Agenda item

Report and presentation attached.

The Sub-Committee received the quarter three performance indicators (PIs) update. The PIs are the standards by which performance of services are measured within the Council.

Five Performance Indicators had previously been selected to be monitored by the Sub-Committee. A Red-Amber-Green (RAG) rating was only available for one indicator (Response rate for PCN Challenges and Representations) which was rated Green. 

It was noted that the air quality data showed a dramatic decrease in Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) levels across the borough with significant drops in areas of concern, normally with readings markedly above the annual objective 40ug/m3).

It was explained that service delivery and performance was still being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members were informed that the house in multiple occupation (HMO) license application issued during quarter 3 remained low as the majority of compliant landlords have already contacted the Council. It was stated that due to Covid, the number of enforcement operations had been significantly reduced which was reflected in the performance the quarter.

It was explained that the total Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued in a month dropped significantly due to Covid Tiers restricting motorists to essential travel and the provision of free parking in Council car parks December 2020.

The Sub-Committee noted that due to lower issuance of PCNs, staff were able to respond to challenges and representations quicker which had resulted in improved responses and more individuals paying.

The report provided the following highlights areas of strong performance and potential areas for improvement:

During Quarter 3, there had been progress in the Air Quality Action Plan in a number of areas, including:

•      The Council was exploring opportunities on spending on air quality monitoring as a permanent monitoring station would be too expensive to maintain given the amount of S106 funding available. Officer stated that further clarity was expected.

•      The “Theatre in Education” programme took place in schools in November via online and virtual sessions with 20 schools participating.

•      In late October, surveys were sent out to schools to monitor the modal shifts in transport. Results are expected soon.

•      The Local Plan and the Supplementary Planning Guidance document on air quality would be issued during the last quarter. It was explained that the guidance document would deal with air quality neutrality, green spaces and combined heat and power.

•      Members noted that a decision about the Town Hall electric vehicle charging point scheme was due soon. External funding was to be provided by OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) starting from next financial year.

•      In October 2020, the School Streets were introduced in four schools in three locations: Squirrels Heath Infant & Junior School, Branfil Primary School, Hylands Primary School. There are no current plans for expanding the scheme, although a significant amount of schools have expressed an interests in participating should external funding become available.

In response to the three school street scheme CCTV initiative, officers explained that there were still plans to implement the project in the new financial year.

A Member requested that officers provide the sub-committee with a breakdown of traffic analysis and the programme of work.

The Sub-Committee noted the performance update report.