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April 2024 Special Feature Best of British
Parks and green spaces in budget cut firing line for councils A new survey on the state of local authority parks and greenspace services finds 74% are expecting budget cuts of over 5% in the coming five years, with 40% expecting cuts of over 10%. The survey, conducted annually by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), found that 78% of those surveyed said budget cuts have led to reduced maintenance and an increase in unmaintained land.
Of the local authorities surveyed: • Biodiversity continues to be identified as the main environmental priority for parks services at 91%. The second highest priority is litter control at 69%. Dog fouling has dropped from 65% in 2023 to 47% in 2024. • Just 2% expect their training budget to increase in the next 12 months. • 55% experienced a decrease
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in the frequency of grass cuts (amenity) in the last 12 months – a 26% increase since 2023 (29%). 44% of respondents said they currently have apprenticeship schemes – a 17% drop since 2022 (61%). 82% of those surveyed are reducing the amount of chemical treatment they use to eradicate weeds – a 14% increase since 2023 (68%).
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Manual removal (68%) and mechanical strimming (62%) are identified as the most popular alternative methods of removal. At 73%, there has been a slight drop in the number of councils considering ‘rewilding’ any of their parks and greenspaces – a 3% drop since 2023.
It comes after two thirds of councils surveyed by the Local Government Association warn communities will see cutbacks to local neighbourhood services this year – such as parks and leisure services – as they struggle to plug funding gaps. And the Local Government Information Unit’s 2024 State of Local Government Finance report found nearly one third of council respondents (31.9%) plan on cutting parks and leisure. Matt Ellis, APSE Principal Advisor, said: “The outsized role parks play in delivering positive health, wellbeing and climate change outcomes is well documented. Sadly, APSE’s latest survey demonstrates
the belief amongst parks professionals that service quality is in danger of deteriorating due to the ongoing pressures on budgets. There is a real need for investment in people, technology and infrastructure, particularly as visitor numbers remain high post-pandemic. “Amidst the local government funding crisis, the survey does show that local authorities are successfully introducing new and innovative ways to manage parks sustainably. Whether this be through income generation, partnerships or alternative forms of funding. However, there is a limit to how many budget gaps these innovations can plug. “Our parks and greenspaces more than demonstrated their value during the dark days of the pandemic. Further restraints on public finance, as announced by the Chancellor, seriously risk these services being hollowed out of existence and unable to respond in the future.” APSE Enquiry 1
Kubota adds to growing range of out-front mowers Kubota is broadening its FC mower range by introducing the FC3-221E, a smaller, agile and adaptable centrecollect machine ideal for various applications, including residential gardens, schools, recreational areas, as well as large-scale sports facilities. The new 2WD FC3-221E boasts superb accessibility, with a seating position that provides operators with full visibility of the mower deck, giving increased control and precision for every operation. In addition to the ergonomic design, the mower comes equipped with a
state-of-the-art digital instrument display. This advanced feature provides real-time access to vital operating information, allowing for informed decision-making and optimised performance. Engineered with precision, the mounting and positioning of the mower deck are meticulously crafted to follow the contours of the ground. The front-mounted deck configuration further adds to the performance, by generating optimal air pressure beneath the housing. This approach guarantees a smoother cut and facilitates the
seamless flow of grass cuttings to the collector turbine, which lies at the heart of the machine’s functionality. This patented design element significantly reduces the distance travelled by the cut grass, enabling rapid and efficient grass collection.
hydrostatic transmission and hydraulic system with ease. Maintenance access is a crucial aspect to ensure longevity and reliability and on the FC3221E it is prioritised. By lifting
Additionally, the FC3-221E features an expansive 600litre grass collector, meaning operators can cover significant areas before it requires emptying. The 22hp FC3-221E is powered by the efficient Kubota D902 engine, providing the necessary power and torque to drive the
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the high-tip collector and the operator platform, access to the engine compartment becomes easily reachable. Kubota UK Enquiry 2
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