The Lead Member for Environmental Services, Climate Change, Sustainability, Parks and Countryside introduced the report that sought a delegation to award a new contract for three years with the option to extend up to a further 2 years, for the borough wider seasonal planters, which includes Barriers, Hanging Baskets, Flower Towers and planting troughs.

Cabinet were informed that the contract was currently renewed every three years and that it was proposed to amend the current offer.  The planting mix was being updated to increase the number and type of plants that will support greater biodiversity and sustainability by 30% with the inclusion of for example ‘hairy plants’ that could attract and absorb traffic based pollutants.  The traditional planting mix would provide the remaining 70% of the contract as these were appreciated by our residents.

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Resident and Leisure Services, HR, IT, Legal, Performance Management and Windsor welcomed the report and was pleased to see traditional planting also being retained especially in our tourist areas.

Resolved unanimously that: Cabinet notes the report and:

i)          Delegate authority to the Head of Communities, in consultation with the Lead Member for Environmental Services, Climate Change, Sustainability and Culture, and the Director of Place to award a contract for three years with an option to extend up to a further two years, providing it is within the current base budget for this activity.

ii)         And delegate authority to agree the final details of the precise planting mix and specification, based upon the tender proposal returns received.