Chris Lee (Director of Environment and Regeneration) introduced the Department’s performance monitoring report by highlighting three key measures.  It was noted that it is early in the municipal year meaning quarterly reporting isn’t yet available:

·         (SP414) volume of planning applications: this measure exceeded last year’s target and is already 20% over the estimate for the year.  This is putting pressure on a service that is already lean and is being considered for a shared service.  Additionally highlighted the percentage of minor planning applications determined within eight weeks (CR052/SP115) where the target is not being achieved and is an area of concern.  Noted the Government is considering setting two year retrospective targets for this measure and therefore it is an area of concern (no information is yet available on what this target might be);

·         Street cleaning (page 11 of the agenda pack): measures are falling just short of the target.  This is a key issue for resident happiness and therefore one which will be carefully monitored.  Noted that payment of Fixed Penalty Notices is just ahead of target and that the contract with Kingdom to deliver the service started in April 2016; and

·         Commercial waste (SP046): target has been exceeded by £150K reflecting the value of this business and that this is a growing success.

In response to Panel member questions, officers provided the following clarification on the Environment and Regeneration Department’s performance report:

·         Live in Wimbledon Park: the financial exposure on this event to the Council is £130K if no tickets are sold.  This compares to an exposure of £120K last year that resulted in £78K loss.  This year the event is bigger (spread over four days rather than one including during the day), is being held earlier in the year and in association with other events (ie: the food festival).  Based on last year, the event now has a track record meaning it is easier to promote to sponsors and for commercial opportunities.  Also, the event will feature content targeted at a range of different audiences.  Promotion has started three months earlier than last year and a professional marketing agency has been engaged.  It is expected that the event will break even this year whilst it continues to become established.  Ticket sales will be reviewed in July 2016.  This is the last point when the event can be cancelled whilst incurring minimal costs;

·         (SP407) percentage of Fixed Penalty Notices (FNP) that have been paid: these are part of the Kingdom contract.  Those that want to challenge a notice firstly make a representation to Kingdom and it has the authority to review and quash.  Subsequently, representations can be made to the Council (to the Department itself).  It can uphold or decline notices.  Subsequently, court action can be brought.  It was noted this can be a costly route for those objecting to a FPN; if a judgement is found against them, they are liable for the FNP cost plus court costs in full which can be in excess of £1K.

·         (SP380) the number of backlog enforcement cases: this backlog is reducing and it is hoped it will come down further.  It was noted that there is no extra capacity; that the team is fully staffed; and

·         (SP 398, 399 and 417) the percentage of cases won, lost and not contested at the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service (PATAS): lost PATAS are down to error or result from a decision being challenged but volumes are very small; cases going to PATAS are just 0.4% of all parking and traffic fines issued and means performance is above where it was during the previous quarter.  It was also noted, that whether or not successful all PATAS cases cost the Council £80 each.  It was highlighted that the introduction of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (APNR) service will put the Council in a stronger position when issuing parking and traffic fines.

RESOLVED: to note the department’s performance monitoring report.