32 Quarterly Service Report (QSR) and Service Plan 2011/2012 PDF 317 KB
To consider the latest trends, priorities and
pressures in terms of departmental performance as reported in the
QSR for the second quarter of 2011/2012 (JILY to September)
relating to Environment, Culture and Communities. An overview of the third quarter will be
provided. A presentation in respect of
the Environment, Culture and Communities Department’s Service
Plan will also be given.
Please bring the
previously circulated Quarterly Service Report to the
meeting. Copies are available on
request and attached to this agenda if viewed online.
Minutes:
The Director of Environment, Culture and
Communities gave a presentation in respect of departmental
performance with reference to the Quarterly Service Report (QSR)
and Service Plan for the second quarter of 2011/2012 (July to
September). The presentation outlined
the department’s finances as at November 2011 and
highlighted:
- Major budget changes in relation to
street cleaning, Bracknell Forest Homes and additional works,
highway maintenance pothole grant, Supporting People handyman grant
and housing benefit initial claim.
- Major variances on Revenue in
relation to coroner’s service, Safer Roads Partnership,
Edgbarrow and Sandhurst Sports Centres, Coral Reef and
cemetery/crematorium income, building control, Joint Startegic
Planning Unit and concessionary fares.
- The capital programme 2011/12 was
£17055k at November 2011.
- Capital schemes now identified for
carry forwards were minor works –refurbishment, Leisure S106
schemes, Horse and Groom roundabout improvement scheme and
mortgages for low cost Home Ownership Properties. The Home Buy scheme was to be re-launched in the
next couple of weeks.
- Relating to staffing issues, the
average vacancy factor was 7.75%, staff turnover rate was 2.75% at
quarter end and the sickness rate was 1.36 FTE for the quarter
(projected to 4.51 at year end). The
Panel noted that a few years ago the annual sickness rate was 8
FTE.
- Key highlights included the new salt
barn; excellent Coral Reef attendance; South Hill Park
regeneration; nine families in bed and breakfast accommodation
(compared to a target of 3); the securing of a 14 month sentence
following a Trading Standards investigation into fraudulent trading
activities around the provision of wills; the early completion of
gas main works in Crowthorne High Street; and the fall in car
parking season ticket income. Some of
the loss had been offset by an increase in short term parking
income.
Arising from members’ questions and
comments, the following points were noted:
- A concern had been raised at the
last meeting of possible rutting on the Bagshot Road. Officers had carried out an inspection and
confirmed that this was not the case.
The Panel noted that there was a three year guarantee on the road
surface.
- The transfer of the three play areas
and the Country Park at Jennett’s Park had not yet been
completed.
- The Council was required to collect
the equalities data collected via the e+card
The Chairman thanked the Director for his
presentation.