REMITS

Footpaths, Boundaries & Open Spaces Sub-Committee (a Sub-Committee of the Environment Committee)

General.

To ensure that the Footpaths, Boundaries & Open Spaces in the Parish are kept open and in a suitable condition for use as prescribed.

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 the Environment Committee for further reference to Council as and when decided.

Duties

In liaison with East Sussex County Council, Wealden District Council and other authorities and bodies (such as the Ashdown Forest Conservators, The Ramblers Association, Conservation Groups, Ashdown Forest Riders Association, and so on), and with parishioners as appropriate; ensure the maintenance of Footpaths, Boundaries & Open Spaces to appropriate standards, and their development where necessary.

Authority.

To allocate funds for repairs and maintenance, subject to approval by either the Environment Committee, the Finance & Administration Committee or by Council.

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 of 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 £150 for any one item), but not exceeding in aggregate £600 in any year, in any case subject to the expenditure being within a budget heading in that year.