Decision details

2025/26 Capital Investment in Managing Ash Dieback in Herefordshire

Decision Maker: Corporate Director – Economy & Environment

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To authorise the spend/ investment in a programme of work in 2025/26 to help ensure the safety of the public by mitigating the Ash Dieback risk in Herefordshire. This decision follows the Council’s resolution at the Full Council meeting of 10 February 2023 to approve the Capital Programme for 2023/24 through to 2026/27.

Decision:

That:

 

a) The Capital Investment of £367k in 2025/26 be drawn down for the mitigation of Ash Dieback risk in Herefordshire, removing trees where required.

 

b) Authority be delegated to Delivery Director – Infrastructure to expend the funding and take all operational decisions in delivering recommendation (a) including authorising the procurement of services and award of any associated contracts

Alternative options considered:

Not to invest in removing the diseased trees in the county, this has been discounted as the evidence from ongoing surveys have highlighted the issue. The funding is required to ensure the tree stock on the highway networks remain healthy. Enhancing public safety and mitigating risk where and when necessary, will ensure safety for all users of the road network.

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Contact: Bijoy Ali, Project Manager Email: Bijoy.Ali2@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432 260956.

Publication date: 20/01/2025

Date of decision: 20/01/2025

Effective from: 25/01/2025

Accompanying Documents: