Decision - Impact of Tree Diseases

That the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee:

1)             Note the initial projected cost of £3.4 million to deal with ash dieback (of which £0.352 million relates to ash trees on housing land) over the next 5 – 10 years.

2)             Recommend to Policy & Resources Committee the allocation of an initial tranche of £0.400 million funding during the 21/22 budget setting to start tackling Ash die-back.

3)             Notes the cost pressure of £0.300 million in 20/21 for dealing with elm disease which is being managed within budget by making in- year savings.

4)             Recommends that Policy & Resources allocate £0.200 million in the budget setting for 21/22 to deal with elm disease next year.

5)             Approves the approaches being taken to tackle these two diseases.