Decision details

That the Leader of the Council, during the Covid-19 pandemic:

1)    Authorises the suspension of all Gedling Borough Council Commercial Tree Services to domestic households.

2)    Delegates authority to the Director responsible for Parks and Street Care to approve any further restrictions to Tree Services necessary, in line with this report, excluding emergency tree works as detailed in the report.

To ensure resource can be focused on maintaining priority tree works during the Covid-19 pandemic.

To enable future decisions in respect of service provision to be made swiftly when necessary as resource level changes, so that emergency services can be maintained, without overburdening the executive.

An alternative option is for operations to continue as at present, however, as the pandemic continues, the current service will not be sustainable. Taking these measures now will enable tree teams to continue to provide some level of service and deliver some income from work for businesses and organisations until further restrictions are necessary. It will also enable emergency tree works to continue.

The Leader could decide not to delegate future decision about service restrictions to Director level, however given the rapidly moving picture in terms of resources, this will enable operational and resource decisions to be taken without overburdening the executive.