Decision details

Resolved: the Committee recommended that in the options appraisal for the future of the parks service – officers should take the following issues into consideration –

·         The future management and viability of spaces for sport in parks;

·         Options for the ring fencing of the parks budget;

·         Safeguarding the employment of professionals with support from volunteers – rather than allowing volunteers to replace paid employees;

·         Biodiversity, climate change mitigation and environmental protection;

·         Management of rough sleepers;

·         The availability of officer resources to deliver the urban national park project;

·         The maintenance of specialist assets (such as built features as well as ceremonial and memorial gardens) in parks.