Agenda item

The Director of Open Spaces to be heard.

Members received a verbal update from the Director of Open Spaces concerning Brexit planning.

Members were advised that the City Corporation had three priorities: 1) to represent and promote the best interests of the City; 2) to continue to deliver its statutory duties and 3) to ensure the continued success of the organisation.

The Director of Open Spaces confirmed that the City Corporation was carrying out significant work on an operational and departmental level in preparation for Brexit. With regards to the Open Spaces Department, work was ongoing with DEFRA to ensure a continuance of working across the Corporation’s Open Spaces and safeguarding EU grants that were previously agreed.

In response to a query concerning potential delays in equipment, materials, spaces, etc, caused by no-deal Brexit, Members were advised that there were weekly Chief Officer meetings which included discussions regarding supply lines, vehicles, fuel supply, etc, and there had been fundamental preparation and emergency planning to cover all eventualities of Brexit. It was noted that it was difficult to prepare for something that was uncertain.