Performance Improvement Plan 2022-23 Progress Report - April to September

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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

1.0 Performance Improvement

Plan 2022 to 2023

The Local Government Act (NI) 2014 put in place a framework to support continuous improvement in the delivery of council services. Each year, we must set one or more Improvement Objectives and have appropriate arrangements in place to achieve them.

Continuous improvement is a key priority for us. We will keep transforming how we do things to make sure we continue to meet the needs of our local communities, businesses and visitors alike. We want to remain adaptable and resilient, to flex and respond to our ever-changing environment.

We demonstrate our commitment to this through the development and implementation of an annual Performance Improvement Plan, alongside our other strategies and plans.

In our Performance Improvement Plan for 2022 to 2023, we set out what we hope

to achieve, how we plan to do it and how our citizens will be better off as a result. It does not detail every improvement we intend to make, but focuses on the key areas identified for improvement through Community and Corporate Planning processes, stakeholder engagement and research analysis.

This year, we will deliver improvement in all seven of the Improvement Areas specified in the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, and outlined below.

Strategic effectiveness Service quality Service availability Efficiency

Fairness Sustainability Innovation

Our Improvement Objectives

We have identified six objectives for delivery during 2022 to 2023 and beyond:

1. Growing the economy and creating jobs.

2. Supporting the historic conservation of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy.

3. Supporting MEA citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation.

4. Improving infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations.

5. Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council .

6. Improving customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing Council’s use of information technology.

2.0 Quarter Two Performance Summary

This report gives an overview of our performance delivering the Performance Improvement Plan during April to September 2022.

Each of our Improvement Objectives is supported by a Project Initiation Document (PID), which details the outcomes and indicators that we use to track progress.

20 Outcomes

April – September 2022

The ‘outcomes’ are statements of what we want to achieve for our citizens. The ‘indicators’ are how we measure success.

Our performance is summarised below.

Key Achievements

26 Indicators

April – September 2022

135 participants engaging in 4 employability programmes, 71 qualifications gained and 16 people into employment so far.

124 people completed outdoor recreation training.

106 business plans drafted and 64 jobs promoted through the ‘Go for it’ programme. 3 rapid and 14 fast electric vehicle chargers secured for Mid and East Antrim.

8 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored in Carrickfergus.

5 autism awareness programmes delivered.

60% of outcomes are on track or achieved.

30% are delayed but progressing.

10% are not due yet.

69% of indicators are on track or achieved.

19% are delayed but progressing.

8% are not due yet. 4% were not achieved.

Growing the economy and creating jobs

? Why?

• You said ‘investment to grow the economy, create jobs and attract tourists’ was one of the most important forms of investment for Council*1.

• You also ranked ‘improving skills, employability and job prospects’ as the second most important thing that needed to be improved to make your area a good place to live*1

• The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in the number of job claimants in the region; a trend observed across almost all council regions in Northern Ireland. As of December 2021, figures remain 25% higher than January 2020*2

• Between 2019 to 2021, over 2,410 jobs were lost in Mid and East Antrim*3

• Director of Development

*4

Outcomes

What you will see

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

4 programmes are currently underway:

• ‘Transport Academy’ (provides HGV and Bus License training).

• ‘Health and Social Care Academy’ (for new entrants and upskilling).

A series of preemployment programmes to upskill and enable residents to access employment opportunities that provide a progressive career pathway.

• ‘Pilot Hydrogen Training Academy’ (two bespoke training labs have been established and training is well underway).

• ‘Get into Childminding’ (helps participants to become registered childminders).

A further 4 are set to launch:

• ‘Welding’ (start date was rescheduled to October 2022 due to difficulty recruiting participants).

• ‘Fibre Skills’ (to launch by December 2022).

• ‘Female into Manufacturing’ (to launch in December 2022 and start 23 January 2023).

• ‘Hospitality and Tourism’ (to launch in December 2022 and start January 2023).

The promotion of new jobs in the Borough by successfully delivering the ‘Go for it’ Programme.

An effective and efficient Planning Service to maximise economic development.

The Council are on track for achieving our statutory ‘Go for it’ Programme targets, with 106 business plans developed and 64 jobs promoted up to 30 September 2022.

For the period April to June 2022, we remain on target for 2 of the 3 statutory planning indicators (outlined on page 10). The results for the 6-month period of April to September 2022 are not yet available.

Indicators

How we will measure progress

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

7 employability programmes or academies delivered by March 2023.

120 participants engaged.

8 academies are scheduled for delivery by 31 March 2023.

135 participants have engaged up to September 2023 - Transport Academy (45), Health and Social Care Academy (23), Pilot Hydrogen Training Academy (57) and Get into Childminding (10).

120 qualifications achieved.

10 participants progressing to Further Education.

71 qualifications were achieved up to September 2022 - Transport Academy (7), Health and Social Care Academy (11 in process of completing Level 5 qualification), Pilot Hydrogen Training Academy (57) and Get into Childminding (7).

11 people have progressed into Further Education - Health and Social Care Academy (11).

60 participants gaining employment or selfemployment.

85*⁴ jobs promoted through the ‘Go for It’ Programme by March 2023.

Major Planning applications processed within an average of 30 weeks by March 2023.

Local Planning applications processed within an average of 15 weeks by March 2023.

70% of planning enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks by March 2023.

16 people have gained employment / selfemployment - Transport Academy (5), Health and Social Care Academy (4) and Get into Childminding (7 self-employed childminders).

64 jobs were promoted up to 30 September 2023 (75% of target achieved within first six months of 2022/23).

51.4 weeks (April to June 2022).

7.8 weeks (April to June 2022).

91.4% of enforcement cases were progressed within 39 weeks (April to June 2022).

Statutory target of ‘85’ at May 2022 is expected to increase to ‘111’ during the 2022 to 2023 financial year, pending changes to legislation.

Supporting the historic conservation 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.

Who is responsible?

• Director of Operations

Outcomes

What you will see

Up to 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored (including eight existing awarded schemes), through the Townscape Heritage Initiative, with Council and Heritage Lottery grant assistance, by 31 March 2023.*5

By September 2022, 8 properties were restored to practical completion.

Of the 2 projects underway, one is experiencing delays because of site investigations. The other is on site, but completion timescales are yet to be confirmed. The local community will have a better understanding of built heritage.

The delivery of the education programme is mostly complete. A closing event and booklet are anticipated upon project completion.

Increased inward investment and local employment opportunities related both directly and indirectly to heritage and tourism growth.*⁶

The square footage of floor space restored or converted for use will be established on project completion.

*⁵ Timescales updated following funder approval to extend the scheme to 31 March 2023.

*⁶ Prior key performance indicators relating to increased town centre footfall and lower vacancy levels have been removed. These targets are no longer deemed achievable by March 2023, in light of current economic trends and the on-going impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indicators How we will measure progress

Up to two new grants awarded by 31 July 2022. 2 new grants were awarded by July 2022.

A total of ten buildings of historical and architectural interest restored by 31 March 2023.

An Education Programme completed by 31 March 2023.

8 buildings have been restored up to September 2022.

Works on the 2 ongoing properties may extend into new financial year.

Recently, research was undertaken into the significance of the historic staircase within 10 High Street.

Increased floor space for retail, commercial or residential use by 31 March 2023. To be established on completion.

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

Supporting

? Why?

• The need for play is evidenced through the ‘Play Strategy’ and ‘Play Investment Framework’ for Mid and East Antrim. We are committed to invest in fixed play in the Borough, and to make play provision more inclusive.

• Our ‘Outdoor Recreation Strategy’ sets out how the Borough’s rich landscape provides excellent opportunities to enhance the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. This was particularly evident during the global COVID-19 pandemic. With more and more people engaging in outdoor recreation on our waters and hillsides, it is important that these activities are enjoyed safely.

•

Who is responsible?

Director of Community

Outcomes

What you will see

The delivery of four replacement Play Parks across the Borough.

Three new or upgraded Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA’s) or ‘kick about’ areas.

The design and consultation phase is complete and procurement is underway.

This project is progressing to design phase, following the consideration of feedback from community and Elected Member consultation.

3 courses have been delivered so far:

• Rescue Emergency Care 2 (REC2) (12 participants).

• Stand-Up Paddle Boarding and Kayak Safety delivered by Sport NI (37 participants).

A programme of training and development opportunities for people to take part in safe and sustainable outdoor recreation.

• Brendan Prince from the ‘Above Water’ Charity delivered ‘Water Awareness’ workshops to 75 pupils from two local primary schools. The key message was to ‘Stop, Look, Listen, Float’ – ‘Stop’ where you are, ‘Look’ at your surroundings and the water, ‘Listen’ for running water or other hazards, and, if you do enter the water then lie on you back and ‘Float’ to live.

A ‘Hill and Moorland Walk Leader’ course is scheduled for 27-29 January 2023, at a charge of £50 per person.

A ‘Lowland Walk Leader’ course is scheduled for 4-5 March 2023, priced at £35 per person.

Indicators

How we will measure progress

4 replacement play parks by March 2023: - Ballymena Road, Ahoghill - Martinstown - Ferris Park, Larne - Woodburn, Carrickfergus

3 new or upgraded Multi Use Games (MUGA’s) or ‘kick-about’ areas by March 2023: - Portglenone - Carnlough - Glynn

A minimum of 5 outdoorsafety training courses delivered by March 2023.

A minimum of 50 participants across the five programmes.

All 4 parks are expected to complete by 30 April 2023.

The new MUGA’s / ‘Kick-about’ areas are expected to complete no later than September 2023.

3 training courses were delivered up to September 2022.

124 people participated in training up to September 2022.

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

encourage electric vehicle uptake in the

? Why?

• The UK Government has announced the phase-out date for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be 2030. From 2035, all new cars and vans must be fully zero emission at the tailpipe.

• Improving the Borough’s electric vehicle infrastructure will facilitate a sustainable transition to low carbon transport systems.

• In a survey conducted in 2021 as part of the FASTER Project to establish attitudes and behaviour towards transport use, almost 30% of Northern Ireland respondents (464) were from Mid and East Antrim (134). Of these, 34% of respondents who plan to change their vehicle in the next 3 years said they would be likely to purchase a battery electric vehicle*7

•

Who is responsible?

Director of Operations

Improving infrastructure to

Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

A target of three ‘rapid’ electric vehicle chargers (50kW, 80% charge in 20 minutes) installed at strategic locations in the Borough by December 2023, as part of the cross-border FASTER project. *⁸

3 rapid charge-points have been agreed for the Borough (Amphitheatre Leisure Centre Carrickfergus, ECOS Centre Ballymena and Larne Leisure Centre); with procurement due to start before the end of December 2022.

The NI Consortium has secured £1.3 million in funding from the ‘Office for Zero Emission Vehicles’ (OZEV), and £500,000 from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

OZEV have approved 14 new fast charge points for installation across the Borough by September 2023:

• Riverdale Car Park, Larne.

Indicators

How we will measure progress

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

Three rapid chargers installed at key strategic locations by December 2023.

A minimum of 12 ‘fast’ chargers installed throughout the Borough by September 2023.

A public survey conducted to examine any changes in attitude and behaviour towards transport use by December 2023.

On track.

Outcomes

What you will see

A minimum of 12 ‘fast’ chargers (22kW, charge in 1 to 2 hours) installed throughout the Council area by September 2023, as part of the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS). *⁸ *⁹

• Greenland Community Centre, Larne.

• Larne Leisure Centre (x2).

• Cairngorm Drive, Larne (NIHE).

• The Showgrounds, Ballymena (x2).

• Broughshane Community Centre.

• Kells and Connor Community Centre.

• Waveney Road, Ballymena.

• Amphitheatre Leisure Centre, Carrickfergus.

• Castle Carrickfergus, Marine Highway, Carrickfergus.

• Castleview Road, Whitehead, Carrickfergus.

• Bridewell Drive (NIHE).

The procurement process is due to commence before the end of December 2022.

A communications and awareness campaign to influence behavioural change toward electric vehicle use.

South West College delivered a series of EV Talk webinars, hosted by Dr Euan Mc Turk, as part of the FASTER Communication campaign. The most recent, on 14 September 2022, explored and advised on different purchasing options. The webinar was promoted on social media for MEA residents.

On track.

2 surveys have now been completed (July 2021 and July 2022).

*⁷ Survey conducted in July 2021 as part of the FASTER project, in conjunction with Transport Research Partners. *⁸ Note deviation from the Performance Improvement Plan Consultation Document - project timescales extended and targets have been updated. *⁹ This scheme is subject to a successful external funding application, the outcome of which is expected in June 2022.

Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

? Why?

• 1 in 22 children in Northern Ireland have a diagnosis of Autism*10.

• Autism is lifelong, and affects the social and communication centre of the brain. It affects the way an individual relates to people, situations and the immediate environment. Many individuals with autism have difficulty processing everyday sensory information like sight, smells, touch, taste and sounds*¹¹.

• 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*12 Who is responsible?

• Director of Community.

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

5 workshops were delivered up to September 2022. The Council are working with the NI Ambulance Service and the NI Fire and Rescue Service to schedule additional workshops.

Outcomes

What you will see

The continued rollout of an awareness raising programme.

A dedicated web page has been created on our website as part of the ‘Autism-Friendly’ initiative. The page provides details on Autism-Friendly events taking place within the borough, offers pre-visit guides for our venues and attractions, promotes the ‘JAM Card’ initiative and helps to inform businesses on steps they can take to become more ‘AutismFriendly’.

A ‘Top Tips’ information resource has also been developed and is due to launch before the end of December 2022.

A social media campaign will highlight events with autism adaptions that are taking place in the lead up to Christmas.

An Autism-Friendly Roadshow will take place within each of the Borough’s three main towns in January, February and March 2023.

Additional Council venues becoming ‘Autism Friendly’ places*¹³.

Autism Friendly actions are being progressed within the Council’s ‘Parks’ and ‘Leisure’ functions.

The ‘Arts and ‘Museums’ functions will commence the ‘Autism NI Impact Award’ by March 2023.

Indicators How we will measure progress

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

Four additional ‘Autism Friendly’, virtual or in-person, public awareness sessions held for businesses, Council staff or the local community by March 2023.

5 workshops were held up to September 2022.

At least 90% of attendees reporting that their knowledge of autism has increased following the training sessions.

Autism-Friendly action plans delivered in three Council venues by March 2023*¹³.

To be measured in March 2023, upon completion of all workshops.

On track – As part of the ‘Autism NI Impact Award’ for Arts and Museums venues.

Six additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’ by March 2023.

So far, 3 staff members are identified to become ‘Autism Champions’.

An additional 100 Council staff completing ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training by March 2023. Training to launch 1 November 2022.

Additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’, to advocate on behalf of individuals with autism within Council venues and events.

The continued rollout of ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training to Council staff.

3 staff members within our ‘Museums’ Department will undertake ‘Autism NI Impact Award’ Training, with a view to becoming ‘Autism Champions’. They will develop Action Plans to improve the accessibility of our arts, museums and theatres.

Additional staff will be given the opportunity to undertake ‘JAM’ Awareness Training from 1 November 2022.

*¹³ Note deviation from Performance Improvement Plan Consultation Document – Outcome and Indicator amended – internal action plans will be delivered, rather than external formal recognition.

Improving customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing Council’s use of information technology

? Why?

• Our services will be more effective and efficient, providing greater satisfaction and value for money for ratepayers.

• Digital transformation will lead to improved management reporting and will support better and more informed decision-making.

• The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the need for greater flexibility in delivering online services. ICT can be used as a driving tool to minimise face-to-face scenarios and help ensure our services are more accessible.

• Our Household Survey (2018) found that 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*14

Who is responsible?

• Director of Corporate Services

The continued implementation of Council’s Agile Framework, through delivery of a number of citizen-focused projects to include:

A redesign of Council’s website, developed from user experience feedback (Phase 3).

The specification for the Council’s corporate website and ‘The Braid’ is finalised. Procurement will commence pending approval to proceed, with an anticipated launch of summer 2023.

An expansion of the Automated Customer Call System into an additional service area.

Outcomes

What you will see

The implementation of the new Northern Ireland Planning Portal for Mid and East Antrim.

Following a successful pilot, the ICT team are working with the ‘Leisure’ department to scope and plan for potential implementation by June 2023.

Indicators How we will measure progress

A minimum of 4 digital projects completed by March 2023.

2 projects are complete and 2 are delayed but progressing.

*¹⁴ Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Household Survey 2018.

The digital transformation of at least one customerfacing service.

The new Planning Portal is expected to ‘go live’ in December 2022.

Fibre has been installed into all of our community centres, which has also enabled some local areas to benefit from high-speed broadband (including businesses and homes).

Additional hardware has been ordered for 6 community centres to expand internal capability (Carnlough Heritage Centre, Dr John McKelvey Community Centre, Eden Community Centre, Glenlough Community Centre, Greenland Community Centre and Portglenone Community Centre), as well as other public buildings (Portglenone Marina and Sandy Bay Pavilion).

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

4.0 Update on previous Improvement Objectives

We have provided an update below on Improvement Objectives that were not taken forward into the next year’s Performance Improvement Plan, and which had outstanding deliverables at the end of last year.

Objective Outcome Key Performance Indicator Status

2021 to 2022

Improve customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing our use of information technology.

A redesign of the Council website developed from user experience feedback (Phase two).

Deliver ‘Community Centre Digital Connectivity’ via Full Fibre NI.

Council Procurement Portal.

A minimum of 5 digital projects completed by March 2022.

Phase 2 is now complete and implementation (Phase 3) has commenced.

Objective Outcome Key Performance Indicator Status

2020 to 2021

Encourage people to value our natural environment through the promotion of the Green Dog Walkers scheme.

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.

At least 1,500 active Green Dog Walker Pledges by March 2021.

A further 2 organisations committed to taking action by March 2021.

The current number of Green Dog Walker pledges is 1,486 (Nov 2022), 99% of target and up 28% from March 2021, when 1,160 pledges were recorded.

At June 2022, 14 community groups were participating in the scheme.

The infrastructure rollout is complete. The internal rollout will progress throughout 2022/23.

A launch event is due to take place in November 2022.

The Contract Management module is now installed and implemented for all new contracts. Staff training has been delivered.

A cleaner borough. A 10% reduction in the number of dog fouling complaints by March 2021.

A reduction in the number of residents perceiving dog fouling to be an issue in our local areas.

There was a 25% reduction in dog foul complaints in 2021/22 compared to the previous year.

A Green Dog Walkers Facebook page has been set up as a key engagement tool. Focus groups will be organised for community participants by the end of this year.

Development of Sullatober Household

Recycling Centre.

A larger site with improved infrastructure and accessibility to maximise re-use and recycling.

6,500m2 by 31 March 2022. The new recycling centre opened at Sullatober in May 2022.

Increase recycling rate by 23.2% by 31 March 2022.

1,046 additional tonnes of recycled materials by 31 March 2023.

12 additional tonnes of reused materials by 31 March 2023.

Data will be available in March 2023.

We have indicated our progress as follows:

Green | Achieved or on track Amber | Delayed but progressing Red | Not achieved or stopped Grey | Not due yet or not available

Financial savings by compacting waste and reduction in fuel consumption.

A more effective and efficient service with increased customer satisfaction and value for money for ratepayers.

50% reduction in containers hauled per newly compacted material by 31 March 2023.

Reduce tCO2e by 800 by 31 March 2023.

Increased rate of customer satisfaction.

Data will be available in March 2023.

Customer satisfaction surveys (conducted in 2021 and 2022) indicate an increase in customer satisfaction for ‘accessibility, ‘movement around the site’ and ‘sufficient site size’.

You can view previous Performance Improvement Plans at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/

Objective: 5.0 Statutory Performance Indicators

In addition to the improvement areas identified by us, the Department for Communities also sets statutory targets for Councils in the functional areas of Planning, Economic Development and Waste.

Our arrangements to meet these are through the delivery of our statutory services. They are outlined in our annual business plans, and as far as possible, within our Improvement Objectives.

We closely monitor our performance to ensure we are progressing in line with targets, and we submit our results to the Department for Infrastructure, the Department for the Economy and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs every three months.

Reports are then issued comparing our performance with all other NI Councils. We publish the results on our website at least every six months at www. midandeastantrim.gov.uk/PIP

Our latest available results are summarised on the opposite page.

*¹⁵ Quarter 1 figures for the period April to June 2022.

*¹⁶ No statutory target is set for this indicator.

Indicator

The average processing time of major planning applications.

The average processing time of local planning applications.

Major applications processed within an average of 30 weeks.

Local applications processed within an average of 15 weeks.

The % of enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks.

70% of all enforcement cases progressed to target conclusion within 39 weeks.

The number of jobs promoted through business start-up activity. 85 jobs.

The % of household waste collected by district Councils that is sent for recycling. The amount of biodegradable Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste that is landfilled.

50% household recycling by 2022.

16,387 tonnes.

The amount (tonnage) of Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste arisings.

N/A*16

6.0 Improvement Objectives

2022 to 2023 Summary

Improvement Objective What you will see

Growing the economy and creating jobs.

Supporting

• A series of pre-employment programmes to upskill and enable residents to access employment opportunities that provide a progressive career pathway.

• The promotion of new jobs in the Borough by successfully delivering the ‘Go for it’ Programme.

• An effective and efficient Planning Service to maximise economic development.

• Up to 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored (including eight existing awarded schemes), through the Townscape Heritage Initiative, with Council and Heritage Lottery grant assistance, by 31 March 2023.

• 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.

By when *17

March 2023

Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

• The delivery of four replacement Play Parks across the Borough.

• Three new or upgraded Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) or ‘kick about’ areas.

• A programme of training and development opportunities for people to take part in safe and sustainable outdoor recreation.

March 2023

Improving customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing Council’s use of information technology.

• A target of three ‘rapid’ electric vehicle chargers (50kW, 80% charge in 20 minutes) installed at strategic locations in the Borough by December 2023, as part of the cross-border FASTER project.

• A minimum of 12 ‘fast’ chargers (22kW, charge in 1 to 2 hours) installed throughout the Borough by September 2023, as part of the On Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS).

• A communications and awareness campaign to influence behavioural change toward electric vehicle use.

• The continued rollout of an awareness raising programme.

• Additional Council venues becoming ‘Autism friendly’ places.

• Additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’, to advocate on behalf of individuals with autism within Council venues and events.

• The continued rollout of ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training to Council staff.

• The continued implementation of Council’s Agile Framework, through delivery of a number of citizen focused projects to include:

- A redesign of Council’s website, developed from user experience feedback (Phase 3).

- An expansion of the Automated Customer Call System into an additional service area.

- The implementation of the new Northern Ireland Planning Portal for Mid and East Antrim.

- The digital transformation of at least one customer facing service.

If you would to comment on our Improvement Objectives or suggest an area for improvement at any time throughout the year, please visit www. midandeastantrim.gov.uk/PIP where you will find our contact details.

*¹⁷ Timelines are subject to change.

March 2023

December 2023

March 2023

March 2023

the historic conservation of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy.

Supporting MEA citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation.

Improving infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations.