Decision details

The Director of Environment, Culture and Communities gave a presentation in respect of departmental performance with reference to the Performance Monitoring Report (PMR) for the 4^th quarter of 2009/10 ending 31 March 2010. The presentation outlined the Department’s revenue and finances as at March 2010. Staffing, key highlights, fees and  charges and the forward look were also included.

It was reported that there was a £409,000 change in the Gross Revenue Budget. The Net Revenue Budget was £35,939,000 with major variances totalling £827,000 which included; the extra cost of the severe weather conditions experienced in January 2010, lower than expected waste payment fees, a change from revenue to capital of planned and highway maintenance revenue and building control and land charge ringfenced accounts operating at a surplus which was higher than predicted.

Capital finance as at March 2010 was £11,642.30 with an anticipated spend of 58.74%. Capital schemes identified for carry forwards included:

• South Hill Park Restoration Project
• Building maintenance
• Programme of Leisure S106 schemes (budget only)
• SPA Mitigation Strategy
• Help to Buy a Home (Enabling more affordable Housing)
• Bridge strengthening

The average vacancy factor for the Department was low at 11.60%; overall vacancies had increased by 16 in the quarter with Leisure and Culture accounting for 11 of the vacancies. The Panel noted that recruitment of some posts had been delayed by up to a month to contribute towards savings for the Department. Staff turnover was at 2.20% for the quarter which was lower than for the same period in 2009/10. Staff sickness for the quarter was 1.66 days which was lower than for the same period in 2009/10 and reflected active management. The Director noted that the amount this equated to in monetary terms would be reported at the next Panel meeting in October 2010.

It was reported that the Director had exercised his delegated authority in making a number of mid year changes to Fees and Charges which were:

·         An increase in the cost of a Senior Persons Rails card from £6.00 to £6.90

·         A reduction in the disabled railcard from £3.70 to £3.40

·         A skip operator license fee charge of £60 to cover the administration costs of operating checks

·         Changes in pre application charges;

o        a reduction in the cost of 1 dwelling from £260 to £130

o        reduction in up to 40sq m commercial miscellaneous from £260 to £50

o        reduction in 41sq m – 250 sq m commercial from £360 - £160

The Director highlighted key areas in the Department’s forward look. It was noted that the Department was experiencing a period of change as a result of the new Government which included announcements for planning and further in-year savings amounting to £300,000 of Capital expenditure. The Housing and Planning Delivery Grant and the Supporting People Administration Grant amounting to £258,000 would no longer be received. The Panel noted that judging of Bracknell in Bloom would take place on 13 July. A mapping exercise of planning was underway to allow a root and branch assessment of the service.

Arising from Members’ questions and comments the following points were noted:

• Officers across the council had made exceptional efforts to cope with the effects of the severe winter weather.
• The cost for refurbishment of Edgbarrow Sports Centre was covered by insurance. The insurance also covered loss of revenue incurred during the period the centre was closed.
• The Council’s mortgage scheme for shared ownership was launched in June. 1 application had been received to date.
• There was no cap relating to the value of a home for the mortgage scheme, however there was a minimum and maximum % of ownership shares allowed by an individual applying for the scheme.
• Forest care was still working on the upgrade to PNC6 which would be completed in the quarter. PNC6 referred to the version of the Tunstall Lifeline Monitoring system which was used. 

The Panel congratulated officers and the Director on their successful work undertaken across a wide array of functions.