Agenda item

Executive Director Environment to be heard.

Members received a verbal update from the Executive Director of Environment on the following points:

a)    Members were informed that the Resource Allocation Sub Committee and the Finance Committee were conducting a review of all projects across the organisation and that Officers from City Gardens have assisted with this review in relation to Finsbury Circus. An update on the review will be provided at a future meeting.

b)    In relation to memorialisation, Members were informed that the Committee would receive a report reviewing best practice within the Square Mile.

c)     A Member provided an update on his meetings with the Church regarding an NHS memorial. It was noted that a design for the memorial was close to being agreed, funding was in place and a future meeting with the Church had been scheduled.

d)    Members were informed of the work of the City Garden’s staff throughout the national period of mourning for the queen.

e)    In relation to the drought, Members were informed that water restrictions remained in place and that these were likely to continue until Spring 2023. It was noted that the climate resilient garden had responded well during the drought.

f)      Members were updated on the tree planting scheme in the City.

Members thanked the City Garden’s staff and volunteers for their assistance during the national period of mourning and in addressing the drought.