Leicester Tree Strategy Review

Annual review of budget allocation and income forecast.

P&OS

In addition to a small revenue budget the T&W team have a £500k capital budget for the sanitisation works at Western Park and the treatment of Ash Die Back during 2021/22 and 2022/23.

Salaries budget reduction due to centralisation of employee insurance costs in 2020/21

All vehicle and plant expenditure budget held centrally by Fleet; annual budget £226K

Certificates of competence and CPD for all staff.

T&W

100% of operative’s have achieved the required certificate of competence for the range of tasks undertaken.

2021/22 – 117 refresher & technical training undertaken.

The majority of operative training is a legal requirement as nearly every function requires certification, leading to some operatives holding as many as 50 certificates, many of which require regular refreshment, e.g. climbing at height, use of chain saw, pesticides use etc.

All staff training and competency is reviewed as part of the quality conversations.

Infrastructure in place to support T&W team in service delivery.

T&W

Health and safety audit identified pressures on Beaumont Park Depot capacity, identified opportunities to relocate part of service to reduce pressure on available space.

Beaumont Park Depot will lose the storage compound area to the Beaumont Leys park and ride site. A suitable replacement site is being sought.

Ongoing replacement programme of chippers and chainsaw equipment.

Ezytreev software system in place to manage tree stock.

Accreditation to the Arboricultural Association as an approved contractor.

T&W

The Arb Approved Contractor programme is the only comprehensive accreditation scheme for Tree Surgery businesses in the UK. Every approved contractor has been thoroughly assessed and found to carry out tree work to the highest standard. Assuring customers of good quality tree care undertaken safely and efficiently.

T&W team successfully passed the 2-day assessment by the Arboricultural Association in October 2021.

Leicester City Council is one of only two LA to hold the AA accreditation in the country.

Awareness and understanding of the Tree Strategy within departments and with core clients.

Marketing & Comms

Tree Strategy marketed with clients and council divisions, including Members.

The document is available of the LCC website.

Directing officers to online documents and reiterating policy on replacement planting and tree policy management guide.