OTHER FORMATS OF THIS PUBLICATION - If you would like to receive this information in another language or in another format such as large print, Braille or on audio tape, please contact us by emailing mailto:customerrequests@nelincs.gov.uk or telephoning 01472 326132.
CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- UNDERSTANDING PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
- SAFE & CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
- PRE-SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN, AND CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
- ADULTS AND FAMILIES
- OLDER AND RETIRED PEOPLE
- WELL MANAGED AUTHORITY
- COUNCIL STATEMENTS
- TELL US YOUR VIEWS
- YOUR COUNCIL'S CUSTOMER ACCESS POINTS, CASHIERS AND CALL CENTRE
INTRODUCTION
This booklet sets out a summary of information about the Council's estimated performance in the year April 2003 to March 2004. The information is placed under four headings taken from the Community Strategy plus 'well managed authority'. This information is collected throughout the year and an estimate of the result is produced for you to see at the end of March. You are able to see how this year's performance compares with the year 2002/03 and how it compares with the targets that were set. It also shows what targets the Council has set for the year April 2004 to March 2005.
The 30 estimates of performance in this booklet show that there has been an improvement in 17 of the areas of work compared to last year, and in another 3 areas of work performance levels have been maintained. It also shows that the Council is on course to meet or exceed its targets in 10 of the areas.
Where performance has not improved and where targets are likely to be missed comments are provided to help you understand what problems have been found and what is being done to make improvements.
UNDERSTANDING THE PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
BV means 'Best Value Performance Indicator' - a national indicator against which all councils report their performance.
KPI means 'Key Performance Indicator' - a local indicator developed to show performance important in the local community.
SAFE AND CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
The Community Strategy has a long-term vision to improve the physical appearance of the area and the quality of life for its residents and make North East Lincolnshire a place in which people are proud to live, work and welcome visitors. Underpinning the vision is the outcome that 'all people live in a safe and clean environment' against which the Council has been identified as the lead partner. Below is some of the key performance information that shows how the Council is performing in this area.
|
What the Council achieved in 2002-03 |
The target the Council set itself for the year 2003-04 |
How the Council has done in the year 2003-04 |
The target the Council has set itself for the year 2004-05 |
|
The percentage of household waste collected, which has been recycled including green waste (BV 82a & b). |
|
15.40% |
18.00% |
19.80% |
22.50% |
|
Current recycling performance is exceeding the 2003-04 target due to the investment in introducing new kerbside recycling rounds within the area. Over the past two years the Council has received additional grants to support the increase in recycling initiatives. To date, 54.53% of households in North East Lincolnshire receive a kerbside recycling collection service, with the Council continuously exploring further funding opportunities to extend the service. |
|
The percentage of relevant land and highways that is assessed as having combined deposits of litter and detritus (BV 199). |
|
New indicator |
Not set - new indicator |
26% |
To be set |
|
This is a new indicator introduced for 2003-04. In North East Lincolnshire all 15 wards will be surveyed every year. The indicator measure the combined percentage of sites with litter and detritus that falls below grade B (light or acceptable). The Government has said that less than 30% of sites should be at grade B or better. In the first two periods the Council's performance was 23% which is better than the Government's target. |
|
What the Council achieved in
2002-03 |
The target the Council set itself for the year
2003-04 |
How the Council has done in the year
2003-04 |
The target the Council has set itself for the year 2004-05 |
|
The percentage of all abandoned vehicles removed to a secure storage area within 48 hours of notification (KPI 10). |
|
New indicator |
75% |
80% |
85% |
|
This is the first full year this indicator has been collected. The first 9 months are delivering encouraging results with the 2003-04 target being exceeded on a monthly basis. Close partnership working is being undertaken with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Humberside Police and Humberside Fire Service in initiatives such as "Operation Phoenix". |
|
The number of people killed or seriously injured through road traffic accidents in North East Lincolnshire (KPI 14). |
|
121 |
Not set |
119 |
100 |
|
A number of physical safety schemes, area wide safety campaigns and safety initiatives with schools have been implemented this year. The Council has developed close working relationships with organisations such as the Safety Camera Partnership and a Casualty Reduction Group. In addition a Road Safety Officer has recently been appointed. |
PRE-SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
The Community Strategy states that 'an investment in our young people is an investment in the future'. The Council has been identified as a major partner to achieve the following outcomes within the Community Strategy, which support the improvement in the quality of life for our children and young people:
• Children are ready to learn and ready for school (the Council leads)
• Children and young people achieve academic success (the Council leads)
• Children and young people live in a safe and supportive community (the Council is a major contributor).
Below is some of the key performance information that shows how the Council is performing in this area.
|
What the Council achieved in 2002-03 |
The target the Council set itself for the year 2003-04 |
How the Council has done in the year 2003-04 |
The target the Council has set itself for the year 2004-05 |
|
The percentage of 15 year old pupils in schools maintained by the Council achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C or equivalent (BV38). |
|
37.8% |
44.5% |
35.2% |
47.0% |
|
The result this year was poor. This is the first year that the Council has not recorded an improvement or consolidation since 1996. The group of pupils have underperformed on previous tests. All concerned are disappointed by the performance. A number of support strategies are being put into place to assist schools, especially in improving Science results which in undoubtedly the weakest area at present. All school have had update discussion and explained how they are targeting specific pupils for additional support. Funding has been procured from the Department for Education and Skills to support what they see as potentially effective strategies to address the one-year dip. |
|
What the Council achieved in 2002-03 |
The target the Council set itself for the year 2003-04 |
How the Council has done in the year 2003-04 |
The target the Council has set itself for the year 2004-05 |
|
The percentage of 15 year old pupils in schools maintained by the Council achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A*-G including English and Maths (BV39). |
|
88.4% |
92.0% |
87.4% |
92.0% |
|
The result is slightly down on the national average and short of the target. |
|
The percentage of pupils in schools maintained by the Council achieving Level 4 or above in the Key Stage 2 Maths test (BV40). |
|
72% |
80% |
82% |
85% |
|
Performance did not reach the target but should be seen within the context of results nationally. Schools in North East Lincolnshire succeeded in maintaining their results at the same level as the previous year. This shows that the gains that were made previously have been consolidated. Nationally, results in Maths failed to rise and also fell short of the national target. National results have remained the same for the last three years. (The value-added progress, a measure which calculates the progress made by pupils between the ages of 7 and 11 is currently 16th out of 150 local councils.) |
|
The percentage of pupils in schools maintained by the Council achieving Level 4 or above in the Key Stage 2 English test (BV41). |
|
72.0% |
82.5% |
72.3% |
85.0% |
|
Performance did not reach the target but should be seen within the context of results nationally. Schools in North East Lincolnshire succeeded in maintaining their results at the same level as last year. This shows that the progress made previously to reduce the deficit between the local results and the national ones has been consolidated. Nationally results in English failed to rise for the third consecutive year and also fell short of the national target. (The value-added progress, a measure which calculates the progress made by pupils between the ages of 7 and 11 is currently 16th out of 150 local councils.) |
|
The percentage of half days missed due to total absence in secondary schools maintained the Council (BV45). |
|
10.5% |
9.7% |
10.0% |
9.5% |
|
There is improvement year on year, although the target was missed. It is hoped that the new fast-track inclusion programme will bring further improvements this year. |
|
The percentage of half days missed due to total absence in primary schools maintained by the Council (BV 46). |
|
5.7% |
5.0% |
5.5% |
4.5% |
|
Improvement has levelled out and further improvement will only be obtained by increasing resources or new initiatives. The Council are hopeful that the new fast-track inclusion programme will support improvement. |
|
Stability of placements of children looked after by the Council by reference to the percentage of children looked after on 31st March in any year with three or more placements during the year (BV49). |
|
13.3% |
12.6% |
12.6% |
12.6% |
|
Performance is currently on target and nationally remains very good and equal to other similar types of councils. |
|
The percentage of reviews of child protection cases carried out (BV162). |
|
100% |
95% |
77% |
95% |
|
This has for the past three years been an area of performance in which the Service has delivered between 98 - 100%. However, on current performance there is a significant drop from both the 2002/03 result and the 2003/04 target. The estimated result for 2003/04 is due to 19 children not having their Review Child Protection Conference held within required timescales. Of these 19 children, 10 are from 2 families. Actions to address performance in this area are in place. |
|
The percentage of children looked after by the Council for 6 months or more who were adopted (BV163). |
|
10.58% |
11.50% |
7.30% |
12.00% |
|
Performance results will be low in comparison with target. Although the targeted number of children have been settled in adoptive families, the final orders have not been granted for 9 children because of capacity difficulties in the legal department. |
|
The percentage of 14 year old pupils in schools maintained by the Council achieving Level 5 or above in Key Stage 3 test in: English (BV 181a). |
|
60% |
67% |
61% |
72% |
|
The result was a poor one. Pupils in the year group underachieved. The target figure was attainable. Difficulties in the recruitment of specialist teachers has contributed to this result. |
|
The percentage of 14 year old pupils in schools maintained by the Council achieving Level 5 or above in Key Stage 3 test in: Maths (BV 181b). |
|
62% |
67% |
62% |
71% |
|
The result shows no improvement on the previous year and underachievement against the Council's target. Difficulties in the recruitment of specialist teachers has contributed to this result. |
|
The percentage of 14 year old pupils in schools maintained by the Council achieving Level 5 or above in Key Stage 3 test in: Science (BV 181c). |
|
59.0% |
66.5% |
59.0% |
68.0% |
|
This result shows no actual improvement on the previous year and it also falls short of the target. It demonstrates significant underachievement by pupils aged 14. Science has performed badly on the whole this year. |
|
Percentage of 14 year old pupils in schools maintained by the Council achieving Level 5 or above in Key Stage 3 test in: ICT (BV 181d). |
|
53% |
63% |
58% |
70% |
|
Performance is below target. The assessment procedures are new for this subject and not moderated by any external body, this results in a wide variation in how the criteria are applied. However, there is a degree of underachievement in the result. |
ADULTS AND FAMILIES
Part of the Community Strategy's long-term vision is to improve the quality of life for residents in North East Lincolnshire, by providing fulfilling work and life outside work, a decent income and home. This is a very broad area for action and the Council is making a contribution through improving services around housing, benefits and cultural activities. Below is some of the key performance information that shows how the Council is performing in this area.
|
What the Council achieved in
2002-03 |
The target the Council set itself for the year
2003-04 |
How the Council has done in the year
2003-04 |
The target the Council has set itself for the year 2004-05 |
|
Number of days taken to process a new benefit claim (BV 78a). |
|
55.54 days |
40.00 days |
44.00 days |
39.00 days |
|
The estimated 2003/04 result of 44 days reflects a problem caused by a relatively small number of cases. When these cases are excluded 96.3% of the cases processed took an average of 37.4 days, which is only 1.4 days from the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate standard. The result still shows a significant improvement over the result for 2002/03. |
|
The percentage of cases for which the calculation of the amount of benefit due was correct on the basis of the information available for the decision (BV 79a). |
|
95.4% |
96.0% |
96.6% |
96.8% |
|
Performance is currently on target and is average for unitary councils. |
|
The number of physical visits per 1,000 population to public library premises (BV 117). |
|
4,857 |
5,350 |
4,937 |
5,450 |
|
Figures for the period April - December 2003 are up by 4.68% on the same period in 2002/03. The target represents a 10% increase in total visitor numbers and the Council is unlikely to achieve that by the end of the year. |
|
The proportion of unfit private sector dwellings made fit or demolished by the Council (BV62). |
|
1.21% |
1.16% |
1.09% |
1.00% |
|
Performance is currently just below the target due to current operating practices and legislation. However due to the increase in flexibility through legislation, the Council will be able to reconfigure services to improve performance. |
|
The number of Council homes that did not meet the Government's level of decency that have now been made decent (KPI 25). |
|
669 |
756 |
756 |
To be set |
|
On the 1st April 2003, 2,373 properties were classed as non-decent. Current performance is making satisfactory progress towards the year-end target of 756 properties to be made decent. At the end of January 2004 the Council had completed 685 properties with a further 71 to be completed by the end of March 2004. As a result of a recent stock condition survey the Council is currently in the process of redefining the total number of non-decent properties within its stock and a new baseline figure and target will be set from the 1st April 2004. |
|
The percentage of responsive (but not emergency) repairs during 2003-04, for which the Council both made and kept an appointment (BV 185). |
|
13.08% |
54.00% |
54.00% |
60.00% |
|
The half-year result of 27.5% is higher than the result of 22% for the same period last year. There have been a number of problems with recording this information and actions are now in place to clarify the definition and record the data more accurately which will allow the year end target of 54% to be met. |
OLDER AND RETIRED PEOPLE
The Community Strategy aims to help older and retired people to retain, or regain their independence and lead fulfilling lives. Older people are one of the most vulnerable sectors of society and one to whom the Council owes a major duty of care. The Council is improving services to older people along with partners to enable them to feel safe and supported by the community. Below is some of the key performance information that shows how the Council is performing in this area.
|
What the Council achieved in 2002-03 |
The target the Council set itself for the year
2003-04 |
How the Council has done in the year
2003-04 |
The target the Council has set itself for the year 2004-05 |
|
Households receiving intensive home care per 1,000 population aged 65 and over (BV 53). |
|
5.90 |
9.50 |
9.50 |
10.50 |
|
Previous performance has been variable and weak. An action plan is in place to drive sustained improvement over a three-year period. The half-year performance is in line with the action plan and the forecast. Performance represents a real increase in service delivery to an increasing number of older people. |
|
Older people helped to live at home per 1,000 population aged 65 and over (BV 54). |
|
45.67 |
70.00 |
70.00 |
75.00 |
|
The 2003/04 target for improvement on this indicator has been revised downwards to 70 from 80 as it was based on the 2002/03 result which was found to be incorrect. Current performance suggests that the new target will be met. |
|
Clients receiving a review as a percentage of adults and older people receiving a service (BV 55). |
|
63.9% |
64.0% |
60.0% |
64.0% |
|
Whilst performance does not hit the specified target, it is classified as excellent and still attracts the highest rating in the Department of Health's Performance Assessment Framework. Performance continues to improve and it is anticipated that this will be sustained for the remainder of the year in accordance with the Recovery Plan target. |
|
The percentage of items of equipment and adaptations delivered within seven working days (B V 56). |
|
Amended definition |
80.0% |
75.0% |
80.0% |
|
Performance has improved in the second half of the year as recruitment and staffing difficulties have been resolved. It is anticipated that this progress will be maintained as a new integrated service is developed with the Health Service. |
|
The number of delayed transfers of care for which the Council is responsible (KPI 27). |
|
New Indicator |
11.0 |
6.0 |
To be set |
|
Target is to maintain delayed transfers of care at an average of no more than 11 each week. Performance has been excellent and the target has been exceeded. The target has been achieved each week from 1/4/2003 to date with the exception of one week in August where there were 12 delays. Improved performance is a result of a wide range of changes to practice and of service developments made in partnership with the Health Service. |
WELL MANAGED AUTHORITY
Alongside the work to deliver the outcomes of the Community Strategy, the Council is making significant changes to improve its overall management. This is being done to support improved service delivery and to give a stronger customer focus to all of its activities.
|
What the Council achieved in
2002-03 |
The target the Council set itself for the year
2003-04 |
How the Council has done in the year
2003-04 |
The target the Council has set itself for the year 2004-05 |
|
Percentage of Council Tax collected (BV 9). |
|
93.03% |
96.00% |
95.00% |
96.00% |
|
This result has been affected by the delay in starting the recovery process in 2002/03. Although a full programme of recovery cycles have been carried out during 2003/04 the effect of the delay in starting recovery in 2002/03 has impacted upon the performance results in 2003/04. The estimated result still shows a significant improvement over that achieved for 2002/03. |
|
The number of types of interactions that are enabled for electronic delivery as a percentage of the types of interactions that are legally permissible for electronic delivery (BV 157). |
|
58.53% |
75.00% |
75.00% |
100% |
|
Throughout this year the results have moved forward from 58.53% interactions delivered electronically to 73.98% at the end of January 2004. It is expected that the target of 75% will be met by the end of March 2004. |
COUNCIL STATEMENTS
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
The Council is satisfied that the information and assessments included in this document are in all material respects accurate and complete. All figures quoted in the summary are based on the latest information available at the time of going to press.
DIVERSITY POLICY STATEMENT
The Council is fully committed to the broad principles of social justice and is opposed to any form of discrimination or oppression.
It therefore willingly accepts not only its legal responsibilities but also wishes to embrace best practice in all areas of its work in order to secure equality of both treatment and outcome for all.
The Council is therefore committed to ensuring that no-one is treated in any way less favourably on the grounds of personal differences such as race; colour; national, ethnic or social origin; gender (including reassigned gender); sexual orientation; religious belief; age; disability; marital status; caring responsibilities or political or other personal beliefs.
The Council will implement all necessary action and training to ensure its commitments with regard to equality of treatment and outcome are fulfilled and will regularly monitor and review progress made in this respect.
OTHER FORMATS OF THIS PUBLICATION
If you would like to receive this information in another language or in another format such as large print, Braille or on audio tape, please contact us by either emailing mailto:customerrequests@nelincs.gov.uk or calling 01472 326132.
TELL US YOUR VIEWS
If the Council is to meet your needs, it really needs to know your views. This means you making constructive criticisms and suggesting ways the Council could improve services, and taking an active part in trying to improve things for the whole community. The Council also wants to know what you think the 'burning issues' are for the community, to help decide on its priorities. For ways to contact the Council please see the list below.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
This booklet contains only a small selection of information about the Councils performance and its plans. At the end of June 2004 we will be producing a full Best Value Performance Plan. It will be available through libraries and our customer access points, and it will also be available on the Councils website - www.nelincs.gov.uk. You can request your own copy if you wish.
HOW TO CONTACT THE COUNCIL
There are a number of ways you can contact the Council to ask for more information or to tell us your views:
- Write to the Council at North East Lincolnshire Council (Performance Team), Municipal Offices, Town Hall Square, Grimsby, DN31 1HU, or if you know the address of the particular department you want, please write directly to them.
- Telephone on (01472) 323131 during normal office hours. Please tell the switchboard what you want to talk about and they will put you through to the right person.
- E-mail the Council at customerrequests@nelincs.gov.uk.
- Write down your comments and drop them off at one of the Councils Customer Access Points at the Municipal Offices (Grimsby), Civic Offices (Cleethorpes) or Kennedy Way (Immingham).
- Contact the Council by visiting the website at www.nelincs.gov.uk.
YOUR COUNCIL'S CUSTOMER ACCESS POINTS, CASHIERS AND CALL CENTRE
CUSTOMER ACCESS POINTS
There are three Customer Access Points. Locations and opening times are:
IMMINGHAM - KENNEDY WAY
Mon 09.00 -16.00
Weds 10:00 -14:00
Fri 09:00 -16:00
CLEETHORPES - CIVIC OFFICES, KNOLL STREET
Mon/Tues 08:30 -17:30
Wed 08:30 -17.30
Thurs 08:30 -17:30
Fri 08:30 -17.30
GRIMSBY - MUNICIPAL OFFICES, TOWN HALL SQUARE
Mon 08.30 - 17.30
Tues 08.30 -17:30
Wed 08:30 -17.30
Thurs 08:30 -17:30
Fri 08:30 - 17.30
The Customer Access Points operate to Community Legal Services Quality Mark standards, and provide high quality 'one stop' access to all Council services. All three locations offer disabled access, children's play areas, automated queuing systems, and private interview rooms.
Advisors will help with any type of enquiry by:
- Providing detailed information and advice,
- Helping with application forms,
- Making appointments to see a specialist if this is necessary.
Detailed assistance is always available for enquiries about:
- Housing and Council Tax benefits,
- Council Tax liability, billing and debts,
- Business rates,
- Free school meals,
- Housing applications and repairs,
- Bus passes,
- All basic council services.
There are also regular surgeries including:
- Registrar of Births and Deaths,
- Duty Homelessness Officer,
- Department of Work and Pensions,
- Welfare Rights.
Details of the times and locations of these surgeries are available on request - an appointment will usually be required.
CASHIERS
Cashiers can be found at each of the three Customer Access Points and can receive payments for items such as Council Tax and rent. The cashiers are open:
Mon / Tues / Thurs 09:00-17:00
Weds / Fri 09:00-16:00
CALL CENTRE
At present the Call Centre can receive reports and enquiries into housing repairs and streetcare.
Opening times:
Mon - Fri 08.30 - 17.30
Telephone numbers:
(0845) 8492000 - Housing Repairs (Choose option 1)
(01472) 324500 - Streetcare
Key Contact Numbers
For enquiries into housing or streetcare please telephone the Call Centre on (01472) 572000 (housing) or (01472) 324500 (streetcare).
For all other enquiries please call the main switchboard on (01472) 313131 who will be pleased to put you through to the relevant department.