151 Quarterly Service Report (QSR) PDF 937 KB
To update the Panel in respect of the latest available departmental performance as reported in the QSR for the third quarter of 2016/17 (October to December 2016) relating to Environment, Culture and Communities. An overview of the fourth quarter of 2016/17 will also be provided.
The Chairman has asked that any detailed or procedural questions arising from the QSR should be referred to the Director of Environment, Culture and Communities in advance. Only issues of strategic importance or of wider implications need then be raised at the meeting.
Minutes:
The Panel considered the latest trends, priorities and pressures in terms of departmental performance as reported in the QSR for the third quarter of 2016/17 (October to December 2016) relating to Environment, Culture and Communities. The report highlighted exceptional performance, remedial action being taken against under performance, significant changes in risk, significant customer feedback and inspections and significant changes in service use and the associated financial impact.
The Chief Officer: Environment and Public Protection highlighted a number of items from the report and gave an overview of the third quarter performance. He indicated the major variances on the revenue budget, resulting in a predicted underspend of £440k for the year. The capital budget for the current year was currently 64.6% spent, but this would rise in the fourth quarter to the extent that only a 6.3% carry forward would be necessary.
The key highlights referred to the heavy involvement of the Department in the first year of the transformation programme, with intensive work being undertaken at South Hill Park, Libraries and Leisure Services. There had been a significant increase in the number of cremations carried out. The joint Regulatory Service between West Berkshire, Wokingham and Bracknell Forest Councils had commenced on 9 January 2017 and had made a good start to operations.
Arising from answers to questions and discussion, the Panel noted:
Income from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) had been greater than expected, with a further £4-5m of CIL liabilities. The review of CIL charges was aligned with the Local Plan timetable. It could also be affected if some proposals contained in the Housing White Paper were introduced.