Annual
Report
FINAL DRAFT
2013/14
Version 1.5
Any queries please contact Policy and Performance Management Officer, Helen Thomas
Tel. 01263 516214
Annual Report 2013-14 v1 5 for Cabinet
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Contents
Contents .................................................................................... 2
Introduction............................................................................... 3
Content ...................................................................................... 3
Overview ................................................................................... 4
Our Vision and Values.............................................................. 5
Our Priorities............................................................................. 6
Jobs and the Local Economy .............................................................. 6
Housing and Infrastructure .................................................................. 7
Coast, Countryside and Built Heritage................................................. 9
Localism ............................................................................................ 10
Delivering the Vision .......................................................................... 12
Financial Summary ................................................................. 13
Appendix 1 – Annual Action Plan Delivery Report ............... 14
Appendix 2 – Performance Indicator Results ....................... 28
Appendix 3 – Responding to the Tidal Surge ....................... 36
Appendix 4 – Workforce Profile Statistics ............................ 40
Version Control....................................................................... 40
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Introduction
[To be provided by the Leader and Chief Executive after completion of the report and
appendices and to include an element on key events including the storm surge]
Content
The annual report shows progress against the Corporate Plan 2012-2015 Themes, together
with any other relevant performance achievements and issues.
Each Theme has an assessment of progress achieved during the year in delivering the Annual
Action Plan 2013/14 and achieving targets. It presents key achievements, issues and
challenges faced during 2013/14.
Performance against targets set for performance indicators and whether or not performance is
improving are shown in the performance indicators at a glance section.
The appendices contain the detailed evidence to support the overview and assessments.
Appendix 1 gives progress reports for each activity in the 2013/14 action plan and Appendix 2
shows performance and further information against each performance indicator.
The purpose of the report and the process for producing it is to highlight any performance
issues to help the Council identify areas for discussion and take action to secure improvement
in the future where it is needed.
Signifies an action or target achieved that has an outcome that meets our
equalities objectives.
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Overview
1. The majority of the 49 activities in the Annual Action Plan 2013/14 are progressing to plan
(35). Performance is being closely monitored, particularly for the small number of activities
where issues or problems have been identified (five) or the activity is on hold (one). Some
activities have already been completed successfully (eight). See Chart 1 below.
2. Of the 14 performance indicators where a target has been set eight are on or above target,
one close to target and five below target.
3. Where assessment of performance in 2013/14 is possible against performance in 2012/13
17 indicators have improved, three are unchanged and none worse compared to last year.
See Chart 2 below.
4. See Appendices 1 and 2 for data and progress reports for individual activities and
performance indicators.
Activities
Completed
Successfully
5, 10%
1, 2%
8, 16%
Progressing to
Plan
Postponed,
Delayed or On
Hold
Some Problems
35, 72%
Chart 1 : Progress in delivering the activities in the Annual Action Plan 2013/14
Performance Indicators
0, 0%
Improving
compared to the
same period last
year
3, 15%
17, 85%
Close to the same
period last year’s
result
Chart 2 : Performance indicators direction of travel in 2013/14
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Our Vision and Values
North Norfolk is a unique and beautiful place. It is somewhere we cherish and we are proud to be
entrusted with the role of leading our district and contributing to the future wellbeing and prosperity
of the many communities we represent.
Our vision
Our priorities for North Norfolk are:





To boost employment and create more jobs
To enable the provision of new homes and the infrastructure that goes with them
To protect our coastline and the character of our countryside and built heritage
To empower individuals and local communities to have a greater say in their own futures
To reform the organisation to deliver high quality services that achieve our priorities in an
efficient manner that represents good value for local taxpayers
Our values
We will:





Empower people and communities to make their own decisions
Support people in taking control of their own lives
Be innovative and flexible in the delivery of our services
Be open and transparent in our decision-making
Work with partners in the private, public and voluntary sectors where appropriate for the benefit
of the District
 Value and respect the roles of councillors and staff and act with integrity at all times
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Our Priorities
Jobs and the Local Economy
What we want to achieve:
A district with a thriving economy offering better jobs and prospects for local people.
What we have done in 2013/14 towards meeting the priority:
1. Progressed the proposal to develop a Local Development Order for Egmere to
accommodate investment by businesses associated with the development and operation of
offshore wind schemes off the North Norfolk coast.
2. Received planning applications for the allocated development sites at North Walsham and
Holt with a combined housing number of up to 391.
3. Advised Kinnerton Confectionery in the expansion of its factory in Fakenham by 2,710 sqm,
safeguarding the jobs of 600+ employees and supporting a further 90 new jobs.
4. Seen an increase in the rateable value of business stock within North Norfolk of almost £1m.
5. Promoted business growth through a North Norfolk enterprise and start up grant scheme.
6. Encouraged 45 new business through the Enterprise North Norfolk programme.
7. Engaged with over 60 local businesses at the March 2014 skills event. Helped existing
businesses resulting directly in 16 new apprenticeships being created. From August 2013 to
January 2014 there were 350 new apprentices starting in North Norfolk, 260 under 25.
8. Supported Visit North Norfolk, Coast and Countryside, the newly established Destination
Management Organisation in North Norfolk.
9. Actively supporting Norfolk County Council in the development of proposals for the re-use of
the former RAF Coltishall site.
10. Employed directly 3 apprentices during 2013/14 who are undertaking qualifications at level 2
in business administration.
11. Supported the first longer distance triathlon to be hosted in North Norfolk and also the Pedal
Norfolk event hosted at Holkham. Both events are due to run again in 2014/15.
12. Reduced costs to market traders to try to ensure that North Norfolk‘s traditional markets
continue to play an important part in the economies of market towns.
13. Offered half price beach huts in Spring and Autumn 2013.
Issues and challenges
The Council plans to:
1. Develop a Growth Plan and Business Engagement Strategy for the district which will set out
where the Council can support and enable business growth and will provide a framework for
economic development in the district and how we hope to better engage with businesses.
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Housing and Infrastructure
What we want to achieve:
Everyone in North Norfolk should have the opportunity to buy or rent a decent home at a
price they can afford, in a community where they want to live and work.
What we have done in 2013/14 towards meeting the priority:
1. Implemented the Housing Delivery Incentive Scheme to encourage development in North
Norfolk whilst ensuring that the quality of developments remain acceptable. This scheme has
been adopted on 30 sites which will provide a total of 494 dwellings.
2. Continued to bring more empty homes back into use, particularly those that have been
empty in some cases for decades, with direct intervention over 50 cases that have so far
been dealt with having seen a positive outcome.
3. Maximised the New Homes Bonus awarded to the Council with an increase of £547,785
from 2013/14 to 2014/15.
4. Seen continued signs of improved conditions and delivery rates of new homes during
2013/14 with the delivery of 383 dwellings compared to that of last year (242) of which 153
(38%) were affordable dwellings.
5. Seen the highest number of affordable homes (153) completed in the district since the end of
the council housing programme. This represents a significant increase in delivery both
through 100% affordable housing schemes and as part of market developments.
6. Working in partnership with Housing Associations, provided 112 new build one and two
bedroom affordable properties to rent across the district. Four bungalows built to the full
wheelchair standard were also provided of which one had three bedrooms and the remaining
three had two bedrooms.
7. Delivered its Housing Strategy approved in 2012 and is engaging with a number of parish
councils to address local housing need.
8. Seen a continued improvement in the number of homes granted planning permission,
increased from 536 in 2012/13 to 582 in 2013/14.
9. Made progress to bring forward the allocation in Fakenham (site F01) with agreement to
bring forward the development brief for this major application within the first half of 2014,
allowing for the submission of planning applications during 2014 with the aim of commencing
on site during 2015.
10. Continued to deliver the car park improvement programme with surfacing improvements
made to the car parks in Holt (Albert Street), Mundesley (Beach Rd) and Fakenham
Connect.
11. Achieved Gold Awards for the public conveniences in both Happisburgh and Sheringham
(East Promenade) for the second year in a row in the 2013 Loo of the Year Awards
12. Completed 110 disabled facilities grants for adaptations so that people with disabilities can
remain in their homes.
Issues and challenges
The Council plans to:
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1. Implement the Local Investment Strategy: Loans to Registered Providers Scheme which is
designed to ensure higher levels of housing delivery through the use of Council resources.
This is an innovative and ambitious project, but is hoped to deliver much needed homes in
our towns and villages.
2. Continue to ensure that its assets are fit for purpose. Where assets are not performing as
they should improvements will need to be made or alternative uses sought.
3. Maximise new homes bonus through bringing empty properties back into use and
maximising housing delivery.
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Coast, Countryside and Built Heritage
What we want to achieve:
A district where the beautiful natural environment and built heritage is valued and protected
for future generations and where the coastline is defended against erosion wherever
practicable.
What we have done in 2013/14 towards meeting the priority:
1. Through the work of the Enforcement Board enabled long term empty properties to be
tackled throughout the district.
2. Improved significantly the performance of the Planning Service for determining planning
applications during the second half of 2013/14, resulting in improvements in performance
across all three categories of planning application last year. The percentage of major
applications determined within time has improved from 58% to 77%.
3. Entered into its first Planning Performance Agreement, for the cable work for the Dudgeon
Offshore Wind Farm, which will act as a pilot project to assess the benefit of introducing
PPA‘s as an integral part of the service.
4. Completed the £1.2m Cromer Pier repair scheme.
5. Commenced the £8m Cromer Sea Defence scheme.
6. Successfully had most of the frontages open for business within two weeks of the storm
surge on 5 December 2013 and most of the repair work is now either complete or nearing
completion. The storm surge caused very significant levels of damage costing £3m along the
coast which required rapid response in terms of immediate emergency repairs and arranging
long term repair work. (See page 7 for further detail)
7. Delivered 67 countryside and beach events. Events were held at Holt Country Park, Bacton
Woods, Sadler‘s Wood, Pretty Corner Woods and some beaches. Total participation at
events was 5,800 in 2013/14 compared with 2,714 in 2012/13.
8. Achieved a new Green Flag award for Pretty Corner Woods in Sheringham while Blue Flags
were retained at Sheringham, Cromer and Sea Palling. Quality Coast Awards were awarded
at East Runton and Mundesley.
9. Improved the household waste recycling rate from 42.02% in 2012/13 to 43.47% in 2013/14.
Issues and challenges
The Council plans to:
1. Keep up the debate about the funding for coastal management, working with communities to
seek locally acceptable solutions to the longer term issues. The impacts of the storm surge
have been significant, not only in terms of the level of funding to address the repairs, but
also in raising awareness of the continual challenge that coastal erosion places on our
communities.
2. Continue to drive forward the required repairs to Council property still outstanding following
the storm surge to ensure that income streams are protected along with the Council‘s
reputation.
3. Improve planning performance further and continue to maintain pressure on property and
land owners who hold empty property or properties falling into disrepair.
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Localism
What we want to achieve:
To embrace the Government’s localism agenda to empower individuals and communities to
take more responsibility for their own futures and to build a stronger civil society.
What we have done in 2013/14 towards meeting the priority:
1. Established a Localism Board to provide a steer with respect to Localism initiatives and
community projects, particularly in relation to expressions of interest for local public services
(under the Community Right to Challenge) and nominations for assets of Community Value
(under the Community Right to Bid)
2. Designated the Parishes of Corpusty and Saxthorpe and Holt as Neighbourhood Areas and
work is progressing on the preparation of Neighbourhood Plans.
3. Signed up to the ‗Hate Free Norfolk‘ Pledge demonstrating commitment to treating all
customers and staff fairly and with dignity and respect. Promoted North Norfolk as a safe
place to live, visit and work where hate crime should not be tolerated.
4. Successfully managed the Big Society Fund, delivering projects with some £225,000 being
awarded for enabling projects and a further £219,000 for smaller community based projects
including multi-use games areas and skate parks across the district.
5. Joined the Your Voice membership scheme allowing everyone interested in sharing their
views and experiences to help develop and improve a wide range of services.
6. Been successful in a £211,512 funding application to Sport England‘s ‗Community Sports
Activation Fund‘ to increase access to sport for women, girls and older people by setting up
six community hubs in community settings and 10 sports clubs based at high school sites
across the district over the next three years.
7. Offered free ‗rock school‘ workshops to 13 – 18 year olds in Walcott and North Walsham to
help young people develop their ‗band‘ and performance skills.
8. Held the Greenbuild green lifestyle event hosting a range of exhibitors, from renewable
technologies and sustainable construction techniques to information and advice on green
building & renovation, gardening and saving energy. A record 8,500 people attended the
event in 2013.
9. Launched a community dog warden scheme to crack down on dog fouling across the district.
10. Council Deputy Leader Rhodri Oliver named ‗Young Councillor of the Year‘.
11. Approved funding of £100,000 for four playground improvement schemes.
12. Successfully concluded negotiations with Cromer Town Council in relation to the future
ownership and management of North Lodge Park. This will provide the opportunity for the
local community to achieve long-term benefits for the park and its users and will put
decisions about how the park is maintained in the hands of local people
Issues and challenges
The Council plans to:
1. Continue to explore opportunities provided by the Localism agenda to transfer assets to
other bodies which can in turn often access funding streams not available to the Council.
This can result in significant improvements and local benefits such as with the Wells
Maltings project.
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2. Ensure funding remains available through the return of the Second Homes Council Tax to
support local initiatives through the Big Society Fund.
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Delivering the Vision
What we want to achieve:
We will make the Council more efficient so that we can deliver our priorities and offer value
for money for local taxpayers.
What we have done in 2013/14 towards meeting the priority:
1. Approved a £1.4m Business Transformation Programme including an IT Strategy and
Customer Management Strategy.
2. Identified savings and additional income in 2014/15 of £581k.
3. Completed an agreement with Norfolk County Council‘s Children‘s Services Northern Area
Team to occupy part of the Cromer building, maximising the use of the building and
achieving a future income stream of £70,000 per annum.
4. Continued to pursue large scale debt assertively and recover costs and expenses from those
people we prosecute and enforce against so that Council Tax payers do not bear the costs.
5. Achieved the highest level of assurance for the management of the Freedom of Information
and the Data Protection Act compliance during audit this year.
6. Been shortlisted for the Municipal Journal ―Legal Excellence‖ Award 2014.
7. Introduced self-service for employees linked to the Human Resources system which enables
staff to view their personal employment information on line. Further changes will take place
during 2014 to streamline processes which will create further efficiencies across the
organisation.
8. Of the eleven decisions made as a result of complaints to the Local Government
Ombudsman ten found no fault with the Council.
9. Successfully delivered the front reception project which has resulted in a far better working
environment and has helped achieve cashable savings of £54,000 per annum.
10. Achieved slightly lower staff sickness levels of 6.77 days per full time equivalent member of
staff than the previous year (6.80).
11. Retained Investor in People (IIP) accreditation at bronze level showing the Councils
commitment to developing its staff.
12. Exceeded the target in the collection of business rates, achieving 99.14% against a target of
99.00%.
13. Successfully launched the Coastshare cost sharing group in October 2014 and promoted it
as an example of good practice.
Issues and challenges
The Council plans to:
1. Continue to derive maximum benefit from its asset portfolio, minimising operating costs
wherever possible and maximising income streams which will help to address the forecast
budget deficit.
2. Deliver the Business Transformation Programme.
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Financial Summary
[To be provided by the Head of Financial Services]
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Appendix 1 – Annual Action Plan Delivery Report
Key
Activity Status
Symbol
Description
Completed
Successfully
Progressing to
Plan
This is for major projects, programmes or service plans and gives an
indication that the plan will be achieved on time, to budget and will deliver the
expected outputs and outcomes/ impacts.
On Track
Activity has started on schedule, and is on track to be completed by the
predicted end date, to budget and will deliver the expected outputs and
outcomes/ impact.
On Hold
Activities that have started but have had to pause.
Some Problems
Lead officers should have described the problems and the action being taken
to deal with them.
Signifies an action or target achieved that has an outcome that meets our
equalities objectives.
Jobs and the Local Economy
A - Increase the number of new businesses and support the growth and expansion of
existing businesses
Activity
Status
AAP 13/14 - J A 01 - We will
support businesses investing in
the district through the provision of
comprehensive advice about
District Council support and
signpost to other agencies as
appropriate
On Track
AAP 13/14 - J A 02 - We will work
with partners to develop and
deliver the business support
scheme Enterprise North Norfolk
On Track
AAP 13/14 - J A 03 - Working in
partnership we will maximise the
opportunities for investment in the
district through the development of
On Track
Progress/ Action Note
We have continued to support businesses
through direct enquires and through a
programme of visits to the key business
sectors.
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The Enterprise North Norfolk programme has
continued to deliver high quality business startup training and 45 new businesses have been
established through the programme in 2013/14.
The Leadership of Place project was reviewed
in 2013. The North Walsham Town team has
been supported with funding from the Portas
Review to enable 14 businesses to pilot retail
space through a ―pop-up shop‖ on the high
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Activity
Status
retail sites
Progress/ Action Note
street. Four of these businesses are now
trading in Cromer and North Walsham.
AAP 13/14 - J A 04 - We will seek
to maximise the opportunities for
the district to benefit from
investment in renewable energy
developments off the North Norfolk
coast
Progressing
to Plan
Local Development Order (LDO) proposal now
finalised and being presented to Cabinet May
2014. Details of LDO proposal included within
New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)
Growth Prospectus as shared with Government
to include funding bid for access improvements
from the B1105. Application also to be made for
infrastructure funding to Coastal Communities
Fund 30 April 2014. Good relationships being
maintained with Statkraft, operators of the
Sheringham Shoal development. Planning
Performance Agreement agreed with the
Dudgeon Offshore Wind Company in respect of
the discharge of conditions in connection with
the laying of the onshore cable across the
district from late 2014. Initial visit to the Port of
Wells / Egmere Business Zone by
representatives of DONG Energy, developers of
the Race Bank Offshore Wind development.
Council member and officer involvement in
Norfolk and Suffolk Energy Alliance on-going.
AAP 13/14 - J A 05 - We will
support the North Norfolk
Fisheries Local Action Group
(FLAG) and review the delivery of
projects from the £2.4 million
funding secured for the fishing
sector
On Track
FLAG has continued to submit applications to
the MMO for funding for fishery sector projects.
Approximately £350,000 of project costs have
been drawn down through 15 projects including
support for the Wells Maltings Fishing Heritage
Visitor Centre and the Princes Trust
Apprenticeship scheme.
AAP 13/14 - J A 06 - We will
actively pursue all options in order
to ensure the future development
and operation of an Enterprise
Hub for North Norfolk as a
platform for improving levels of
business start up and enterprise
On Track
AAP 13/14 - J A 07 - We will
develop our corporate position in
respect of emerging renewable
energy technologies through
preparation of an Energy Strategy
Some
Problems
This project has involved consideration of an
enterprise hub in the district and there are
proposals for a feasibility study for a hub at
Melton Constable.
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Work has begun on preparing a draft Energy
Strategy, which is planned to be presented to
Cabinet and the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee in June 2014. There is at the
present time significant debate nationally about
some elements of energy policy in relation to
onshore wind developments, solar photo-voltaic
developments and fracking and it is important
that our draft strategy document accurately
reflects the national policy position in respect of
these issues.
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B - Improve the job prospects of our residents by developing a skilled and adaptable
workforce that is matched to business growth and development
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - J B 01 - Through the Council's
Learning for Everyone (L4E) Team we will
provide information, advice and guidance to
local people wishing to enter employment or
improve their levels of skills and raise
aspiration
On
Track
This team provides advice and training for
those seeking work. The team continues to
operate under the National Careers Service
contract and has successfully fulfilled the
contract obligations for 2013/14 helping in
excess of 60 people into work.
AAP 13/14 - J B 02 - The L4E team will offer
bespoke programmes of advice and support
to people faced with redundancy from local
companies as and when such events occur.
The L4E team will also engage with existing
and new employers in the district to
understand their future workforce
requirements and co-ordinate provision of
relevant training courses to secure
employment within the district
On
Track
AAP 13/14 - J B 03 - We will explore
opportunities to work with local businesses
and identify funding to support the provision
of apprenticeships and work experience
schemes with the aim of increasing the
employment opportunities of young people
in the district
On
Track
This reactive service continues on track.
Redundancy enquiries continue to come
through in very small numbers of individual
people affected. We are increasingly
engaging with businesses to assist them
with their workforce planning. In particular,
assisting in setting up work experience
opportunities and creating apprenticeships.
From August 2013 to January 2014 there
were 350 new apprentices starting in North
Norfolk, 260 under 25.
On 25 March 2014 60 businesses attended
an event called Business Magic to promote
work experience and apprenticeships and to
identify better links between businesses,
education establishments and young people.
As a result several are building closer links
with schools and thus far there are 16 new
apprenticeships being created.
Guest speakers included the new chair of
the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.
We have had very positive feedback from
the event, and this forms a solid basis to
progress this action plan item in the new
financial year.
The team have also continued to work with
schools, carrying out careers promotion
activity with Fakenham and Stalham in the
last quarter.
C - Improve access to funding for businesses
Activity
Status
AAP 13/14 - J C 01 - Working with the North Norfolk
Business Forum, other representative local groups,
regional partners and financial services companies we
will seek to ensure that small and medium sized
On
Track
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Progress/ Action Note
A new memorandum of
understanding has been proposed
and the Council has engaged the
services of an economic advisor to
inform how the Forum can develop
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Activity
Status
enterprises have improved access to investment
finance to support business growth and development
across the district
Progress/ Action Note
in the future.
D - Reduce burdens to business by removing unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy
at the local level
Activity
Status
AAP 13/14 - J D 01 - We will
work together to ensure we
support and provide information
to simplify the process for
businesses looking to invest in
North Norfolk
On
Track
AAP 13/14 - J D 02 - We will
work with partners to roll out
BDUK's £60m Norfolk
Broadband Initiative across
North Norfolk
On
Track
AAP 13/14 - J D 03 - We will
review our approach to
enforcement
On
Track
Progress/ Action Note
Advice to new businesses is provided through the web
and with a face to face service. A new enterprise and
start up grant scheme has been developed to address
the credit needs of small and expanding local
companies which compliments other grants available
through the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership
(LEP).
The Council continues to support the County Council‘s
roll out of Broadband in the County.
The Enforcement Board continues to make significant
progress towards its objectives of dealing with difficult
and longstanding enforcement cases and bringing long
term empty properties back into use, with both social
and economic benefits, and financial benefits to the
council.
Almost 100 cases have or are being dealt with, with
over half having seen a positive outcome.
Environmental Health Restructure is on-going and due
for completion by the end of May 2014
E - Promote a positive image of North Norfolk as a premier visitor destination
Activity
Status
AAP 13/14 - J E 01 - We will support and
facilitate the newly established private sector
led Destination Management Organisation
(DMO) for the North Norfolk coast and
countryside to maintain the profile of the
district as a leading tourist destination within
the UK, boosting levels of employment and
On
Track
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Progress/ Action Note
The Council continues to support the
development of the Visit North Norfolk
Destination Management Organisation
(DMO) and has commissioned a new
website as well as jointly preparing a
Destination Management Plan. The
website is planned to be launched in June
2014.
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Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
income for the district
Housing and Infrastructure
A - Increase the number of new homes built within the district and reduce the
number of empty properties
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - H A 01 - We will bring
forward detailed proposals on allocated
sites by better engagement with
developers
On track
Good progress has been made with work
commencing on the majority of the allocated
sites within the District,
Development has commenced on the larger
site allocations at Hoveton (nearing
completion), Stalham, both allocations at
Cromer, and Wells. Planning permissions
have been granted for further allocated sites
at Holt and North Walsham where
development is expected to commence
during 2014. Applications are pending or
expected in relation to the remaining large
allocations at North Walsham, Fakenham
and Holt during 2014.
Many of the smaller allocations in villages
are the subject of pre application
discussions and are also likely to be subject
to planning applications during 2014.
The introduction of the Housing Incentive
Scheme in September has resulted in
renewed developer interest in both large
and small scale development. The scheme
has been adopted on 30 sites which will
provide a total of 494 dwellings.
AAP 13/14 - H A 02 - We will produce
development briefs on 3 of the allocated
sites
Some
problems
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Planning applications have now been
submitted for two of the sites, (Holt, North
Walsham). A timetable has been agreed
with the majority land owner of the
Fakenham allocation (F01) which should
allow for the completion of work on the brief
during the first half of 2014. This would
allow for the submission of planning
applications during 2014 and commencing
some development during 2015.
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Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - H A 03 - We will seek to
increase the number of new homes built
of all tenures
On track
The number of houses delivered this year
(383) is a significant increase over last year
(242). There has been significant developer
interest in the Housing Incentive Scheme
although the impact of this is not likely to be
evident until late 2014.
AAP 13/14 - H A 04 - We will encourage
the development of neighbourhood plans
by supporting towns and parishes when
they indicate a desire to go down that
route
On track
Applications from Holt and Corpusty to be
designated as Neighbourhood Areas have
both been approved and work has
commenced on the preparation of their
Neighbourhood Plans.
AAP 13/14 - H A 05 - We will support
owners to bring empty homes back into
use and provide opportunities to do so
through advertising of private rented
properties and the Empty Homes
Matching Service. Where owners are
reluctant to bring properties back into use
we will take enforcement action as
required. This will be enacted by the
implementation of the recently approved
Empty Homes Policy and Enforcement
Policy
On Track
The Enforcement Board continues to make
significant progress towards its objectives of
dealing with difficult and longstanding
enforcement cases and bringing long term
empty properties back into use, with both
social and economic benefits, and financial
benefits to the council.
Almost 100 cases have or are being dealt
with, with over half having seen a positive
outcome.
Environmental Health Restructure is ongoing and due for completion by the end of
May 2014.
B - Increase the number of affordable homes with a range of tenure types
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - H B 01 - We will evaluate our
approach to viability assessments, which assess
the proportion of affordable housing that are
viable to include in housing developments, to
maximise development opportunities
On
Track
We evaluate viability assessments
received with applications to assess the
appropriate provision of affordable
housing. A review of this approach will
be undertaken in 2014/15.
C - Secure investment in new infrastructure
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - H C 01 - We will consult and then
obtain agreement on a process for securing
contributions towards infrastructure from
development proposals in the district
Completed
Successfully
The Council has resolved not
to introduce a Community
Infrastructure Levy at this
time.
Annual Report 2013-14 v1 5 for Cabinet
Page 19 of 40
Coast Countryside and Built Heritage
A - Maintain the integrity of special landscape designations and balance the
development of housing and economic activity with the need to preserve the
character and quality of the district's countryside and built heritage
Activity
Status
AAP 13/14 - C A 01 - We will
assess and implement
requirements for new Green
Flag awards and work to
retain the existing awards
Completed
Successfully
AAP 13/14 - C A 02 - We will
work with other agencies to
retain three of the district's
Blue Flags for the quality of
the beaches and to achieve
Quality Coast awards
Completed
Successfully
AAP 13/14 - C A 03 - We will
achieve zero defaults in our
waste and related services
contract for cleanliness
Some
Problems
Progress/ Action Note
Green flags have been awarded to both Holt
Country Park and Sadlers Wood North Walsham. A
new Green Flag for Pretty Corner Woods in
Sheringham has been awarded which now brings
the total for the District to three.
Blue Flags retained at Sheringham, Cromer and
Sea Palling. Quality Coast Awards were awarded at
East Runton and Mundesley.
Kier have generally responded positively and
promptly where problems have been
identified. However, the approach is not yet
proactive enough to prevent these problems
recurring elsewhere in the district. However, the
cleanliness of North Norfolk in comparison to other
areas is generally very good.
The agreed contract cost savings are likely to have
an impact on response times and service levels for
cleansing services in the future. However, officers
will continue to closely monitor performance and
will seek to mitigate the impact of the reduction in
contract resources.
Kier provided significant assistance with the clear
up work associated with December's storm
surge. This work was vital in helping North Norfolk
return to normality quickly.
AAP 13/14 - C A 04 - We will
ensure all reported fly-tips are
responded to within 2 working
days
On track
Kier continue to maintain their performance in
response to flytipping achieving 77% of the service
requests within 2 days throughout the year.
B - Recognise the District's built environment as a heritage asset when promoting
North Norfolk
Activity
Annual Report 2013-14 v1 5 for Cabinet
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Page 20 of 40
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - C B 01 - We will adopt conservation area
appraisals and management plans for Sheringham,
Walsingham and Wells
On
track
Walsingham Conservation
area appraisal has been
adopted.
C - Design a more cohesive framework for coastline management
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - C C 01 - We
will identify specific
Integrated Coastal Zone
Management (ICZM)
projects and identify the
means of funding
Progressing
to Plan
The Council has continued to develop its integrated
coastal management approach guided by the
Council‘s Coastal Management Board. The
maintenance programme and reactive works have
continued and the Coastal Forum has met to discuss
topical issues and held a successful field trip in June
2013 at Bacton, Walcott and Sea Palling.
The North Sea surge of 5/6 December 2013 created
very significant damage across the North Norfolk
frontage. The Coastal Management Team has been
working to assess and repair damage to coast
protection assets as a matter of urgency, leaving less
time for other streams of work.
Surge repairs are complete at Weybourne and The
Runtons. Significant progress has been made at
Sheringham, Cromer, Overstrand, Mundesley, Bacton,
Walcott and Cart Gap.
The Council has received confirmation of £765,000 of
emergency coast protection works funding from the
Environment Agency for the year 2013/14.
D - Continue to defend coastal settlements against erosion wherever practicable
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - C D 01 - We
will commission design
works and oversee the
implementation of the
Cromer Defence Scheme
Progressing
to Plan
The Council were successful in drawing down £8m
Government funding for a major refurbishment of the
sea defences at Cromer. Work is programmed to take
place outside the holiday periods to ensure Cromer
remains open for business during the works. The first
winter season of works has now been completed with
the successful installation of all steel sheet piles.
Additional works to stabilize the cliff between the Pier
and Melbourne following surge damage as also been
achieved.
AAP 13/14 - C D 02 - We
will develop and adopt a
prioritised programme for
future 'selected' coastal
On Hold
Some of the previously planned works were
temporarily suspended after the storm surge to enable
a review of funding arrangements. It is anticipated that
works will recommence in the new financial year
Annual Report 2013-14 v1 5 for Cabinet
Page 21 of 40
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
defence work schemes
following the completion of the main surge repair
works.
Localism
A - Recognise the important role that Town and Parish Councils have as the
democratic embodiment of their communities
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - L A 01 - We will respond
positively to a Community Right to
Challenge to take over the running of
services within their area/communities if
they can be run more efficiently (to our
Service Level Agreement) and we will
establish a regular dialogue and work with
town and parish councils. We will hold
workshops for training and development, in
particular to encourage wide community
participation in the democratic process
On
Track
Delivery of the Tourist Information
Centre at Wells was delivered through
the Community Right to Challenge and
the district continues to respond
positively to any requests for information
and advice.
AAP 13/14 - L A 02 - We will work with Town
and Parish Councils, local organisations and
community and voluntary groups to improve
health and wellbeing consistent with the
aims of the Health and Wellbeing Board
On
Track
The Council is leading on two projects
funded by the Health and Wellbeing
Board funding to offer health and
physical activity programmes in primary
schools and additional non sports
focussed sessions at sports centres
aimed at people who don't traditionally
engage in activity.
The Big Society Fund and projects such
as Grow Your Community have
increased proactive engagement with
Town and Parish Councils.
In addition, the offer for Cabinet and
Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) to
attend Town and Parish Council
meetings was well received and has
improved engagement.
The Council made a successful bid to
the Sport England ‗Community Sports
Activation Fund‘ for £211,000 which will
fund the Community Gym and Activity
Team for a further 3 years.
Discussions are currently underway with
the Director of Public Health at Norfolk
County Council regarding future funding
of health improvement and prevention
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Page 22 of 40
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
based activities which will help in the
County Councils aim for maximise
healthy life expectancy and minimising
acute and residential care.
B - Encourage communities to develop their own vision for their future and help
them to deliver it
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - L B 01 - We will
commission work to support
community planning and for
community and voluntary sector
capacity building
On
Track
The Council has grant agreements with Norfolk
Citizens Advice Bureau, Mid Norfolk Citizens Advice
Bureau and Voluntary Norfolk. Each grant agreement
is regularly monitored to ensure that it meets
identified outputs and outcomes.
Grants are also given to several community transport
providers.
In the last year the Growth and Communities Team
has continue to offer support and in depth advice to a
wide range of community organisations some of
which have resulted in applications to the Enabling
Fund, Big Society Fund or to external funding bodies.
AAP 13/14 - L B 02 - We will utilise
our resources, statutory powers
and influence to encourage
communities to realise
opportunities for their own future
On
Track
The Council provides an advice service to community
groups to develop community empowerment projects
and to support grant funding applications. It has been
agreed to transfer North Lodge Park to Cromer
Council.
C - Encourage the growth of The Big Society within communities
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - L C 01 - We will continue
to monitor the community investment
fund, known as The Big Society Fund,
to invest in local communities,
strengthen civil society, and establish
the process for determining priorities
for expenditure
On
Track
The Big Society Fund has been managed
internally since 1.4.2013. The Fund which totals
£450,000 is divided equally between an enabling
fund and a grant fund. Funding is awarded to
projects that strengthen and improve social and
economic wellbeing in communities across North
Norfolk. In the last year the enabling fund has
awarded £185,000 to three projects. A further
£40,000 has been provisionally allocated to two
further projects. The grant fund which awards
grants up to £15,000 has awarded thirty three
grants totalling £219,441. An annual report into the
Funds activity during the past year will be
presented to Cabinet in May.
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Page 23 of 40
Delivering the Vision
A - Deliver strong governance arrangements
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - V A 01 - The Audit
Committee will oversee a review
programme to ensure that audit
coverage reflects the risks facing
the Council and produce a revised
annual audit plan for 2013/14
onwards
On Track
Audit plan set and delivered for 2013/14
(subject to final completion and sign off of
outstanding 2013/14 reviews) – overall position
will be reported to the Audit Committee in June
2014.
AAP 13/14 - V A 02 - We will set
and achieve 100% compliance
with deadlines agreed with Internal
Audit for recommendations rated
as Medium and High
Some
Problems
There has been some delay in the
implementation of the recommendations
compared to the deadlines agreed within the
audit reports sometimes due to ability to
resource the implementation and
reprioritisation within the service. Once the
outcome of the Internal Audit Follow up review
has been confirmed the status of this can be
updated.
AAP 13/14 - V A 03 - We will
review and improve the revised
performance management
framework
Completed
Successfully
The framework has been reviewed and
changes implemented which have been
favourably received. This included;
- A Management Scorecard and Scorecard
Report for managing performance in 2013/14.
- A search function added to the performance
and risk system to provide an additional route
for users to find relevant performance and risk
information.
- A revised format quarterly performance report
to Cabinet.
- Delivering training in managing performance.
B - Ensure that effective communications exist
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - V B 01 - We will optimise
media coverage and devise other
means of disseminating information to
residents regarding Council activities
and initiatives and we will place the
Council's website and intranet at the
heart of all we do
On
Track
Over the last year we have seen a number of key
developments with the website.
The web survey has been implemented
throughout the site and is generating a steady flow
of customer feedback. This information is being
collated and reviewed on a regular basis providing
valuable insight into satisfaction levels, reasons
for visit and likelihood of avoidable contact. All of
which will aid prioritisation of future developments.
Work undertaken to address website errors
relating to function, code quality and accessibility
has resulted in the North Norfolk District Council
Annual Report 2013-14 v1 5 for Cabinet
Page 24 of 40
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
website being ranked 9th by Sitemorse out of all
429 local government websites. This is our highest
ever ranking and shows continuous improvement
in this area.
Other developments include the Bin Collection
application that allows customers to check when
their bins are collected via the website. This was a
prominent issue highlighted via web survey
feedback and since its launch (at the end of
March) has received positive feedback from
customers.
With regard to Social Media this year has seen the
launch of corporate accounts on Twitter (May),
Streetlife (February) and Facebook (March). The
number of Twitter followers has steadily grown to
the current total of 879, 43 likes have been
received on Facebook to date and 1564 people
are currently following us on streetlife.
AAP 13/14 - V B 02 - We will develop
a Customer Access Strategy to
ensure that the most economic,
efficient and accessible forms of
contact are in place for all our
customers
On
Track
The Head of Business Transformation and IT
commences employment at the Council in April
2014. In addition, the first workstream of the
Business Transformation programme, Telephony,
will be considered in a report to Cabinet in April
2014 with an anticipated procurement of 9 to 12
months following this date.
This will improve telephony contact for all
customer groups with the Council and will provide
a foundation for improved working in the future as
other workstreams are developed.
C - Deliver strong and proportionate organisational management in the Council
Activity
Status
AAP 13/14 - V C 01 - We will
review the Council's
management arrangements to
ensure they remain fit for
purpose
On
Track
Progress/ Action Note
The Head of Business Transformation and IT has been
appointed and is now in post. The Customer Service
Manager post is being interviewed for shortly. No other
changes are currently proposed and the financial
implications of these changes are reflected in the 2014/15
budget.
D - Prioritise Services and Functions in line with the wishes of our communities and
to deliver our corporate objectives
Activity
Status
Annual Report 2013-14 v1 5 for Cabinet
Progress/ Action Note
Page 25 of 40
Activity
Status
AAP 13/14 - V D 01 - We will
prioritise services and redirect
resources in line with those
priorities by completing
fundamental reviews of services
that residents have identified as
the least important and that the
Council does not consider to be a
priority
On Track
AAP 13/14 - V D 02 - We will
review the CCTV service to
identify savings and consider
options for the future provision of
the service
Completed
Successfully
Progress/ Action Note
The CCTV service provided by the Council has
ceased as of 1 April 2014 and is currently being
de-commissioned. Fakenham, Sheringham and
North Walsham Town Councils have been
provided with one off funding (which would
otherwise have been used for decommissioning) in order that they may provide
a reduced CCTV service to those towns at no
other cost to the District Council.
The CCTV review was successfully completed.
Members took the difficult decision to
decommission the service which will achieve
on-going savings of just under £200k per
annum.
E - Deliver year-on-year improvements in efficiency
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - V E 01 - We will
support the implementation of
the cost saving Revenues and
Benefits shared services project
Some
Problems
The Civica OPENRevenues system is now
operating well with a stable environment
established and increased levels of staff
confidence in the system now delivering
improved outcomes in terms of processing times
and other efficiencies in the delivery of the
service. This has allowed further consideration to
be given to the future delivery of a sustainable
Revenues and Benefits service in terms of
performance outcomes, financial sustainability
and resilience with further discussions with the
Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk
being proposed and an action plan developed to
deliver on-going savings and efficiencies through
our current service structure involving
implementation of outstanding system modules
and a further Business Process Review being
undertaken building upon the increased levels of
confidence in the OPENRevenues system.
AAP 13/14 - V E 02 - We will
devise and implement budgets
to deliver a zero increase in the
District Council's part of the
Council Tax charge and ensure
spend is contained within
budgeted allocations
Completed
Successfully
Delivered as part of the 2014/15 budget setting
report.
Annual Report 2013-14 v1 5 for Cabinet
Page 26 of 40
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP 13/14 - V E 03 - We will
review the reward structures to
encourage and reward staff, for
finding innovative new ways to
deliver higher quality services
more efficiently
On Track
Work has commenced on this activity and will be
completed during 2014/15.
AAP 13/14 - V E 04 - We will
review service delivery models
and re-tender the leisure
contract to ensure increased
value for money and health and
well-being
Completed
Successfully
The contract was reviewed during the year and
the option to extend the contract for 5 years was
agreed. This has resulted in a reduction in the
annual management fee of £100,000 per annum
over the next 5 years.
AAP 13/14 - V E 05 - We will
work towards securing continued
accreditation in Investors in
People status through
reassessment in August 2013
Completed
successfully
The Investors in People (IIP) assessment took
place in July 2013 and the Council successfully
retained its accreditation at Bronze level through
meeting 69 evidence requirements out of a
possible 73 selected. An action plan has been
produced to ensure that the Council continuously
develops as an employer.
AAP 13/14 - V E 06 - We will
respond to the Peer Review of
the Development Management
Service by implementing an
action plan addressing capacity,
resources and performance
issues
On track
Initiatives to date have been focussed on
improving our planning performance in relation to
the minor and other application, whilst retaining
our good performance in dealing with major
application. Our 4th quarter figures and year end
performance shows that these are now
beginning to have an impact, along with the
additional Planning Assistants appointed in
August 2013. The first planning workshop has
been held to identify areas for improvement,
which will form the basis of the Service
Improvement.
Annual Report 2013-14 v1 5 for Cabinet
Page 27 of 40
Appendix 2 – Performance Indicator Results
Key
Achievement against Target
NA = Not
applicable
Direction of Travel
Target achieved or exceeded
Improving compared to the same period
last year
Close to target
Close to the same period last year‘s
result
Significantly below target
Significantly worse compared to the same
period last year
Indicators can be labelled as not applicable as this is important information for the Council
where the influence and actions of the Council may make improvements but there is not
sufficient control over the outcome to set a target
Signifies an action or target achieved that has an outcome that meets our equalities objectives.
Jobs and the Local Economy
Indicators and Measures
J 001 - Percentage of Loan
Fund that can be lent out
(Quarterly)
J 002 - Number of businesses
receiving grant from the
Pathfinder Grant Scheme
(Quarterly Cumulative)
Result 2013/14
Target
2013/14
46.0%
3
NA Target
suspended
NA Target
suspended
Result
2012/13
20%
20.0%
25
9
Pathfinder Grant Scheme closed April 2013 pending wider business support
project. The loans scheme is still open but no loans were approved in the
last two quarters.
J 004 - Number of businesses
assisted to retain jobs and/or
increase employment each
year (Quarterly Cumulative)
90
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25
Page 28 of 40
45
Indicators and Measures
Result 2013/14
J 014 - Number of
economically active people
assisted into work each year
(Quarterly Cumulative)
63 (provisional
figure likely to
rise)
J 015 - Number of member
businesses of the Destination
Management Organisation
(DMO) for the North Norfolk
coast and countryside
(quarterly)
Q4=141
Target
2013/14
NA
tbc
Result
2012/13
NA
67
165
Q4=115
Housing and Infrastructure
Indicators and
Measures
H 001 Number of new
homes built of all
tenures (Annual)
H 002 - Number of
long term empty
homes (6 months or
more as at October
each year) (Annual)
H 003 - Number of
development briefs
produced on allocated
sites (Quarterly
Cumulative)
Result
2013/14
Target 2013/14
Result
2012/13
Health of North Norfolk measure
383
NA
242
Carry out trend analysis
561
NA
886
3 (Land North of Rudham Stile Lane,
Fakenham (F01), Land at Heath Farm
/Hempstead Road, Holt (H01), Land at
Norwich Road / Nursery Drive, North
Walsham (NW01))
1
2
The Holt development brief was approved in July 2013, and outline planning
permission on part of the allocation was granted by Development Committee 17
April 2014 subject to conditions and S106 agreement.
A timetable has been agreed with the majority of the land owner of the Fakenham
allocation (F01) which should allow for completion of work on the brief during the
first half of 2014. This would allow for the submission of applications during 2014,
with the aim of commencing some development on site during 2015.
The HL Food site application was approved subject to conditions by Development
Committee at its 2013 meeting.
H 007 - Number of
affordable homes built
153
NA
Annual Report 2013-14 v1 5 for Cabinet
Carry out trend analysis
Page 29 of 40
18
Indicators and
Measures
Result
2013/14
Target 2013/14
Result
2012/13
(Quarterly Cumulative)
Coast Countryside and Built Heritage
Indicators and
Measures
Result 2013/14
Target 2013/14
C 002 - Percentage of
planning appeals
allowed (quarterly)
25.9%
NA
C 003 - Percentage of
MAJOR planning
applications
processed within
thirteen weeks
(monthly cumulative)
76.92%
NA
C 004 - Percentage of
MINOR planning
applications
processed within eight
weeks (monthly
cumulative)
C 005 - Percentage of
OTHER planning
applications
processed within eight
weeks (monthly
cumulative)
Review and
report
Result 2012/13
50.0%
80%
58.33%
45.21%
72%
38.35%
62.00%
80%
53.38%
DM 009 - Number of
MAJOR planning
application decisions
made (monthly
cumulative)
39
NA
NA
NA
24
DM 010 - Number of
MINOR planning
application decisions
made (monthly
cumulative)
480
NA
NA
NA
425
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Page 30 of 40
Indicators and
Measures
DM 011 – Number of
OTHER planning
application decisions
made (monthly
cumulative)
Result 2013/14
780
Target 2013/14
NA
NA
NA
710
NA
NA
DM 005 - Percentage
of MAJOR planning
applications
processed within
thirteen weeks over
the last 24 months
(monthly cumulative)
69.84%
NA
NA
Target not yet
set. Government
threshold likely
to start at 30%.
DM 006 - Percentage
of MAJOR planning
applications refused
and then overturned
on appeal over the
last 24 months
(monthly cumulative)
0%
NA
NA
Target not yet
set. Low is
good.
C 006 - Conservation
Area plans that have
been completed or
reviewed (quarterly
cumulative)
Walsingham Conservation
Area Plan has been
adopted.
C 007 - Target
response time to fly
tipping and all other
pollution complaints
(within 2 working
days) (quarterly)
C 008 - Number of
pollution enforcement
interventions
(quarterly cumulative)
NA
Result 2012/13
NA
3 (Sheringham,
Walsingham and
Wells)
Q1=86.0%
Cromer
Conservation
Area Plan was
adopted.
Q1=89.74%
Q2=90.0%
Q2=89.22%
95%
Q3=90.0%
Q3=88.00%
Q4=88.00%
Q4=78.90%
30
Annual Report 2013-14 v1 5 for Cabinet
NA
NA
Review and
report
51
Page 31 of 40
Indicators and
Measures
Result 2013/14
Target 2013/14
Result 2012/13
During the year the service has undertaken formal investigations into 30 incidents
this is a reduction from last year and it is believed that the majority of this difference
is due to the reduction in intelligence being passed to the team by Kier staff. This
will be addressed with the Environmental Services team and training provided as
required to try and improve this information flow. The team also agreed a change in
the criteria when assessing evidence to take forward a case for investigation, this
may have also led to a reduction in the number of cases overall.
The team completed 40 cases during this year with 13 of these receiving warning
letters, 5 FPNs being issued, 3 simple cautions being accepted, 1 successful
prosecution leading to community service and a fine. 18 cases were closed with no
evidence to proceed.
The team continues to progress cases where there is sufficient evidence to do so.
Cases are assessed and appropriate interventions are used to achieve the desired
outcome of changing people‘s behaviour.
C 009 - Number of
fixed penalty notices
issued (quarterly
cumulative)
5
NA
NA
Carry out trend
analysis
6
C 010 – Number of
defaults issued to the
waste and related
services contractor for
cleanliness (monthly
cumulative)
41
NA
NA
0
39
NA
No target.
Report to Head
of Service and
Management
Team
55
3
4
ES 015 - Number of
rectifications issued to
the waste and related
services contractor for
cleanliness (monthly
cumulative)
C 012 - Blue flag
accreditation: Resort
Beaches (annual)
197
Blue Flags retained at
Sheringham, Cromer and
Sea Palling. Quality Coast
Awards were awarded at
East Runton and
Mundesley.
Annual Report 2013-14 v1 5 for Cabinet
NA
Page 32 of 40
Indicators and
Measures
C 013 - Number of
Green Flag
accreditations for
parks and countryside
(annual)
Result 2013/14
Target 2013/14
Result 2012/13
Green flags have been
awarded to both Holt
Country Park and Sadlers
Wood North Walsham. A
new Green Flag for Pretty
Corner Woods in
Sheringham has been
awarded which now brings
the total for the District to
three.
2 (Holt Country
Park and
Sadlers Wood,
North Walsham)
2
Localism
Indicators and Measures
L 005 - Number of grants awarded to local
communities from the Big Society Fund (quarterly
cumulative)
L 006 - Amount of funding investment in community
projects (from the Big Society Fund) (£) (quarterly
cumulative)
Result
2013/14
Target
2013/14
Result
2012/13
33
NA
NA
Review and
report
47
£219,441
NA
NA
Review and
report
£397,537
The Big Society Fund has been managed internally
since 1.4.2013. The Fund which totals £450,000 is
divided equally between an enabling fund and a grant
fund. Funding is awarded to projects that strengthen
and improve social and economic wellbeing in
communities across North Norfolk. In the last year the
enabling fund has awarded £185,000 to three projects.
A further £40,000 has been provisionally allocated to
two further projects. The grant fund which awards
grants up to £15,000 has awarded thirty three grants
totalling £219,441. An annual report into the Funds
activity during the past year will be presented to
Cabinet in May.
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Page 33 of 40
Delivering the Vision
Indicators and Measures
Result
2013/14
Target 2013/14
Result
2012/13
V 001 - Percentage of (Medium
Priority) audit recommendations
completed on time (quarterly
cumulative)
Tbc
80%
66.1%
V 002 - Percentage of (High Priority)
audit recommendations completed on
time (quarterly cumulative)
Tbc
100%
100%
NA
Derived from the
Annual Governance
Statement in June
2013
3 of 3
100%
100%
6 days per full time
equivalent (FTE)
employee
6.80
V 003 - Number of actions identified in
the Annual Governance Statement
action plan completed on time (annual)
V 004 - Percentage of audit days
delivered (quarterly cumulative)
V 007 - Working Days Lost Due to
Sickness Absence (Whole Authority
days per Full Time Equivalent
members of staff) (quarterly
cumulative)
NA
NA
100%
6.77
NA
The annual FTE (full time equivalent) figure is slightly lower than at
the same point last year (6.80). All staff were offered the
opportunity to have a flu injection in November 2013 and 95 staff
had the injection. Absence data relating to colds and flu shows that
the number of days off during 2013/14 decreased by 18% (63 FTE
days) when compared to 2012/13.
V 008 - Level of overspend/
(underspend) (£) total (quarterly
cumulative)
See
2013/14
Outturn
Report
NA
NA
Review and report
(£185,662)
RB 009 – Percentage of Council Tax
Collected (monthly cumulative)
98.08%
98.3%
97.90%
RB 010 – Percentage of Non-domestic
Rates collected (monthly cumulative)
99.14%
99.0%
98.40%
24.0 days
18 days
30.0 days
RB 027 - Average time for processing
new claims (Housing and Council Tax
Benefit) (monthly cumulative)
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Indicators and Measures
RB 028 - Speed of processing: change
in circumstances for Housing and
Council Tax Benefit claims (average
calendar days) (monthly cumulative)
Result
2013/14
17.0 days
Target 2013/14
9 days
Result
2012/13
18.0 days
72% of changes in circumstance were processed within 14 days of
receiving all information required from the customer.
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Appendix 3 – Responding to the Tidal Surge
The local need
During the course of the extreme storm-driven tidal surge that hit the east coast over 5/6 December
2013 the small, sometimes vulnerable communities dotted along the 45 mile-long coastline of North
Norfolk, much of it exposed salt-marsh, sand dune or soft low cliff, were badly hit: 364 properties
were evacuated, 152 homes and businesses flooded and coastal assets such as ramps,
promenades, toilets and cafes severely damaged.
The vision
―Our aim was to ensure that everyone who needed help, physical, emotional or financial, received it,
from the most appropriate quarter. This demanded close co-operation between the public services,
utilities and many volunteers involved, and a shared determination to continue to work until all the
work had been done. And, with a tourism dependent economy, we had to be able to tell the world
that North Norfolk was ‗open for business‘ despite the gloomy news reports.‖
Tom FitzPatrick, Leader, North Norfolk District Council
The challenge
Despite sea defences having held well in the main, homes and businesses had been flooded or
damaged along 45 miles of vulnerable coastline; roads were impassable or had been washed away;
the sea had encroached up to two miles inland at some points. There was not only alternative
accommodation to be found for some, there were whole communities to be supported and
reassured, and the self-confidence of a whole district to be restored, quickly.
North Norfolk is a small district council with limited resources, all of which would be required to focus
on the immediate response to the impact of the tidal surge and then on the long-term recovery of
communities and building increased resilience for the future.
The results
All those in need of accommodation were found it—the council‘s housing, coastal, environmental
and resilience teams were on hand during the event and in the most affected areas for up to two
weeks afterwards, 24 hours a day.
Cromer‘s iconic end of pier show was re-opened within a week of the event despite much of the
pier‘s wooden decking having been stripped away— hugely symbolic in showing that North Norfolk
was ‗open for business‘.
Together with the regional newspaper, the Eastern Daily Press, and other affected coastal councils,
NNDC launched the Norfolk and Lowestoft Flood Appeal; over £200,000 has been raised and
distributed to those in need.
The reputation of the District Council has been significantly heightened as a direct result of its
immediate and positive response to the event.
Where next?
To ensure this small District Council and the vulnerable coastal communities it serves are not
inundated by a future, even more extreme event, efforts are now underway to formulate a mutually
supportive ‗buddy‘ system through the Norfolk Resilience Forum and to build local community
resilience and associated capabilities still further, promoting self-reliance and reducing dependence
on statutory bodies. And we continue to talk with central government about the availability of future
financial support.
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Appendix 4 – Workforce Profile Statistics
Published separately.
Version Control
Version
1.0
Originator
Helen Thomas
1.1
Helen Thomas
1.2
Helen Thomas/
CLT
Helen Thomas/
CLT
Helen Thomas/
CLT
Cabinet
1.3
1.4
1.5
Description including reason for changes
First draft for review and amendment by Corporate
Leadership Team (CLT)
Edited bullet points provided by Heads of Service and
added points from sources such as press releases.
Document reviewed and edited by CLT, one or two
other additions and draft of storm surge page added
Amended bullet points
Date
25/4/2014
Review, amendments and additions from CLT and
Karen Sly
Minor amendments
19/05/2014
Annual Report 2013-14 v1 5 for Cabinet
1/5/2014
16/05/2014
16/05/2014
27/05/2014
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