward-level councillors are not detailed in relation to these initiatives, Councillor Rags Sandhu serves as the Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Leisure, and Councillor Richard Diment is the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, both playing roles in the council's environmental services.

Ongoing Engagement and Future Outlook

The 'food’s not rubbish so let’s recycle it’ campaign, alongside the distribution of free food caddies and boxes, forms part of the council's continuous efforts to promote greater participation in food waste recycling. Residents are also encouraged to engage with the Bexley Green Points programme, which offers rewards for recycling activities. These local efforts align with broader London-wide objectives to reduce food waste and improve overall recycling rates.

New Homes for Local Residents

These new properties will be available for local residents, including families requiring social rent accommodation, and will be managed by Wandsworth Council. Councillor Robert Morritt, Leader of Wandsworth Council, commented on the decision, stating it "kick-starts an exciting time for Wandsworth as we move at pace to deliver more high-quality homes for rent or sale across our borough." He added that the development demonstrates a commitment to "good growth and building homes for local people."

The architectural design for the 200 homes has been undertaken by Peckham-based studio Dowen Farmer Architects. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion anticipated in 2029. The residential building will incorporate communal gardens and a roof garden offering city views. Design elements, including vertical detailing and brick lattice, will echo the brickwork of the Grade II* listed Power Station. The ground floor will provide public spaces and amenities intended to support local businesses and create a vibrant community.

Partnership and Funding

The project is a collaboration between Wandsworth Council, Battersea Power Station, and the Greater London Authority (GLA). This partnership aims to accelerate the delivery of social housing at the regeneration site. Funding for the scheme will be drawn from the council’s existing Housing Revenue Account, supplemented by GLA grant funding.

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, described the planning approval as an "important milestone" in creating a new neighbourhood. James Saunders, CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company, also welcomed the decision, emphasising the ongoing partnership.

The Battersea Power Station site itself is a regeneration project featuring over 170 shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. It is served by a Zone 1 London Underground station.

Aims of the Healthy Neighbourhoods Programme

The programme aims to create streets where walking, cycling, and public transport are the preferred choices for everyday journeys. This aligns with Lewisham's ambition to increase the proportion of journeys made by these sustainable modes from the current 68% to 81% by 2041. The initiative also seeks to reduce congestion for those who rely on cars for essential travel, including people with disabilities, carers, tradespeople, and local businesses, while maintaining accessibility for Blue Badge holders. Councillor Corin Ashwell, Cabinet Member for Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action, stated that the programme is crucial for addressing climate change, poor air quality, and road danger, and that it will improve the quality of life for local residents.

Context and Wider Goals

The need for such a programme is underscored by the increasing impacts of climate change, such as more frequent heatwaves and pressure on local infrastructure, which affect health and wellbeing. Creating greener streets with more trees and rain gardens can help mitigate these effects. The Healthy Neighbourhoods programme supports Lewisham's broader objectives of reducing carbon emissions, improving public health, and fostering cleaner, greener neighbourhoods. Historically, Lewisham has received funding for similar initiatives, including £2.9 million from the Mayor of London's Liveable Neighbourhood fund for work in North Deptford in 2018.

Current Travel Habits and Future Ambitions

Currently, approximately 68% of journeys in Lewisham are made by walking, cycling, or public transport. This figure is lower than the London average, where in 2017, 37% of journeys were made by public transport, 36% by private services, 24% by walking, and 2% by cycling. Nationally, in 2023, walking accounted for 29% of trips in England, while cycling accounted for 2%. The programme's ambition to reach 81% by 2041 aims to make sustainable travel more attractive and accessible.

Funding and Future Demand

The council has secured approximately £950,000 in LEVI Capital Funding from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) up until 2028 to support the installation of new charging points. An additional £193,000 in grant funding has been received to pilot and potentially roll out cross-pavement charging solutions. These solutions would enable residents without a driveway to safely run a charging cable from their home across the pavement to their electric vehicle. Currently, Croydon has 439 public charging points, but forecasts indicate a need for around 4,500 by 2035 due to rising demand.

Addressing Resident Needs

A key focus of the new strategy is to support households without a private driveway, who are unable to benefit from cheaper off-peak home charging tariffs. The public consultation will specifically seek input on affordability and access to public charging. The council is keen to understand the experiences of the 49% of households in Croydon that lack a private driveway.

Wider Context and London Averages

Croydon's initiative aligns with broader efforts to increase EV infrastructure. As of April 2025, London had an average of 263 public charging devices per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the UK average of 113 per 100,000. While Croydon's specific ward-level data for charging points is not detailed here, the borough's strategy aims for equitable distribution across all areas. The council is working in partnership with Bexley, Bromley, and Havering to procure charging infrastructure collaboratively as part of the LEVI funding initiative.

Tasty Flavour Kitchen Ltd Prosecution

In one case, Tasty Flavour Kitchen Ltd, located on Anerley Road, was investigated after a witness report. Despite receiving a legal notice, a reminder letter, and a Fixed Penalty Notice, the company failed to provide the required waste disposal information. The investigation was prompted by observations of trade waste being left on the pavement. The company director, Wilton Wilson, pleaded guilty in court and was ordered to pay fines and costs amounting to £1,038.

Effleurage Rootz Limited Prosecution

A separate case involved Effleurage Rootz Limited, also trading from Anerley Road. This company also failed to produce documents relating to its commercial waste arrangements after receiving a legal notice, reminder letter, and Fixed Penalty Notice. The director, Claudia Debbie Ann Messam, admitted to not keeping waste transfer notes and pleaded guilty. The company was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £300. Both prosecutions were brought under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Proactive Enforcement and Intelligence Gathering

The Rogue Landlords Taskforce will utilise data, local intelligence, and targeted inspections to pinpoint private rented properties with potential compliance issues. For the first time in the borough, the taskforce will focus on proactive enforcement. This includes inspecting licensed properties with known concerns, investigating suspected unlicensed properties, and targeting areas where intelligence suggests poor housing conditions, fly-tipping, or inadequate waste management are linked to private rented accommodation.

Lewisham's private rented sector constitutes approximately one-third of the borough's housing stock. The Council currently employs property licensing schemes to regulate these homes and take action against landlords who do not meet required standards. This financial year, Lewisham Council has already issued 153 enforcement notices, nearing the total of 155 issued in the previous full year. New legislation has enabled the imposition of larger fines, with a total of £160,875 collected since April, more than double the amount from the preceding 12 months. The council anticipates that the new taskforce will further increase this figure.

Financial Penalties and Ward Prioritisation

Income generated from financial penalties is ringfenced for the council’s private rented sector enforcement activities, directly funding further investigations and enforcement actions. The taskforce will prioritise wards identified through data analysis as having a higher likelihood of non-compliance. This includes areas with suspected unlicensed properties or a documented history of enforcement action.

Enforcement measures available to the taskforce include civil penalty notices, statutory notices, and, where evidence supports it, prosecution. The Council aims to make operating as a rogue landlord financially unviable through these penalties. While taking firm action against those who breach regulations, the Council also intends to continue supporting responsible landlords who fulfil their duties.

Wider Collaboration and Tenant Protection

The taskforce will collaborate with other Council departments and partner agencies when intelligence indicates broader issues associated with privately rented homes. These issues may include poor waste management, fly-tipping, fire safety concerns, or other housing-related risks.

Councillor Natalie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services, stated, "Improving conditions for renters in Lewisham has been one of my top priorities since I was appointed. Everyone deserves a safe, stable and decent place to live." She added, "Most landlords want to do the right thing, but we know there are still too many cases where tenants are being forced to live in properties that are mouldy, rat-infested or downright dangerous because their landlords fail to meet their legal responsibilities."

Councillor Thomas continued, "Landlords who cut corners and break the rules should expect to be caught, but we also want this work to encourage landlords across the borough to raise their standards before enforcement action is needed. Getting fined up to £40,000 is not a good way to save money. By targeting rogue landlords, we can drive up standards across the private rented sector, protect residents and make sure those who break the rules are held to account."

Residents who believe their landlord may be breaking the law are encouraged to report their concerns to Lewisham Council.

Development Progress and Housing Provision

Works are progressing on the Bellegrove site, with the first section of the ground floor slab poured and pile foundations advancing. The development will comprise one, two, and three-bedroom homes, with the majority designated for social rent. Social rent housing is typically set at approximately 50% of local market rates. The project also includes wheelchair-accessible and supported living units. The housing is expected to be completed by late 2027. The development is being undertaken by the council's partner contractor, The Hill Group.

Funding and Local Impact

The £29 million development is receiving £14 million in support from the Greater London Authority. Councillor Yvonne Bear, Bromley's Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, highlighted the importance of the development for increasing local housing supply and supporting residents facing homelessness, potentially reducing costs for council taxpayers. The initiative aims to address the borough's housing needs and reduce reliance on expensive nightly-paid accommodation, with over 1,300 households currently in such arrangements. The 'Bromley Homes for Bromley People' programme offers homes at social and affordable rent levels, with rents set at 80% of local market rent or lower, which also enables access to specific grant funding opportunities.

Site Enhancements and Future Plans

Beyond housing, the Bellegrove development will incorporate enhanced local children's play facilities, alongside car and cycle parking. Landscaping improvements are planned, including a green corridor connecting the site to Hoblingwell Wood Recreation Ground. The council is actively seeking further housing sites across the borough to meet housing demands.

Frederick Place Plagued by Persistent Fly-Tipping and Arson Risk

A resident report submitted on 2nd August highlights a space near Bloomfield Road and Frederick Place that has become a dumping ground. The report alleges that a makeshift bed or sofa has recently been set alight, leaving the entire area littered with rubbish. This incident raises serious concerns about potential arson and the risk of further fires spreading in the densely populated Plumstead neighbourhood.

Unsafe Environment for Plumstead Residents

The report further states that unsavoury characters are frequently loitering around Bloomfield Road and Frederick Place for drug-related reasons. This area was reportedly blocked off over a year ago to deter such activities, but the problem has resurfaced. The presence of discarded items and the recent fire create a hazardous environment, forcing residents to navigate an area prone to anti-social behaviour.

Greenwich Council's Stance on Fly-Tipping and Enforcement

The Royal Borough of Greenwich aims to clear reported fly-tipping within 48 hours, working towards a 95% performance target. Fly-tipping remains a significant challenge across Greenwich, with an average of 1,200 incidents reported monthly in 2025. To combat this, the council significantly increased its Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000 as of 19th January 2026. Residents who provide information leading to a successful fine or prosecution can also receive a £100 reward. The council is also implementing new cameras and a "name and shame" scheme to deter offenders.

Hazardous Waste Obstructs Hawkins Terrace

A recent resident report to FixMyStreet details a large amount of rubbish dumped on Hawkins Terrace, Charlton. The report specifically mentions broken glass and painting equipment among the discarded items. According to the report, the presence of glass on the road creates a significant hazard, making the area unsafe for those on foot. Photos accompany the report.

Greenwich Council's Stance on Illegal Dumping

The Royal Borough of Greenwich Council has intensified its efforts against illegal dumping, increasing Fixed Penalty Notices for fly-tipping to £1,000 as of 19th January 2026. The council also offers a £100 reward to residents whose information leads to a successful fine or prosecution. For reported fly-tips, the council aims to clear rubbish within 48 hours, though hazardous waste may take longer.

Ongoing Issue in Charlton Neighbourhood

This incident on Hawkins Terrace highlights a persistent challenge within the Charlton area and the wider Royal Borough of Greenwich. The council has acknowledged fly-tipping as a significant concern for residents, impacting the quality of life and costing taxpayers substantial amounts annually. While the council actively encourages residents to report incidents and provides avenues for doing so, the rubbish on Hawkins Terrace continues to pose a risk to the community.

Accumulating Waste Poses Fire Risk on Kibworth Street Estate

A resident report from Kibworth Street highlights a significant and worsening problem with waste accumulation. Rubbish continues to pile up next to recycling bins, a resident states, despite it being an obvious health and safety concern. An abandoned fridge has now been left on the estate for over a month, alongside other accumulating waste. This situation is not only unsightly but also presents a serious health hazard and a potential fire risk for those living on the Kibworth Street estate.

Residents Question Estate Maintenance in Oval

The report alleges a complete lack of action regarding the condition of the estate, leaving residents disappointed. One resident states that the council should be ashamed of allowing the estate to fall into such a shocking state of disrepair. It is difficult to understand what residents are paying for when such basic responsibilities are being ignored, the report claims. The issue affects the community around Oval, a busy area near Oval Underground Station and Kennington Park.

Lambeth Council's Four-Day Target for Fly-Tip Removal

Lambeth Council aims to investigate and remove dumped waste within four days of it being reported. However, the resident report indicates this particular issue on Kibworth Street has been ongoing for over a month without resolution. For larger items, Lambeth Council offers a bulky waste collection service, costing £34 for up to three items, with collections scheduled within 14 working days. Fly-tipping is a criminal offence, carrying potential fines of up to £50,000 in magistrates' court, or even prison sentences in serious cases. Recent government changes, effective this summer, are increasing maximum fly-tipping fines to £5,000. Lambeth Labour's "Clean Street Guarantee" from May 2026 also pledged to increase on-the-spot fly-tipping fines to £1,200.

Contextualising Bexley's Recycling Performance

Ongoing Engagement and Future Outlook

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New Homes for Local Residents

Partnership and Funding

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Aims of the Healthy Neighbourhoods Programme

Context and Wider Goals

Current Travel Habits and Future Ambitions

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Funding and Future Demand

Addressing Resident Needs

Wider Context and London Averages

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Tasty Flavour Kitchen Ltd Prosecution

Effleurage Rootz Limited Prosecution

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Proactive Enforcement and Intelligence Gathering

Financial Penalties and Ward Prioritisation

Wider Collaboration and Tenant Protection

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Development Progress and Housing Provision

Funding and Local Impact

Site Enhancements and Future Plans

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Frederick Place Plagued by Persistent Fly-Tipping and Arson Risk

Unsafe Environment for Plumstead Residents

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Hazardous Waste Obstructs Hawkins Terrace

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Accumulating Waste Poses Fire Risk on Kibworth Street Estate

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