Performance Improvement Objectives 2021/22 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
Contents 1.0 Introduction
4-5
2.0 Duty to Improve and arrangements to secure continuous improvement
6-7
3.0 Proposed Improvement Objectives 2021/22
8-19
4.0 Summary Table 20 5.0 Consultation Questionnaire
21
1.0 Introduction
gh Hi
Pe r
f o rm
in g Co un cil Hi
Our Environment
g
£
il
Community Safety & Cohesion
Hi g
Good Health & Wellbeing
r fo
un
cil
c
il
rm
Learning for Life
Co
H i gh Pe
Co u
Pe r fo rm in g
High
n cil
Mid and East Antrim will be a strong, vibrant, safe & inclusive community, where people work together to improve quality of life for all.
Co u
Sustainable Jobs & Tourism
hP e
r for
mi ng
Co
un
Through the Corporate Plan, we will support the delivery of the Programme for Government, as well as regional strategies that benefit the prosperity
in g
nc
The Corporate Plan was developed with reference to a number of external and internal strategic drivers. Together these make up the complex strategic landscape in which we operate.
rm
PIP Consultation 2021/22
We continue to work with a wide range of partners to develop and deliver action plans to improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the Borough.
Internally, the Corporate Plan connects to other council plans, including the Community Plan, the Local Development Plan, the Performance Improvement Plan and other relevant strategies and plans.
Our Corporate Plan sits at the heart of everything we do, setting out our vision, themes and objectives that will guide our work towards 2023.
r fo
04 |
Council intends to deliver the same longer-term vision and themes for the Borough that are set out in the Community Plan.
and wellbeing of the whole region.
Pe
Mid and East Antrim will be a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive community where people work together to improve the quality of life for all.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council leads the Community Planning Partnership in the development and delivery of the 15-year Community Plan for the Borough, “Putting People First”.
Corporate Plan 2019-2023
h
Our Vision
Our ambitious Corporate Plan shapes the direction of our work and services from 2019-2023. It reaffirms our commitment to outstanding delivery for the benefit of everybody who lives, works, visits or invests in Mid and East Antrim.
Community Plan
g
We are providing more services to our citizens than ever before, ranging from responsibility for waste management, leisure and parks provision, to our crucial role in economic growth and investment, health and education, community safety and safeguarding our environment.
1.1 How we will deliver our Vision
in
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council was established in 2015 as part of the programme for local government reform. The Council consists of 40 Councillors elected in 7 District Electoral Areas within the 3 main towns of Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne. Mid and East Antrim has a population of 139,070 people and covers an area of just over 400 square miles.
Performance Improvement Plan Our Performance Improvement Plan 2021/22 aligns with the key priorities within the Community Plan and Corporate Plan, and outlines the specific areas we intend to focus on in the year ahead. www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
| 05
2.0 Duty to Improve & arrangements to secure continuous improvement The Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 put in place a framework to support continuous improvement in the delivery of council services. The Act requires councils to set one or more improvement objectives annually and to have appropriate arrangements in place to achieve those objectives. For us, “Improvement” is not limited to gains in service output and efficiency, but focuses also on the issues that are important to our citizens and customers, helping to improve the quality of life for all.
In addition to the plans and strategies outlined previously, we demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement in the delivery of our services through the development and implementation of an annual Performance Improvement Plan.
2.1 Arrangements to secure continuous improvement As a Council, we use our Performance Management Framework to drive performance and continuous improvement within the organisation. The Framework links together all the corporate planning processes that we have in place to ensure performance is measured and managed at all levels. The following diagram demonstrates how strategic objectives within the Community Plan and Corporate Plan cascades through to the Performance Improvement Plan, the
annual business plans and, ultimately, to every employee’s work objectives. Each plan is supported by a series of Key Performance Indicators (statutory and selfimposed) so we can continually measure and improve our performance. We frequently monitor and evaluate our Framework to support our Duty to Improve.
Community Plan | 15-year strategic plan
Corporate Plan | 4-year strategic plan
Performance Improvement Plan | Annual Improvement Plan
Annual Business Plans
06 |
PIP Consultation 2021/22
Employee Personal Development Plan Annual plan linked to work objectives & learning & development needs
3.0 Proposed Improvement Objectives
Grow the economy and create jobs •
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.
•
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.
•
120 jobs promoted through the ‘Go for It’ Programme by March 2022.
•
125 knowledge-economy jobs created in Ecos Innovation Centre by March 2022.
•
£95,000 in rental income from Ecos Innovation Centre by March 2022.
•
Major Planning applications processed within an average of 30 weeks by March 2022.
•
Local Planning applications processed within an average of 15 weeks by March 2022.
•
70% of planning enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks by March 2022.
•
Director of Development
? Why?
What you will see
How we will measure progress
Who is responsible?
02 | 08
Proposed PIP Consultation Improvement 2021/22 Objectives 2020/21
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
| 09
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 (including 8 existing awarded schemes), through the Townscape Heritage Initiative, with Council and Heritage Lottery grant assistance, by March 2022 or beyond.*1
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 2 new grants awarded by March 2022 or beyond, to be measured in line with revised programme timescales*2. • Education Programme delivered by March 2022. • Increased town centre footfall by March 2022 or beyond*3.
How we will measure progress
• Lower levels of town centre vacancy by March 2022 or beyond*3. • Increase floor space for retail, commercial or residential use by March 2022 or beyond*3.
• Director of Development
Who is responsible? *1 The full impact of COVID 19 on the overall programme and budget is as yet unknown. There are anticipated delays in programme arising from the management of construction projects within safe distancing guidelines. Programme delays are likely to incur additional project costs, bringing additional pressure on THI budget and the availability of grant across THI properties. *2 The principal funder, National Lottery Heritage Fund, have further offered flexibility over the proposed new grant expiry date of March 2022 during this period of uncertainty. *3 A full evaluation will take place at the end of the project and will inform future town centre regeneration initiatives. Indicator will be measured in line with revised programme timescales.
10 |
PIP Consultation 2021/22
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
| 11
Reduce the impact of poverty through the delivery of a Slow Cooker programme. • In 2018/19, 16% of NI citizens were living in absolute poverty.*4
? Why?
• 3% of NI households had not eaten a substantial meal at least one day in the last fortnight due to a lack of money.*5 • Households experiencing food poverty often struggle to access a nutritionally adequate diet, which impacts on health & wellbeing. • Using slow cookers is a simple way to make healthy, nutritious meals at low cost. • A “Slow Energy Efficient” cookbook for households to prepare low cost, enjoyable and nutritious meals • Delivery of free slow cookers to vulnerable households.
What you will see
• A series of fun and interactive virtual demonstration sessions for using a slow cooker • “Slow Energy Efficient” cookbook launched by the end of July 2021. • 6 demonstration sessions by the end of March 2022.
How we will measure progress
• 50 slow cookers provided to vulnerable households by the end March 2022. • At least 70% of attendees state that they are now confident to produce healthy, nutritious meals using a slow cooker.
• Director of Community
Who is responsible? *4 https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/system/files/publications/communities/ni-poverty-bulletin-201819.pdf *5 Department of Health, 2018
06 | | 12
Proposed Improvement Objectives 2020/21 PIP Consultation 2021/22
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
| 13
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 (Phase two). • Automated Customer Call System
What you will see
• Digital transformation of at least one customer facing service. • Deliver ‘Community Centre Digital Connectivity’ via Full Fibre NI • Council Procurement Portal
• A minimum of 5 digital projects completed by March 2022.
How we will measure progress
• Director of Corporate Services
Who is responsible?
14 |
PIP Consultation 2021/22
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
| 15
Development of Sullatober Household Recycling Centre. • Sullatober Household Recycling Centre (HRC) has been identified as a site in need of redevelopment.*6
? Why?
• The new site will increase recycling, improve efficiency of waste compaction and haulage, introduce new material streams for recycling and re-use and reduce the carbon footprint of the site. • Improved infrastructure will increase waste segregation and quality of materials collected to support local processors and the circular economy of Northern Ireland. • 91% of residents say that recycling is either very or fairly important to them (Residents Survey 2018).
• A more effective and efficient service with increased customer satisfaction and value for money for ratepayers.
What you will see
• A larger site with improved infrastructure and accessibility to maximise re-use and recycling. • Financial savings by compacting waste and reduction in fuel consumption.
• Increased recycling and reduction in waste to landfill. • Carbon footprint.
How we will measure progress
• Customer satisfaction. • Financial savings.
• Director of Operations
Who is responsible?
*6 WRAP - HWRC Improvement Recommendations Report - Mid and East Antrim, June 2018
10 | 16
Proposed Improvement Objectives 2020/21 PIP Consultation 2021/22
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
| 17
Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim
? Why?
• Autism is a lifelong disability that affects the way an individual relates to people, situations and the immediate environment.*7 • In Northern Ireland, 1 in 30 children have a diagnosis of Autism. *8 • 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. • We will secure ‘Autism Friendly’ organisation status as a potential model for other Community Planning Partners.
What you will see
• Commitment to become a JAM friendly organisation, as this will allow people with a learning difficulty, autism or communication barrier to tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily. • Development and launch of sensory garden and sensory trail at Ecos. • A further 3 Council venues will be accredited with the Autism NI Impact Award by June 2021: • Carnfunnock County Park • The People’s Park • The Gobbins • A further 6 staff members and 3 elected members will be trained as ‘Autism Champions’
How we will measure progress
• 3 ‘Autism Friendly’ virtual public awareness sessions held for businesses, Council staff members and the local community, with at least 70% of attendees reporting that their knowledge of autism has increased following training. • Sensory garden and sensory trail launched by September 2021
• Director of Community.
Who is responsible?
*7 Autism NI *8 Prevalence of Autism in School Age Children in Northern Ireland 2019, Department of Health.
18 |
PIP Consultation 2021/22
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
| 19
Performance Improvement Plan 2021/22
4.0 Summary Table Improvement Objective Grow the economy and create jobs
What you will see • •
•
Support the communities within the historic conservation area of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy Reduce the impact of poverty through the delivery of a Slow Cooker programme
We are keen to hear your views on these projects. Have we got the below Improvement Objectives right? (please tick)
March 2022
Improvement Objectives
Yes
No
Don’t Comments Know
1. Grow the economy and create jobs. •
• •
Up to 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored (including 8 existing awarded schemes), through the Townscape Heritage Initiative, with Council and Heritage Lottery grant assistance, by March 2022 or beyond. 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.
March 2022
2. Support the communities within the historic conservation area of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy. 3. Reduce the impact of poverty through the delivery of a Slow Cooker programme
• • •
Improve customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing our use of information technology
•
Development of Sullatober Household Recycling Centre
•
Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim
•
• •
• •
•
A “Slow Energy Efficient” cookbook for households to prepare low cost, enjoyable and nutritious meals. Delivery of free slow cookers to vulnerable households. A series of fun and interactive virtual demonstration sessions for using a slow cooker. 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 (Phase two). • Automated Customer Call System • Digital transformation of at least one customer facing service. • Deliver ‘Community Centre Digital Connectivity’ via Full Fibre NI. • Council Procurement Portal. A more effective and efficient service with increased customer satisfaction and value for money for ratepayers. A larger site with improved infrastructure and accessibility to maximise re-use and recycling. Financial savings by compacting waste and reduction in fuel consumption. 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. Commitment to become a JAM friendly organisation, as this will allow people with a learning difficulty, autism or communication barrier to tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily. Development and launch of sensory garden and sensory trail at Ecos.
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 20 |
We are proposing the Improvement Objectives below to deliver improvements within the borough in 2021/22. By when *9
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.
5.0 Consultation Questionnaire
PIP Consultation 2021/22
*9 Timelines are subject to change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 2022
4. Improve customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing our use of information technology. 5. Development of Sullatober Household Recycling Centre.
March 2022
6. Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim
Thank you for taking the time to complete this consultation. March 2022
Return all questionnaires to: Corporate Performance Team, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, BT43 5EJ March 2022
You can also complete the consultation online on our website: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/consultations The deadline for responses is Tuesday 21 May 2021.
Are you: (please tick) A Resident A Business From the Community / Voluntary Sector An Elected Member
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is collecting your personal information as part of the consultation exercise on our Performance Improvement Plan 2021/22. 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
