Agenda item

This report provides an update on the Streetscene and Grounds Maintenance contract.

Councillor Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Streetscene, and Flooding, alongside Samantha Howell, Director of Highways and Transport, Dave Thomas, Head of Highways Assets & Commissioning, Chris Clark, Head of Local Highways, and Adrian Hampton, Head of Highway Operations, updated the Committee on the Streetscene and Grounds Maintenance contract.

It was explained that the Streetscene and Grounds Maintenance contract operated by Idverde was outcome based, which was a different approach from the past, and was driven by data collection and analysis to inform decisions. Furthermore, it allowed for officers to identify savings through service delegations and a more seasonal and proportional approach to the work undertaken. As a cost saving measure, officers had made the decision to align with statutory requirements, thus leading to a decreased service delivery in some areas. The importance of having the right infrastructure that was fit for purpose within Wiltshire Council depots was also highlighted.

During the discussion, points included:

·       It was highlighted that some areas were experiencing a less frequent service for grass cutting than in the past and that there was a breakdown in communications between Idverde and the public on this topic. Officers noted that the contract was still in the mobilisation period and therefore the level of service expected may be slightly less than as stipulated in the contract. However, the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and annual scoring were reflected within the contract, and these would be reviewed regularly, particularly when considering the opportunity to extend the contract.

·       It was noted that the maintenance of rural verges were not the responsibility of Idverde, but instead formed part of the Highways Term Maintenance contract and therefore, Milestone. Officers acknowledged that these verges could provide more opportunities for increasing biodiversity within the County but highlighted that this could lead to concerns over obstruction of highways and visibility across the network.

·       Officers explained that they were focusing on biodiversity management and utilising different levels of grass cutting based on the needs of a specific area. However, the challenges of converting urban areas into more biodiverse areas were raised and it was noted that it often led to concerns from members of the public. Yet, officers further noted that additional funding had been received to invest within their communications strategy, and therefore officers were focussing on more targeted and informative communications to those affected residents. Furthermore, it was noted that although Idverde predominantly maintained urban areas, they were contractually obliged to identify a further 5% of land per year to convert to biodiverse areas, thus providing officers with a larger area to review.

·       The differences between Wiltshire Council and Town and Parish Council contracts were raised, and it was noted that although the Council maintained a marginal level of control, the majority of the responsibility for managing those contracts lay with the Town and Parish Councils themselves.

·       Members were informed that officers worked on a mapping system and that this was monitored and updated through on-site inspections and trackers that formed part of the vehicles within the fleet.

·       Finally, officers emphasised that consistency of service across Wiltshire was a priority and encouraged Members and other local stakeholders to highlight any areas of concern for officers to address.

At the conclusion of the discussion, it was:

Resolved:

a)    The Committee noted the Streetscene and Grounds Maintenance update.

b)    The Committee requested an update report in 12 months’ time.