Agenda item

To consider the attached motion from Cllrs Ian Thorn and Ruth Hopkinson.

At the invitation of the Chairman Councillor Ian Thorn, seconded by Councillor Ruth Hopkinson, moved and presented his motion entitled ‘Herbicides’. The motion would be a measure in support of the environment in a sustainable and ecological way. He stated the motion did not seek a definite ban on glyphosate-based herbicides immediately but that a timetable to ensure alternatives was appropriate and beneficial.

Councillor Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Waste, responded to the motion. She stated that alternative herbicide methods were in operation and there was a recognition to move away from wholesale glyphosate treatments, and that in many cases weeds were physically removed from pavements, verges and other areas, as well as other methodologies. It was intended to purchase a tractor to enhance the physical removal service.

However, she also stated that weed control was a service delegated to a number of local councils, who were best placed to decide the best methods within the legally allowed applications permitted, placing barriers to local provision and priorities.  The council’s contractor ID Verde was trialling different weed removal opportunities and the Council would continue to review these, however glyphosate weed control remained an important tool in controlling urban weed growth. Although the Council minimised use of chemicals, which were more finely used, and future contracts would allow further engagement with the private sector to bring forward new and innovative weed control technologies, but there were occasions and some weeds that were very difficult to remove without use of glyphosate.

Following a vote, it was agreed that Council debate the motion.

Comments were then received from Group Leaders as follows:

Councillor Philip Whitehead noted that alternative methods of weed removal had bigger impacts regarding CO2 emissions and noted the comments of the Cabinet Member on minimising of glyphosate usage. It was legal and the most effective solution in some cases, and was much more sparingly used. He therefore proposed an amendment to the motion as he felt it was not yet possible to set a timetable for the end of its usage, although he supported the intention to do so when possible. The proposed amendment was as follows:

This Council calls on the administration to set out a plan that will actively consider alternatives and [insert]continually consider the possibility to end [end insert]a timetable for the end of the use of glyphosate-based herbicides

The movers of the motion, Councillors Thorn and Hopkinson, accepted the amendment, which became the substantive motion.

Councillor McLennan, on behalf of the Labour Group, supported the motion as achieving some progress on the issue.

The substantive motion was then debated by Members.

Clarity was sought on whether the wording of the proposal would affect farmers, and it was confirmed that the proposal in the context of the overall motion clarified it related to highways and related amenity land. Other comments included details on the licensing of glyphosate in the future.

It was then,

Resolved:

To support the motion as follows:

Introduction

Wiltshire Council controls weeds on its rural verges by flailing and pulling. Urban shrub beds and certain amenity areas are strimmed to control weed growth. The Sparkle Gangs and Parish Stewards all undertake manual weed removal.

The Council uses pavement and road sweepers to manually remove weeds. The council has purchased two weed rippers this year to enhance that service.

It also uses a glyphosate-based herbicide which is increasingly associated with several forms of cancer. It has been banned or restricted in many countries including France, Denmark and The Netherlands. Many UK local authorities are seeking ways to phase out the use of glyphosate-based herbicides. Others have voted to totally phase out its use.

Proposal

This Council calls on the administration to set out a plan that will actively consider alternatives and continually consider the possibility to end the use of glyphosate-based herbicides

In accordance with the Constitution this was a recorded vote.

Votes for the motion (58)

Votes against the motion (2)

Votes in abstention (2)

Details of each vote are attached to the minutes.