NLWA to undergo reorganisation after change to boroughs’ political control

A cross-borough organisation overseeing waste in seven London boroughs will undergo a drastic reorganisation following Labour losses.

The North London Waste Authority (NLWA) is in charge of rubbish in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, and Waltham Forest.

The statutory authority provides services for two million residents and handles rubbish disposal — including the long-delayed development of the new Edmonton EcoPark incinerator — as well as bin lorries.

A new NLWA chair will be appointed at an annual general meeting slated for 25 June, once all seven member councils have put forward their own members.

Waltham Forest’s previous nomination to the board was the outgoing Labour council’s co-deputy leader and environmental lead Councillor Clyde Loakes, who served in the top job for more than 14 years.

But following a Green Party victory in the local elections on 7 May, Cllr Loakes will no longer be involved with the NLWA.

Instead, the Greens’ new council leader Councillor Paul Perkins and cabinet member for finance Councillor Em Dean will represent the borough.

It is not yet known if a Waltham Forest councillor will continue in the top role.

Previously, the majority of the 14 members of the committee — two per borough council — belonged to local Labour groups.

Earlier this month, Labour also lost Hackney and Haringey councils to the Greens, while Enfield was lost to the Conservatives. Labour held onto Barnet, Camden, and Islington.

With Barnet’s previous representation by one Labour and one Conservative councillor not expected to change, this will likely lead to a new committee make-up of six Greens, five Labour and three Conservatives.

It will be their job to make decisions relating to the disposal of north London’s waste and hold NLWA accountable for meeting its responsibilities.

A major focus will likely be the controversial new Edmonton EcoPark incinerator, which residents say could be unsafe.

The NLWA has argued, however, it is the “best long-term environmental solution for the waste generated by millions of people”. Cllr Loakes previously said: “Not everything can be recycled, and councils will still need a solution to deal with waste.”

Due to construction delays, it will likely not be finished until after 2030 — three years after it was supposed to come into use.

NLWA meetings and reports.

Please support The Fitzrovia News. Consider helping us cover our costs by visiting our secure payment page.