Issue - meetings

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.

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.