Issue - meetings

That the Strategic Director – Place be authorised to procure, award and enter into a contract to secure the services of tree contractors to undertake works to Winchester City Council owned and managed trees, by means of a Framework Agreement, in compliance with public procurement regulations and the Council’s constitution.

Councillor Learney introduced the report, highlighting that it would enable the tree management work to be offered to a range of firms.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillor Godfrey addressed Cabinet as summarised briefly below.

He emphasised the importance of trees for the district and also referred to the centre of excellence available at Sparsholt College.  He urged the council to take advantage of the expertise available and to ensure that work was offered to local contractors wherever possible.

Councillor Learney supported the comments made and confirmed that the ability to use local contractors was one of the purposes of the framework.

The Principal Tree Officer responded to questions regarding the proposed operation of the framework.  On behalf of Cabinet, Councillor Learney thanked him for his work and passed on their best wishes for his future retirement.

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons set out in the report and outlined above.

RESOLVED:

That the Strategic Director – Place be authorised to procure, award and enter into a contract to secure the services of tree contractors to undertake works to Winchester City Council owned and managed trees, by means of a Framework Agreement, in compliance with public procurement regulations and the Council’s constitution.