Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether tree watering by councils should be considered an essential service during the covid-19.

We recognise the importance of green spaces and trees during these unprecedented times, particularly for people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

We would encourage local authorities to ensure that trees on council land are maintained, including watering where appropriate. However, we do of course recognise the pressures on local authorities at the current time and it is at their discretion to prioritise local resources as they see fit, whilst ensuring employees are able to follow Public Health England guidelines. ( https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19 )