Agenda item

Report by the Chief Executive.                           To Follow

DECISION: 

(1)     To refer the contents of the Chief Executive’s report CEX283 to the relevant Development and Scrutiny Panels before any formal endorsement by the Cabinet;

(2)     To adopt the new targets for Recycling as detailed in report CEX283.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

(1)        Report number CEX283 prepared by the Chief Executive asking the Cabinet formally to review that element of the Corporate Planning Framework concerning the Council’s priorities which are divided between Category A (step-change) and Category B (incremental change).  The Council has determined that this review should be undertaken annually;

(2)        In reviewing the services in categories A and B, consideration is given to new data available to the Council, in particular the results of the 2005 customer survey, reports from inspectors, any new government priorities and the performance of the Council against the targets set;

(3)        Indications from the un-weighted data of the customer survey show a strong support for the Council priorities, the Council’s Vision, and a fairly high level of pride in the local community;

(4)        Status of progress on recycling:  the Council’s ability to meet future recycling targets is becoming increasingly dependent upon its success in securing DEFRA grants.  DEFRA have made it clear that priority for future grant applications will be given to those Councils who have elected to set higher targets than the minimums set.  Increased targets for this priority would enable the Council to address the current inequity and variations in the service across the district which has resulted is some customer dissatisfaction;

(5)        Status of affordable housing:  improved projected provision in 2004/05 of new affordable homes – 60 compared with 35 in 2003/04.  Outcome of the Strategic Housing Services Inspection which has challenged several aspects of the Council’s performance in this area and suggested ways of improving.  The inspectors were of the opinion that targets already set represented a step-change.  Early indications from the Stock Options Appraisal Commission (SOAC) that stock transfer may emerge as a recommendation to the Council.  Coupled with a valuation of the housing stock, transfer could deliver a considerable capital receipt to the authority which could be used to fund the delivery of affordable housing.  Taking these factors into account, there would appear to be a clear justification in moving Affordable Housing from Category B to a Category A priority with consequential adjustments to the targets;

(6)        The Cabinet is of the view that the DSPs must have an opportunity to consider the above factors before any formal endorsement is taken by the Cabinet;

(7)        Because of the need to improve the Council’s performance on recycling, the revised targets are accepted.

Other options considered and assessed:

Category B - Planning and Conservation:  The Council has made substantial progress in improving the speed of planning applications and has exceeded most of the targets set.  As a result of this, new targets have been set and will be included in future Best Value Performance Plans.  In view of the importance of the service to residents and the present large incentive grants from the OSPM, it is not recommended that the Category B status of this service is changed.