Decision details

Proposed change to provision of subsidised working with the County Council.

Matter for Decision

Cambridge City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council have operated a reverse agency agreement for a number of years. This agreement allows for each Authority to provide various highway related elements for the other, which includes maintenance functions.

The County Council are faced with financial saving requirements, as part of the budget programme for 2014/15, it is proposed to review working with the County Council in relation to grass cutting of highway verges given these pressures.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Environmental & Waste Services

Agreed the following principles to guide officer negotiations with Cambridgeshire County Council in relation to highway verge grass cutting:

       i.          Continue to put the case to the County Council for the retention of current levels of resource to safeguard the amenity of the existing green verges within the city.

     ii.          Ensure that the subsidised element of highway grass cutting which the City Council provides to the County Council continues to reflect the efficient use of resources and is affordable.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Interim Head of Services, Streets and Open Spaces.

In response to Councillor O’Reilly’s question; the Interim Head of Services, Streets and Open Spaces said there were maintenance issues for letting grass grow longer in an attempt to reduce costs by mowing less frequently.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.