The Chief Operating Officer introduced the Progress and Delivery report for the third quarter, which highlighted the authority’s Services.
The summary was structured to highlight those areas that were performing above expectations, those areas where there was a risk to either performance or delivery and those areas where further work was required for next year’s report.
Areas described as performing well included: Building Control; Development Management; Projects and Growth; and the Trinity Arts Centre.
Those areas described as risks included: Local Land Charges; Enforcement; Markets; and Home Choices.
Further information was given on each of the above. Data relating to Complaints, Comments and Compliments were being reconsidered to present a more sophisticated way of monitoring. A measure around section 106s and CIL was also to be introduced to give members greater visibility. A further report specific to Markets was to be submitted to the Prosperous Communities Committee in due course.
One Member noted that a pattern had emerged over the years and that things such as sickness absences and markets were continually risk issues and did not appear to ever be resolved. Although it was good that the Trinity Arts Centre was now showing good progress, but was it actually making a profit?
The Chief Operating Officer responded to the points raised and stated that sickness absence rates were due primarily to a particular work area due to the nature of the work and the age profile of the staff, the figures were expected to fall. Regarding Trinity Arts, it was noted that, as a Grade II listed building, there would be a cost to close the establishment and that it did cover its running costs, and was a social asset to local residents. It was suggested that care was needed not to subsidise a Gainsborough asset at the expense of other areas in the district, however there was no subsidy involved.
The Chairman of the Joint Staff Consultative Committee responded to the comments on sickness absences and noted that West Lindsey was one of the best performing authorities compared with its benchmarked neighbours, and was a caring authority which would be sympathetic to an individual with a long term or serious illness.
Issues around recycling rates were then discussed, whilst the data was awaited it was felt important to know the contamination rates as this had implications for the new Technically, Environmentally and Economically Practicable (TEEP) legislation, as if contamination was high then recycling was not working. The Chief Operating Officer agreed that this was a good point and he would look into gaining statistics and work with the Operations Team Manager. It was agreed that there was room for promotion and education in the matter.
Note was made of the Leisure provision at De Aston and Caistor to be addressed within the new contract, and the Caistor Heritage Initiative, and the Ward Member for Caistor extended an invitation to Members to see the achievements made in the area.
The publication of the Housing White Paper was welcomed and addressed some outstanding issues, and it was hoped that West Lindsey would take part in the consultation through the Prosperous Communities Committee. The final section of the White Paper included reference to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) of which it was important for Members to be aware. The Chief Operating Officer noted the next sessions of Planning Training for Members could include a session on CIL and dates for the next year would be issued shortly.
The Economic and Commercial Growth Director informed Members that the authority was writing its own Housing Strategy and the Improvement Plan would be submitted for Committee consideration and could perhaps be utilised as the authority’s response to the White Paper.
The Chairman requested that the Chief Operating Officer undertake discussions with himself regarding the development of leisure facilities at Caistor Top, and also provide Schedule of BC Inspections and the process taken.
RESOLVED that having reviewed the performance information contained in the Progress and Delivery Report, the report be accepted.