Agenda item

Report of Group Director of Services

The Group Director of Services submitted a report (previously circulated) updating Members on the progress of the Management of Grass Verges Task and Finish Group which was established to assist the development of a new operational policy in relation to the management of grass verges; and requesting that Members give consideration to the most appropriate way to progress the work required to develop the operational policy.

It was reported that the Task and Finish Group was established following receipt of a report at its meeting on 25 February 2021 which set out the current position adopted by the Council in relation to the management of grass verges; an initial meeting was held on 9 April 2021, where Members agreed to undertake a table top exercise to trial the draft verge damage assessment form; and this planned work did not proceed.

Members were informed that this Scrutiny Committee had agreed to continue with the Task and Finish Group; and the two options available to Members were outlined.

Discussion ensued in respect of the two options; Members were in agreement that this Scrutiny Committee should be involved in the development of the operational policy with support from Officers; and that consideration should be given to the different issues faced in each ward.

RESOLVED – That, in order to progress the work required to develop a new operational policy in relation to the management of grass verges, this Scrutiny Committee proceeds with Option 1 – Member led approach, with Officer involvement.