The Committee received a report that outlined the findings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s (OSC) Challenge Session examining how the Council applies evidence-based and best practice to influence resident behaviour to boost recycling. A summary of the discussion on the report is outlined as follows:

The Committee noted that:

v  The former Scrutiny Lead for Environment and Community Safety, Councillor Bex White had decided to hold this Challenge Session with the focus on how the Council applies evidence-based and best practice to influence resident behaviour change to boost recycling rates?

v  Tower Hamlets had performed poorly in terms of recycling waste (23.2% of total waste is recycled) compared to other boroughs (Bexley 54.1%, Waltham Forest 31.6%, Greenwich 33.4%, Hackney 27.9%, City of London 29.9%) with only Newham lower at 16.9%.  Whilst Executive Mayor John Biggs had set an ambitious target for Tower Hamlets of 35% recycling by 2022.

v  The Challenge Session had aimed to understand how the Council has responded to the flagging recycling rates in the Borough, with a particular focus on influencing resident behaviour.

v  The Challenge Session had been underpinned by the following core questions:

A.   To what extent is evidence based and external research applied in how the Council uses its resources to achieve behaviour change on recycling?

B.   How is the Council using outcomes of pilot projects to improve mainstream delivery?

C.   How is the Council maximising the influence on residents including those schools who are very committed to increasing recycling?

D.   Can the Council highlight any insights (behavioural change) on campaigns for resident engagement on recycling and the impact?

v  The Challenge Session had been held virtually on 23 September 2020 and chaired by Councillor Bex White commencing with a Chair’s overview, followed by a joint presentation form the former Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Realm, Councillor Asma Islam, supported by council officers.

v  Resource London had also been invited to the session as they are (i) a London-wide partnership programme; and (ii) the Government efficiency resource body.

v  Resource London works closely with Tower Hamlets Waste and Recycling Service and they had provided an external perspective on insights from research such as factors influencing recycling behaviour change.

The Chair Moved and it was: -

RESOLVED to:

1.    Note the attached Scrutiny Challenge Session Report on how the Council applies evidence-based and best practice to influence resident behaviour change to boost recycling rates and agree the recommendations; and

2.    Agree to submit the attached report to the Mayor and Cabinet for an executive response.