Decision details

Following consideration of Motion 538 (Cllr Mrs J Roach - 1 June 2017) and a *report of the Director of Operations regarding grass cutting issues in Mid Devon, the Environment Policy Development Group had recommended that invoices to Town and Parish Councils regarding grass cutting should confirm the number of cuts undertaken with dates.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for the Environment outlined the discussion that had taken place at the Policy Development Group meeting and added that in addition to the above, he would like the clients to receive notification when their grass had been cut.

The Director of Operations provided answers to questions posed in public question time: he stated that the report had been specifically focussed on Silverton and supplied answers to questions posed originally by Cllr Mrs Roach; however the current charge was per square metre and not on individual man hours. A working group of the Policy Development Group had been formed to look at budget issues and the Town and Parish Councils would be notified in good time to allow for precepts to be set.  With regard to the possibility of the Grounds Maintenance Team moving to Willand, there had been security issues at Park Road and he wished to encourage closer working between the Grounds Maintenance and Street Scene Teams; so yes he was looking at combining the team at Carlu Close, the recharge cost  for grass-cutting would be calculated accordingly.

Consideration was given to:

·         The consultation process that was taking place with staff

·         The need to make savings.

RESOLVED that notification to Town and Parish Councils regarding grass cutting should confirm the number of cuts undertaken with dates; this notification should take place on a monthly basis or as applicable if no cuts occurred during a month.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note:  Report previously copy attached to minutes.