Agenda item

The Executive Member for Finance and Support Services submitted a report updating Members on the progress made against corporate strategic plan priorities for the previous year and to seek Members’ views on a draft plan for approval by the Executive.  The Policy Officer provided a summary of the report and highlighted some of the actions achieved. 

Councillor D Oldridge, queried KA23 (support Ward Councillors to facilitate super-fast broadband in rural areas) and asked whether the scope could be widened to include local MPs.  The Policy Officer explained the positive work already undertaken by the Executive Member for Environment and the Public Realm and Oliver Heald MP.  The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy explained a revised approach by some broadband providers who had decided to concentrate on more lucrative contracts but that things were now moving in the right direction.

Officers provided an update in relation to KA58 (Review of Business start-up provision) and specifically Launch Pad in Bishop’s Stortford which had had 50 start ups in the last six months. 

Officers advised that a new website had been designed (KA25 implementation of a new website) and that this was now down to 500 pages and should take three clicks at most to access information being searched.  This had increased user satisfaction levels to 42%.   Councillor D Oldridge said that it had taken four clicks to access this evening’s meeting information.  He asked if there was a way to simplify this.  Councillor D Oldridge also asked what progress was being made toward more e-newsletter type communications delivery referencing Ware Town Council’s success in this matter.  The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy explained that this was under continual review and that Officers were exploring an “e-news” letter provider.

Councillor L Radford queried KA42 (increase domestic recycling) and queried whether there had been a drop in recycling with more going to landfill or whether people were being more careful at the point of purchase.  The Policy Officer explained that the total amount of waste had reduced and that there was the possibility that people were being more careful at the point of purchase.

The Committee Chairman congratulated officers on their efforts to process housing benefit new claims and changed circumstances (KA15) which was now down to 7.6 days.

The Committee Chairman expressed his concern at the lack of progress in relation to the procure replacement kiosks for payment in the customer service centres (KA27).  The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy provided an update and explained that some machines needed updating but that this was still under review.

Councillor A Alder queried working arrangements with partners to assist customers through the Universal Credit transition (KA18) and queried what liaison was carried out with officers in other authorities in relation to licensing issues.    The Policy Officer explained that generally, there was a view by officers that there would be a low take-up of Universal Credit assistance initially, but that this may pick up as more users were transitioned over to Universal Credit. 

The Head of Housing and Health explained the issues of cross boundary working and that it was good to get processes aligned and referred to a number of joint working initiatives.  He advised that officers at East Herts had been asked to help Uttlesford DC with a piece of work in relation to taxi licensing.

The Committee Chairman referred to the issue of increased income generation (KA37).  The Policy Officer explained that working groups had been stablished to look at ways of generating income from various services.  Community lottery and crowd funding had also been investigated.

Councillor L Radford referred to the Council’s figures in relation to the prevention of homelessness.  The Head of Housing and Health explained that this had been achieved by applying the Council’s powers and duties to secure accommodation and by directing those in need, with helpful advice. 

In response to a query regarding Launchpad Users and a review of business start-up provision (KA58), the Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy explained 14 of the 50 users had stayed on beyond the three month introductory period and that feedback had been very positive.  He said that it should be noted that some people did not want to work from home and preferred an office environment.  The Head provided an update in relation to the Ware incubator which was in receipt of EU funding until the end of the financial year and that other Launchpad venues were being explored.  Councillor A Alder suggested that such facilities should be considered for smaller communities in Sawbridgeworth and Buntingford.  The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy stated that all data received and feedback would be provided in a further report to Members in September 2018.

It was moved by Councillor D Oldridge and seconded by Councillor P Ruffles that the recommendations, as detailed be supported.  After being put the meeting and a vote take, the recommendations were declared CARRIED. 

RESOLVED – that the Executive be advised that Members (A) noted the  progress made against the corporate strategic plan priorities over 2017/18; and

(B)   the Draft Annual Plan be recommended for approval by the Executive.