Redbridge Council spent nearly £300,000 last year on a weedkiller containing glyphosate, a chemical the World Health Organisation has classified as "probably" carcinogenic. The east London council was one of 200 local authorities identified by the Mail on Sunday as still using pesticides with glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup.
Spending details and context
Freedom of Information data shows Redbridge spent £288,423.97 on weedkillers in 2025, the highest single amount among all councils surveyed. This marks an increase from £260,444.71 in 2024, according to the Pesticide Action Network UK. Glyphosate is legal in the UK but restricted in the European Union. The UK Health and Safety Executive is currently reviewing whether to renew its safety licence.
Council defends use
A Redbridge Council spokesperson said the total cost "reflects both the product and the professional staff needed to carry out the weed‐killing safely and effectively." They added: "The Health and Safety Executive and DEFRA have been clear that glyphosate is approved for use in the UK and considered safe when used in line with regulatory guidance. It remains widely used by local authorities as part of their weed‐control programmes." The council also noted schemes like Pollinator Pathways and tree-pit adoption that remove areas from chemical treatment.
Criticism from opposition and campaigners
Vaseem Ahmed of the Redbridge Independents said: "£288,423 on weedkiller is an eye-catching figure. With the council under such financial strain, every pound matters. Residents deserve transparency over why this level of spending was considered necessary, whether procurement delivered value for money, and who signed off on these decisions." The Wanstead Climate Action Coordinators group argued the increased spending meant "more children and other vulnerable groups are exposed to noxious chemicals." They noted that for over three years, residents have asked Redbridge to stop pesticide use in public playgrounds, as done in Hackney, but found no evidence of action.
