Corporate Plan 2012-15
Small Government
Big Society
Annual Report 2012/13 – Final Draft
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only as useful information during the production process]
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Contents
Introduction
3
Our Vision and Values
4
Our Priorities
5
Jobs and the Local Economy
5
Housing and Infrastructure
6
Coast, Countryside and Built Heritage
7
Localism
8
10
Delivering the Vision
Financial Summary
10
Appendix 1 - Annual Action Plan 2012/13 delivery
reports
11
Appendix 2 - Performance indicator results for 2012/13
25
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Introduction
[PICTURE]
[PICTURE]
Tom FitzPatrick
Sheila Oxtoby
Leader
Chief Executive
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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:
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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

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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 2012/13 to achieve it:

Consulted upon a proposed Local Development Order at Egmere to provide a centre for
survey, project development and maintenance activities in support of future wind energy
schemes off the North Norfolk coast

Participated at the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) Southern North Sea Conference
and Exhibition event when the Council and partners launched the North Norfolk Renewables
website promoting the offshore energy sector

Continued to work with local businesses and training providers to promote skills
development so that local people can access employment opportunities and redundancy
advice/support

Launched Enterprise North Norfolk which is a programme to support new business start-ups
through training and mentoring of new entrepreneurs

Held a summit promoting apprenticeships in rural areas and developed proposals for a
programme

Started a programme of ‘Introduction to Self-Employment’ seminars, the first being delivered
in February 2013 in North Walsham

Supported the North Norfolk Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) which has developed
£2.4m worth of projects which have been submitted to the Marine Management Organisation
(MMO) for approval

Supported the establishment of a Destination Management Organisation (DMO) as a
private-public sector partnership to promote the district for tourism

Continued to support Norfolk County Council’s Broadband Programme to update broadband
speeds in the district
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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 2012/13 to achieve it:

Encouraged Neighbourhood Plans where communities wish to take these forward to deliver
additional housing. Government funding was secured for Holt Town Council’s
neighbourhood planning project through the pilot scheme

Gathered evidence to support the introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy on
development viability and infrastructure requirements including stakeholder consultation

Completed the empty homes pilot, which involved three properties, one of which has been
brought back into use

Established an Enforcement Board to provide an interdepartmental approach to complex
empty homes cases which during the period December 2013 to May 2013 considered 47
long term empty properties and 5 have so far been brought back into use

Adopted a development brief for a site in Stalham and undertook consultation on the
development brief for Fakenham

Granted planning permission on major residential allocations at Hoveton, Stalham, Cromer
and Wells. A number of other pending proposals are expected to progress to permissions
over the coming months

Improved the time to reach planning decisions for major applications. The percentage of
applications determined within the time limit improved from 32% to 58%. An external,
independent team has undertaken a peer review across the Planning Service to deliver an
improvement action plan

Adopted a three-part Housing Strategy, Empty Homes Policy and Allocations Policy for
affordable housing

Developed the Empty Property Matching Service which offers support to owners wishing to
sell their properties

Offered support to owners wishing to rent their property and provide a service to support
new landlords and will also advertise, for a small fee, the property on the Your Choice Your
Home which provides access to over 4900 home seekers
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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 2012/13 to achieve it:

Delivered a programme of maintenance works to deliver the objective of defending coastal
settlements against erosion wherever practicable

Obtained government funding and commissioned design works for the Cromer Coast
Protection capital scheme, to enable the management of the coast defences in Cromer

The Kelling to Lowestoft Ness Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) was adopted by the
Council and the Environment Agency. Started a Cromer to Winterton study to improve our
understanding of coastal processes and future funding requirements

Agreed an integrated coastal management approach by the Council. The Coastal Issues
Forum continues to provide an important community engagement role

Started and progressed the remedial and repair works to Cromer Pier structure and
successful completion of the works is anticipated in July 2013

Adopted a Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan for Cromer

The Council was presented with four awards from twelve categories at the 2013 East Anglia
Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence awards

Holt Country Park has been awarded the Green Flag for the eighth year in succession and
this year Sadler's Wood, North Walsham has also received the award

Blue Flag accreditation was awarded to all four beaches at Sheringham, Cromer, Mundesley
and Sea Palling for the 2012/13 season. East Runton has also been awarded the Quality
Coast Award

The innovative new toilet blocks at Happisburgh and Sheringham East Promenade both won
gold awards in the National Loo of the Year Awards held in December 2012. The
Happisburgh block was also a double national category award winner

Promoted a campaign to reduce dog fouling across the district

Received a 5 star award for the cleanliness of the district at the Clean Britain Awards in
September 2012

Ran Greenbuild which is the region's biggest 'green lifestyles' event and has now been
running for six years. The event in 2012 attracted around 6,000 visitors and had 95 business
exhibiting
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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 2012/13 to achieve it:

Operated the Big Society Fund for a full year, during which time 47 projects were awarded
funding amounting to a total of £397,537

Delivered energy efficiency advice with the objective of alleviating fuel poverty through the
Stay Warm and Cosy initiative across the district

Carried out regular meetings with Town and Parish Councils

Established procedures to support Community Right to Bid and Right to Challenge and
signposted these on the Council’s website

Successfully transferred the Wells Tourist Information Centre service to the Wells Maltings
Trust saving £100,000 over the next 5 years

Undertook a feasibility study to explore the potential for an asset transfer initiative for North
Lodge Park in Cromer

Established a new ‘enabling’ fund to support community initiatives in the next year

The Leadership of Place Project in North Walsham has undertaken property appraisals and
considered options for town centre development and improvement linked to major retail
planning applications in the town

Successfully obtained funding of £18.5k for two projects – a ‘Collective Energy Switching’
scheme and a pilot scheme known as the ‘Energy Box’. The scheme was branded as the
‘Norfolk Big Switch and Save’ and signed up 12,000 households of which 2,796 were in
North Norfolk

Launched a DEFRA funded community resilience campaign across North Norfolk with ten
communities to build expertise in responding to emergencies and major incidents

Worked with multi agency partners to co-ordinate and manage the successful delivery of the
Olympic Torch Relay event through three north Norfolk towns which saw in excess of 30,000
spectators attending this prestigious event

Enabled 6 community gyms to be established, including 2 for neighbouring councils,
benefitting residents who would not normally have access to health and leisure facilities

Supported the arts to produce 1111 event/exhibition days; attracting 61748 attendances.
1527 artists and performers were involved in delivering these activities; supported by 2753
volunteers. Further events were promoted through the Arts website, e-newsletters and
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officers provided support to artists, arts agencies and voluntary organisations which, in turn,
enabled further work to be delivered to local communities

Completed the exterior refurbishment of the Sheringham Little Theatre. The Council spend
on this project was £48,091.49. This has since been followed by a grant from the Norfolk
County Construction Fund which has allocated £66,000 to the refurbishment of the interior of
the coffee bar and front of house facilities
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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 2012/13 to achieve it:

Reviewed and implemented a new management structure making a saving of £231k

Reviewed and updated the Council’s Constitution

Through the Legal Services’ external trading arm (eastlaw ) produced an income of £86,000,
exceeding its budget target by 44%

Improved the Council’s website, which has been ranked through Sitemorse as the highest
ranking government website in the County according to function, accessibility and
performance

Established a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Working Party to review the service and
identify savings

Continued to review and monitor sickness absence in line with the Council’s policy to ensure
that staff are able to return to work effectively

Progressed a project to procure a new Material Recycling facility with a view to awarding the
contract in May 2013. The new arrangements will allow a range of materials to be recycled
at lower cost

Procured and implemented with the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk a new
OpenRevenues system for the administration of revenues and benefits

Set up the Customer Service Improvement (CSI) Board to oversee all customer service
activities including web development
Financial Summary
[To be included in the final version of the report]
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Appendix 1 - Annual Action Plan 2012/13 delivery
reports
Jobs and the Local Economy
Increase the number of new businesses and support the growth and expansion of
existing businesses
Activity
AAP - 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
Status
On Track
AAP - J A 02 - We will work
with partners to develop and
deliver a programme of
business start up support
Completed
Successfully
AAP - J A 03 - Working in
partnership we will maximise
the opportunities for
investment in the district
through the development of
allocated town centre retail
sites.
On Track
AAP - 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
On Track
Progress/ Action Note
Mainstream business support services
have not recovered to their former level
following the closure of East of England
Development Agency and Business Link.
Businesses now look to the Council for
advice and guidance. To mitigate the lack
of mainstream services, the Council has
improved its electronic/web based business
support through the licensed provision of
North Norfolk Open 4 Business and
COBRA which is an information for
business portal.
The Council has successfully contracted
out the North Norfolk Enterprise
Programme to Engage With Business. The
Programme commenced delivery March
2013.
Investigations in relation to relevant sites
occur as and when opportunities become
apparent and consultants advising the
Council remain on a flexible contract. Site
appraisals were completed for two key sites
in North Walsham, however wider issues
relating to development proposals in the
town have meant that further site
investigations are on hold pending the
outcome of these.
The Council continues to undertake an
ambitious programme of work in support of
offshore wind energy schemes. A
proposed Local Development Order at
Egmere in support of off-shore wind energy
schemes is to be the subject of a further
report to Cabinet in May 2013.
The Council has launched the North Norfolk
Renewables website promoting the Port of
Wells and the proposed Local Development
Order (LDO) at Egmere.
The Sheringham Shoal development has
become operational and the Council has
also held discussions with partners to the
Dudgeon offshore wind scheme regarding
their programme of investment
AAP - J A 05 - We will work
with regional partners to
realise the benefits of Rural
Cancelled
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The Council worked with regional partners
to gain Rural Growth Network status for
North Norfolk and realise the benefits the
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Activity
Growth Network status for
North Norfolk
Status
Progress/ Action Note
AAP - J A 06 - We will support
the North Norfolk Fisheries
Local Action Group (FLAG) in
delivering projects from the
£2.4 million funding secured
for the fishing sector
On track
AAP - J A 07 - 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
Postponed or delayed
status would bring. Despite a considerable
amount of support and effort by partners
and the New Anglia Local Enterprise
Partnership (LEP) for Norfolk and Suffolk
Rural Growth Network status was not
awarded.
The North Norfolk Fisheries Local Action
Group (FLAG) has developed £2.4m worth
of projects which have been submitted to
the Marine Management Organisation
(MMO) for approval.
At the end of March 2013 the MMO had
approved and sent grant offer letter for
projects totalling £253,657. Additionally, the
MMO were in the process of approving
further projects totalling £478,604 and the
project pipeline still looks healthy.
The FLAG has since submitted and
received approval for further projects and is
confident of committing funds by the end of
2013, subject to the MMO providing
feedback and advice on outstanding
approvals in a timely manner.
There has been no movement leading
toward the establishment of the project.
However, it is likely that the Council will
commit to its development 2013/14 in line
with the aspirations of the Corporate Plan.
Improve the job prospects of our residents by developing a skilled and adaptable
workforce that is matched to business growth and development
Activity
AAP - 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
AAP - 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
AAP - J B 03 - 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
Status
On Track
Progress/ Action Note
On Track
The contract for Skills Support for
Redundancy has also been extended.
On Track
Learning 4 Everyone is continuing to
work with the Business Forum, Skills
Partnership and local businesses and
training providers to overcome the
barriers and issues for training provision
opportunities in North Norfolk.
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The externally funded contracts being
delivered by Learning 4 Everyone; Skills
Support for the Unemployed, Skills
Support for Redundancy and the
National Careers Service, have all been
extended.
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Activity
AAP - J B 04 - 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
Status
On Track
Progress/ Action Note
In February 2013, a summit was held to
review the issues with the work
experience and apprenticeship
programme in North Norfolk. From this a
programme is being developed in two
phases. The first is focussing on raising
awareness and assisting the County
Councils Apprenticeship Norfolk
programme. The second phase is about
overcoming the barriers facing small
businesses in engaging with apprentices
as well as helping young people on the
pathway to work experience
opportunities - this has been subject of a
Coastal Communities Fund Expression
of Interest.
Reduce burdens to business by removing unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy at the
local level
Activity
AAP - J C 01 - We will develop a
comprehensive package of support
and provide information to simplify
the process for businesses looking to
invest in North Norfolk
Status
On Track
AAP - J C 02 - We will ask users of
our training, business support and
advice services for their feedback and
improve future service delivery to
meet business needs
On Track
AAP - J C 03 - We will review our
procurement policies to maximise the
opportunities to source goods and
services locally
On Track
AAP - J C 04 - We will work with
partners to roll out Broadband
Delivery UK’s (BDUK) £60m Norfolk
Broadband Initiative across North
Norfolk
AAP - J C 05 - We will review all of our
business regulatory functions to
ensure we are focused on local
business need
On Track
Progressing
to plan
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Progress/ Action Note
The Council has successfully developed a
Renewables web based portal which
provides important information necessary to
attract inward investment. The North Norfolk
Renewables website was launched officially
in March 2013 at the SNS2013 - Sea of
Opportunity Conference held at the Norfolk
Showground.
See http://www.northnorfolkrenewables.org/
Following the launch delay of the North
Norfolk Enterprise programme, monitoring
customer feedback started in March.
Performance measures are now in place
with quarterly performance reports being
provided as part of a Service Level
Agreement with Engage With Business.
Following the local procurement conference,
a guide to local procurement has been
finalised and printed for distribution. Council
purchasing policies will be reviewed in 2013
when the Procurement Strategy is updated.
The Council continues to collaborate with
Norfolk County Council in the roll out of the
broadband programme for Norfolk.
A review of planning enforcement is covered
in the Planning Peer Review which will
include an action plan for change. A review
of Environmental Health regulatory functions
will be complete by summer 2013. Learning
from the Enforcement Board will also be
used to inform further improvement during
2013/14.
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Promote a positive image of North Norfolk as a premier visitor destination
Activity
AAP - J D 01 - We will develop
and implement new marketing
initiatives which use digital and
remote technology to promote
North Norfolk to visitors and
tourists
AAP - J D 02 - We will support
and facilitate the establishment
of a 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 income for the
district
Status
On Track
Progress/ Action Note
Postponed or
delayed
Revision of the Service Level Agreement has
been completed, with on-going discussions
between Visit North Norfolk Coast and
Countryside Ltd. (VNN) and the Council
taking place.
Campaigns on social media (i.e., Facebook
and Twitter) are now on-going in partnership
with the Destination Management
Organisation (DMO). Further enhancement
on the visitnorthnorfolk.com website is also
underway.
Improve access to funding for businesses
Activity
AAP - J E 01 - We will support the
roll-out of the Coastal Pathfinder
and Fishing Sector Business
Loans and Grant Schemes and
consider the opportunities of
extending these programmes
across a larger area
AAP - J E 02 - 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 enterprises have improved
access to investment finance to
support business growth and
development across the district
Status
On Track
Progressing to
plan
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Progress/ Action Note
The further development of a North Norfolk
Micro Finance Scheme is underway. The
licence to widen the scheme came into
effect in January 2013 and partners are
currently working towards a relaunch in
2014. During this period it is hoped that the
fund will be grown to £500k, maximising the
European Fisheries Fund.
Two key initiatives, those of Pathfinder and
North Norfolk Fisheries Local Action Group
(FLAG) have been the focus of the Council’s
strategy to deliver this objective. It is
anticipated that these initiatives will be
successful in terms of providing previously
unavailable funding.
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Housing and Infrastructure
Increase the number of new homes built within the District and reduce the number of
empty properties
Activity
AAP - H A 01 - We will bring
forward detailed proposals on
allocated sites by better
engagement with developers
Status
On Track
AAP - H A 02 - We will produce
development briefs on 4 of the
allocated sites
Some problems
AAP - H A 03 - We will seek to
increase the number of new
homes built of all tenures to 250
Some problems
AAP - H C 01 - We will encourage
the development of
neighbourhood planning by
supporting Holt Town Council in
a pilot scheme to produce a
neighbourhood plan.
AAP - H C 02 - We will encourage
further neighbourhood plans to
be developed by holding a
neighbourhood planning seminar
for town and parish councils.
AAP - H E 01 - We will undertake
and evaluate a pilot Compulsory
Purchase Order project to bring
long term empty homes back into
use
On Hold
Progress/ Action Note
The Council has established productive
relationships with developer interests on
most of the larger allocated development
sites in the district. Planning permissions
have been granted on sites at Hoveton,
Stalham, Cromer, Wells, and there are a
number of other current or pending
proposals which are expected to progress to
permissions over the coming months.
The brief for Stalham has been approved by
Council and planning permission has been
granted on the site. A draft brief has been
submitted for Holt and this will be published
for public consultation in April/May. Revised
highway details have been submitted in
relation to the Fakenham brief and these are
currently with the Highway Authority for
consideration.
The service has granted planning
permissions for a number of large
development sites in the district and some
development has commenced on allocated
sites at Cromer, Hoveton, and Blakeney.
Final completion figures for 2012-13 are 242
and reflect a national slowdown in dwelling
completion rates.
Holt Town Council is the only council in the
District which has expressed an interest in
preparing a Neighbourhood Plan. No formal
application has been made. Briefings
continue to be offered to Parish and Town
Councils on request.
Completed
Successfully
Seminar for Parish Councils held on 25 April
2012.
Completed
Successfully
The Empty Homes Pilot focused on taking
action on three long term empty
properties. A report on the outcome of the
pilot was considered by the December 2012
Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet report
contains recommendations that
enforcement action on empty homes be
directed through the new Enforcement
Board and £200,000 ring-fenced for
enforcement action on empty homes were
agreed. During the period December 2013
to May 2013, 47 long term empty properties
were considered and 5 have now been
brought back into use.
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Activity
AAP - H E 02 - We will support
owners to bring at least 40 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, take enforcement
action as required.
Status
Some problems
Progress/ Action Note
The Empty Homes Policy was developed
and adopted by Full Council on 19
December 2012. The new Enforcement
Board gives a high priority to work on
reducing the number of empty
homes. Letters have been sent to 79
owners of empty homes which will be
followed by a further two letters and
enforcement action if necessary. 34 owners
responded to our letters and the initial
outcome was that 14 were not empty and so
we were able to update Council Tax to bring
the property back into use.
Increase the number of affordable homes with a range of tenure types
Activity
AAP - H B 01 - We will
undertake a complete review of
our housing strategy to ensure
that we take full advantage of
opportunities within the
Localism Act and are
maximising our influence over
housing growth
AAP - H B 02 - We will evaluate
our approach to viability
assessments to maximise
development opportunities.
Status
On track
Progress/ Action Note
Postponed or
delayed
This activity is currently delayed to be
completed by March 2014. However, in the
meantime a flexible and responsive approach
to viability assessments undertaken will be
used.
Housing Strategy papers were presented to
Cabinet during 2012/13 and strategic changes
made to service delivery to maximise housing
development, despite difficult market
conditions, and develop our approach to bring
Long Term Empty Properties back into use.
Secure investment in new infrastructure
Activity
AAP - H D 01 - We will consult
and then obtain agreement on a
charging schedule to achieve
investment in new infrastructure
Status
On Track
Progress/ Action Note
Final Viability and Infrastructure reports have now
been completed. These have been subject to
informal consultation with key developer interests in
the district. Wider public consultation on a
Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule is expected in
May/June 2013.
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Coast, Countryside and Built Heritage
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
AAP - C A 01 - We will
assess and implement
requirements for a new
Green Flag award at Sadlers
Wood, North Walsham and
work to retain the Green
Flag status of Holt Country
Park
AAP - C A 02 - We will
promote the Graham Allen
Award and monitor the
number of applications
received.
Status
Completed
Successfully
Progress/ Action Note
Completed
Successfully
AAP - C A 03 - We will
complete or review four
Conservation Area plans, in
Cromer, Sheringham,
Walsingham and Wells
Some problems
AAP - C A 04 - We will work
with other agencies to retain
all of the District's Blue Flag
beach status
Completed
Successfully
AAP - C A 05 - We will
achieve zero defaults in our
waste and related services
contract for cleanliness
Some problems
The 31st Graham Allen Awards for
Conservation & Design in North Norfolk were
once again a resounding success with 16
applications received. The awards were
decided in August and the formal ceremony
took place on 8 October 2012.
Cromer Conservation Area Management Plan
was adopted by the Council at the Cabinet
meeting in November 2012. Walsingham will
go to public consultation in May 2013.
Sheringham and Wells have been rescheduled
for public consultation and adoption during
2013/14 (See Annual Action Plan 2013/14).
On-going work to maintain high quality tourist
beaches has led to the retention of all of the
District's Blue Flag beaches. In 2012/13, Blue
Flags were awarded at Sheringham, Cromer,
Mundesley and Sea Palling beaches. East
Runton was also awarded the Quality Coast
Award.
The Council was awarded a 5 star award for
the cleanliness of the district at the Clean
Britain Awards in September 2012.
With the support of local communities involved
at Sadlers Wood, North Walsham,
improvement work has been undertaken,
including a new play area, which has led to the
award of the Green Flag. Green Flag status
has been achieved, for the eighth year in
succession, at Holt Country Park.
Service delivery through the contract has been
broadly acceptable during the last 12 months
and the number of shortcomings has
diminished as the year has progressed. Kier
have strengthened the local management team
and improvements from this change are
evident across the contract.
The corporate target of zero default notices
has not been achieved during the year,
reflecting the high standards the team expect
from Kier. Additional focussed monitoring
during March 2013 has resulted in an increase
in the number of rectifications and defaults
issued when compared to recent months.
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
Page 17 of 33
Activity
AAP - C A 06 - We will
ensure all reported fly-tips
are responded to within two
working days
Status
Some problems
Progress/ Action Note
The figures shown under Q1-4 cover all
pollution complaints including fly tipping. The
drop in Q4 relates to reporting errors which
have been identified between Kier and the
Council.
Design a more cohesive framework for coastline management
Activity
AAP - C B 01 - We will define
the Coastal Zone (ICZM) and
agree consultation
mechanisms with partners
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Progressing to plan The work streams involved in the development of
AAP - C B 02 - We will
identify specific
ICZM projects and identify
the means of funding
On Track
an integrated approach to coastal management
are progressing. Meetings have been held with
Parish Councils to explain the implications of the
adopted Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) and
the emerging Cromer to Winterton Study. The
outputs from the Study will inform the direction of
future work but processes are in place to
maintain a flow of information for stakeholders.
Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) 6 has now
been adopted and a process for implementing
and monitoring the action plan has been
established. On-going projects include the
conclusion of Cromer to Winterton Study,
assisting in the implementation of the
Environment Agency's National Coastal Erosion
Risk Management programme, Cromer coast
protection scheme, and the development of
further coastal management initiatives.
Continue to defend coastal settlements against erosion wherever practicable
Activity
AAP - C C 01 - We will
commission design works
for the Cromer Defence
Scheme
Status
On track
Progress/ Action Note
AAP - C C 02 - We will
develop and adopt a
prioritised programme for
future 'Selected' Coastal
Defence Work schemes
AAP - C C 03 - We will
identify coastal funding
opportunities to support the
prioritised programme
On track
A coastal study has been commissioned to model coastal
processes and sediment movement. These models are
currently being run and the outcomes from the models are
expected in June 2013. These outcomes will be used to
inform the development of a programme of works.
On track
The outcomes from the coastal study will be used to inform
the development of a programme of works and the
requirement to secure associated funding.
Design of the scheme is continuing. The public consultation
process is taking place during summer 2013 prior to going
out to tender late summer. The consultation covers the
impact of the scheme on residents, businesses and visitors
to Cromer. The scheme will secure the defences of Cromer
for the next sixty years.
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
Page 18 of 33
Localism
Recognise the important role that Town and Parish Councils have as the democratic
embodiment of their communities
Activity
AAP - L A 01 - We will establish a
protocol and put in place the means to
respond positively to requests from Town
and Parish Councils to take over the
running of services within their
area/communities to ensure that they
share in the benefits of growth
AAP - L A 02 - We will establish a regular
dialogue with Town and Parish Councils
and hold workshops for training and
development in particular to encourage
wide community participation in the
democratic process
AAP - L A 03 - 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
Status
On Track
Progress/ Action Note
On Track
Meetings with Town Councils have taken
place and a process of wider engagement
is being developed.
On Track
Town and Parish Councils in Cromer,
Fakenham and North Walsham will be
invited to be involved in the Healthy
Communities and Ageing Well projects.
Town and Parish Councils will be eligible
to apply for funding from the North Norfolk
Big Society Fund for projects which
improve the social and economic
wellbeing of the area. The Council will
support Town and Parish Councils that
wish to apply for the enabling fund.
The Council has developed and is
supporting a bid to the Coastal
Communities Fund, which aims to
improve training and career development
in coastal areas in relation to the care
sector.
The Council’s website has been updated
with links to relevant guidance/process in
respect of expressions of interest under
Community Right to Challenge and
nominations under Community Right to
Bid recommended to Cabinet in April
2013.
Encourage communities to develop their own vision for their future and help them to
deliver it
Activity
AAP - L B 01 - We will encourage
the development of
neighbourhood plans by taking
the Holt Neighbourhood Plan as
a model including holding a
seminar on neighbourhood
planning for town and parish
councils (See also action to
deliver Housing and
Infrastructure)
Status
Completed
Successfully
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
Progress/ Action Note
Successful meetings have been held with
Holt Town Council to discuss the Holt
Neighbourhood project plan.
A successful seminar for Parish Councils
was held on 25 April 2012 which has led to
follow up discussions with six town / parish
councils on the processes, benefits, and
outcomes of successful neighbourhood
plans.
Page 19 of 33
Activity
AAP - L B 02 - We will
commission work through a
Service Level Agreement (SLA)
for community planning and for
community and voluntary sector
capacity building
Status
On Track
AAP - L B 03 - Subject to
guidance, we will assess
expressions of interest from
voluntary or community groups
who wish to take over the
running of a service and / or
community asset, and complete
the initial assessment within six
weeks of receiving the request
Progressing to plan
AAP - L B 04 - We will work with
the key organisations with an
interest in North Walsham to
implement the actions and
interventions identified through
the 'Leadership of Place' project.
AAP - L B 05 - We will utilise our
resources, statutory powers and
influence to realise opportunities
for North Walsham town centre
On Track
AAP - L B 06 - We will respond
positively to communities
wishing to undertake projects
locally
AAP - L B 07 - We will work with
communities to identify the
current and future social,
economic and environmental
needs of their resident
population and support them to
identify and implement local,
innovative and creative solutions
On Track
AAP - L B 08 - We will draft and
consult on a communication and
engagement framework
On Track
On Track
On Track
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
Progress/ Action Note
Dialogue with a wide range of
organisations in relation to community
projects and plans has taken place,
resulting in practical support, advice and
funding. Support has been provided to the
voluntary sector via an SLA with Voluntary
Norfolk. The SLA will be reviewed in May
2013.
Proposals for the possible transfer of North
Lodge Park to an appropriate community
organisation are under development,
consultants have been appointed and a
programme has been developed, resulting
in draft recommendations in April 2013.
The expression of interest to take over the
operation of Wells-next-the-Sea TIC
resulted in that service being transferred to
a community organisation under a Service
Level Agreement (SLA) with a saving to the
Council of £100,000 over 5 years.
Property appraisals have been
commissioned for key development sites.
Options appraisal for future structure and
focus of Leadership of Place partnership
have been discussed.
In relation to North Walsham Leadership of
Place project, the Council investigated
options for town centre investment/
enhancement. Key decisions rest on the
outcome of pending planning applications.
The Council has established processes to
facilitate community-led localism initiatives
steered by a 'Localism Board'.
The enabling fund has been established
from second homes funding to ensure
greater proactive engagement with Town
and Parish Councils, community groups
and local communities to identify needs
and issues. The Council has decided to
join the 'Your Voice' partnership, in order to
coordinate and extend engagement with
communities and elicit feedback on key
issues.
Discussions regarding Community
Engagement are continuing; the approach
to engagement is likely to develop around
the use of 'Your Voice'.
Page 20 of 33
Encourage the growth of The Big Society within communities
Activity
L C 01 – We will review services
and ensure that the Council’s
activities are not competing
inappropriately with or stifling
alternative provision
Status
On Track
AAP - L C 02 - We will launch and
monitor a community investment
fund, to be known as The Big
Society Fund to invest £450,000 in
local communities, strengthen civil
society, and establish the process
for determining priorities for
expenditure
AAP - L C 03 - We will ensure that
work with statutory, voluntary and
community organisations
contributes to the aims of the Big
Society agenda.
On Track
On Track
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
Progress/ Action Note
The Council continues to review opportunities to
deliver discretionary services in different ways so
as to ensure that the most appropriate delivery
model is in place. During 2012/13, the Cabinet
agreed to support the establishment of a private
sector-led Destination Management Organisation
which will take forward the promotion of the
District to tourism markets and has developed a
Service Level Agreement with this organisation for
a three year period. The Council has also agreed
to pass responsibility for the management and
operation of the Tourist Information Centre in
Wells-next-the-Sea to a voluntary Trust and will
explore further similar opportunities elsewhere in
the District as part of its commitment to support
increased community involvement in the provision
and ownership of local services.
47 projects were awarded funding amounting to a
total of £397,537. The Fund will continue for a
second year and will be managed internally. There
will be an enabling fund of £225,000 and a grants
fund of £225,000 for projects up to £15,000.
Grants will be awarded by the North Norfolk Big
Society Fund Panel and will open for applications
in May 2013
The Service Level Agreement with Voluntary
Norfolk is being managed and monitored and will
be reviewed prior to its end date in July. Suitable
agreements are being negotiated with other
organisations capable of delivering services that
benefit communities in North Norfolk.
Communication is maintained with a network of
organisations and through the 'enabling fund' it is
anticipated that support can be targeted to assist
in meeting specific needs.
Page 21 of 33
Delivering the Vision
Deliver strong governance arrangements
Activity
AAP - 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
AAP - V A 02 - We will set and
achieve 100% compliance with
deadlines agreed with Internal
Audit for recommendations rated
as Medium and High
Status
Progressing to plan
AAP - V A 03 - We will implement
the revised performance
management framework
On Track
AAP - V A 04 - We will review and
update the Council's constitution
Completed
successfully
Some problems
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
Progress/ Action Note
The 2013/14 Annual Audit Plan was
approved by the Audit Committee in
March 2013, this also included the three
year Strategic Internal Audit Plan for the
period 2013/14 to 2015/16. Delivery of the
annual plan will be monitored throughout
the year by officers and Members (through
the Audit Committee).
At the time of reporting this position two
final internal audit reports are yet to be
issued. For the year a maximum of one
high priority recommendation (subject to
agreeing one of the final reports) has been
raised. There has been some delay in
implementing recommendations and the
monitoring of these has been through the
Performance and Risk System. Some
delays in implementing recommendations
are as a result of reprioritising service
demands and therefore these factors need
to be considered as part of agreeing
achievable implementation dates. The
initial outcomes of the recommendation
follow up review carried out during April
for the position at 31 March is indicates
that there are 15 medium
recommendations (17.9%) [subject to
confirmation by Audit] outstanding at 31
March 2013.
Training of managers and staff took place
in July and August 2012 to implement the
revised framework. The quarterly reporting
to Cabinet process was implemented,
reviewed and improved throughout the
year.
The new constitution was approved by
Full Council in December 2012.
Page 22 of 33
Ensure that effective communications exist
Activity
AAP - V B 01 - We will make
Outlook cost neutral
Status
Completed
AAP - V B 02 - We will
identify the means of
optimising media coverage
of Council activities and
initiatives and place the
WEB at the heart of all we do
On Track
AAP - V B 03 - 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
Progress/ Action Note
Cabinet decided in December 2012 to withdraw
all funding for Outlook as from April 2013. A
programme of alternative methods of
communication, in addition to the emphasis on
channel shift to the website, is being developed.
The programme is focused on the
Communications team providing a more coordinated communications ‘offer’, aimed at
ensuring that service requirements are provided
by an appropriate balance of web, media and
print activity, both to achieve the service
communication objectives and to ensure that
accessible information is available to the
community as a whole, not just to those with easy
access to the web.
Staff briefing sessions were held during March
2013, highlighting the foundations of the Channel
Shift Initiative. The Customer Service
Improvement (CSI) Programme Board was set up
in June 2012 and is overseeing all CSI activities
including web development.
The Council has developed a ’new approach' to
communications to ensure a comprehensive and
cohesive coverage of Council issues and to
create a campaign approach to enable as wide
coverage as possible. Relationships with local
newspapers have been further developed and
with the cancellation of Outlook the team has
identified alternative publications, as alternative
means of giving residents access to information.
Work will continue to develop this outlet as well.
The Council is currently engaged in a project,
with support, to develop an overall business
vision and strategy for IT, to drive customer
management improvements and transformational
change. It is anticipated that this will lead to a
report coming forward in July 2013 to the
Business Transformation Board.
Postponed or
delayed
Deliver strong and proportionate organisational management in the Council
Activity
AAP - V C 01 - Deliver
revised / streamlined
management
arrangements
Status
Progress/ Action Note
The review of senior management arrangements is
complete resulting in savings of £231k.
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
Page 23 of 33
Prioritise Services and Functions in line with the wishes of our communities and to
deliver our corporate objectives
Activity
AAP - 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
AAP - V D 02 - We will consult
with the residents through a
Place Survey.
Status
On track
Progress/ Action Note
A Planning Peer Review was carried out in
February 2013.
A CCTV review panel has been established and is
due to report during 2013.
On Hold
This activity has been superseded by the need to
develop a general approach to consultation.
Discussions concerning the way forward are
taking place at CLT/Cabinet level.
Deliver year-on-year improvements in efficiency
Activity
AAP - V E 01 - We will support
the implementation of the cost
saving Revenues and Benefits
shared services project
Status
Some problems
V E 02 – We will identify
potential partnership working
opportunities and produce
business cases
On track
AAP - V E 03 - 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
AAP - V E 04 - We will review the
reward structures to encourage
and reward staff, for finding
innovative new ways to deliver
higher quality services more
efficiently
Completed
Successfully
Not Started
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
Progress/ Action Note
After some problems with system stability,
the North Norfolk data was brought back to
Cromer in January 2013. Since this time
North Norfolk staff have enjoyed increased
functionality and reliability of the system
allowing a significant improvement in
performance. The issuing of Council Tax
and Business Rate bills is considered to
have gone well and the team is now in the
process of preparing year end reports.
Work is continuing with the other Councils
in Norfolk to produce a new consortium
contract for the processing of dry
recyclables collected through the waste
collection service.
The Council is working with Kier to improve
the efficiency of waste collection especially
in trade and garden waste services.
The 2013/14 budget process culminated in
the budget and Council Tax being
approved by Full Council in February 2013.
This included a zero increase in district's
Council Tax.
Work on this activity has been scheduled
for delivery during 2013/14 through the
Human Resources service plan.
Page 24 of 33
Appendix 2 - Annual Action Plan 2012/13 performance
indicators
These tables show, for each of the themes of the Corporate Plan;
 achievement against targets,
 comparison with the previous year’s performance where possible, or
 the results for the first year of measurement.
Key
Not
applicable
Indicators can be labelled as not applicable for the following reasons;
 This is the first year of measurement
 This is important information for the Council and the influence and actions of the Council
may make improvements but there is not sufficient control over the outcome to set a
target
Jobs and the Local Economy
Name
Reference
2011/12
Result
2012/13
Target
2012/13
Result
Percentage of
loans fund that
can be reapplied
J 001
First year of
measurement
2012/13
20.0%
Q4=1.0%
J 002
First year of
measurement
2012/13
15
9
Number of
businesses who
access loans &
grants under the
Coastal
Pathfinder
scheme
Progress
The loan and grant scheme was,
until June 2012, limited to 90
businesses that participated in
the Pathfinder Business Advice
project. It was made available to
a wider eastern part of the district
from July 2012. Take up,
however, was not as expected
even though the scheme was
directly marketed to eligible
businesses in the area which is
why the percentage of loans fund
that can be reapplied is lower
than expected. (See AAP J E 01
– appendix 1)
The loan and grant scheme was,
until June 2012, limited to 90
businesses that participated in the
Pathfinder Business Advice project.
It was made available to a wider
eastern part of the district from July
2012. It is proposed to relaunch the
scheme during the second quarter
of 2013/14 to make the loans and
grants available to both business
start-ups and existing businesses.
A notable success of the scheme
is the loan of £50k provided to
Jonas Seafood, as part of an
overall investment package of
more than £300k raised for the
expansion of their business to a
new site located in Cromer. North
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
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Name
Customer
Satisfaction with
Business Support
Number of
businesses
assisted to
retain jobs
and/or increase
employment
each year
Rate of take up of
new designated
employment land
Reference
2011/12
Result
2012/13
Target
J 003
First year of
measurement
2012/13
Not
applicable
J 004
57
25
J 005
0.74%
Not
applicable
2012/13
Result
45
90
Not
applicable
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
Norfolk District Council supported
two successful applications to the
European Fisheries Fund (EFF)
enabling the businesses to
acquire premises and equipment
for their planned opening
schedule for August 2013.
Due to the delay in the launch of
the North Norfolk Enterprise
Programme, related performance
measures in respect of Customer
Satisfaction were unattainable.
On-going support is being provided
to local businesses that have
contacted the Economic
Development team for assistance.
The service includes business
advice, training and signposting to
other relevant providers.
0.20%
The figure is ahead of the annual
target but below 2011/12. This is a
good level of outcome given the
national economy. There has been
significant development over the
last twelve months in North
Walsham (e.g. Waitrose), Cromer
(e.g. Lidl) and the Clipbush Lane
site in Fakenham (e.g. medical
centre, pub)
67
In order to improve job prospects
for our communities, the Council
provides a range of skills support
under the banner of Learning 4
Everyone. The Skills Support for
the Unemployed, Skills Support
for Redundancy and National
Careers Service contracts are
being delivered and a joint
initiative with Jobcentreplus, the
North Norfolk Work Club, has
also been launched with activities
in Fakenham, Cromer and North
Walsham. Over the financial year
67 economically active people
have been assisted into work and
there has been a decline in the
number of 18-24 year old jobseekers compared with the
previous year.
This is considered to be good
performance at a time of
economic uncertainty.
Number of
economically
active people
assisted into
work each year
J 014
Progress
Page 26 of 33
Housing and Infrastructure
Name
Number of new
homes built of all
tenures
Reference
H 001
2011/12
Result
337
2012/13
Target
250
2012/13
Result
242
Number of long
term empty
homes (6 months
or more) (as at
October each year
on CTB1
submission)
H 002
786
Number of
development
briefs produced
on allocated sites
H 003
First year of
measurement
2012/13
4
2
Number of
households from
the housing
register rehoused
H 005
477
Not
applicable
359
Number of
affordable homes
granted planning
permission
H 006
110
Not
applicable
134
Number of
affordable homes
built
H 007
65
Not
applicable
13
746
(Low is
good)
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
886
Progress
In 2012/13 planning permission was
granted on a number of site
allocations, meaning that there is a
strong pipeline of residential
development schemes that can
move forward in the next couple of
years.
The increase in the number of long
term empty homes is not surprising
in the current economic climate with
the difficulty in selling properties
within North Norfolk. An Empty
Homes Policy was developed and
adopted. The Enforcement Board
has been established with
£200,000 ring-fenced for
enforcement action on empty
homes. During the period
December 2013 to May 2013, 47
long term empty properties were
considered and 5 have now been
brought back into use.
Adopted a development brief for a
site in Stalham and undertook
consultation on the development
brief for Fakenham.
Comparison to last year has shown
that the number of relets within
social housing is reducing; this
could be due to a number of effects,
reduction in development, tenants
not moving/affording to move.
Victory Housing Trust has made a
commitment on disposals and this
will have an impact on the number
of vacancies that become available
for re-let.
The increase in numbers this year is
due to a small number of large sites
beginning to deliver higher
proportions of affordable housing. In
the short term, this trend is likely to
continue.
A total of 13 affordable dwellings
were completed in 2012/13. This is
significantly below what was
expected due to slippage of some
scheme completions from 2012/13
into 2013/14 during this year partly
as a result of poor weather.
Affordable housing completions for
2013/14 are therefore predicted to
be 91.
Page 27 of 33
Name
Reference
2011/12
Result
2012/13
Target
Number of homes
granted planning
permission (all
tenure types)
H 008
438
Not
applicable
Estimated worth
(£) of investment
secured in new
infrastructure
H 009
-
Not
applicable
2012/13
Result
536
Progress
The increase in the number of
homes granted planning permission
during 2012/13 relates to the
development of a number of the
larger allocated sites.
Information will be available by 1
June.
Coast, Countryside and Built Heritage
Name
Percentage of
planning
decisions
delegated to
officers
Reference
C 001
2011/12
Result
93.28%
2012/13
Target
90.00%
2012/13
Result
92.48%
20.0%
Percentage of
planning appeals
allowed
C 002
28.6%
Percentage of
MAJOR planning
applications
processed within
thirteen weeks
C 003
31.58%
Not
applicable
58.33%
Percentage of
MINOR planning
applications
processed within
eight weeks
C 004
39.13%
72.00%
38.35%
Percentage of
OTHER planning
applications
processed within
eight weeks
C 005
53.46%
80.00%
53.38%
(Low is
good)
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
Progress
35.19%
For the 2012/13 financial year in
total there were 27 appeals with
8 allowed and 3 part allowed, and
the percentage for the year
therefore is 35.19%. This is very
close to the national average.
Recent appeal decisions have
confirmed that the Planning
Inspectorate is giving greater
weight to the National Planning
Policy Framework and in some
cases this is overriding adopted
Council policies.
The final quarter has seen a
significant improvement in
performance in determining
major planning applications
within the statutory timescale with
8 of the 9 cases determined
within time. This has enabled
performance for the year as a
whole to rise to 58.33%
compared with 31.58% for the
previous year.
Performance in the determination
of minor planning applications
within the eight week statutory
period of 38.35% is disappointing
and has been impacted on by the
emphasis given to handling major
applications referred to above (C
003). The Planning Service was
subject to a planning review in
February 2013 and an action
plan developed, which will seek
to significantly raise performance
during 2013/14.
Page 28 of 33
Name
Conservation
Area plans that
have been
completed or
reviewed
Percentage of flytipping and all
other pollution
complaints
responded to
within two
working days
Reference
C 006
2011/12
Result
8
2012/13
Target
4
2012/13
Result
1
Q1=89.74%
Fly tipping
=72.00%
Q2=89.22%
C 007
All other
pollution
complaints =
91.94%
100.00%
Q3=88.0%
C 008
First year of
measurement
2012/13
Not
applicable
51
Number of fixed
penalty notices
issued
C 009
First year of
measurement
2012/13
Not
applicable
6
Not
applicable
C 010
Cromer Conservation Area
Management Plan was adopted
by the Council at the Cabinet
meeting in November 2012.
Walsingham will go to public
consultation in May 2013.
Sheringham and Wells have
been rescheduled for public
consultation and adoption during
2013/14.
The figures shown under Q1-4
cover all pollution complaints
including fly tipping. The drop in
Q4 relates to reporting errors
which have been identified
between Kier and the Council.
Q4=78.90%
Number of
pollution
enforcement
interventions
Number of
defaults issued to
the waste and
related services
contractor for
cleanliness
Progress
39
39
(Low is
good)
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
The number of cases resulting in
potential legal interventions for
the year was 51. 10 resulted in
warning letters, 2 in Cautions and
10 in prosecutions of which 9
were successful. The remaining
19 cases were not progressed
due to insufficient evidence. This
represents 61% of potential
cases resulting in positive
interventions.
The number of FPNs served is
low. However, the use of fixed
penalties is just one of the many
interventions used in prevention
of environmental crimes. They
are only served when offences
are witnessed by an officer and
only then in line with the
Environmental Health
Enforcement Policy.
Service delivery through the
contract has been broadly
acceptable during the last 12
months and the number of
shortcomings has diminished as
the year has progressed. Kier
have strengthened the local
management team and
improvements from this change
are evident across the contract.
Page 29 of 33
Name
Number of
rectifications
issued to the
waste and related
services
contractor for
cleanliness
Percentage of
household waste
sent for reuse,
recycling and
composting
Blue flag
accreditation:
Resort Beaches
Reference
ES 015
2011/12
Result
First year of
measurement
2012/13
2012/13
Target
2012/13
Result
Not
applicable
55
(Low is
good)
ES 001
42.74%
Not
applicable
42.02%
C 012
4
3
4
Number of Green
Flag
accreditations for
parks and
countryside
C 013
1
2
2
Number of
applications
received for the
Graham Allen
Awards
C 015
14
Not
applicable
16
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
Progress
The number of rectifications
issued to the contractor is normal
for a contract of this size and
reflects the high standards of
cleanliness and value for money
the Council expects. Close
contract monitoring has resulted
in North Norfolk District Council
achieving a 5 star award for the
cleanliness of the district at the
Clean Britain Awards in
September 2012. Overall the
performance against the contract
standard is improving and the
number of shortcomings has
diminished as the year has
progressed.
Estimate. Final figure available
by 20 June.
Blue flag accreditation was
awarded to all four beaches for
the 2012 season.
Sadler's Wood, North Walsham,
has now successfully been
awarded the Green Flag. This is
in addition to Holt Country park
which has now been awarded the
Green Flag for eight years in
succession.
The 31st Graham Allen Awards
for Conservation and Design in
North Norfolk were once again a
resounding success. The awards
were decided in August and the
formal ceremony took place on 8
October 2012.
Page 30 of 33
Localism
Name
Reference
2011/12
Result
2012/13
Target
2012/13
Result
Number of
grants awarded
to local
communities
from the Big
Society Fund
L 005
First year of
measurement
2012/13
Not
applicable
47
Amount of
funding
investment in
community
projects (from
the Big Society
Fund) (£)
L 006
First year of
measurement
2012/13
Not
applicable
397,537
2012/13
Target
2012/13
Result
Progress
The Fund has been operational for a
full year, during which time 47
projects were awarded funding
amounting to a total of £397,537.
Some grants were conditional and
some projects have yet to
commence, so not all of the funding
has yet been drawn down. Project
implementation is being monitored
by Norfolk Community Foundation
(NCF) and quarterly and end of year
reports will be reported as
appropriate
The Fund has been operational for a
full year, during which time 47
projects were awarded funding
amounting to a total of £397,537.
Some grants were conditional and
some projects have yet to
commence, so not all of the funding
has yet been drawn down. Project
implementation is being monitored
by Norfolk Community Foundation
(NCF) and quarterly and end of year
reports will be reported as
appropriate. Review and proposals
for the future of the Fund were
reported to Cabinet in April.
Delivering the Vision
Name
Percentage of
(Medium Priority) audit
recommendations
completed on time
Percentage of (High
Priority) audit
recommendations
completed on time
Number of actions
identified in the
Annual Governance
Statement action
plan completed on
time
Reference
2011/12
Result
V 001
72.0%
80%
74.6%
V 002
72.0%
100%
100%
V 003
3
4
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
3
Progress
This is based on the follow up
position as at March 2013 (based on
44 completed out of 59 medium
recommendations).
No outstanding high priority
recommendations at the year end.
Of the four actions identified within
the 2011/12 Annual governance
statement three have been
implemented in full (11/12 a, 11/12 b
and 11/12c). The remaining
recommendation relates to reviewing
the governance arrangements for
significant partnerships and the
policies and procedures for
evaluating the effectiveness of
partnership.
Page 31 of 33
Name
Reference
2011/12
Result
2012/13
Target
2012/13
Result
Percentage of audit
days delivered
V 004
100.0%
100%
100%
Working Days Lost
Due to Sickness
Absence (Whole
Authority days per Full
Time Equivalent
members of staff)
Not
applicable
V 007
5.17
6.80
(Low is
good)
Progress
At the time of reporting this value
(10/5/13) there are still some
outstanding pieces of audit work in
relation to the 2012/13 audit plan in
terms of finalising the reports,
management responses and issue of
final reports. However, it is
anticipated that there will be full
delivery of the audit plan for 2012/13
The sickness absence figure for
2012/13 is 6.80 days per full time
equivalent. This figure is higher than
in 2011/12 (5.17) but still significantly
lower than in previous years. All
sickness absence is reviewed by line
managers. The Council’s
performance in this area compares
well to both the public sector average
(obtained from a CIPD report in 2012)
of 7.9 days per employee per year
and the private sector which is
approximately 2 days less per year.
During the period 2012/13, 56% of
sickness absence relates to shortterm and 44% of the total relates to
long-term.
Level of overspend/
(underspend) (£) total
Level of overspend/
(underspend) (%) total
Level of overspend/
(underspend) (£/%) by
the new service
groupings
Assets, Coastal
Defence & Leisure
Community and
Economic
Development
Corporate Services
Not
applicable
V 008
-
V 009
-
V 005 &V
006
-
Not
applicable
-
Not
applicable
-
Not
applicable
-
Customer Services
-
Development
Management
Environmental Health
-
Financial Services
Organisational
Development
Percentage of Council
Tax collected
Percentage of Nondomestic rates
-
(Close to
zero is
good)
Not
applicable
Data will be available 31 May 2013.
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
RB 009
98.60%
98.30%
97.90%
RB 010
98.84%
98.90%
98.40%
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
The Revenues collection figures are
initial figures awaiting final
confirmation upon completion of the
year end accounts for council tax
Page 32 of 33
Name
Reference
2011/12
Result
2012/13
Target
2012/13
Result
collected
Housing Benefit
Security - Number of
Prosecutions and
Sanctions
Average time for
processing new
claims (Housing and
Council Tax Benefit)
Speed of processing:
change in
circumstances for
Housing and Council
Tax Benefit claims
(average calendar
days)
Progress
and business rates. It was
anticipated that collection would be
impacted by the on-going economic
situation and the implementation of
the replacement software for
revenues & benefits. Additional staff
were employed to assist the service
through the implementation period.
The on-going technical problems
the service experienced by having
to access data held at Kings Lynn
severely impacted the 'recovery'
period from system implementation.
It was not until the data was
returned to Cromer in Jan 2013 (7
months after go live) that any real
impact was made on outstanding
work. In addition the service had to
prepare and implement the
technical reforms for council tax
and business rates and the council
tax support scheme.
Debt recovery work did commence
in July following conversion and a
detailed recovery plan including
court dates has been implemented.
However, inevitably the unforeseen
factors of system problems and the
technical reforms etc. have had a
significant impact on the collection
figures for revenues.
RB 021
52
Not
applicable
RB 027
17.3
days
Not
applicable
30.0
RB 028
9.9 days
Not
applicable
18.0
23
The conversion of council tax and
benefits systems and implementing a
number of major welfare and
technical changes had an impact on
performance during 2012. Earliest
reports available from October 2012
showed 5172 cases with work
outstanding. New claims on average
that week were taking 42 days and
change of circumstances 50. By
deploying additional staff and using
overtime by March 2013 this had
reduced to 1751 cases outstanding.
New claims on average that week
were taking 24 days and changes 6,
thus showing a vast improvement.
North Norfolk District Council
Holt Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9EN
Telephone 01263 513811
www.northnorfolk.org
V14 for Cabinet – final draft
Page 33 of 33