Issue - meetings

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 made the following recommendation to the Cabinet: that invoices to Town and Parish Councils regarding grass cutting should confirm the number of cuts undertaken with dates.

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.

At the request of the Committee to receive, with regard to Motion 538, a report from the Director of Operations.

Motion 538 (Cllr Mrs J Roach – 1 June 2017)

Mid Devon District Council is concerned that the present level of grass cutting across the district is the subject of much criticism.

The Mid Devon District Council therefore resolves to urgently review;

1. Whether the budget is sufficient and if it isn't to put forward a request to Council for a supplementary budget to meet the cost of providing an effective service.

2. If it is impossible to provide extra funding the the Council should consider asset transfers to Parish Councils and/or individuals.  

Taxpayers are now facing the second year of a grass cutting regime which leaves the grass uncut for long periods. 

Please note: Having considered the above Motion the Policy Development Group are asked to consider whether this Motion should either be supported or rejected. This decision will be referred back to full Council on 13 December 2017.

Following a request at its meeting in May the Committee had before it a report * from the Director of Operations regarding to Motion 538.

Motion 538 (Cllr Mrs J Roach – 1 June 2017)

Mid Devon District Council is concerned that the present level of grass cutting across the district is the subject of much criticism.

The Mid Devon District Council therefore resolves to urgently review;

1. Whether the budget is sufficient and if it isn't to put forward a request to Council for a supplementary budget to meet the cost of providing an effective service.

2. If it is impossible to provide extra funding the Council should consider asset transfers to Parish Councils and/or individuals.  

Taxpayers are now facing the second year of a grass cutting regime which leaves the grass uncut for long periods. 

The Director of Operations outlined the contents of the report, which answered a number of questions that had been asked at the previous meeting.

Discussion took place regarding:

·       Accounting procedures and the ledger that had been used to calculate figures within the report;

·       Cost of living increases;

·       An estimated undercharge to the Housing Revenue Account for services provided;

·       Ongoing issues regarding areas of land within the parishes and whose responsibility they were with regard to grass cutting;

·       The need for accurate data;

·       The variety of methods for calculating cost per unit and how they could vary depending on the time required and equipment needed;

·       The number of complaints received by Members regarding grass cutting had vastly increased in the last two years;

·       Grass cutting was a discretionary service and the standard required was subject to personal perspective;

·       The need to confirm the number of cuts undertaken when bills were being sent to towns and parishes;

·       Town and Parish Councils could apply to lease any assets, for example play areas.

It was RESOLVED that a working group be put in place to further investigate grass cutting pricing methodology and charging recovery.  The working group to consist of Cllrs Mrs C P Daw, R F Radford and D R Coren.

(Proposed by Cllr Mrs J Roach and seconded by Cllr D J Knowles)

Cllr Mrs Roach was satisfied with the information provided within the report and discussion that had taken place and withdrew her Motion.

It was RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that invoices to town and parish councils regarding grass cutting should confirm the number of cuts undertaken with dates.

(Proposed by Cllr Mrs J Roach and seconded by Cllr R Evans)

Note: - Report * previously circulated and attached to Minutes.