Proposed decision: To delegate authority to the Public Rights of Way and Access Service Manager to award contracts for the delivery of PRoW asset maintenance and vegetation clearance work.
Maintenance of the PRoW network requires a wide variety of suppliers with the capacity and capability to deal with a variety of requirements. These can range from installation of new gates, resurfacing a pathway through to bridge installation and repair. The PRoW and Access Service wishes to establish contract arrangements providing access to an appropriate mix of suitably skilled small and medium enterprises.
How the proposed decision meets the objectives of ‘Increasing Opportunities, Improving Outcomes: A well maintained PRoW network supports “Increasing opportunities and Improving Outcomes” specifically:
· Supporting and protecting Kent’s physical and natural environment.
· Supporting the rural economy of Kent.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 12/09/2017
Decision due: Not before 11th Oct 2017 by Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services
Reason: in order that the proposed decision can be published for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services
Lead director: Barbara Cooper
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Graham Rusling, Head of Public Rights of Way & Access 03000 413449 Email: graham.rusling@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01622 696995.
Consultees
The procurement reports were presented at the Strategic Commissioning Board and agreed on 21 June 2017.
The proposed decision was considered and endorsed by the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on 21 September 2017.
Financial implications: Current spending on PRoW asset maintenance and vegetation clearance is around £1.02 m per annum, comprising £620K capital & £400k revenue. This figure may vary significantly, reflecting income from grants and external funding and fluctuations to base budget. The proposed arrangements for asset maintenance do not guarantee suppliers' work and therefore are low risk, should there be any significant change to budget. The proposed arrangements for vegetation clearance service contracts over a 5 – 7 year period require an ongoing commitment of approximately £250k per annum over the period of the contracts. Compensation may be payable should the County Council need to terminate or significantly amend the contract works.
Legal implications: The contract arrangements support the County Council in delivering its statutory obligation to maintain the Public Rights of Way network.
Equalities implications: An EQIA has been completed for this activity. The EqIA , identified a number of potential positive impacts from the commissioning and procurement exercise relating to accessibility of the PRoW network.