A motion calling for an evidence-based review of Monmouthshire County Council’s weed management policy was debated at a meeting of Full Council, where County Councillor Tony Kear argued that decisions should be guided by facts, value for money and environmental evidence rather than ideology.

Introducing the motion, Cllr Kear said weed management is about far more than appearances. He argued that effective control is essential for public safety, accessibility, biodiversity, highway maintenance and ensuring taxpayers receive value for money.

He made clear that the proposal did not advocate a return to widespread herbicide use or criticise frontline staff. Instead, it sought an independent review of whether the current approach remains the most effective, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable.

Cllr Kear highlighted research undertaken through Freedom of Information requests, which found Monmouthshire is the only Welsh local authority not to use herbicides, including glyphosate, in its general weed management programme but does for specific purposes . He said this distinctive policy should be reviewed periodically to ensure it continues to deliver the best outcomes.

The motion proposed a review of the full costs and environmental impacts of all available weed control methods, including manual, mechanical and targeted chemical approaches where appropriate. It also called for consideration of carbon emissions, infrastructure damage, repeated maintenance requirements, biodiversity impacts and long-term financial implications.

An integrated weed management approach was recommended, similar to that used by many councils across the UK, which applies the most appropriate method for each location. This would ensure that schools, playgrounds, parks and environmentally sensitive areas receive appropriate protection.

The review would also have included consultation with residents, community councils, environmental organisations and frontline operational staff, alongside a full cost-benefit analysis and potential pilot schemes before any wider policy changes.

Cllr Kear has previously secured a full review of Monmouthshire County Council’s approach to potholes and highway repairs, arguing that all major frontline services should be regularly scrutinised to ensure they remain effective and deliver value for money.

However, following an often-heated 90-minute debate, the Labour/Green coalition administration voted against the motion, rejecting proposals for any formal review of the council’s current weed management methodology.

Following the meeting, Cllr Kear said: “It is right that, as elected members and as the opposition, we challenge the way Monmouthshire County Council delivers services in a factual, evidence-based manner to ensure taxpayers receive the best possible value for money. No administration should hide from scrutiny or reject the opportunity to review policy based on ideology alone. Our residents deserve better.”

Although the motion was defeated, Cllr Kear said he would continue to press for evidence-led decision making and greater scrutiny of council policies to ensure residents receive the highest standards of service and best value from public funds.

The wording of the motion was also criticised as Labour’s Ben Callard said it appeared to suggest schools and parks should be identified as pilot areas for herbicide use adding he didn’t think Cllr Kear intended that.

The motion was defeated with 23 councillors voting to reject it and 21 in favour of holding the review.