Are historical accidents good enough for London for the 21st century?
Our first debate - or provocation - shows the pattern and manner of waste collection in London is a historical accident. There is no reason to suppose that the current regime is ‘the best’. The structure of waste management in London is more a collection of political solutions throughout the 20th Century than an economic or a social or an environmental solution to today‘s and tomorrow’s needs. A waste management system built upon nineteenth century boundaries and twentieth century political assumptions is at odds with the economic, social and environmental objectives this century presents.
Our second provocation, later this year, will look directly at governance issues, the relationship between institutions and outcomes, and the kinds of capacities and capabilities that will needed - and by whom - to meet the challenges ahead. This provocation will come at the same time as the Coalition's results of its review of public spending are annnounced. What will be the implications for waste management? There is no better place than here to express your view of what the review should decide.
Future provocations - You can suggest a topic (by clicking on the page to the right). Tell us what it should be and why.
Join the current debate. You can read the original essays here:
Essay by Kit Strange, Essay by Professor David C Wilson, Essay by Dr Julian Parfitt, Essay by David Fell
To amend them, leave a comment or add your own essay click this link to the debates page.