Agenda item

To consider the report of the Chief Executive (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive which provided details of performance against targets set for 2017 / 18 (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) and to ensure that progress was being achieved towards overall corporate goals and objectives set out in the Corporate Plan 2015 – 19.

Members’ discussed the report in detail focussing on those activities behind schedule or at risk.  In response to a number of questions the following information was provided:

·                 Identifying and implement Strengthening Communities Strategy Projects – It was noted that the Strengthening Communities Member Task and Finish Working Group would be meeting in October.  Endorsement of the Strengthening Communities Strategy would be sought at this time.  Officers were engaged in developing projects under this strategy.

·                 Level of reported crime – Members were advised that the Council was working with the Police to look at crime figures.  The Community Safety Partnership would be producing a plan to address local need which was due to be considered by the Responsible Authorities Group in October.

The Police were arranging a workshop with representatives from the rural community in September and the Director of Customers and Community advised that he would circulate the details to Members once they were confirmed.

Concern was raised regarding gangs and drug problems within the district.  The Director of Customers and Community reported on a recent meeting he had attended regarding drugs and the work being done to address these concerns.  It was noted that Essex County Council was working with other Services including the Youth Offenders department in respect of gangs. 

·                 Work with partners to seek funding / bring forward flood relief projects for identified surface and coastal flooding risk areas in the District – In respect of the North Heybridge Flood Relief Scheme the Council was seeking Environment Agency funding which would add to the viability of the project.

·                 Adopt the Maldon District Design Guide – The Planning Policy Manager advised that a report on the public consultation was due to be considered by the Planning and Licensing Committee at its next meeting.

·                 Percentage of total number of decisions on applications made during the assessment period overturned at appeal – Members were reminded that the Local Development Plan (LDP) had now been approved by the Secretary of State and it was anticipated that this should seek to address appeals overturned because of the Council’s lack of an up to date Local Plan.

Concern was raised by Members regarding the inconsistency of Planning Inspectorate decisions and reference was made to specific applications. 

·                 Total number of long term empty homes in the District – The Director of Resources reported that the total number for the Maldon District was low in relation to other areas. 

The Director of Customers and Community agreed to feedback to Members regarding what was being done to reduce the number of empty properties. 

·                 Implement the ICT Strategy projects for 17 / 18 (b) Upgrade the email system) – Members were informed that Thurrock Council had recently carried out an review of the Council’s email system and identified two options available to the Council.  In response to questions the Director of Resources outlined the different options and the advantages / disadvantages of both. 

The Director of Resources reported that the IT Manager Role had been successfully recruited into.

In response to a question regarding the Council’s document retention policy, Members were informed of the new General Data Protection Regulations coming into force on 25 May 2018 and a new document retention policy was currently being received in line with this new regulation.  Disaster recovery, data recovery and backup were also being looked at.

RESOLVED that the report on performance for quarter one 2017 / 18 be noted.