Losing the hundreds of potted vegetation could save the cash-strapped authority £40,000 a year.
Savings-seeking Kent County Council (KCC) is set to get rid of office plants(Image: )
Savings-seeking Kent County Council (KCC) is set to get rid of office plants in order to prune costs of running the country’s largest local authority. Losing the hundreds of potted vegetation could save the cash-strapped authority £40,000 a year.
It is one of a number of areas of spend and potential income generation being explored by the Reform UK-led council to drill down on costs. The authority also believes it can generate £1m by conducting a review of the car parks it owns.
KCC sees office greenery as a “non-essential” service and the current contract includes pruning, watering and pest control of plants across the estate.
Papers before today’s policy and resources committee stated: “Continuing the contract is no longer considered a priority. Removing plants entirely will deliver a saving of £40,000 while ensuring that resources are focused on core services.
“This change reflects a pragmatic approach to managing costs without compromising the council’s ability to provide a safe and functional working environment.”
Cllr Dean Burns, who works as a tree specialist, said the cost to look after plants was “crazy” and added: “It’s not as if we are a vineyard.”
Deputy leader Cllr Brian Collins, who is also in charge of finance, said: “I thought it was a lot of money to pay for plants and that is why it is being looked at.”
The council is also converting its chilled water supply away from bottled to plumbed supplies to staff and visitors. The cost across the estate is currently £120,000 but it is anticipated the review could cut £30,000 from the bill.
The papers said: “The proposed change will reduce reliance on bottled water and increase the use of plumbed systems where feasible, ensuring a more cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution.
“The key risks associated with this saving include the potential that some sites with older plumbing may not be suitable for plumbed water installations.
“These risks will be managed through careful site assessments and clear communication with staff to maintain confidence in the quality and availability of drinking water.”
Green Party group leader Cllr Mark Hood welcomed the reduced use of plastic bottles.
The savings are being made as part of the draft budget being set by KCC and which will be decided on next month.
KCC is also looking at its car parking arrangements which it claims may generate £1m in 2026-27 although this review is ongoing with scant detail.
The papers said: “A review of car parking provision supports the council’s wider financial strategy and ensures that resources are used responsibly. Clear communication and engagement with staff will be essential as the review progresses.”
KCC will seek instances of services operating from shared locations in order to free buildings which can then be sold on.
The papers said: “Where possible there will be some co-location of services into buildings to release others, and options for disposal will always consider alternative use for KCC initially.”
