Study Uncovers Widespread Use of Controversial Weedkillers by Local Authorities

Across the United Kingdom, the movement to eliminate pesticides from public spaces is gaining traction. Yet despite growing awareness and public support, a majority of local councils continue to spray chemical weedkillers in parks, playgrounds, pavements, playing fields and housing estates.

A new report from the Pesticide Action Network reveals that more than half of UK councils continue to use pesticides, with glyphosate remaining the most widely applied. Glyphosate, a controversial herbicide, has been linked to both cancer and a dramatic decline in biodiversity. Its continued use is raising concern among environmental groups, scientists and residents alike.

While progress is being made, the pace of change is uneven. PAN submitted freedom of information requests to councils throughout the UK, receiving responses from over 90 per cent of them. Out of the 368 authorities that replied, 165 reported that they were either phasing out the use of pesticides or had already taken steps to reduce their use.

Nick Mole, a policy manager at PAN UK, said: “While there is still work to do, this survey shows that the pesticide-free movement is growing. A decade ago, no one even knew that pesticides were used in villages, towns and cities. Now we have more than 100 councils taking action to protect the health of residents, wildlife and pets.”

Encouragingly, public opinion is firmly aligned with this shift. New polling conducted by PAN found that 65 per cent of respondents believe public spaces, such as parks, schoolyards, and playgrounds, should be completely free from pesticides. A third of those surveyed strongly agreed with the idea, reflecting a growing demand for cleaner, safer communal environments.

Still, some councils are moving faster than others. According to the data, nearly half of the respondents said they no longer use pesticides on playing fields. Around a third have removed them from cemeteries, while just over one in four manage their parks and green spaces without any chemical treatment.

London stands out as a national leader in the pesticide-free movement. Among the capital’s 33 boroughs, 23 confirmed that they had either halted pesticide use or were actively transitioning away from it.

“The UK public is largely onside and countries like France and Denmark – which have banned urban pesticide use nationwide – are showing every day that we simply don’t need chemicals to maintain public spaces,” said Mole.

In total, UK councils reported using 354 tonnes of pesticides in 2024, a figure significantly higher than the government’s estimate of 84 tonnes. This discrepancy suggests a lack of transparency or outdated reporting practices.

Several councils have already adopted outright bans. Lambeth, Glastonbury and Lewes are among those that have completely prohibited the use of chemical weedkillers. Brighton and Hove made headlines in 2019 when it banned pesticides citywide. However, in 2024, following just 56 formal complaints about excessive weed growth, the council reversed course slightly. It introduced a tightly controlled reintroduction of glyphosate, applying it selectively using a low-volume technique while pledging to keep usage to an absolute minimum.

Meanwhile, political momentum is building in Parliament. A bill introduced by Green MP Siân Berry aims to ban the use of pesticides in public spaces altogether. If passed, it would mark a significant turning point in how local authorities manage green spaces and could bring the UK closer into alignment with cities like Paris, where pesticide-free public spaces are already the norm.

For now, the debate continues. On one side are councils navigating budget constraints, maintenance expectations and public pressure. On the other hand, citizens, campaigners, and health advocates are calling for cleaner air, safer soil, and a future free from the risks posed by synthetic chemicals.