BILL TO BAN PESTICIDE USE BY PUBLIC AUTHORITIES INTRODUCED

A new bill that would ban the use of professional pesticides by local authorities and other public bodies for amenity purposes has been introduced in Parliament.

The Plant Protection Products (Prohibition on Public Sector Use) Bill, a Private Members' Bill put forward by Green Party MP Siân Berry, aims to reduce the environmental and health risks associated with pesticide use.

The bill comes at a time when the UK’s amenity sector awaits the long-delayed National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (NAP). The NAP, a framework for pesticide regulation in the UK, was originally expected in 2021 but has been repeatedly postponed. This, says Chris Faulkner of site maintenance equipment manufacturer Kersten, " . . has left public authorities in limbo, unsure of how to best manage pests and weeds while minimising harm."

Chris continued, "The bill would require the Secretary of State to publish guidance on pesticide-free alternatives for public authorities, including Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. IPM emphasises a combination of methods to control pests, such as biological controls, cultural practices, and resistant plant varieties, minimising the use of chemicals.

Chris believes the bill will garner support from environmental groups and public health advocates, such as the Pesticide Collaboration, who recently launched a petition requesting a ban of pesticides use in public spaces. The campaign launched after an Early Day Motion on the topic, which was signed by a group of 20 cross-party MPs.

"However," continued Chris, "the bill is likely to face opposition from some in the amenity sector who argue that pesticides are essential for maintaining public spaces, controlling invasive species, and protecting public health. The bill is scheduled for a second reading in Parliament on April 25, 2025. If passed, it could have significant implications for how public green spaces are managed across the UK."

Anyone interested can follow the progress of the bill here.

Chris concluded, "This bill is far from a world first, in fact similar legislation has been successfully implemented in France, Luxembourg and Denmark, whilst several other European countries have been following suit in an effort to reduce the risk of harm to people and the environment from pesticide use."