Agenda item

To consider the latest trends, priorities and pressures in terms of departmental performance as reported in the QSR for the second quarter of 2012/13 (July to September) relating to Environment, Culture and Communities. An overview of the third quarter of 2012/13 will also be provided.

Please bring the previously circulated Quarterly Service Report to the meeting.  The QSR is attached to this agenda if viewed online.

The Panel considered the latest trends, priorities and pressures in terms of departmental performance as reported in the Quarterly Service Report (QSR) for the second quarter of 2012/13 (July to September) relating to Environment, Culture and Communities (ECC).

Major variances in revenue had occurred in relation to Waste Management Refuse Collection Contract, Waste Management Disposal, Car Parking Income, Development Control Income, Cemetery and Crematorium Income, Landscape Services Vehicles, Coral Reef Income, and Licensing Income.

Capital schemes identified to be carried forward were: Car Park Maintenance, Local Safety Schemes, Skimped Hill/Market Street Accessibility Improvements Town Centre to Peel Centre, and Disabled Facilities Grants.

Key highlights included: Parks and Open Spaces Strategy approval, £108,000 awarded from Defra for a recycling incentive scheme, Highways Team at the top for satisfaction levels in National Highway and Transportation Public Satisfaction Survey, change in how sanctums would be charged at the Cemetery and Crematorium, new nursery at the Depot, additional income at Coral Reef, enhancement of Bracknell Library, and Ash tree dieback.

Further highlights included: Site Allocations Development Plan Document Examination, Public Realm services 2014, Corporate Peer Challenge, Budget proposals, Recycling Incentive Scheme, Transport capital investment programme, the impact of town centre implementation work on Environment, Culture and Communities, enhancement of Binfield Library, the re-opening of the main Bracknell Library, final completion of South Hill Park renovation project, Coral Reef maintenance closure, and an annual grant application for South Hill Park Arts Trust.

Less income was expected overall and a new pressure was the service agreement with the cremators. Fewer people were using the bus services in relation to the use of concessionary fares. Officers would re-locate from Seymour House to Time Square over the next few months. There would be a consultation regarding local safety schemes. The new nursery at the Depot was running well.

The Coral Reef proposals included the replacement of stainless steel roof bolts which were fracturing and if works were not all undertaken now then there may be a need to close again in October 2013. Once the refurbishment works regarding the roof had been undertaken they were expected to last a long time. The high cost of this repair would potentially result in a £300,000 cost pressure but the under spend in the department would mean that this would not affect the budget.

The aim was for Coral Reef to be re-opened on 9 February, if not the proposal was for it to be re-opened by the end of March 2013. Advice had been taken from a structural engineer and it was important for the work to be undertaken. Staff were cutting expenditure where possible during the closure because of the loss of income but the aim was to attract people back to the facility once it was re-opened.

In response to Members’ questions, the following points were made:

• An appointment had been made in relation to flood and water management.
• Car park revenue at Coral Reef would break even.
• There had been much investment in Coral Reef and the facility was thought to compare well against new similar facilities being built. There was some concern regarding the stairwell to the flumes and future consideration would be given to making this more accessible and to allow the use of rubber rings. The performance of the recycling scheme cards would be observed before consideration was given to discount cards.
• Although a time extension had been granted in respect of electricity street works at Mill Lane, the works were being completed more quickly than expected given the depth of what was involved.