To authorise the spend / investment in the council / public realm assets to provide winter resilience following the council’s resolution at the councils meeting on 11 February 2022, to approve the proposed capital investment from 2022/23 to:

·       Implement the winter fleet strategy which will allow for the replacement of 8 fleet vehicles over the next 5 years,

·       Renew outdated weather stations.

·       Install flood warning system.

That:

a)    £1,402k be invested in the asset to support county winter resilience as set out below over the next 4 years:

a)    £1,160k in 8 no Winter Gritters 2022/23 through to 2026/27;

b)    £180k investment in Weather Monitoring and Forecasting Stations;

c)    £40k in Flood Warning Sensors + bases; and

d)    £22k in installation and project management costs.

b)    Delegated authority is given to the Director of Economy and Environment, in consultation with the S151 Officer to take all operational decisions to deliver the projects set out in recommendation (a).

1.             Not to invest £1,402k in infrastructure assets, this is not recommended as this would be contrary to the council’s resolution on 11 February 2022.

2.             Not to invest in winter resilience, this is not recommended. The investment continues the fleet renewal that ensures the council and its service providers can respond as needed to the challenges of severe weather.