Agenda and minutes

Graham Clark, Customer Liaison Manager, to report.

-           to report complaints statistics for the period 1^st October – 31^st December, 2008.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Customer Service Standards Co-ordinator, detailing the complaints received by the Directorate during the period 1^st October to 31^st December, 2008.

It was pointed out that slightly less complaints received than during the same period last year and all were dealt with within the required timescale.

Reference was made to the Service improvements in relation to Streetpride and Connect.

Resolved:-  That the report be noted.

Graham Clark, Customer Liaison Manager, to report.

-           to report complaints statistics for the period 1^st October – 31^st December, 2008.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Customer Service Standards Co-ordinator, detailing the Directorate’s performance in respect of Customer Charter targets for the period 1^st October to 31^st December, 2008.

It was reported that a new system was put in place in April 2007 and under this system the Directorate was doing very well

Members present noted RBT ‘s poorer performance compared with EDS in respect of answering the telephone within 7 rings

Members also commented that statistical information had not been provided by Financial Services or the Chief Executive’s Directorate, and thus a cross Council picture could not be assessed.

Resolved:-  That the report be noted.

Andy Newton, Implementation Officer, to report.

-           to seek approval to contract/fund the proposal.

Further to Minute No. 37 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 22^nd June, 2005 and Minute No. 7 of the meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board held on 18th June, 2008, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Project Officer, detailing proposals for a public art scheme on the Bradgate Roundabout at the junction of Wortley Road, Fenton Road, Wilton Gardens & New Wortley Road, Rotherham, commemorating the poet and philanthropist, Ebenezer Elliott.

The proposals were illustrated on Drawing No.  L1643/13 appended to the submitted report.

Reference was made to the employment of a local artist and to the consultation undertaken to choose the final feature.

It was explained that enhancement to the major routes into and out of the town should help to encourage inward investors and were a means to celebrate the culture and historic heritage of Rotherham.

It was confirmed that road safety issues had been considered in the design and proposed materials.

A breakdown of costs and details of funding were given in the submitted report.

Reference was made to the direction of the prevailing wind and it was suggested that this needed to be taken into account when positioning the art work.

Resolved:-  That, subject to the positioning of the ears of corn to reflect the prevailing wind direction, the proposed works be approved and the funding arrangements noted.

Andy Newton, Project Officer, to report.

-           to seek approval for environmental improvements to two alleyways and a flight of steps off Tickhill Road, Maltby.

Further to Minute No. 37 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 22^nd June, 2005 and Minute No. 7 of the meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board held on 18th June, 2008, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Project Officer, detailing proposals for the following environmental improvements off Tickhill Road, Maltby:-

-                      Improved alley way between Tickhill Road and Woodside Court

-                      Improved alley way between Tickhill Road and Lumley Drive

-                      Improved flight of steps between Tickhill Road and Lumley Close

The detailed proposals were illustrated on Drawing No.  L4660/200 appended to the submitted report.

It was confirmed that residents in the immediate vicinity, Ward Councillors and local interest groups had been consulted.

It was explained that it was proposed to carry out the works in March 2009 and that these works would be precursor to possible future Gateway works along Tickhill Road in 2009/2010.

Those present noted that the works were to be funded from Regional Housing Board programme.

Resolved:-  That the proposed works be approved and the funding arrangements noted.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following extra item in order for it to be included on the agenda for the meeting of the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel to be held on 6^th February, 2009)

Alan Platt, Best Value Support Officer, to report.

-           to report the 3^rd Quarter results.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Best Value Support Officer, detailing the performance results up to the third quarter of the year 2008/2009.

The report focused on indicators affected by the following issues:-

-                      Performance measures in the EDS suite of performance indicators

-                      Performance indicators that have not reached their target setting

-                      Performance clinics

-                      The All England upper quartile comparisons 2007/2008

-                      The New Performance Framework – Single Set of National Indicators, out of 198 indicators EDS indicators are identified in this report. Local Area Agreement (LAA) indicators for which EDS is responsible have also been identified.

-                      Equalities report

-                      Risk Management report

Members’ attention was drawn to the following:-

Number of indicators that had achieved target (green):-  94 (88%)

Number of indicators slightly outside target (amber):-  6 (5.40%)

Number of indicators not achieved target (red):-  7 (6.60%)

Further detail was provided in respect of the following:-

Those present commented on the need for a full breakdown of the number and nature of planning decisions appealed against, with reference to whether the decision was in respect of officers’ recommendations or Planning Board decision.

Reference was also made to the listings re: Quartile positions in respect of BV082c and BV082cii and also re:  BV 82ai.

The view was expressed that in relation to NI 48 – children killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents:-  the rating symbol need to be changed to something more sensitive.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the performance results for the Environment and Development Services Director for the third quarter 2008/2009 be noted.

(2)                     That the Council’s position in comparison with the Audit Commission 2007/2008 All England upper quartile results be noted.

(3)         That the report be referred to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel.