Wandsworth Council's Environment Committee has reported a £0.141m overspend against its £51.170m budget for the 2024/25 financial year. The overspending was revealed at the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday 24 June 2025, where councillors and committee members reviewed the budget and work programme.

The overspend is largely attributed to the Leisure and Culture Contract with Enable, where significant economic disruption increased costs and hampered commercial development. This led to a shortfall in the contracted concession payment for the 2024/25 financial year. Higher than budgeted utilities expenditure across the council's leisure centres also contributed. However, these costs were partially offset by higher income from leisure centres and concessions within Battersea Park.

People using the library in Wandsworth.
People using the library in Wandsworth.Source: Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee papers, 24 June 2025

Despite the overspend, the committee also discussed several initiatives aimed at improving the borough's environment and community services. These included:

  • Biodiversity Action Plan: The committee considered the council's progress towards adopting a Biodiversity Action Plan, which aims to guide concrete action to achieve the priorities of the Biodiversity Strategy adopted in 2020.
  • Tree Management: Completed and planned improvements to tree care and resident engagement were discussed, recognizing Wandsworth's reputation as one of London's greenest boroughs. With approximately 60,000 trees under council ownership, maintenance is crucial for protecting their benefits.
  • Women and Girls in Sport: The committee reviewed Wandsworth's plan to boost participation by women and girls in sports and physical activity, building on the Wandsworth Moves Together Leisure Strategy (2024–2029). The plan focuses on affordability, increasing participation by secondary school girls, representation, settings, safety, psychological barriers, and information.
  • Library Strategy: The committee considered the draft Libraries First! Strategy for Wandsworth, which sets the strategic direction for investment, programming, and partnerships over the next five years. The strategy aims to increase library visits, especially among those who would benefit the most.

The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee also reviewed its work programme and discussed the approach to its further development. The committee plays a vital role in ensuring accountability and transparency within the local authority.