Performance Improvement Objectives 2020/21 Consultation Document If you would like this publication in an alternative format, such as large print, or another language, please email communications@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council 1-29 Bridge Street Ballymena BT43 5EJ T: 0300 1245 000 E: enquiries@midandeastantrim.gov.uk W: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Grow the economy and create jobs
? Why?
• You told us that ‘investment to grow the economy, create jobs and attract tourists’ was one of the most important forms of investment for Council (Household Survey 2018). • There were approximately 1,300 jobs lost in Mid and East Antrim during 2019.
• The promotion of new jobs in the borough by successfully delivering the ‘Go for It’ Programme.
What you will see
• The growth of new industry sectors by being a Centre of Excellence for start-ups, spin-outs and social-economy businesses within the Ecos Innovation Centre. • Delivery of an effective and efficient Planning Service to maximise economic development.
• 85 jobs promoted through the ‘Go for It’ Programme by March 2021. • 125 knowledge-economy jobs created in Ecos Innovation Centre by March 2022. • £95,000 in rental income from Ecos Innovation Centre by March 2021.
How we will measure progress
• Major Planning applications processed within an average of 30 weeks by March 2021. • Local Planning applications processed within an average of 15 weeks by March 2021. • 70% of planning enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks by March 2021.
• Director of Development
Who is responsible?
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Support the communities within the historic conservation area of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy
? Why?
• Carrickfergus Castle is a key landmark and popular visitor attraction. • Significant factory closures, changes in buying habits and proximity to Belfast have led to a decline in Carrickfergus’ traditional town centre economy.
• Up to 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored, through the Townscape Heritage Initiative, with Council and Heritage Lottery grant assistance, by July 2021.
What you will see
• The local community will have a better understanding of built heritage. • Increased inward investment and local employment opportunities related both directly and indirectly to heritage and tourism growth.
• Up to 8 new grants awarded by July 2021. • Education Programme delivered by December 2020. • Increased town centre footfall by July 2021.
How we will measure progress
• Lower levels of town centre vacancy by July 2021. • Increase floor space for retail, commercial or residential use by July 2021.
• Director of Development
Who is responsible?
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Encourage people to value our natural environment through the promotion of the Green Dog Walkers Scheme
? Why?
• Dog fouling is one of the top perceived problems in our local areas with 31% of residents considering it to be an issue (Household Survey 2018). • We have received 71 dog fouling complaints during 2019/20 (April–December). • We want to have a borough that is clean and not just cleaned.
• Responsible dog ownership through increased participation and support of the Green Dog Walkers Scheme*.
What you will see
• A marketing and promotional campaign to challenge attitudes and change behaviours. • A cleaner borough.
• At least 1,000 Green Dog Walker Pledges by March 2021. • A 10% reduction in the number of dog fouling complaints by March 2021.
How we will measure progress
• A further 2 organisations committed to taking action by March 2021. • A reduction in the number of residents perceiving dog fouling to be an issue in our local areas.
• Director of Community
Who is responsible?
*The Green Dog Walkers Scheme is an innovative approach to dog fouling. Responsible dog owners and dog walkers support the scheme by signing a pledge to clean up after their pets, and to encourage other owners to do the same by giving them bags.
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Improve customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing our use of information technology • Our services will be more effective and efficient, providing greater satisfaction and value for money for ratepayers.
? Why?
• Digital Transformation will lead to improved management reporting and will support better and more informed decision-making. • In our recent Household Survey (2018), 39% of residents said they would like to be able to report a problem online, 37% would like to book activities, 27% would like to buy tickets and 22% would like to pay bills.
Further implementation of our Digital Transformation Strategy through delivery of a number of citizen-focused projects to include: • A redesign of the Council website developed from user experience feedback. • Transformation of Council’s telephony services.
What you will see
• Conversion of additional services to citizen text alert system. • Digital transformation of at least one customer facing service. • Additional WiFi Points (Phase three).
• A minimum of 5 digital projects completed by March 2021.
How we will measure progress
• Director of Support Services
Who is responsible?
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Reduce waste and increase recycling through the introduction of an improved household waste collection system* • 91% of residents say that recycling is either very or fairly important to them (Household Survey 2018).
? Why?
• The European Commission Circular Economy Waste Package (2018) sets a target of 65% for municipal waste recycling by 2035. In 2018/19, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council achieved 52.4%. • A recent study estimated that 55% of black bin contents could be recycled rather than landfilled leading to significant cost savings. Kerbside box systems also result in better quality recyclables.
• A user-friendly, weekly, three-tier wheelie box system and smaller black bins delivered to approximately 58,200 households.
What you will see
• More household waste sent for recycling.
• Number of wheelie box systems and new black bins delivered to households. • The percentage of household waste collected by district Councils that is sent for recycling.
How we will measure progress
• The amount of biodegradable Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste that is landfilled. • The amount (tonnage) of Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste arisings.
• Director of Operations
Who is responsible?
*This project is subject to external funding, with decision to be confirmed in Febrary 2020.
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Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim • Autism is a lifelong disability that affects the way an individual relates to people, situations and the immediate environment.*
?
• In Northern Ireland, 1 in 30 children have a diagnosis of Autism.**
Why?
• Improving people’s health and wellbeing (and reducing health inequalities) is one of residents’ top five priorities for making the local area a good place to live (Household Survey 2018).
• An awareness-raising programme to develop the borough as an autism friendly place.
What you will see
• We will secure ‘Autism Friendly’ organisation status as a potential model for other Community Planning Partners.
• 3 Council leisure centres accredited with the Autism NI Impact Award by June 2020. • 9 staff members trained as ‘Autism Champions’.
How we will measure progress
• 3 ‘Autism Friendly’ public awareness sessions held for businesses and the local community, with at least 70% of attendees reporting that their knowledge of autism has increased following training.
• Director of Community.
Who is responsible?
*Autism NI **Prevalence of Autism in School Age Children in Northern Ireland 2019, Department of Health.
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Performance Improvement Plan 2020/21
Summary Table Improvement Objective
What you will see
Grow the economy and create jobs
• •
•
Support the communities within the historic conservation area of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy
The promotion of new jobs in the borough by successfully delivering the ‘Go for It’ Programme. The growth of new industry sectors by being a Centre of Excellence for start-ups, spin-outs and social-economy businesses within the Ecos Innovation Centre. Delivery of an effective and efficient Planning Service to maximise economic development.
•
•
March 2022
We are keen to hear your views on these projects. Have we got the below Improvement Objectives right? (please tick) Improvement Objectives
•
July 2021
Responsible dog ownership through increased participation and support of the Green Dog Walkers Scheme. A marketing and promotional campaign to challenge attitudes and change behaviours. A cleaner borough.
March 2021
Improve customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing our use of information technology
Further implementation of our Digital Transformation Strategy through delivery of a number of citizen-focused projects to include: • A redesign of the Council website developed from user experience feedback. • Transformation of Councils telephony services. • Conversion of additional services to citizen text alert system. • Digital Transformation of at least one customer facing service. • Additional WiFi Points (Phase three).
• •
Yes
No
Don’t Comments Know
2. Support the communities within the historic conservation area of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy 3. Encourage people to value our natural environment through the promotion of the Green Dog Walkers Scheme
March 2021
4. Improve customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing our use of information technology 5. Reduce waste and increase recycling through the introduction of an improved household waste collection system 6. Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim
Thank you for taking the time to complete this consultation. •
•
• •
A user-friendly, weekly, three-tier wheelie box system and smaller black bins delievered to approximately 58,200 households. More household waste sent for recycling.
An awareness-raising programme to develop the borough as an autism friendly place. We will secure ‘Autism Friendly’ organisation status as a potential model for other Community Planning Partners.
We welcome ongoing feedback on our Performance Improvement Plan. If you would like to make any comments, our contact details are on our website www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/PIP 14 |
By when
Up to 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored, through the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), with Council and Heritage Lottery grant assistance, by July 2021. The local community will have a better understanding of built heritage. Increased inward investment and local employment opportunities related both directly and indirectly to heritage and tourism growth.
•
Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim
We are proposing the Improvement Objectives below to deliver improvements within the borough in 2020/21.
1. Grow the economy and create jobs
Encourage people to value our natural environment through the promotion of the Green Dog Walkers Scheme
Reduce waste and increase recycling through the introduction of an improved household waste collection system
Consultation Questionnaire
Proposed Improvement Objectives 2020/21
March 2021
March 2021
Return all questionnaires to: Corporate Performance Team, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, BT43 5EJ You can also complete the consultation online on our website: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/consultations The deadline for responses is Tuesday 28 April 2020.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is collecting your personal information as part of the consultation exercise on our Performance Improvement Plan 2020/21. We will keep your information secure, accurate, and for no longer than necessary in accordance with data protection law. If you wish to find out more about how we control and process your personal data and protect your privacy please visit: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/privacy-notice
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