I write regarding Wokingham borough's use of glyphosate-based herbicides, about which I would like to know more.

1. Which glyphosate-based herbicides[1] are currently used by or on behalf of the Council and/or on land owned by, managed by, or under the control of, the Council?
Monsanto Amenity Glyphosate XL.

2. For the most recent 12-month period for which information is available, please could you tell me the amount and brand of each glyphosate-based herbicide in question, as well as the size of the area over which they were used.
We do not have a record of this information as weeds are spot sprayed across the highway network.

3. Please could you explain the basis for (i) the Council’s choice of particular product(s), and (ii) the Council’s decision to use glyphosate-based herbicides rather than alternative methods. Please could you provide me with copies of any policy or other document which informs that decision-making.
i. This product is commonly used and is a cost effective weed control solution.
ii. Glyphosate is cost effective and efficient method to use on the areas requiring weed control in the borough.

4. I understand that, if the Council uses, or instructs other to use, plant protection products (including glyphosate-based herbicides) then the Council is required by law[2] to ensure that[3]:
• all reasonable precautions are taken to protect human health and the environment;
• the application of the plant protection product is confined to the crop, land, produce, buildings, contents of buildings, materials or other areas intended to be treated;
• and when the product is used in places of heightened concern (which includes, among others, areas used by the public or vulnerable groups[4], areas in the close vicinity of healthcare facilities, and on or along roads, railway lines, very permeable surfaces, or other infrastructure close to surface water or groundwater) that the amount used and the frequency of use are as low as reasonably practicable.
Please see included file outlining the method statement for weed spraying.

5. Please explain how the Council ensures that it complies with the requirements set out above in paragraph 4, particularly in terms of operational decision-making by the Council?
When carrying out weed spraying our contractors will not carry out spraying when it is raining or windy to help prevent the unnecessary spread of herbicides. Only spot spraying is carried out to reduce the amount of glyphosate used. Suitably trained and qualified contractors undertaking weed spraying to ensure works carried out are safe and effective. Please also see attached file for method statement.

6. Please provide me with copies of any policy or other document which informs the Council’s decision-making in relation to compliance with the legal requirements set out in paragraph 4 above. Please also provide copies of evidence of the Council’s decision-making over the past 12 months relating to the records of decisions taken to ensure the amount of plant protection products used and the frequency of use are as low as reasonably practicable.
Please see included file outlining the method statement for weed spraying.

[1] Defined to include products containing glyphosate
[2] Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012, Regulation 10
[3] Regulation 10(1)
[4] Defined to include “persons needing specific consideration when assessing the acute and chronic health effects of plant protection products. These include pregnant and nursing women, the unborn, infants and children, the elderly and workers and residents subject to high pesticide exposure over the long term”.