Appendix 1 – Reporting on Activities
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 are doing and how we are achieving it:
Activities
A) By increasing the number of new businesses and supporting the growth and expansion of existing businesses
Page 1 of 36
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Officer
Responsible
During the first quarter of 2012/13 the Council engaged with
a number of businesses and partners regarding potential
investment decisions in the District which it is hoped will
deliver positive outcomes in the coming months.
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
On Track
These include;
discussions with Hain Celestial which has recently
submitted planning applications for future investment in
their facilities at Fakenham which will safeguard existing
jobs at the plant and support up to 150 new positions;
providing advice to a number of developers which have
proposed investment in new retail proposals in the
district, which have resulted in proposals for new stores
in Holt, North Walsham and Wells;
and continuing to work with companies taking forward
investment in the offshore wind energy sector including
SCIRA and Warwick Energy.
On other sites / locations, the authority is trying to unlock
sites with long-term infrastructure constraints such as the
former General Trailers site at North Walsham and the
Tattersett Business Park site in the west of the district.
Further the Council has offered advice and support for
emerging proposals for the future economic development
related investment at the former RAF Coltishall site.
Page 2 of 36
Steve Blatch Corporate Director
Activity
AAP - J A 02 - We will work with
partners to develop and deliver a
programme of business start up support
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.
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
AAP - J A 05 - We will work with
regional partners to realise the benefits
of Rural Growth Network status for
North Norfolk
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
Status
On Track
On Track
On Track
Cancelled
On Track
Progress/ Action Note
Report on North Norfolk Enterprise Scheme to be discussed
at the September meeting of Cabinet
Retail consultants appointed in respect of demand and
feasibility for retail in North Walsham Town centre.
Development Management and Planning Policy undertaking
discussions with developers and landowners in a range of
towns in which opportunities exist. Property consultants
appointed, initially to establish options and a strategy for
interventions in North Walsham which will apply to other
locations later, as appropriate
Report to Cabinet on Offshore Renewable Energy Sector
presented to June meeting of Cabinet. Meeting with
Warwick Energy scheduled for September following licence
for the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Energy proposal being
granted consent in June.
Officer
Responsible
Robin Smith Economic and
Tourism
Development
Manager
Robert Young Coast and
Community
Partnerships
Manager
Steve Blatch Corporate Director
In March 2012 the Government announced the allocation of
the funding for Rural Growth Networks. Norfolk was not
successful.
Steve Blatch Corporate Director
The FLAG Board met on three occasions during Q1 and
has received 23 expressions of interest for potential
projects, 4 projects proposed and endorsed for support by
the FLAG board during the quarter seeking grant funds of
approx. £100,000 from the FLAG programme are currently
awaiting final approval by the Marine Management
Organisation.
Robin Smith Economic and
Tourism
Development
Manager
Page 3 of 36
Activity
Status
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
Not
Started
Progress/ Action Note
This activity will be progressed in Q3.
Officer
Responsible
Head of
Community &
Economic
Development
B) Improving 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
On
Track
On
Track
Progress/ Action Note
In the first quarter of 2012/13 we have engaged with
124 unemployed people. Of these 50 had no
qualifications and 12 had degrees. We continue to
work with Victory Housing on their bespoke support
package.
A number of redundancies are affecting the District
with Cromer Crab being by far the most significant.
Learning 4 Everyone continues to work with the
client group and many are finding new work.
Courses are being organised to equip individuals
with key employability skills. Working with the North
Norfolk Business Forum, a report has been written
offering a snapshot of current business skills needs.
This will inform a training programme for the rest of
the 2012/13 year.
Page 4 of 36
Officer
Responsible
John Morgan - Nth
Nfk Learning &
Skill Project
Manager
John Morgan - Nth
Nfk Learning &
Skill Project
Manager
John Morgan - Nth
Nfk Learning &
Skill Project
Manager
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
Negotiations have started to be involved with the
successful bidder for the £3m County Council
contract to promote Apprentices. Work is also
underway to increase awareness of the standard
Apprenticeship offer to the business community.
A meeting is scheduled on 19 September with the
National Apprenticeship Service to explore
apprenticeship opportunities within the Council.
Page 5 of 36
Officer
Responsible
John Morgan - Nth
Nfk Learning &
Skill Project
Manager
C)
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
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
AAP - J C 03 - We will review our
procurement policies to maximise the
opportunities to source goods and
services locally
AAP - J C 04 - We will work with
partners to roll out BDUK's £60m
Norfolk Broadband Initiative across
North Norfolk
Status
On
Track
Not
Started
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
Support has been provided to a number of developers /
investors re proposals being developed in the district (see
activity AAP – JA01 above), with the Council’s actions being
co-ordinated, key officer contacts being identified so that there
is corporate understanding of proposals and timely and good
quality advice provided. Further work will be progressed to
develop the Council’s web pages to support inward
investment in the coming months
Steve Blatch Corporate Director
This activity will be progressed in Q3
Robin Smith Economic and
Tourism
Development
Manager
On
Track
A 'Local Sourcing' conference was held earlier in the year at
Bodham which the Council played a lead role in. A guide to
public sector procurement for small and micro businesses has
also been produced following the conference. The actual
policy changes are to be undertaken later in the year when the
Procurement Strategy is updated.
Duncan Ellis Procurement Officer
Not
Started
The project is yet to deliver on the ground, but preparatory
work and procurement is being progressed by Norfolk County
Council involving regular with district Economic Development
officers
Robin Smith Economic and
Tourism
Development
Manager
Page 6 of 36
Activity
AAP - J C 05 - We will review all of
our business regulatory functions to
ensure we are focused on local
business need.
D)
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
Not
Started
This work is planned to start in autumn 2012 and the
Environmental Health Service is already undertaking this
review across the Licensing, Environmental Protection and
Commercial Teams. It is anticipated that the regulatory
function within Planning will be picked up in the planned Peer
Review and other areas, as planned during the autumn.
Nick Baker Corporate Director,
Steve Blatch Corporate Director
Promote a positive image of North Norfolk as a premier visitor destination
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
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
Progressing
to plan
Various options are still being looked at for
further consideration before final decision is
made for implementation.
Progressing
to plan
A Cabinet Report is currently being
prepared to present the proposed business
plan of the new DMO and to recommend
the resources and financial support that the
Council can offer in the next three years of
their operation
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
Page 7 of 36
Officer
Responsible
Jose Socao Economic &
Tourism
Development
Officer
Robin Smith Economic and
Tourism
Development
Manager
E) Improve access to funding for businesses
Activity
Status
AAP - J E 01 - We will support the roll-out of the Coastal Pathfinder
and Fishing Sector Business Loans and Grant Schemes and
Not
consider the opportunities of extending these programmes across
Started
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
Not
Started
Progress/ Action Note
Review of Coastal Pathfinder
loans and grants to be
undertaken in Q3 prior to
considering options for wider roll
out across the district
Report to be prepared for
consideration by Cabinet in
November 2012 outlining
proposal for launch from April
2013
Officer Responsible
Robin Smith Economic and
Tourism
Development
Manager
Robin Smith Economic and
Tourism
Development
Manager
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 are doing and how we are achieving it:
Page 8 of 36
Activities
A) Engage constructively with landowners and developers of sites allocated for future development to ensure the
timely delivery of well-planned new residential developments
Activity
Status
AAP - H A 01 - We will bring
forward detailed proposals on
allocated sites by better
engagement with developers
On
Track
AAP - H A 02 - We will
produce development briefs
on 4 of the allocated sites
On
Track
AAP - H A 03 - We will seek
to increase the number of
new homes built of all
tenures to 250
On
Track
Progress/ Action Note
Advice is being provided by the Major Applications Team to
developers of a number of allocated sites where applications have
been received or pre-application consultation has been undertaken /
is proposed – including sites at Blakeney; Horning; Roughton Road,
Cromer; Stalham; Norwich Road, North Walsham
A schedule of stalled sites has been prepared and the reasons for
delay in development will be established through a wider review of
the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA).
Draft brief prepared for Fakenham site allocation (F01) and subject
to public consultation March - May 2012. Reported to PPBHWP
23rd July when approval deferred pending receipt of Transport
Impact Assessment and Green Infrastructure Strategy. Draft Brief
prepared for Stalham site allocation (ST01) and subject to public
consultation July 2012. Reported to PPBHWP 20th August 2012
when delegated authority to approve was granted subject to no
adverse comments on Transport Assessment by County Highways.
A number of actions in the Housing Strategy (Housing and
Infrastructure) adopted by Full Council on 25 July 2012 relate to the
achievement of this activity.
Page 9 of 36
Officer Responsible
Mark Ashwell - Planning
Policy & Property Info
Manager
Mark Ashwell - Planning
Policy & Property Info
Manager
Head of Community &
Economic Development,
Steve Blatch - Corporate
Director
B) Introduce more flexibility around the Council’s requirement for affordable housing to ensure the viability of
residential developments
Activity
Status
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.
On
Track
AAP - H B 02 - We will evaluate our approach to viability
assessments to maximise development opportunities.
On
Track
Progress/ Action Note
The first of a three part Housing
Strategy was adopted by Full
Council on 25 July 2012. The
second and third parts of the
strategy are scheduled to be
considered by Cabinet in
September and October 2012.
This forms part of the housing
strategy action plan and is due
to be completed by December
2012.
Officer Responsible
Head of Community &
Economic Development,
Steve Blatch - Corporate
Director
Sheila Oxtoby - Chief
Executive
C) Respond to emerging legislation that will empower local communities to promote additional development should
they so wish and work with those communities to ensure that they share in the benefits of growth
Activity
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.
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
On Track
A draft Project Plan has been
discussed with Holt Town
Council but as yet there is no
local agreement on the
potential content and
timetable for Plan production.
Mark Ashwell - Planning
Policy & Property Info
Manager
Page 10 of 36
Activity
AAP - H C 02 - We will encourage further neighbourhood
plans to be developed by holding a neighbourhood planning
seminar for town and parish councils.
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
Completed
Successfully
Seminar for Parish Councils
held on 25th April 2012; follow
up discussions with 6 town /
parish councils on process,
benefits, and outcomes.
Mark Ashwell - Planning
Policy & Property Info
Manager
D) Create a charging framework for infrastructure development to secure the investment required to balance
population growth with the provision of high quality local services
Activity
AAP - H D 01 - We will consult and then obtain agreement
on a charging schedule to achieve investment in new
infrastructure
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
On Track
Consultants appointed to
undertake Infrastructure and
Viability Assessments which
will be required as evidence to
support CIL charging schedule
which is programmed for
consultation in early 2013.
Mark Ashwell – Planning
Policy & Property Info
Manager
Page 11 of 36
E) Reduce the number of empty homes in the district
Activity
AAP - H E 01 - We will undertake and evaluate a
pilot Compulsory Purchase Order project to bring
long term empty homes back into use
Status
Progress/ Action Note
On Track
The CPO process was commenced on 3 properties as
part of the pilot. One of the properties was sold and
according to Council Tax occupied although the
occupation is disputed by a neighbour. Notices have
been served by the Planning Department to seek
improvement to 2 of the 3 properties and some
improvement works have been undertaken although
there are ongoing complaints regarding the state of
one of the properties. A joint visit has been undertaken
on one of the properties by Housing Services and
Environmental Health which has resulted in
improvement works being commissioned with agreed
contributions from neighbours. Action is ongoing to
seek occupation of 2 of the 3 properties and
consideration of further action in respect of the
property that is occupied.
A formal review of the actions taken has commenced
and will provide learning to inform the development of
an ongoing programme of enforcement
activity.
Page 12 of 36
Officer
Responsible
Karen Hill Housing
Services
Manager
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
Progress/ Action Note
Work on reducing empty homes has started. However,
the new Revenues and Benefits system has meant
that access to data on empty homes is no longer
available (this has been discussed with Council Tax
and a new report providing information has been
requested). Existing data held is now out of date,
leading to a hold on progressing work until updated
data is available. Work will restart shortly and a new
Empty Homes Procedure is being developed as part of
the Housing Strategy.
Some
problems
Officer
Responsible
Nicola Turner Enabling Team
Leader
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 are doing and how we are achieving it:
Activities
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
Page 13 of 36
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.
AAP - C A 03 - We will complete or review
4 Conservation Area plans, in Cromer,
Sheringham, Walsingham and Wells
AAP - C A 04 - We will work with other
agencies to retain all of the District's Blue
Flag beach status
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
Completed
Successfully
Sadler's Wood has successfully been awarded
the Green Flag. This is in addition to Holt Country
Park which has now been awarded the Green
Flag eight years in succession.
Karl Read - Leisure &
Cultural Services
Manager
On Track
Judging on 2nd August.
Postponed or
delayed
Completed
Successfully
AAP - C A 05 - We will achieve zero
defaults in our waste contract for
cleanliness
Failed
AAP - C A 06 - We will ensure all reported
fly-tips are responded to within 2 working
days
Some
problems
Pressure of commitment to Development
Management delaying progress; OS licensing
issues for plans also causing hold ups.
All Blue Flags have now been awarded at
Sheringham, Cromer, Mundesley and Sea Palling
beaches. East Runton has also been awarded the
Quality Coast Award.
13 defaults issued to contractor for cleansing
related failures in Q1 2012/13. A contract
Improvement Plan is currently being agreed with
our contractor and a separate briefing note is
attached to this report. Action Steve Hems
There are still some issues with the response
time of the contractor dealing with flytipping on
public land. These will also be addressed through
the contract Improvement Plan.
Page 14 of 36
Philip Godwin Conservation Design
& Landscape Manager
Philip Godwin Conservation Design
& Landscape Manager
Karl Read - Leisure &
Cultural Services
Manager
Steve Hems/Barry
Brandford Environmental
Services Manager
Steve Hems - Head of
Environmental Health
B) Design a more cohesive framework for coastline management
Activity
Status
AAP - C B 01 - We will define the Coastal
Zone (ICZM) and agree consultation
mechanisms with partners
AAP - C B 02 - We will identify specific
ICZM projects and identify the means of
funding
On Track
On Track
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
Emerging approach under development
and will be recommended to Cabinet in
Sept 2012.
To be developed and priorities following
endorsement of coastal management
approach.
Robert Young - Coast and
Community Partnerships
Manager
Rob Goodliffe - Coastal
Pathfinder Programme
Manager
C) Continue to defend coastal settlements against erosion wherever practicable
Activity
AAP - C C 01 - We will
commission design works for the
Cromer Defence Scheme
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
Status
Progress/ Action Note
On
Track
Indicative design completed for submission of Planning and Listed
Building Consent applications (14 March 2012). Scheme contractor
procurement reported to Cabinet (16 July 2012) and ‘URS’ consultants
subsequently procured. Project Appraisal Report (PAR) presented to
Environment Agency (27th June) and EA funding expected to be
confirmed following planning consent.
Brian Farrow Coastal
Engineer
On
Track
Cromer to Winterton Management Plan has been commissioned with
Environment Agency funding and will assist in identifying funding gaps
and work prioritisation.
Brian Farrow Coastal
Engineer
On
Track
-Cromer to Winterton Management Plan will assist in identifying funding
gaps.
-Integrated coastal management approach will investigate funding
opportunities.
Brian Farrow Coastal
Engineer
Page 15 of 36
Officer
Responsible
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 civic society
What we are doing and how we are achieving it:
Activities
A) 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
Status
On
Track
On
Track
Progress/ Action Note
A draft community asset transfer policy has been
considered by Cabinet and is now subject to a
period of consultation. A process for consideration
of community proposals under the Localism ‘Right
to Challenge’ are under development and will be
signposted on NNDC’s website.
Meetings with Town Councils have been set up
and workshops with Parish Councils are being
arranged. A Community Engagement Framework is
being developed and the website is being updated
to signpost support and promote participation.
Page 16 of 36
Officer Responsible
Robert Young - Coast
and Community
Partnerships
Manager
Robert Young - Coast
and Community
Partnerships
Manager
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
The work of the North Norfolk Health Improvement
Forum has continued with increased partnership
working across the health and wellbeing area.
From the Forum, the following projects have been
developed:

AAP - L A 03 - We will work with Town and Parish
Councils, local organisations and community and
On
voluntary groups to improve health and wellbeing
Track
consistent with the aims of the Health and
Wellbeing Board


Further work is planned around helping older
people to stay warm during winter which will
include local community and voluntary groups.
We are working with other organisations to
amalgamate the Supporting People agenda in
North Norfolk, to drive this down to a more local
level.
The activity referral scheme from GPs to our
leisure facilities has been very successful with
DC Leisure now having enough work from this
for 1FTE
An initial meeting has been held with the new North
Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Further meetings are planned with the CCG and
Broadland DC to identify joint working opportunities
and health initiatives.
Page 17 of 36
Nick Baker Corporate Director,
Sonia Shuter - Health
Improvement Officer
B) 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)
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
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
Status
Completed
Successfully
On Track
Progress/ Action Note
Officers have attended meetings with Holt Town
Council to discuss project plan.
Seminar for Parish Councils held on 25th April
2012; follow up discussions have taken place
with 6 town / parish councils on process,
benefits, and outcomes.
A Service Level Agreement (SLA) has been
developed for ‘Voluntary Norfolk’ to provide
support for the voluntary and community sector.
The Big Society Fund has been established to
assist in the development of community projects
that help build community cohesion and develop
capacity (see AAP – L C 02)
Officer Responsible
Mark Ashwell Planning Policy &
Property Info Manager
Robert Young - Coast
and Community
Partnerships Manager,
Sonia Shuter - Health
Improvement Officer
Nick Baker - Corporate
Director, Sheila Oxtoby
- Chief Executive,
Steve Blatch Corporate Director
Not Started
Page 18 of 36
Activity
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
AAP - L B 06 - We will respond positively
to communities wishing to undertake
projects locally
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
Consultants engaged to undertake Retail and
Leisure Demand, Feasibility and Capacity Study
– due to report October
On Track
On Track
On Track
Consultants engaged to provide advice on
possible contribution of NNDC’s assets to
facilitate investment in North Walsham due to
report towards end of year
Undertaken investment in resurfacing / lining
Mundesley Road and Vicarage Street car parks
in North Walsham; provision of new public toilets
on Vicarage Street Car Park and development of
action plan re No.4 Market Street
Expressions of interest for local communities to
initiate, develop and manage projects have been
received and discussions are on-going (e.g. in
relation to assets in Cromer and Fakenham). The
Big Society Fund has been established and is
supporting the development of local community
projects (see AAP – L C 02)
Page 19 of 36
Steve Blatch Corporate Director
Steve Blatch Corporate Director
Nick Baker - Corporate
Director, Sheila Oxtoby
- Chief Executive,
Steve Blatch Corporate Director
Activity
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
AAP - L B 08 - We will draft and consult on
a communication and engagement
framework
C)
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
Progressing
to plan
Community Engagement Framework currently
being developed which will ensure greater
proactive engagement with Town and Parish
Councils, community groups and local
communities to identify needs and issues.
Voluntary and Community Sector Support
Service Level Agreement will report on issues
community groups facing.
Multi agency and community workshop taken
place in response to issue of rural isolation.
Exploring opportunities for joint working with
Broadland District Council on the "Grow Your
Own Community" initiative
Robert Young - Coast
and Community
Partnerships Manager
On Track
Community Engagement Framework currently
being developed, interested parties will be
involved in setting its direction, which will include
communications issues and be consulted upon
Head of Community &
Economic
Development, Steve
Blatch - Corporate
Director
Encourage the growth of The Big Society within communities
Activity
AAP - L C 01 - We will review services and ensure that the
Council's activities are not competing inappropriately with or
stifling alternative provision
Status
Not Started
Page 20 of 36
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
This activity is not due to start
until later in 2012/13.
Nick Baker - Corporate
Director, Sheila Oxtoby Chief Executive, Steve
Blatch - Corporate Director
Activity
Status
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 civic
society, and establish the process for determining priorities
for expenditure
Progressing
to plan
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
Progress/ Action Note
Fund launched in April Norfolk
Community Foundation is
administering the application
process and the first round of
awards were made in
June/July (supporting 17
projects amounting to
£139,776). The next round of
applications will be
determined in September.
Through the SLA's developed
and the prospectus for the Big
Society Fund we are targeting
funding and support as
appropriate.
Officer Responsible
Robert Young - Coast and
Community Partnerships
Manager, Sonia Shuter Health Improvement Officer
Robert Young - Coast and
Community Partnerships
Manager
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 are doing and how we are achieving it:
Page 21 of 36
Activities
A) Ensure our governance arrangements are robust and fit for purpose
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
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
On track
There is a rolling audit programme agreed for
the next 3 years which is regularly reviewed
by the Audit Committee.
Karen Sly - Head of
Financial Services
Some
problems
AAP - V A 03 - We will implement the
revised performance management
framework
Progressing
to plan
AAP - V A 04 - We will review and update
the Council's constitution
On track
Reminders being sent to all Officers with
outstanding recommendations as at the end
of July 2012 for action prior to reporting to
PRMB on 14 September 2012.
3 further training sessions planned for
August including session with CLT. First
quarter progress report on delivery of the
Annual Action Plan 2012/13 for Cabinet set
up in the new Performance and Risk System.
This work has already started and has a
target date for completion of the end of
September 2012. A meeting of the
Constitution Working Party was held on 22
August 2012.
Page 22 of 36
Karen Sly - Head of
Financial Services
Helen Thomas - Policy &
Performance Management
Officer, Julie Cooke - Head
of Organisational
Development
David Johnson – Monitoring
Officer
B) Ensure that effective communications exist
Activity
AAP - V B 01 - We will make
Outlook cost neutral
Status
On
Track
Progress/ Action Note
The first issue to contain advertising was the Summer 2012
issue. It attracted a greater amount of advertising than expected
for the first issue given the short promotional period and is on
track to achieve cost neutrality by March 2013. The income from
the first issue was £7,520 against costs of £11,853.
The following activities were initiated during the first quarter:
-
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
Not
Started
-
Completed an effective recruitment campaign to fill the
Communication Editor post and maternity cover for the
Web Designer
An assessment to understand the extent of data capture
within the organisation to establish priorities
Created a customer services improvement board. The
initial meeting took place in June
This activity is not due to start until later in 2012/13.
Page 23 of 36
Officer Responsible
Peter Battrick Communications
Manager
Estelle Packham Head of Customer
Services
Nick Baker Corporate Director
C) Delivering strong and proportionate organisational management in the Council
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Officer
Responsible
AAP - V C 01 - Deliver
revised / streamlined
management arrangements
On
track
The review of management arrangements is ongoing. Appointments have
been made to six Heads of Service posts. The remaining two Heads of
Service posts are being advertised at the moment (August 2012). We are
on track to achieve projected savings.
Sheila Oxtoby Chief Executive
D) Prioritise Services and Functions in line with the wishes of our communities and to deliver our corporate objectives
Activity
Status
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.
Not
Started
This activity is not due
to start until later in
2012/13.
Nick Baker - Corporate Director,
Sheila Oxtoby - Chief Executive,
Steve Blatch - Corporate
Director
AAP - V D 02 - We will consult with the residents through a Place
Survey.
Not
Started
Need to prepare
project brief and
submit to CLT in
September.
Helen Thomas - Policy &
Performance Management
Officer
Page 24 of 36
Progress/ Action
Note
Officer Responsible
E) 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
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
Some
problems
North Norfolk data conversion
process achieved May 2012;
significant early performance
issues with IT infrastructure
with Improvement Plan in
place; strong project
management team
arrangements in place; 1st
meeting of Joint Committee
between BCKLWN and NNDC
members held in July 2012;
some decline in levels of
performance resulting in
increased processing times at
present which is being
monitored regularly.
Steve Blatch – Corporate
Director
Page 25 of 36
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
Opportunities are being
explored/reviewed/initiated in
the following areas:AAP - V E 02 - We will identify potential partnership working
opportunities and produce business cases
On Track
Page 26 of 36
Revenues and benefits
Building control
Planning peer review
Options for coastal
management
Dual use sports centre
North Walsham
A review of the delivery
model for the Tourist
Information Centre’s in
Wells, Holt and
Sheringham has
commenced.
Discussions have
taken place with the
relevant Town Councils
and other appropriate
community groups.
Proposals in relation to
Sheringham and Wells
are currently being
considered.
Nick Baker – Corporate
Director, Sheila Oxtoby Chief Executive, Steve
Blatch - Corporate Director
Activity
Status
Progress/ Action Note
Officer Responsible
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
On Track
The detail of the 2013/14
budget along with future
financial projections will
produced during the autumn.
The Financial Strategy for
2013/14 to 2015/16 will be
produced for member
consideration through Cabinet
and Scrutiny in October. This
will outline at a high level the
projected forecast gaps taking
into account the latest
information available on the
new funding regimes.
Karen Sly - Head of
Financial Services
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
Not
Started
Work on this activity is due to
start in November 2012
Julie Cooke - Head of
Organisational
Development
Page 27 of 36
Delivering the Annual Action Plan 2012/13
Quarterly Performance Management - Quarter 1
Appendix 2 – Reporting on Indicators and Measures
Jobs and the Local Economy
Indicators
Name
Reference
Quarter
1
Target
Quarter
1
Actual
Number of businesses who
access loans & grants under
the Coastal Pathfinder scheme
J 002
(Quarterly
Cumulative)
6
5
The number of businesses
assisted to retain jobs and/or
increase employment each
year.
J 004
(Quarterly
Cumulative)
6
16
Percentage of Loans fund that
can be reapplied
J 001
(Quarterly)
Progress/ Action Note
Successful applications were for grants in the last two quarters
of this financial year. There is currently 1 loan application being
considered for further discussion before coming to a final
decision.
Ongoing support is being provided to local businesses which
have contacted the Economic Development team for
assistance. The service includes business advice, training and
signposting to other relevant providers.
There is a meeting on 3rd September to discuss the whole
programme and review this information. This will be reported in
quarter 2.
20.0%
Page 28 of 36
Measures
Name
Reference
Quarter
1
Actual
Number of economically
active people assisted into
work each year
J 014 (Quarterly
Cumulative)
Rate of take up of new
designated employment
land
J 005 (Annual)
Trend/
Direction of
Travel
Progress/ Action Note
We have a new contract to enable us to deliver support to the
unemployed - Skills Support for the Unemployed. This will enhance
our ability to support these people
This measure was previously monitored by the County Council but it
would appear that inconsistent baseline figures and methodology
have been used. A revised baseline figure has been established as
a basis for on-going monitoring.
17
Housing and Infrastructure
Indicators
Name
Reference
Number of
development
briefs
produced on
allocated
sites
H 003 (Quarterly
Cumulative)
Quarter 1
Target
Quarter 1
Actual
2
2
Progress/ Action Note
Draft Briefs prepared for sites at Stalham and Fakenham have been
subject to public consultation.
Page 29 of 36
Measures
Name
Reference
Number of households H 005
from the housing
(Quarterly
register rehoused
Cumulative)
Number of affordable
homes granted
planning permission
H 006
(Quarterly
Cumulative)
Affordable homes built
H 007
(Quarterly
Cumulative)
Estimated worth (£) of
investment secured in
new infrastructure
H 009
(Quarterly
Cumulative)
Quarter
1
Actual
106
0
8
Trend/
Direction of
Travel
Progress/ Action Note
A request has been made to revise the quarterly target and over all
rehoused target for this financial year and bring this in line with last year's
figures. In quarter 1, 106 households were housed with a further 8
households who have been offered properties to which they are awaiting
tenancy start dates.
We propose reporting this figure in future based on the number of
affordable houses granted planning permission through the development
management committee or under delegation on a quarterly basis together
with those approved through the issuing of planning decision notices (this
figure may not be the same per quarter dependent on when Section 106
agreements are signed)
Completions do not take place uniformly through the year and historically
have been backloaded into quarters 3 and 4. Not sure of value of
measuring direction of travel on a quarterly basis as this may not be
meaningful.
Need to agree methodology and point of measuring such investment - i.e.
at time of approval, commencement on site; completion of development as
for some schemes investment will be delivered over number of years. A
briefing paper on this issue will be prepared for discussion with the next
quarterly performance report.
Page 30 of 36
Coast, Countryside and Built Heritage
Indicators
Name
Reference
Delegation of planning
decisions
C 001 (Quarterly
Cumulative)
90%
93.59%
Conservation Area plans
that have been
completed or reviewed
C 003 (Quarterly
Cumulative)
4
1
Target response time to
fly tipping and all other
pollution complaints
(within 2 working days)
C
007 (Quarterly)
Number of pollution
prosecutions
C 011 (Quarterly
Cumulative)
Quarter 1
Target
100.00%
Not
applicable
Quarter
1
Actual
89.74%
13
Progress/ Action Note
Information not available at present. Will be available by
September 2012.
There were problems experienced with the response time of the
contractor dealing with flytipping on public land in part due to the
new waste contract changing established methods of working.
These were addressed through contract meetings and
improvements have been observed. Further monitoring is ongoing and through regular contract meetings further
improvements are expected.
Within the quarter there were 13 pollution cases which were
investigated with a view to potential prosecution. Ten related to
fly tipping, two to littering offences and one for failure to produce
waste duty of care documentation. One littering case went to
court and resulted in a not guilty verdict. Three cases are being
progressed through Legal (one with a court date of 18th October).
Five other cases resulted in warning letters being sent to those
concerned.
Page 31 of 36
Name
Fixed penalty notices
issued
Number of rectifications
issued to the contractor
for cleansing
Number of defaults in our
waste contract for
cleanliness
Percentage of planning
appeals allowed
Reference
C 008 (Quarterly
Cumulative)
Quarter 1
Target
Not
applicable
C
012 (Quarterly)
Quarter
1
Actual
Progress/ Action Note
Issued 4 fixed penalty notices in the quarter of these, 3 were for
littering (all of which have been paid) and 1 for failure to produce
duty of care documentation (not been paid and referred for
prosecution).
4
There were 3 rectifications in relation to the sweeping of roads
not being to the required standard. See briefing note.
3
C
009 (Quarterly)
0
13
C
013 (Quarterly)
0
57.1%
Processing of MAJOR
planning applications
(within 17 weeks)
C 004 (Monthly
Cumulative)
60%
33.33%
Processing of MINOR
planning applications
(within 8 weeks)
C 005 (Monthly
Cumulative)
72.00%
37.39%
13 defaults issued to contractor for cleansing related failures in
Q1 2012/13. A review of performance standards is currently
being undertaken.
7 appeal decisions. 3 allowed, 2 part allowed and 2 dismissed.
(1 appeal allowed was the Dudgeon cable route application)
3 applications dealt with. Same percentage dealt with for 13 or
17 week period. This reflects the often controversial and
complex nature of such applications. Time has to be taken to
ensure decisions are sound and negotiations are often entered
into to achieve improved outcomes.
115 applications dealt with. The level of performance is a
reflection of the resources currently available to deal with the
number of applications received. Resources for the
Development Management Service currently subject of
consideration. LGA Planning Peer Challenge being arranged for
Qtr 3.
Page 32 of 36
Name
Processing of OTHER
planning applications
Reference
C 006 (Monthly
Cumulative)
Quarter 1
Target
80.00%
Quarter
1
Actual
52.86%
Progress/ Action Note
210 applications dealt with. The level of performance is a
reflection of the resources currently available to deal with the
number of applications received. Resources for the
Development Management Service currently subject of
consideration. LGA Planning Peer Challenge being arranged for
Qtr 3.
Localism
Measures
Name
Number of grants awarded to
local communities from the Big
Society Fund
Amount of funding investment in
community projects (from the Big
Society Fund)
Reference
Quarter
1
Actual
L 005 (Quarterly
Cumulative)
17
L 006 (Quarterly
Cumulative)
139,776
Trend/
Direction of
Travel
Progress/ Action Note
All grants in round 1 (including those awarded by Cabinet
on 16 July 2012)
Grant applications and awards for first round were within
anticipated limits. Need to monitor and take appropriate
action to metre out the funding across the year.
Delivering the Vision
Indicators
Page 33 of 36
Name
Reference
Percentage of
(Medium Priority)
audit
recommendations
completed on time
V 001 (Quarterly
Cumulative)
Percentage of
(High Priority)
audit
recommendations
completed on time
V 002 (Quarterly
Cumulative)
Percentage of
audit days
delivered
V 004 (Quarterly
Cumulative)
Quarter 1
Target
Quarter
1
Actual
80.0%
100.0%
38%
Progress/ Action Note
Reporting of follow ups by Deloittes will not be completed until
October 2012.
100%
2012/13 - no high priority recommendations have been raised.
Previous Years - All high priority recommendations for previous
financial years have been implemented (refer to Audit Committee
June 2012 - Status of Agreed Audit Recommendations due to
implementation by 31 March 2012)
http://intranet.northnorfolk.org/minutes/Audit%20Committee/18%20
Jun%202012/NNDC%20Follow%20Up%20Report%20for%20201112%20_06%2006%2012_.pdf
Based on the annual plan as at the end of July 61.5 days had been
delivered against the planned 81 days for the same period (target
38%). Additional 2.5 days delivered of extra 14 days agreed.
100.0%
29.0%
Measures
Name
Reference
Working Days Lost Due to
Sickness Absence (Whole
Authority)
V 007 (Quarterly
Cumulative)
Quarter
1
Actual
Trend/
Direction of
Travel
Progress/ Action Note
This is an excellent result for the first quarter and compares
well to previous years. There were 5 cases of long term sick
of which 2 have returned to work.
1.12
Page 34 of 36
Name
Level of overspend/
(underspend) £/%
Level of overspend/
(underspend) £/%
by new service
groupings
Service Group
Total
Reference
V 008
(Quarterly
Cumulative)
Assets, Coastal
Defence &
Leisure
Community and
Economic
Development
Corporate
Services
Customer
Services
V 005
(Quarterly
Cumulative)
Quarter 1
Actual
£
%
Progress/ Action Note
(134,037)
(4.0%)
Information on the budget monitoring position
will be reported to Cabinet in September for
the first four months of the 2012/13 financial
year. This will also include an update to the
high level savings not yet allocated to
services.
(84,619)
(9.0%)
Includes a number of variances including car
parking (additional income), vacant posts not
yet filled.
(15,279)
(8.0%)
No major variances.
4,666
3.0%
No major variances.
(53,098)
(14.0%)
73,906
41.0%
(4,758)
(1.0%)
Development
Management
Environmental
Health
Trend/
Direction
of Travel
Page 35 of 36
Underspends in relation to vacant posts and
income received for the "your choice" work
which has not yet been offset by costs.
Profiled overspend to date due to a shortfall
in income from planning applications. Service
remains optimistic that this position will
turnaround pending some larger applications
anticipated over the coming months.
No major variances.
Name
Service Group
Financial
Services
Organisational
Development
Savings to be
identified
Reference
Quarter 1
Actual
£
%
(210,916)
(19.0%)
30,913 3,278.0%
125,148
100.0%
Trend/
Direction
of Travel
Progress/ Action Note
One-off grant received to assist with the
implementation costs of new localised council
tax scheme. External audit costs not yet
invoiced for 2011/12.
Variance largely reflects invoices not yet
issued for recovery of costs in relation to
elections.
See budget monitoring report for detail.
Note: Quarter 1 result for overspend/ (underspend) reflects the variance of the actual to the profiled budget (in this case to the end of period
4)
Key
Improving compared to the same time period last year
Static/stable compared to the same time period last year
Worsening compared to the same time period last year
Page 36 of 36