Issue - meetings

Performance Monitoring Report

Meeting: 07/03/2017 - Environment, Culture and Communities Overview & Scrutiny Panel (Item 151)

151 Quarterly Service Report (QSR) pdf icon 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:

  • The Crematorium was currently operating at or near capacity, but this was governed by the chapel availability.  Work had commenced on the first phase of the construction programme leading towards having a second chapel which would increase capacity further.
  • A factor affecting the current high level of cremations was the temporary closure of the Slough Crematorium. 
  • It was estimated there was currently space in the cemetery for about 10 more years of burials.  In common with practice elsewhere only double depth plots were now being sold.  The charges for burials are higher for non-residents of the Borough.
  • The new joint Regulatory Service had realised £150,000 of savings from its inception.  However, there was potential for further savings in support costs, office accommodation etc as the service became more established.  The first meeting of the Partnership Board set up to manage the service was due to be held shortly.
  • Utility Companies had to obtain a permit from the Council to close roads in the Borough.  The Council set conditions in the permit, including time limits and there was provision to impose penalties where these were overrun.

 

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.


 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk