Decision details

The opportunity existed for Council to take on highways grass cutting and weed spraying in the Borough on behalf of Surrey County Council, effectively bringing the majority of grass cutting in the Borough under one contract. Highway weed spraying was currently carried out on behalf of the County Council by this Council under an existing arrangement, which would cease from 2016.  A tendering process had been carried out by the County Council to include potential operators on a Framework Agreement.

The County Council had offered sufficient funding to engage a known operator, along with a percentage uplift (20%) for this Council’s costs.  The contract would be for 5 years, with a 12 month termination period for either party.  A business case demonstrated that these contracts could be delivered at no financial cost to this Council with the opportunity to earn income through sponsorship of roundabouts.  In addition the proposal could deliver a number of other non-financial benefits.

The situation would be reviewed after twelve months and then annually thereafter.

If the Council was to take on this contract, the Council would then be responsible for the vast majority of grass cutting in the Borough. It would allow for a truly joined up approach, provide for anomalies and inefficiencies to be ironed out and for a targeted approach to high profile or problem areas to be undertaken. Any surplus funding would be used to increase the cutting regime in certain areas, or to enhance areas through bedding schemes, hanging baskets or other soft management and landscaping methods.

Resolved

(i)        to authorise the Executive Head of Business to enter into contractual arrangements with Surrey County Council for verge cutting and weed spraying;

(ii)       to agree that further work on roundabout sponsorship continues and that all net surplus be used to improve the cutting service provided and enhance the overall appearance of the Borough; and

(iii)      that these arrangements be monitored annually.