Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following matters:
Cabinet
Board Proposals
5.1 Japanese Knotweed Management and
Treatment Service
The Committee received information in relation to a
Japanese Knotweed Management and Treatment Service as contained within the
circulated report.
The Committee were made aware that within appendix 1 of the report, reference to the
management plan costs on page 3 and 5 should be £120 (which includes
VAT) not £100 as shown in the report.
Members asked if it was the intention to grow the
service into a business and maximise the potential income generation. It was
explained that the model being proposed is based on a cost recovery model. If the
service was successful it could be expanded if it was feasible to do so.
Members raised concern about those who would be
unable to afford the service. It was explained that the service is designed to
be affordable and the costs are felt to be reasonable and based on cost
recovery. Members were pleased to note that there was an option for staged payments
to make the service more affordable.
A discussion was held on the different services
available in the private sector at different costs and Members asked if more
information on the comparison that had been conducted among commercial
operators be circulated to them via email.
The Committee asked if other Council’s policies had
been reviewed. Swansea Council was used as an example, however Members noted
that the service provided in Swansea is a different model whereby the quotes
are given on an individual basis.
Further information was sought on the breakdown of
the costs and it was explained that all elements such as officer time, treatment
and accommodation costs have been carefully considered.
Members asked if a 5 year plan was mandatory and if
it could be opted out of at any time. It was explained that while every case
would be carefully monitored it would be the home owner’s decision to opt out
at any time. An early opt out however may affect the effectiveness of the
management and treatment plan.
The Committee asked for assurances that offering
this new service wouldn’t have a detrimental impact on existing Council
Services. It was explained that this service would utilise different personnel
and resources and would be regularly reviewed to ensure existing services are
not adversely affected.
Members noted that the Council would be in a
position to decline to service an area if it was felt it could not be treated
successfully.
A discussion was held on Network Rail and the Civil
Action that is available to home owners should they want to pursue any action
against them. It was noted that this was not in the remit of this report as the
proposals are for the provision of a paid for service to manage and treat
Japanese Knotweed and is not an enforcement function.
Members were pleased to note that the
Communications Team would be engaged to launch and promote the new scheme.
Members looked forward to receiving annual updates on
the Service on progress and case studies.
Following scrutiny the Committee were supportive of
the proposal to be considered at Cabinet Board.