Mid and East Antrim Borough Council 1-29 Bridge Street Ballymena BT43 5EJ T: 0300 1245 000 E: W:enquiries@midandeastantrim.gov.ukwww.midandeastantrim.gov.uk If you would like this publication in an alternative format, large print or another language, please email midandeastantrim.gov.ukcommunications@ Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 Progress Report - April to June 2022 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk7186
Contents 1.0 Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 1 - 4 2.0 Quarter One Performance Summary 5 - 6 3.0 Performance Review 7 - 30 4.0 Update on previous Improvement Objectives 31 - 32 5.0 Statutory Performance Indicators 33 - 34 6.0 Improvement Objectives 2022 to 2023 Summary 35
1.0 Performance Improvement
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.
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.
effectiveness Servicequality availabilityService Efficiency Fairness Sustainability Innovation | 0201 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review
Strategic
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.
Plan 2022 to 2023
We demonstrate our commitment to this through the development and implementation of an annual Performance Improvement Plan, alongside our other strategies and plans.
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.
Our ObjectivesImprovement
We have identified six objectives for delivery during 2022 to 2023 and beyond:
2. Supporting the historic conservation of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy.
5. Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council .
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.
6. Improving customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing Council’s use of information technology.
1. Growing the economy and creating jobs.
03 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review
12%
73%
20 AprilOutcomes–June2022 26 AprilIndicators–June2022
This report gives an overview of our performance during April to June 2022, with a snapshot of some of our key achievements provided overleaf.
or
The ‘outcomes’ are statements of what we want to achieve for our citizens. The ‘indicators’ are how we measure success. first quarter results are summarised below.
PerformanceOneSummary
Key of outcomes are on track or this quarter. are delayed but progressing. of indicators are on track achieved this quarter. are delayed but rogressing. are not due or are not yet available.
Achievements to soHighlightsNotefar 80%
Our
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%
15%
5 deliveredprogrammesawarenessautism 7 buildings of Carrickfergusrestoredinterestarchitecturalandhistoricalin 53 andplansbusinessdrafted 32 programme‘Gothroughpromotedjobstheforit’ 12 Care)Emergency(Rescue2receivedpeopleRECtraining 37 courseskayakBoarding)UpNI’sattendedpeopleSportSUP(StandPaddleandsafety 100 engagingparticipantsin 5 programmes,employability 44 gainedqualificationssofar grantedpermissionPlanning GamesMUGAPortglenonefor(MultiUseArea) 05 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review
achieved
2.0 Quarter
Who responsible?is
• 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
3.0 Performance Review www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 06 We have outlined our progress towards meeting our objectives as follows: Green | Achieved or on track Amber | Delayed but progressing Red | Not achieved or stopped Grey | Not due or not available07 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review *1 Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Household Survey 2018. *2 Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Information Service, Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). *3 NISRA Confirmed Redundancy Trend Tables, published February 2022.
• 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
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.
Growing the economy and creating jobs
1.including:ATransport
At 30 June 2022, 60 participants were engaged in the pilot Hydrogen Training Academy (41 on KnowHy Level 5 Train the Trainer, 12 on the Northern Regional College Level 3 pilot and seven on the non-accredited, practical, H2 Gas Safe Lab). An additional 40 participants are engaging through the four other active programmes, thereby totalling 100.
The 41 participants of the ‘KnowHy Birmingham Level 5 Train the Trainer’ (Hydrogen), are from both private sector and academia, and can now develop materials and deliver training at a lower level. They have greater knowledge for application within private and public sector organisations that have a reliance on hydrogen technologies.
Quarter one figures for all three planning indicators will be available in September 2022 and published in the six-month update report.
The Department for Infrastructure sets statutory planning targets for Councils each year. Annual figures for 2021 to 2022 are now verified and published, with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council achieving two of the three targets.
Indicators
How we willprogressmeasure
4. Welding (Jun to Nov 2022).
An effective and efficient Planning Service to maximise development.economic
Council remain on track for achieving our ‘Go for It’ targets, with 53 business plans developed and 32 jobs promoted so far.
10 participants progressing to Further Education.
70% of concludedenforcementplanningcaseswithin39 weeks by March 2023.
7. Female into Manufacturing Academy (Sept 2022 to Mar 2023).
32 jobs are promoted so far.
8. Hospitality and Tourism (Sept 2022 to Mar 2023).
7 programmesemployabilityor academies delivered by March 2023.
The promotion of new jobs in the Borough by fordeliveringsuccessfullythe‘Goit’Programme.
2. A Health and Social Care Academy (Dec 2021 to Dec 2022).
Our aim How are we doing so far this year?
What you will see
Academy (Feb 2022 to Mar 2023).
60 participants gaining employment or selfemployment.
6 participants have gained employment or selfemployment.
Major Planning applications processed within an average of 30 weeks by March 2023.
To date, participants have gained 44 qualifications.
*4 Statutory target of ‘85’ at May 2022 is expected to increase to ‘111’ during the 2022 to 2023 financial year, pending changes to legislation. 09 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 10
Local Planning applications processed within an average of 15 weeks by March 2023.
Our aim How are we doing so far this year?
To date, 11 participants have progressed to further education.
3. A Pilot Hydrogen Academy (Nov 2021 to Dec 2022).
5. Get into Childminding (Feb 2022 to Mar 2023).
A series of pathway.progressivethatopportunitiesemploymentresidentsupskillprogrammesemploymentpre-toandenabletoaccessprovideacareer
We were the top performing NI Council for the average processing time for local planning applications and the percentage of enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks. We narrowly missed the average processing target time for major planning applications due to the statutory consultation process.
120 qualifications achieved.
Eight programmes or academies are either planned or underway.
120 participants engaged.
Five programmes are currently underway,
Outcomes
6. Fibre Skills (Aug 2022 to Mar 2023).
85*⁴ jobs promoted through the ‘Go for It’ Programme by March 2023.
A further three programmes will launch by September 2022, including:
11 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 12
• Significant factory closures, changes in buying habits and proximity to Belfast have led to a decline in Carrickfergus’ traditional town centre economy.
Why??
• Carrickfergus Castle is a key landmark and popular visitor attraction.
Who responsible?is
• Director of Operations
Objective:
Supporting the historic conservation of sustainabilitycontributingCarrickfergus,totheofthe local economy
Increased andindirectlybothopportunitieslocalinvestmentinwardandemploymentrelateddirectlyandtoheritagetourismgrowth.*⁶
The number of jobs created will be established on 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. 13 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 14
One new grant was awarded in May 2022, a second is due July 2022.
A total of ten buildings of historical 2023.restoredarchitecturalandinterestby31March
Seven properties are successfully restored.
Some education and interpretation work continues.
Increased floor space for retail, commercial or residential use by 31 March 2023.
Our aim How are we doing so far this year?
Our aim How are we doing so far this year?
An completedProgrammeEducationby
How progressmeasurewillwe
31 March 2023.
Outcomes
What you will see
Up to two new grants awarded by 31 July 2022.
Up to 10 buildings of historical MarchgrantandInitiative,Townscapeschemes),eightrestoredarchitecturalandinterest(includingexistingawardedthroughtheHeritagewithCouncilHeritageLotteryassistance,by312023.*5
Nine properties have now received Letters of Offer from the Townscape Heritage Initiative.
Indicators
Seven buildings of historical and architectural interest are successfully restored to practical or final Thecompletion.restoration of a further two sites is underway.
The local community will have a understandingbetterof built heritage.
Ongoing.
A closing event and booklet will be scheduled before the end of March 2023.
By 31 March 2022, at least 25 construction jobs had been supported through the scheme.
By 31 March 2022, vacant floor space restoredand converted for reuse was 249m² (195m² for retail or commercial use and 54m² for museum or culture space). Since then, a further four properties are restored. This data will be published in our six-month update.
Why??
• 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 responsible?is
• 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.
Supporting MEA citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation
15 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 16
• Director of Community
The delivery of four replacement Play Parks across the Borough.
Portglenone MUGA gained planning permission in early July 2022, allowing for detailed designs and contractor procurement to advance.
Procurement is underway.
Our aim How are we doing so far this year?
A minimum of 5 outdoorsafety training courses delivered by March 2023. 2 delivered so far.
Outcomes
Completion is now anticipated July 2023, due to supply chain delays and specific weather conditions required for the laying of new 3G surfaces.
4 replacement play parks by MarchBallymena2023: Road, Woodburn,FerrisMartinstownAhoghillPark,LarneCarrickfergus
How progressmeasurewillwe
What you will see
Three new or upgraded Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA’s) or ‘kick about’ areas.
Concept designs and community consultation for Carnlough and Glynn sites will progress in August 2022.
Our aim How are we doing so far this year?
A programme of training and recreation.sustainabletoopportunitiesdevelopmentforpeopletakepartinsafeandoutdoor
12 people from the Borough underwent the ‘REC 2’ (Rescue Emergency Care), two day, outdoor emergency first aid course. Taking place at Carnfunnock Country park, it utilised numerous outdoor spaces, grassland, woodland and foreshore for various scenarios. This accredited course is valid for three years.
Procurement is underway for an Integrated Consultant Team for all four parks.
Indicators
Hill and Moorland and Lowland Walk Leader training courses will take place later in the year.
3 new or upgraded Multi Use Games (MUGA’s) or ‘kick-about’ areas by March 2023:PortglenoneCarnloughGlynn
A minimum of 50 participants across the five programmes. 49 participants.
17 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 18
Sport NI also hosted three free Stand Up Paddle Boarding safety and kayak safety courses, in partnership with Council. 37 people attended over three days, at Ballygally and Carnlough.
• Improving the Borough’s electric vehicle infrastructure will facilitate a sustainable transition to low carbon transport systems.
Improving infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations
19 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 20
• 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.
• Director of Operations
• 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 responsible?is
Why??
*⁹ This scheme is subject to a successful external funding application, the outcome of which is expected in June 2022.
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 Onstreet (ORCS).ChargepointResidentialScheme*⁸*⁹
Indicators How we willprogressmeasure
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 crossborder project.FASTER*⁸
In March 2022, Ulster University, Northern Ireland Electricity and Council officers agreed the three locations for FASTER charge point installations.
A public bytowardsattitudeanyconductedsurveytoexaminechangesinandbehaviourtransportuseDecember2023.
12 locations for charger installations are agreed with Northern Ireland Electricity, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Council officers, and the funding application has been submitted.
An Electric Vehicle Webinar event was held on 20 April 2022, as part of the FASTER project Spring communication campaign. A second was held in June 2022, and a third event is planned for later in the year.
A minimum of 12 ‘fast’ SeptembertheinstalledchargersthroughoutBoroughby2023.
Outcomes
*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.
21 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 22
The Energy Saving Trust completed their review and peer review of the joint Council ORCS application, and confirmed the application was submitted to OZEV on 14 June 2022. The outcome is expected in July 2022.
12 charge point locations are agreed throughout the Borough.
A electricchangeinfluencecampaignandcommunicationsawarenesstobehaviouraltowardvehicleuse.
Our aim How are we doing so far this year?
Three rapid charge point locations are agreed, one each, in Ballymena, Larne and ApprovalCarrickfergus.from the Department for Infrastructure is awaited for all charge points in Northern Ireland.
Three rapid chargers installed at key strategic locations by December 2023.
A second online FASTER Electric Vehicle survey has been shared across social media platforms to determine residents’ attitudes towards electric vehicles.
Our aim How are we doing so far this year?
• 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 responsible?is
• 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.
Who
• 1 in 22 children in Northern Ireland have a diagnosis of Autism*10.
Why??
Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
•
Director of Community.
23 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 24 *¹⁰ ‘2021, Prevalence of Autism in school aged children, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety’. *¹¹ https://www.autismni.org/about-1 *¹² Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Household Survey 2018. amended – internal action plans will be delivered, rather than external formal recognition.
Objective:
What you will see
The Steering Group have not yet confirmed venues.
100% of attendees reported their knowledge of autism had increased following training.
Autism-Friendly action plans delivered in three Council venues by March 2023*¹³.
Our aim How are we doing so far this year?
On confirmation of venues, two members of staff within each one will train as an Autism Champion.
An online training invitation will be reissued to staff during quarter two. deviation from Performance Improvement Plan Consultation Document – Outcome and Indicator action formal recognition.
Six additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’ by March 2023.
amended – internal
plans will be delivered, rather than external
Venues to be confirmed.
25 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 26
Four additional ‘Autism Friendly’, virtual or in-person, public awareness sessions held for businesses, Council staff or the local community by March 2023.
At least 90% of attendees reporting that their knowledge of autism has increased following the training sessions.
Since April 2022, five workshops have taken place with the Northern Ireland Fire Service’s Blue and Red Watch, Sainsbury’s, Tullyglass House Hotel and the Tourist Information Centre.
*¹³ Note
The continued rollout of an awareness raising programme.
Will progress in quarter 2.
Additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’, to advocate on behalf of individuals with autism within Council venues and events.
How we willprogressmeasure
Additional Council venues becoming ‘Autism Friendly’ places*¹³.
Outcomes
An additional 100 Council staff completing ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training by March 2023.
The continued rollout of ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training to Council staff.
Five workshops were delivered from April 2022.
Indicators
Our aim How are we doing so far this year?
‘Top Tips’ for businesses to promote autism friendly practices has been drafted and will be distributed to local businesses.
• 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 responsible?is • Director of Corporate Services Improving technologyuseenhancingserviceengagementcustomeranddeliverybyCouncil’sofinformation 27 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 28 *¹⁴ Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Household Survey 2018.
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.
In 2021, our website had almost 1.8 million page views and over 400,000 unique users, with 77% of people using a mobile device.
Our aim How are we doing so far this year?
A redesign of Council’s (Phaseexperiencedevelopedwebsite,fromuserfeedback3).
What you will see
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 continued implementation of Council’s Agile Framework, through delivery of a number of citizen-focused projects to include:
*¹⁴ Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Household Survey 2018.
Following a successful pilot, our ICT team are working with the Leisure department to scope and plan for potential implementation.
A minimum of 4 digital projects completed by March 2023. On track.
The transformationdigital of at least one customerfacing service.
Our aim How are we doing so far this year?
Our current website provides an inconsistent experience, lacks uniform standards, and information can be out of date, hard to find or inaccessible. A specification for the new site has been finalised and will be issued pending budget approval (Phase 2).
The original planning portal was troublesome for both staff and customers; the modern redesign will enable interactions between all aspects of the planning application to take place electronically, helping to streamline the process. It will also create a more modern agile working environment, with remote possibilities and onsite inspections.
Our ICT department are actively researching several possible customer-facing services that could be digitally transformed this year, with detailed plans to follow within the next three months.
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 30
Indicators How we willprogressmeasure
Phase 3 will see its implementation; delivering accessibility features across all devices. The website will also have its own content management system. Data cleansing in preparation for the move will commence following budget confirmation.
A new Northern Ireland wide planning portal is planning to launch in October 2023. Testing to date has been successful.
Outcomes
A further 2 organisations committed to taking action by March 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected pledge numbers greatly, as Council were unable to attend road shows and promotional activities were restricted. The number of active pledge numbers at March 2021 was 1160. Council’s current focus is on reducing dog foul and building community participation. An update on the scheme will be provided in the annual ‘Environmental Performance and Carbon Footprint’ Report (2021 to 2022) as an example of an environmental initiative. This will be reported to Council’s Direct Services Committee.
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 20| 23 You
A reduction in the number of residents perceiving dog fouling to be an issue in our local areas.
A more effective and ratepayers.valuesatisfactionincreasedserviceefficientwithcustomerandformoneyfor
RecyclingHouseholdofDevelopmentSullatoberCentre.
Increased rate of customer satisfaction.
Improve technology.usebyserviceengagementcustomeranddeliveryenhancingourofinformation
Deliver ‘Community Centre FullConnectivity’DigitalviaFibreNI.
14 community groups are now participating in the Green Dog Walkers Scheme. New themed signage has been displayed throughout the borough, and regular social media messages have been posted to promote the scheme and to target dog foul. Council presented to the Outdoor Recreation NI Webinar in February 2022 as a best practice showcase. New video content is also in development.
A minimum of 5 digital projects completed by March 2022.
4.0 Update on previous Improvement Objectives
Financial savings by compacting waste and reduction in fuel consumption.
The procurement specification for Council’s corporate website and ‘The Braid’ is finalised, and will be issued pending budget approval.
Responsible dog ownership through increased participation and support of the Green Dog Walkers Scheme.
High-speed fibre infrastructure was installed into all community centres and has been tested and signed off by suppliers. A joint procurement exercise undertaken with all other NI Councils for an internet connection supplier has now closed. It is hoped that additional community centres will have an active internet connection depending on specific needs by December 2022.
ProcurementCouncil Portal.
Amber | Delayed but progressing | Not achieved or stopped | Not due yet or not available can view previous Performance Improvement Plans at performancewww.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/
Green | Achieved or on track
Red
Objective Outcome Key IndicatorPerformance Status
Encourage people to value our scheme.GreenpromotionthroughenvironmentnaturaltheoftheDogWalkers
50% reduction in containers hauled per newly byReduce2023.materialcompactedby31MarchtCO2eby80031March2023.
Grey
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.
The new recycling centre opened in May 2022, with robust recycling data expected by September 2022. Updates will continue to be measured and reported in the Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 quarterly reports, as appropriate.
A cleaner borough. A 10% reduction in the number of dog fouling complaints by March 2021.
Objective Outcome Key IndicatorPerformance Status
2021 to 2022
A customer satisfaction survey is taking place during summer 2022.
6,500m2 by 31 March 2022.
At least 1,500 active Green Dog Walker Pledges by March 2021.
additional tonnes of recycled materials by March31 2023.
A larger site with andmaximiseaccessibilityinfrastructureimprovedandtore-userecycling.
A redesign of the Council two).feedbackuserdevelopedwebsitefromexperience(Phase
This data is due by March 2023.
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.
There was a greater balance between enforcement and education during 2021 to 2022, with an increase in the number of Fixed Penalty Notices issued on the previous year. This resulted in a 25% reduction in dog foul complaints.
We have indicated our progress as follows:
A marketing and behaviours.andchallengecampaignpromotionaltoattitudeschange
2020 to 2021
Increase recycling rate by 23.2% by 31 March 1,0462022.
12 additional tonnes of reused materials by 31 March 2023.
The final configuration and implementation of Council’s new Finance system have affected the Procurement Tenders Portal delivery timescale. Now that the procurement contract management module is up and running, implementation can proceed.
5.0
*¹⁷ No statutory target is set for this indicator.
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.
Objective:
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.
are not yet available for both Planning and Waste indicators, therefore 2021 to 2022 year-end figures are
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
*¹⁶reported.Thefinal Waste figures for 2021 to 2022 will be audited and publicly released by Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) by December 2022. They can be used as a strong indicator of performance and are unlikely to change, but cannot be published anywhere in advance of their release by NIEA.
Statutory Performance Indicators
The ofprocessingaveragetimemajorplanningapplications. Major averageprocessedapplicationswithinanof30weeks. The ofprocessingaveragetimelocalplanningapplications. Local averageprocessedapplicationswithinanof15weeks. The % enforcementofcasesconcludedwithin39weeks. 70% of all enforcement cases progressed to target withinconclusion39weeks. The number of jobs promoted through businessactivity.start-up 85 jobs. The Authority(tonnage)amountofLocalCollectedMunicipalWastearisings. N/A*17 50% recyclinghouseholdby2022. The % of household waste collected by district Councils that is sent for recycling. The amount of biodegradable Local AuthorityMunicipalCollectedWastethatislandfilled. tonnes.16,387 Indicator Target 34.7 weeks *15 9.6 weeks *15 90.5% *15 32 jobs 76,689 tonnes *15 *16 51.9% *15 *16 14,528 tonnes *15 *16 Result 33 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 - Quarter One Review
at least every six months at summarisedOurmidandeastantrim.gov.uk/PIPwww.latestavailableresultsareontheoppositepage.*¹⁵Quarter1figuresfortheperiodApriltoJune 2022
• A programme of training and development opportunities for people to take part in safe and sustainable outdoor recreation.
March
A redesign of Council’s website, developed from user experience feedback (Phase 3).
Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
The implementation of the new Northern Ireland Planning Portal for Mid and East Antrim.
• 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.
ObjectiveImprovement
• A series of pre-employment programmes to upskill and enable residents to access employment opportunities that provide a progressive career pathway.
• The continued implementation of Council’s Agile Framework, through delivery of a number of citizen focused projects to include:
• A communications and awareness campaign to influence behavioural change toward electric vehicle use.
• Additional Council venues becoming ‘Autism friendly’ places.
March 2023
• The promotion of new jobs in the Borough by successfully delivering the ‘Go for it’ Programme.
infrastructureImproving to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations.
*¹⁸ Timelines are subject to change. *¹⁹ Subject to a successful funding application.
What you will see By when *¹⁸
2022 to 2023 Summary
• 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) *¹⁹.
March
Supporting MEA citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and outdoorresponsiblerecreation.
• 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.
• The continued rollout of ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training to Council staff. 2023
• Three new or upgraded Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) or ‘kick about’ areas.
December2023
Improving technology.useenhancingserviceengagementcustomeranddeliverybyCouncil’sofinformation
• The local community will have a better understanding of built heritage.
• The delivery of four replacement Play Parks across the Borough.
• The continued rollout of an awareness raising programme.
The digital transformation of at least one customer facing service. 2023
• Increased inward investment and local employment opportunities related both directly and indirectly to heritage and tourism growth.
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
6.0 Improvement Objectives
• Additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’, to advocate on behalf of individuals with autism within Council venues and events.
March 2023
• An effective and efficient Planning Service to maximise economic development. March 2023
An expansion of the Automated Customer Call System into an additional service area.
Supporting the historic conservation of localsustainabilitycontributingCarrickfergus,totheoftheeconomy.
Growing andeconomythecreating jobs.