Bath & North East Somerset Council

MEETING:

Council Executive

AGENDA
ITEM
NUMBER

MEETING DATE:

1^st October 2003

TITLE:

Environment Four-monthly Performance Report

WARD:

All

AN OPEN PUBLIC ITEM

List of attachments to this report:

Appendix 1 The Four-Monthly Environment Performance Report dated 8^th September 2003

Contact person

Clive Thomas, Strategic Director (Economic & Environmental Development)

Background papers

none

Date

8 September 2003

Reporting Area

Environment

Lead Director

Clive Thomas

1. Progress / Issue Reporting

Progress Made

Issues to be addressed

Who

By When

Leadership

Updates on previous report

· Planning Best Value Review - Action Plan agreed by Steering Group and Overview and Scrutiny. To be reported to relevant portfolio holders in September.

· The election and subsequent timescales in formalising political decision making has slightly delayed the process

DD/FH

September

· Training for new Planning Committee Members.

· Three training sessions held since the election. A future programme being drawn up.

DD/EF

September

· Open Planning Forum (private sector) still happening on regular basis.

· Forum updated regarding as potential for future Area Committee arrangements.

DD

On-going

· Regular liaison meetings with Property Services still happening.

· Resulted in better relationship between Services and resultant effectiveness of consultative liaison.

DD/EF

On-going

· Meeting and workshop held with national agents to discuss procurement issues.

· The production of framework agreements within the Best Value Action Plan (to help quick procurement of resources).

DD

November

· Gull egg oiling initiative

· Successful `season' building on 2002 progress.

EP Manager

Done

· Tourism Company near completion

· Service Level Agreement to be finalised

Bill Cotton

End Sep 03

· Chief Executive & Marketing Manager appointed

· DEFRA funded projects:

· Funding for plastics expansion to be included in the financial planning process

RR

Late Sept

· Bulky Waste & WEEE: Retail outlet at Ham Gardens progressing well from April 2003

· Viability after March 2003 for SOFA staff funding

KH

Late Oct

Waste Best Value Review Action Plan incorporated into Business Plan & final version produced June 03.

· Implementation of Business Plan actions

RR

Ongoing

· Pioneering Rethink Rubbish campaign continuing with extensive advertising and programme of events.

· LTCS funding ends March 2004. Alternative Defra funding to be pursued (awaiting notification of WRAP funding programme)

KH

Late Oct

· Car Clear project - will continue within existing budget constraints.

· Year 2 funding from Police & Fire Authorities not available, but ODPM has funded police coordination post. Council continuing with scheme within existing budgets.

KH

Late Oct

· Environment Park - External Advice on procurement contract documentation and strategic partner agreement - contracts placed with specialist consultants

· Ensure key milestones are met

RR

Ongoing

March 2004

· Environment Park - Environmental Impact Scoping brief lodged with Planning Authority

Done

· Railtrack unable to undertake feasibility study on the construction of the underline bridge required for Environment Park site access.

· Specialist consultant appointed on advice of Network Rail

· Ensure proposed rail occupation for construction matches development critical path.

RR

Late Sept

· Regional Development Agency responded listing potential funding initiatives

· Economic Development taking the lead.

DW

Late Sept

Leadership

· Way forward agreed with a view to increasing liaison with Business Community.

· To address the key stakeholder views which have come out of the Best Value Review.

DD

December

· Radical proposals for D.C. structure out for consultation, together with flexibility and costings if increased number of committees for planning.

· Structure to meet challenges of new planning system and issues raised through Best Value Review.

DD

On-going

· Scanning and back scanning projects identified through the PARIS partnership as high priority.

· Essential for the Planning Service to develop and achieve e-gov. targets.

DD

On-going

· Building Design Award Scheme - winners entered in national competition

· Bellway Homes win house builders category

BC Manager

Done

· Chartermark for CCTV

· Achievement (1^st in Country)

SMLC Manager

Done

· Community Support Network newsletter used by DTI as exemplar.

· Maintain quality and support other LAs seeking to develop

FTS Manager

Ongoing

· Rural renaissance bid being prepared on behalf of sub region

· Ensure cross-authority support

Bill Cotton

End Apr 04

People

Updates on previous report

· Recycling Officer in post from 28^th April 2003

On-going prioritisation of workload

KH

Ongoing

· Project Manager for Green Waste & Cardboard in post from 19th May. Admin to be covered from within DS Admin Team

On-going prioritisation of workload

KH

Ongoing

· Manager on maternity leave from June 2003 - cover appointed & resources reallocated

Resources for expanding workloads

RR

Ongoing

Review progress during probation period

RR

Ongoing

People

New items

· Revision of ECS Health and Safety Manual

· Completion of risk assessment reviews

HoS

September 2003

· Pest Control service relocation from Bath to Radstock Road Depot

· Logistical - service delivery focus in Bath area

EP Manager

Ongoing

· Training Services staff review underway

· Recruitment of key new management post

Joy Townley

End Oct

· Secondment of 2 SED staff to Norton Radstock Regeneration Company

Partnership & Resources

· Agreement with police on operational resource for ANPR using CCTV network

· Contract signing

SMLC Manager

November 2003

Policy and Strategy

Updates on previous report

· The Local Plan now agreed by Council for 2nd Deposit consultation.

· This will help achieve robustness of planning decisions.

DD/VT

July

· Advice received to indicate that it is essential to progress Local Plan to Inquiry.

· Important for public perception of plan process and to properly test key policies.

DD/VT

May 2004

· World Heritage Site Management Plan agreed by Executive.

· Funding required for implementation issues.

VT

November

· Western Riverside SPG approved by Full Council.

· A key stage in ensuring a sustainable comprehensive high quality development for this area.

VT

July

· Landscape character appraisal now published and on website.

· Essential background information embodied in Local Plan to aid proper decision making.

VT

May

· High profile Zero Waste consultant appointed.

· Council Executive approval key timetable dates

RR

Early September

· Public Service Agreements approved August 2003

· Ensure funding committed within approved timescale.

RR

Ongoing

Policy and Strategy

· Officer engagement in the community strategy to ensure linkage between evolving issues and Land Use Planning.

· Essential for the linkages to be made as the Local Plan is a key vehicle for enabling implementation.

VT

On-going

· Officer engagement in Customer Access Programme.

· Important to ensure Service objectives enabled and not prejudiced by corporate programme.

DD

On-going

· Licensing Act - major changes to alcohol and entertainment licensing

· Licensing Forum leading to establishment of Licensing Policy

EML Manager

January 2004

· Bath Community Partnership Delivery Plan agreed by RDA and Council

· Ensuring projects are developed & delivered

Bill Cotton

End March 04

Resources

Update on previous report

· Planning Workload fund still being fully used as a result of highest ever number of applications being submitted.

· Important to try and ensure a supply of alternative arrangements to cope with high workload and leavers.

DD

On-going

· Long term sickness problems reported previously with the enforcement service should shortly be resolved.

· This has impacted on overall performance of the D.C. Services.

DD

September

· The planning delivery grant awarded is being invested in I.T. support systems - the projects identified through the PARIS Partnership.

Investment required to improve customer satisfaction and Service delivery issues. Early consideration by Business Improvement Process critical.

DD

March 2004

Partnership and Resources

New Items

· The Wildthings Partnership has been successful in a bid relating to a Batscape Project. This has procured £167,000 for an investment of under £10,000.

· This represents real value for money and the project should ultimately aid policy development and the decision making process.

DD

May

Processes

Update on previous report

· New Planning Services delegation scheme has now been implemented (beginning of May) with a view to moving towards government targets.

· This is important to help improve performance, and reduce the workload of committees.

DD

May

· The Delivery Contract proposed continues to be used.

· Essential to counter criticism of failure to deal with some major applications within 13 weeks.

DD

May

· Enforcement Policy now on website and being implemented.

· Vital to achieve prioritisation of issues and help manage workloads.

DD/EF

May

· New Code of Conduct for Planning Members not yet adopted by Full Council.

· Essential with regards to probity, transparency and perception of democratic process by the public.

DD

July

· Development Control Charter now approved - soon to be put on website.

· Sets standards of service delivery for the public.

DD

July

· Licensing Committee member training provided in June.

· Further training session in September

HoS

September 2003

Process

New Items

· New Planning filing system developed by Staff Group to aid data retrieval and provide platform for integration with new software.

· Essential to ensure total harmonisation of process and procedures and to reduce inefficiencies in data retrieval.

HS

September

· Audit of Development Control Process carried out by Internal Audit and Actions agreed.

· The processes in place were previously found to be sound. A few minor adjustments relating to ordering etc. agreed and other issues picked up in Best Value Review.

DD/EF

June

· Designing Out Crime protocol being developed in partnership with the Police.

· This document details a protocol between the Local Authority and the Police with regards to consultation and issues to be considered at the application stage.

DD/EF

September

· Illegal encampment at former Clarks factory site

· Joint action with police to secure removal

EP Manager

Done

· Health and Safety enforcement programme

· Build on two successful prosecutions

EP Manager

Ongoing

· Prosecution of illegal street traders (9 in first quarter)

· Continue with formal action

EML Manager

Ongoing

Performance Targets

Planning

EN&CS

S&ED

Waste

PALS

TOTAL

%

RED

2

0

0

0

0

2

3.5%

AMBER

1

2

4

6

0

13

22%

GREEN

9

4

4

17

2

36

61%

NOT KNOWN

6

0

2

0

0

8

13.5%

TOTAL

15

6

10

23

2

59

100

Ref No

Indicator

Best 25% of all English Councils

01/02

01/02 actual

02/03 actual

03/04 target

03/04 estimated outturn

Status

Comment

82a

% of household waste recycled

11

18

20

22

21

Amber

82 a, b, d: Forecasts based on 1^st Qtr and previous year's seasonality

82b

% household waste composted

5

5

6

11

9

Amber

· Full impact of Garden Waste & Cardboard scheme &

· PSA initiatives at HWRCs to take effect

82c

% household waste used to recover heat, power and other energy

0

0

0

0

0

Green

82d

% household waste landfilled

79

77

74

67

70

Amber

Forecasts based on 1^st Qtr and previous year's seasonality

84

Kg of household waste collected per head

487

492

500

500

490

Green

Forecasts based on 1^st Qtr and previous year's seasonality

86

Cost of waste collection per household

(cost has risen because we now include the cost of recycling)

27.61

35.17

40.02

43.30

43.30

Green

2002/03 figure amended to actual

2003/04 target revised to include recycling collection costs

87

Cost of waste disposal per tonne

28.97

49.95

46.97

52.90

51.19

Green

2002/03 figure amended to actual

88

Number of household waste collections missed per 100,000

25

211

161

130

106

Green

Local 88

Number of missed bins collected by the end of the next working day

N/a

87

90.07

89

91.6%

Green

89

% of people satisfied with cleanliness standards

71

N/a

Not measured

71

N/a

Green

Voicebox surveys- to be arranged

199a (new)

% of land that is assessed as being clean

N/a

N/a

10

10

42

Amber

199 a - d: Queries to be resolved over operation of National Database

199b (new)

% of land that is assessed as having light litter

N/a

N/a

75

75

44

Green

199 a - d: Queries to be resolved over operation of National Database

199c (new)

% of land that is assessed as having significant litter

N/a

N/a

10

10

11

Amber

199 a - d: Queries to be resolved over operation of National Database

199d (new)

% of land that is assessed as having heavy litter

N/a

N/a

5

5

3

Green

199 a - d: Queries to be resolved over operation of National Database

Local 1

Street Cleanliness standards (Tidy Britain Group's CIMS index)

N/a

N/a

71

72

See comment

Green

Annual survey - October/November

90a

% expressing satisfaction with - household refuse collection facilities

90

N/a

Not measured

90

See Comment

Green

90 a -c: Voicebox surveys to be arranged

90b

% expressing satisfaction with recycling facilities

73

N/a

Not measured

77

See comment

Green

90 a -c: Voicebox surveys to be arranged

90c

% expressing satisfaction with household waste & recycling centres

77

N/a

Not measured

77

See Comment

Green

90 a -c: Voicebox surveys to be arranged

91

% served by a kerbside collection of recyclables or within 1 kilometre of a recycling centre

100

100

100

100

100

Green

Local 87

Average time taken to remove fly-tips (days)

N/a

1.52

3.41

2.00

1.75

Green

180a(i) (new)

Energy consumption of Council properties - electricity

N/a

N/a

101

100

100

Green

No indication that target will not be hit

180a(ii) (new)

Energy consumption of Council properties - fossil fuels

N/a

N/a

96

95

95

Green

No indication that target will not be hit

166a

Score against a checklist of enforcement best for environmental health

76

70

90

90

90

Green

166b

Score against a checklist of enforcement best for trading standards

85

70

89

90

90

Green

Local 6

% of environmental health, trading standards and licensing customers rating service as good, very good or excellent

N/a

N/a

92

92

92

Green

Local 7

% of Building Regulations Applications appraised within 3 weeks

N/a

N/a

92

94

90

Amber

Unlikely to recover form combination of staff shortage and unprecedented service demand in first quarter

Local 12

Long term unemployment as a percentage of total unemployment

N/a

N/a

8

8

7

Green

Result of low levels of unemployment & Job Centre Plus initiatives

Local 13

Reduction in the level of unemployment in key wards

N/a

4

4.1

3.3

4

Amber

Total unemployment in target wards has reduced on a monthly basis since February 2003. But seasonal trends may affect eventual outturn.

Local 14

Numbers of existing businesses advised

N/a

N/a

380

370

400

Green

Local 15

Number of potential new businesses provided with training

N/a

New

248

180

175

Amber

Venues of Training to be reviewed to increase attendances from B&NES businesses

Local 17

Average annual room occupancy in hotels and guest houses

N/a

N/a

63.5

57

NK

NK

No data yet available. Collection of stats is outside our control and produced in arrears.

Local 18

Average length of stay in hotels and guest houses (nights)

N/a

N/a

2

1.9

N/K

NK

No data yet available. Collection of stats is outside our control and produced in 3 months arrears.

Local 19

Tourism web-site users ('000s)

N/a

New

272

300

272

Amber

200a (new)

Do we have a local plan that has been adopted in the last 5 years?

N/a

New

No

No

No

Red

The Local Plan is subject to a clear programme which has been agreed with GOSW. GOSW require this Authority to carry on with the current Plan.

200b (new)

If No, are there proposals to publish within 3 years?

N/a

New

Yes

Yes

Yes

Green

The Local Plan should be adopted in the year 05/06

106

% of new homes built on previously developed land

91

70

74

55

Too early to estimate

NK

There is only a finite amount of brown-field sites and the targets are contained in the Local Plan based on the Urban Capacity Study.

107

Planning cost per head of population (£)

7.3

17.14

17.63 (e)

17.63

Too early to estimate

NK

The target has previously been to reduce costs. However, the Government are awarding more money to planning authorities, and the expectations are that the figure will rise.

Local 56

Planning cost per application (£)

£701

(Average)

731

638

683

Too early to estimate

NK

See above.

109a (new)

% of planning applications determined within Govt. targets - % within 13 weeks - major developments

N/a

27

33

35

30%

Red

The Government have been informed by the Council of the difficulties of achieving targets in this category.

109b (new)

% of planning applications determined within Govt. targets - % within 8 weeks - minor developments

N/a

55

58

59

60%

Green

109c (new)

% of planning applications determined within Govt. targets - % within 8 weeks - other developments

N/a

66

68

70

70%

Green

Local 57

% of applications determined within 8 weeks

73

63

65

68

68%

Green

Local 59

% of appeals dismissed

N/a

68

58

65

65%

Green

111

% of applicants and those commenting on planning applications satisfied with the service received

N/a

65

81

82

No data

NK

National survey to be carried out in the Autumn.

188

% of decisions delegated to officers

N/a

78

79

90

84%

NK

It is probably too early to see full impact of new delegation scheme. The 84% relates to May-July.

Local 58

% of delegated applications determined within 8 weeks

N/a

63

77

78

76%

Amber

112

% score against a checklist of planning best practice

70

80

8 0

80

80%

Green

Local 70

% applications of works to trees in conservation areas dealt with within 6 weeks

N/a

85

87

80

82%

Green

Local 71

% of applications for works to trees and woodlands covered by Tree Preservation Orders dealt with within 8 weeks

N/a

85

88

80

82%

Green

Local 72

% of approved applications subject to negotiations and added value

N/a

N/a

35

36

Too early to estimate

NK

179

% of standard searches carried out in 10 working days

100

100

100

100

100

Green

QL5

Develop proposals for an Environment Park to strive to move towards our zero waste aspirations and meet ambitious recycling targets

Do It

Green

Adjustments to Master Plan under consideration. Long term project.

HS4

Develop a Consumer Network in partnership with other councils and consumer groups

Do It

Amber

Potential partners proceeding slower than expected.

EC2

Produce a Keynsham Town Centre Action Plan with includes events and environmental improvements in partnership with Keynsham Town Council

Do It

Done

Green

EC3

Complete an employment land study, influence preparation of the local plan, promote appropriate premises for business and improve the property database

Do It

Done

Green

Findings of Study used to draw up revised employment land policies for 2^nd draft deposit Local Plan

EC4

Improve public conveniences in Bath City Centre

Do It

Green

Three Phase Plan being prepared. Automatic Toilet Programme through PSA funding.

EC5

Produce a corporate Sustainability Action Plan

Do It

Amber

Draft Action Plan is going through the O&S process

EC6

Through the Planning Services Best Value Review investigate and implement improved engagement with the Business Community

Do It

Green

This is being progressed through the Open Planning Forum and also in partnership with Officers in SEDS. New information leaflets are being produced to help the business community understand the planning process

Service Area

% of staff from BME communities

% of staff considering themselves disabled

Comment

Actual

Target

Actual

Target

Planning Services

0%

3% by 2008

5.6%

Remain at above 5%

The limited turnover of staff impacts on the ability to achieve the corporate targets set regarding BME communities. The Service is working with Human Resources to examine the recruitment process to maximise the potential of reaching all communities.

Environmental & Consumer Services

2.4%

2.4%

1.2%

1.2%

The limited turnover of staff impacts on the ability to achieve the corporate targets set. The service is working with Human Resources to examine the recruitment process to maximise the potential of reaching all communities.

Sustainability & Economic Development

3.8

Maintain current level

3.8

To achieve 5% by 2005

Waste Services

0

To achieve 1% by 2005

0

To achieve 1% by 2005

The limited turnover and number of staff impacts on the ability to achieve the corporate targets set. The service is working with Human Resources to examine the recruitment process to maximise the potential of reaching all communities.