REMITS

The Environment & Maintenance Committee

Environment

 General

To keep and develop, so far as it is able, the general environment in the Parish, built or natural, in the way parishioners wish; and to deal with all matters concerning any land or buildings owned, leased or managed by the Council.

To ensure so far as it is able that the Parish and its residents are prepared for any local civil emergency event.

To consider issues relating to traffic and highways that require immediate action as they affect or may affect the parish or any parts of it, including issues relating to the physical state and condition of roads.

To follow policies and guidance as may be adopted from time to time by Council.

To report on its business and on significant matters within its remit to Council as and when decided by Council.

 Duties 

To review and report to Council on issues relating to the design or condition of highways. To identify and report any road maintenance, signage or other requirements to the Highway Authority.

To ensure the maintenance of all footpaths by prompting landowners and the County Council to carry out their statutory duties, and by direct action where appropriate.

To ensure proper management of all land and buildings owned, leased or managed by the Council, (particularly recreation grounds, playing fields and play areas) either directly or through appropriate lessees.

To ensure all public and open spaces are protected for the general use of the Parish (in association with the Planning Committee) and make the necessary direct (or delegated) intervention to keep the maximum amount of public open space available within the Parish.

To inspect (for general and insurance purposes) all land and equipment (other than office equipment) under the management of the Parish.  To keep it in good order.

To maintain open spaces, roads and paths in a tidy state, and encourage others to do likewise.

To maintain, replace and develop where appropriate all public, street and area lighting.

To maintain and develop where appropriate play area facilities.

To put in place the necessary precautions and procedures to deal with any local civil emergency event, in proper conjunction with the relevant services and authorities.

 Authority

To deal with issues within its remit, save where major decisions are required in which case the matter should be referred to Council for its approval. "Major decisions" is incapable of precise definition, but comprehends

·         Financial impact (by reference to absolute amount, departure from budget and risk)

·         Long-term impact

·         Parish-wide impact

·         Expectation of strong public feeling

[These are matters for judgement; often to be decided by the Chairman of a committee, or sometimes that chairman and the chairman of Council – each having in mind what they think Council would want.]

To sanction small items of expenditure (up to £500 any one item), but not exceeding in aggregate £2,000 in any year, in any case subject to the expenditure being within a budget heading in that year.