Report of Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) to follow

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting the Grassland Management Strategy which was referred back by Council at its meeting held on 2^nd March 2023.

On consideration of the report the Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Tourism confirmed that consultation with local Councillors and residents would be an important part of the strategy.

Resolved:

1. That the Grassland Management Strategy, as set out at Appendix A to the submitted report to Cabinet held on 12^th January 2023, be approved.

2. That the areas for grassland management be identified by officers in advance and engagement be undertaken with Ward Councillors, and residents’ associations, with wider publicity, on these areas.

3. That greater City-wide publicity to change ‘minds and hearts’ and encourage a culture change be undertaken.

4. That onsite notices advising of the changes and benefits, be provided.

5. That officers continue to engage with Councillors and communities in areas proposed for grassland management regime changes.

Reasons for decision:

To allow the delivery of the Strategy and its wider action plans, with the outcome that we have a more sustainable environment in Southend-on-Sea.

Other options

Do nothing and retain the current management and maintenance standards – the impact would be that mowing regimes would not be conducive to enhancing local biodiversity.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in as the matter has already been the subject of call-in to Place Scrutiny Committee.

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

Minute No. 621 (Cabinet Book 4, Agenda Item No. 14 refers)

Called-in by Councillors Cox and Davidson

The Committee considered Minute No. 621 of Cabinet held on 12^th January 2023, which had been called-in to scrutiny, together with the report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting the Grassland Management Strategy which provides a framework for Southend-on-Sea City Council to improve the overall status and reduce losses in the diversity of pollinator species within the City.

The Committee discussed the matter in some detail and asked a number of questions that were responded to by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture & Planning and the Council’s Head of Parks and Open Spaces.  The Committee felt there were a number of anomalies in the report, particularly in respect of cost savings and the lack of consultation with Ward Councillors and Residents’ Associations regarding the identification of appropriate areas prior to any decision being taken.

Resolved:-

1. That the matter be referred back to Cabinet for reconsideration.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

Report of Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting the Grassland Management Strategy which provides a framework for Southend-on-Sea City Council to improve the overall status and reduce losses in the diversity of pollinator species within the City.

Resolved:

1. That the Grassland Management Strategy, as set out at Appendix A to the submitted report, be approved.

2. That areas for grassland management be identified by officers in advance and engagement be undertaken with Ward Councillors, and residents’ associations, with wider publicity, on these areas.

3. That greater City-wide publicity to change ‘minds and hearts’ and encourage a culture change be undertaken.

4. That onsite notices advising of the changes and benefits, be provided.

5. That officers continue to engage with Councillors and communities in areas proposed for grassland management regime changes.

Reasons for decision:

To allow the delivery of the Strategy and its wider action plans, with the outcome that we have a more sustainable environment in Southend-on-Sea and “To see pollinators thrive, so they can carry out their essential service to people of pollinating flowers and crops while providing other benefits for our native plants, the wider environment, food production and all of us.”

Other options

Do nothing and retain the current management and maintenance standards – the impact would be that mowing regimes would not be conducive to enhancing local biodiversity.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting the Grassland Management Strategy which provides a framework for Southend-on-Sea City Council to improve the overall status and reduce losses in the diversity of pollinator species within the City.

Resolved:

1. That the Grassland Management Strategy, as set out at Appendix A to the submitted report, be approved.

2. That areas for grassland management be identified by officers in advance and engagement be undertaken with Ward Councillors, and residents’ associations, with wider publicity, on these areas.

3. That greater City-wide publicity to change ‘minds and hearts’ and encourage a culture change be undertaken.

4. That onsite notices advising of the changes and benefits, be provided.

5. That officers continue to engage with Councillors and communities in areas proposed for grassland management regime changes.

Reasons for decision:

To allow the delivery of the Strategy and its wider action plans, with the outcome that we have a more sustainable environment in Southend-on-Sea and “To see pollinators thrive, so they can carry out their essential service to people of pollinating flowers and crops while providing other benefits for our native plants, the wider environment, food production and all of us.”

Other options

Do nothing and retain the current management and maintenance standards – the impact would be that mowing regimes would not be conducive to enhancing local biodiversity.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Called-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney