Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 31, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 12.1 The Council’s existing timber harvesting contract is due to expire in Spring 2025. This report seeks approval to procure a new timber harvesting contract to ensure continued delivery of high-quality services across the woodland estate. The proposed contract, set to begin in Spring 2025, will have a duration of up to four years. This approach aims to maintain service standards while ensuring value for money and long-term sustainability in the management of the Council’s woodland assets.     12.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-   (a)  notes the contents of this report; and   (b)  approves the commissioning of up to a 4-year contract with an estimated value of up to £1m across the contract term.     12.3 Reasons for Decision     12.3.1 Due to procurement legislation and a requirement to provide a green and resilient environment in which the people of Sheffield can thrive and prosper, a tender process is required for timber harvesting contract.     12.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     12.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Do Nothing   As the current contract comes to an end, this would mean that the work could not be completed. This has commercial and ecological implications as timber loses its value impacting our budgets. In addition, the wider landscape loses the diversity of habitat and we risk our FSC accreditation as the woodlands would not be ‘actively managed’ to the required standards. This option was discounted.     12.4.2 Alternative Option 2: Deliver the service within the Parks and Countryside team   There is neither the available resources, equipment or expertise available in the existing staff team to enable provision of this work. It is deemed more efficient and cost effective to appoint specialist contractors to deliver the work and this option was therefore discounted.