Issue - meetings

Report ES2006

The report summarised the performance of the Parks, Countryside and Greenspace Management contract held by Idverde.  In opening the discussion, the Chairman noted that Members were happy with the general performance of the contract.

Idverde’s Strategy Development Manager explained that, where possible, Idverde employed local contractors and the majority of staff working on the Bromley contract were from the Borough.

In response to a question concerning whether it was realistic for Idverde to be carbon neutral in line with the Council’s target of 2029, the Strategy Development Manager reported that Idverde UK had recently appointed to its Board, a Director of Sustainability and Carbon Reduction.  Some electrical equipment and electric vehicles had been introduced to the estate and with fast moving technologies it was likely that there would be further innovations which could support carbon reduction in future years.

The Committee discussed the charges that were levied for the use of Idverde parks, noting that there was a three tier charging structure. The charges that were levied to small local charities covered the costs of administering events.

The Strategy Development Manager confirmed that Idverde considered that it was well placed and well equipped to meet the challenges of what the Committee described as “the busy season”. Lessons had been learnt from the previous year and security had be improved at the depot to minimise the risk of essential and high value equipment being stolen.

In relation to anti-social behaviour in parks, the Neighbourhood Manager reported that Officers were actively working to address instances of anti-social behaviour and options such as increased lighting in car parks were being considered. Officers were also investigating the possibility of procuring motorcycle inhibitors to address instances of anti-social behaviour involving motorcycles and quad bikes, however the cost of the inhibitors was an important factor to consider.  The Neighbourhood Manager confirmed that synergy meetings were held with key partners such as Ward Security and the police four times a year.  In addition, Friends Groups and Community Managers also supported efforts to reduce instances of anti-social behaviour.

The Neighbourhood Manager confirmed that Neighbourhood Officers had been provided with the contract and should therefore be in a good position to monitor performance.  Performance monitoring sheets were also available and Neighbourhood Officers had access to the scoring system.

Neighbourhood Officers were also being actively encouraged to get to know their local ward councillors.  It was agreed that following the meeting, consideration would be given to making the performance monitoring sheets available to local councillors for information.

The Chairman thanked the representatives from Idverde for attending the meeting.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.