Review of grass cutting

A paper going to Community Service Committee next week on 3 November, will recommend the establishment of an in-house operation that can provide Amenity Services, including grass cutting throughout the Highlands from next year.

Members of the Community Services Committee agreed on 18 August to the preparation of an options appraisal for the Council’s grass cutting services. The options looked at in-house provision, full privatisation and a mixed service. It was also agreed that grass cutting would be delivered in-house in Skye and Lochalsh.

The current cost of providing grass cutting services throughout the Highlands is £2.393 million, included in an overall Grounds Maintenance budget of £4.2 million.

The options analysis has identified that grass cutting can be delivered in-house at a similar cost and level of service as outsourcing, with improvements in productivity, working practices using improved and efficient plant and technology.

Chair of the Community Services Committee, Cllr Allan Henderson welcomed the report. He said: “I am delighted to see the outcome of this important piece of work. The desire to bring grass cutting in-house has been well supported by members and I am pleased that this can be done within the same budget and to the same standard. It has also been identified that bringing services in-house can make a significant contribution to local economies through employment and supply chains. I hope members are now able to support this recommended transformation."