Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the UK Health Security Agency is taking through Strategic Commissioning Group to support Birmingham City Council in tackling the public health risks associated with household waste.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued standard public health guidance to Birmingham City Council regarding the risks associated with household waste, with the aim of minimising the potential health impacts on residents. This guidance is available on the Birmingham City Council website, at the following link:

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20009/waste_and_recycling/3020/waste_and_recycling_industrial_action_-_faq_for_residents/6

The UKHSA is an active member of the multi-agency Strategic Coordinating Group and has contributed to the risk assessment concerning the potential health effects of uncollected waste. The UKHSA will continue providing expert advice and support to Birmingham City Council for as long as necessary.

In addition, the UKHSA is closely monitoring infection rates, including leptospirosis, which could be influenced by the accumulation of refuse. As of now, there has been no reported increase in leptospirosis cases among Birmingham residents since the industrial action began.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Environment Agency have published statutory guidance on the Waste Duty of Care: Code of Practice, which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/waste-duty-of-care-code-of-practice/waste-duty-of-care-code-of-practice