Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 Progress Report - April to December 2022

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

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 Three Performance Summary

This report gives an overview of our performance delivering the Performance Improvement Plan during April to December 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 – December 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

60% of indicators are on track or achieved.

20% are delayed but progressing.

5% are not due yet.

15% were not achieved.

26 Indicators

April – December 2022

227 participants engaging in 7 employability programmes, 142 qualifications gained and 29 people into employment so far.

4 outdoor safety training courses completed with 130 people participating.

147 business plans drafted and 88 jobs promoted through the ‘Go for it’ programme.

8 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored in Carrickfergus.

61% of indicators are on track or achieved.

19% are delayed but progressing.

8% are not due yet.

12% were not achieved.

3 rapid and 14 fast electric vehicle chargers secured for Mid and East Antrim.

7 autism awareness programmes delivered.

3.0 Performance Review

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

Who is responsible?

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 available

Outcomes

What you will see

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

How are we doing so far this year?

An additional 3 programmes commenced during Q3 and January 2023, bringing the total number of pre-employment programmes, either currently underway or complete, to 7:

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

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

• ‘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).

• ‘RISE: Female Returners Programme’ (six week confidencebuilding initiative designed for females returning to work after a career break).

• ‘Access all Areas’ (aiming to connect a minimum of 20 unemployed/economically inactive people with disabilities/ long-term health issues with local employers).

• ‘Female into Manufacturing Academy’ (providing support for women to enter non-traditional roles in advanced manufacturing and engineering settings, gaining knowledge, skills and qualifications in line with employer requirements).

A further 3 are set to launch:

• ‘Fibre Skills’ (due to commence February 2023).

• ‘Manufacturing Academy’ (due to commence February 2023).

• ‘Hospitality and Tourism: Restaurant Academy’ (due to commence February 2023).

‘Welding Academy’ was scheduled to commence in October 2022, however, the programme faced difficulty in the recruitment of a tutor and has therefore been cancelled. All participants have been offered alternative placement on the ‘Advanced Female Manufacturing Academy’ and the ‘MEA Manufacturing Academy’.

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

The Council have achieved our statutory ‘Go for It’ Programme targets, with 147 business plans developed and 88 jobs promoted up to 31 December 2022.

An effective and efficient Planning Service to maximise economic development.

For the period April to September 2022, we remain on target for 2 of the 3 statutory planning indicators.

Council were the top performing authority in two of these targets. These include the average processing time of local planning applications and the percentage of planning enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks.

Council were the fourth top performing authority in relation to the target set for the processing time of major planning applications.

The results for the period April to December 2022 are not yet available.

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

7 employability programmes or academies delivered by March 2023.

10 employability programmes or academies are scheduled for delivery by 31 March 2023.

120 participants engaged.

227 participants have engaged up to January 2023 - Transport Academy (45), Health and Social Care Academy (23), Pilot Hydrogen Training Academy (114), Get into Childminding (10), RISE: Female Returners Programme (21), Access All Areas (14)

120 qualifications achieved.

10 participants progressing to Further Education.

60 participants gaining employment or selfemployment.

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

142 qualifications were achieved up to January 2023 - Transport Academy (17), Health and Social Care Academy (11), Pilot Hydrogen Training Academy (105), Get into Childminding (9)

17 people have progressed into Further Education - Transport Academy (6), Health and Social Care Academy (11)

29 people have gained employment / selfemployment - Transport Academy (12), Health and Social Care Academy (6), Get into Childminding (9), RISE: Female Returners Programme (2)

88 jobs were promoted up to 31 December 2022.

45.4 weeks (April to September 2022).

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

While the target of 30 weeks has not been achieved, there has been a 6 week improvement on the figure of 51.4 weeks reported for April to June 2022.

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.

8 weeks (April to September 2022).

91.2% (April to September 2022).

*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.

Objective: ?

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

Supporting

Why?

Who is responsible?

• 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.

• Director of Operations

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

As of the end of December 2022, 8 properties have been successfully restored to practical completion.

Of the 2 projects currently underway:

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

Outcomes

What you will see

The local community will have a better understanding of built heritage.

Property 9 – within the six month update, it was reported that the project was experiencing delays due to site investigations. These investigations are ongoing and it is therefore unlikely that this property will be completed by 31 March 2023. An application has also been made to the Heritage Lottery for additional funding which is required in order to deliver the project and the project team are currently awaiting the result of this application.

Property 10 – building work commenced in November 2022 and is expected to be complete by May 2023.

An ‘Education Pack’ and accompanying resources have been developed and can be downloaded for free from Council’s website. The pack is aimed at enhancing awareness of Carrickfergus’ history, examining how it has changed and why.

The project team have commenced work to deliver a closing event and booklet upon project completion.

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

Up to two new grants awarded by 31 July 2022.

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

2 new grants were awarded by July 2022.

8 buildings have been restored up to the end of December 2022.

Works on the 2 ongoing properties are likely to extend into the new financial year.

The Education Programme has largely been completed.

Indicators

How we will measure progress

An Education Programme completed by 31 March 2023.

Within the last quarterly update it was noted that research was undertaken into the significance of the historic staircase within 10 High Street. This work is ongoing.

The delivery team are in talks with the Heritage Lottery Fund and Council’s museums team to efficiently maximise the potential of the work completed within the Education Programme to support future exhibitions and generate greater opportunities from historical tourism.

Increased floor space for retail, commercial or residential use by 31 March 2023.

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 upon 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.

To be established upon project completion.

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.

• Director of Community

Who is responsible?

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

Outcomes

What you will see

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

The delivery of four replacement Play Parks across the Borough.

Following the completion of a delayed but successful procurement exercise a contractor has been appointed.

It is anticipated that all four replacement play parks will be completed in Q1 of 2023/24.

The Portglenone MUGA and Glynn ‘kick-about’ are progressing but have faced delays.

Consultants are currently working on a detailed design and are developing contractor procurement documents for the Portglenone MUGA. It is expected that the tender process for works will take place in Q1 of 2023/24, with works expected to commence during Q2 of 2023/24.

Indicators

How

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

4 replacement play parks by March 2023:

- Ballymena Road, Ahoghill

- Martinstown

- Ferris Park, Larne

- Woodburn, Carrickfergus

3 new or upgraded Multi Use Games (MUGAs) or ‘kick-about’ areas by March 2023:

- Portglenone

- Carnlough

- Glynn

All 4 parks are expected to complete by the end of Q1 in 2023/24.

Following feedback from the public consultation, 2 of the 3 planned MUGAs / ‘kick-about’ areas are progressing and expected to complete no later than September 2023.

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

The Glynn ‘kick-about’ is being adapted to take into consideration feedback from the public consultation which highlighted the need for floodlighting. Officers are currently examining design and funding options around this. Once completed, a planning application will be made.

Following the completion of the public consultation exercise, the decision has been taken to pause the refurbishment of the Carnlough MUGA as findings showed a greater demand for a larger facility. Officers are currently investigating alternative options.

So far, 4 courses have been delivered, these are:

• Rescue Emergency Care 2 (REC2), held in May 2022 with 12 participants;

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

A minimum of 50 participants across the five programmes.

4 training courses have been delivered.

1 additional training course has been scheduled for March 2023.

130 people participated in training up to January 2023.

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

• Stand-Up Paddle Boarding and Kayak Safety, delivered by Sport NI in July 2022 with 37 participants;

• Water Awareness Workshops, delivered by Brendan Prince from the ‘Above Water’ charity, held in June 2022 to 75 pupils from two local primary schools; and

• Hill and Mooreland Walk Leader, held January 2023 with 6 participants.

A ‘Lowland Walk Leader’ course is scheduled for 4-5 March 2023.

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

?

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

• Director of Operations

Who is responsible?

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

• Larne Leisure Centre

The procurement specifications for a design, build, maintenance and operation contract are currently underway and are anticipated to be issued for tender in Q4 of 2022/23.

Northern Ireland Electricity have approved the charging locations and connection applications have been lodged.

Within the Q2 update, it was reported that the NI Consortium had secured £1.3 million in funding from the ‘Office for Zero Emission Vehicles’ (OZEV), and £500,000 from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

By September 2023, 14 new fast charge points will be installed at:

• Riverdale Car Park, Larne.

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).

A tender for distribution to potential suppliers is expected to be issued early Q4 of 2022/23. Applications have been lodged with NIE for connections to the points and these are awaiting approval.

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

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

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

Indicators

2 surveys have now been completed. The first took place in July 2021 and surveyed 1,775 people. This was followed up in July 2022 with a survey of 1,485 people. The key findings showed that:

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

As part of the FASTER communication campaign, South West College delivered a series of EV Talk webinars, hosted by Dr Euan Mc Turk. These were promoted on social media for MEA residents.

Two webinars took place in Q3, the first in November and the second in December 2022.

The webinars were attended by 37 and 133 people respectively, and combined have been viewed more than 14,150 times.

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

• 82% of respondents felt their awareness of electric vehicles had improved in the last 12 months;

• 54% of respondents in the 2022 survey stated they were likely to choose a battery EV as their next car compared to 52% in the 2021 survey; and

• The top two concerns of EV ownership changed from range activity and purchase cost in 2021, to purchase cost and public charging infrastructure in 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.

Objective: ?

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

• Director of Community.

Who is responsible?

*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.

Outcomes

What you will see

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

To date, 7 workshops have taken place and another is scheduled for delivery in Q4 of 2022/23.

Autism-Friendly Information Roadshows have been scheduled for delivery between January and March 2023 in each of the borough’s three main towns.

The continued rollout of an awareness raising programme.

A ‘Top Tips’ information resource for businesses has been developed and is scheduled to be distributed by Council’s Town Centre team in February 2023.

Online Makaton (a form of sign language commonly used by individuals with autism) taster sessions are scheduled to take place in March 2023.

Between March and April 2023, Council will be co-hosting a free exhibition entitled ‘Creative Voices: What Autism Means to Me’ alongside the Education Authority Autism Advisory and Intervention Service (AAIS). The exhibition will display over one hundred pieces of artwork created by autistic post-primary pupils from across Northern Ireland.

Autism Friendly actions continue to be rolled out across Council venues.

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.

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

Indicators

How we will measure progress

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

To date, 7 workshops have taken place and another is scheduled for delivery in Q4 of 2022/23.

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

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

This target is expected to be achieved during Q1 of 2023/24.

Due to the limit on the number of ‘Autism Champions’ per Council venue put in place by Autism NI, this indicator is no longer achievable.

9 members of staff will undertake the ‘Autism NI Impact Award’ training but only two can be recognised as ‘Autism Champions’.

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

3 venues, The Braid Museum and Arts Centre, Larne Arts Centre and Carrickfergus Museum, are anticipated to receive ‘Autism Impact Award’ training in Q1 of 2023/24.

Due to the nature in which Autism NI conduct their training, only two of the three venues can receive formal accreditation. Of the three, The Braid Museum and Arts Centre and Larne Arts Centre have been selected; this is due to the level of footfall within each building.

As of January 2023, 9 staff members have been identified to undertake ‘Autism NI Impact Award’ Training and it is anticipated that 2 will become Autism Champions.

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

To date, 69 staff have completed the ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training.

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

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

A target of 6 additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’ by March 2023 was agreed for this Improvement Objective, however, due to the nature of the training, the maximum number of Autism Champions per training course is limited to 2 people, therefore this target is no longer achievable.

It is important to note though, that while only one staff member per venue can be accredited as the ‘Autism Champion’, there is no limit to the number of staff that can undertake the ‘Autism NI Impact Award’ Training.

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

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

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?

• Interim Director of Corporate Services

Outcomes

What you will see

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

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

The annual review of Council budgets, as part of the rates setting process, has caused this project to be paused.

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

Further information regarding the viability, scope, potential efficiencies and implementation of the project is due to be presented to Council’s Senior Management Team following the completion of the rate setting process.

As of the end of December 2022, the tender specification for the Council’s corporate website and ‘The Braid’ was finalised and is ready to be published online pending the outcome of the review.

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

This project has been paused and further information regarding the viability, scope, potential efficiencies and implementation of the project is due to be presented to Council’s Senior Management Team following the completion of the rate setting process.

Indicators

How we will measure progress

A minimum of 4 digital projects completed by March 2023. 2 projects are complete; however, 2 have been paused for review.

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

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

The new ‘Planning Portal’ went ‘live’ on 5 December 2022, with 100% of applications now being processed via the portal.

The Full Fibre NI project has now been completed, with Council availing of £1.5m investment from Government, as part of a successful local government consortium bid.

The digital transformation of at least one customerfacing service.

As of the end of December 2022, fibre cabling has been installed in various locations across the borough and local residents and businesses now have the option of upgrading their homes or businesses to high-speed broadband.

Cabling has also been installed in all Council community centres and procurement of internet routers has taken place to allow the centres to avail of the high-speed broadband. Council’s ICT team are working with suppliers to finalise installation.

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

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).

Key Performance Indicator

Status

2020 to 2021

Development of Sullatober Household Recycling Centre.

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

Completion of the three outstanding Outcomes in relation to this Improvement Objective as outlined in the Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022.

This project is now being reported against as part of the ‘Improving customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing Council’s use of information technology’ Improvement Objective within the current Performance Improvement Plan. Please see page 29 for details.

These projects are now being reported against as part of the ‘Improving customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing Council’s use of information technology’ Improvement Objective within the current Performance Improvement Plan. Please see page 29 for details. Council Procurement Portal.

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

6,500m2 site by 31 March 2022.

Increase recycling rate by 23.2% by 31 March 2023.

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

12 additional tonnes of reused materials by 31 March 2023.

Financial savings by compacting waste and reduction in fuel consumption.

The new recycling centre opened at Sullatober in May 2022.

Data will be available in March 2023.

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.

The current number of Green Dog Walker pledges is 1,555 (Jan 2023).

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’.

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

At January 2023, 16 community groups were participating in the scheme.

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.

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

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

The Green Dog walker initiative continues to be promoted across the borough.

Officers continue to engage with local residents and community groups to encourage responsible dog ownership.

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 2 figures for the period April to September 2022.

*¹⁶ No statutory target is set for this indicator.

Indicator Target

The average processing time of major planning applications.

Major applications processed within an average of 30 weeks. The average processing time of local planning applications.

The % of enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks.

The

Local applications processed within an average of 15 weeks.

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

6.0 Improvement Objectives 2022 to 2023 Summary

Improvement Objective

Growing the economy and creating jobs.

What you will see

• 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.

Supporting 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.

Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

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

• 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

March 2023

• 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.

• 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.

*¹⁷ Timelines are subject to change.

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.

March 2023

December 2023

March 2023

March 2023