Issue - meetings

a) Approved an extension of the current grounds maintenance contract with Glendale for a further five years, including an appropriate break clause to align with Local Government Reorganisation.

b) Agreed the withdrawal of glyphosate use across East Herts Council owned parks and open spaces and support the investigation and implementation of alternative weed control methods.

The Executive Member for Wellbeing presented the report on the Grounds Maintenance contract. The Executive heard that the East Herts Grounds Maintenance Contract was due to expire in December 2027. Consideration had been given to either a full retender or a contract extension and with Local Government Reorganisation approaching, an extension was deemed the most practical and cost?effective option.

It was noted that extending the contract allowed for a review of key elements, particularly the reduction and potential elimination of glyphosate use in parks and open spaces due to environmental and health concerns. However, it was noted that removing glyphosate from highway verge maintenance was deemed unfeasible. Executive heard that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had recommended negotiating a contract extension of up to five years, with a focus on phasing out glyphosate in Council?managed parks and open spaces.

The Executive Member for Wellbeing proposed the recommendations as detailed in the report. The Executive Member for Planning and Growth seconded the proposal.

Members asked for clarification on the reasons for phasing out glyphosate. Officers explained that concerns had been raised about its potential carcinogenic effects, its non?selective impact on plant life, and its long?term presence in soil. These factors, alongside the Council’s biodiversity and public health commitments, informed the move toward alternative methods.

A question was raised about whether any assets linked to the contract might be sold. Officers confirmed that some town councils had expressed interest in certain assets and the matter was under active consideration, including how any sale would interact with the contract.

Members asked about the timing of reducing glyphosate use and whether work could begin before the contract extension period. Officers confirmed that changes could start immediately as part of ongoing negotiations.

Officers were thanked for the work undertaken in reviewing the contract.

The motion to support the recommendations, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOVLED – that (A) Executive  approve (A) an extension of the current grounds maintenance contract with Glendale for a further five years, including an appropriate break clause to align with Local Government Reorganisation.

(B) agree the withdrawal of glyphosate use across East Herts Council owned parks and open spaces and support the investigation and implementation of alternative weed control methods.