Plan for 2021 to 2022 Year-end progress review Mid and East Antrim Borough Council 1-29 Bridge Street Ballymena BT43 5EJ T: 0300 1245 000 E: W:enquiries@midandeastantrim.gov.ukwww.midandeastantrim.gov.uk If you would like this publication in an alternative format, large print or another language, please email midandeastantrim.gov.ukcommunications@ www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk7185
1.0 Introduction 01 2.0 Improvement Objectives for 2021 to 2022 03 3.0 Performance Summary 05 4.0 Performance Review 07 5.0 Statutory Performance Indicators 21 6.0 Update on previous Improvement Objectives 27 7.0 Improvement Objectives for 2022 to 2023 Summary 29 Contents
Mid
MEA4Treesvia
Received the APSE ‘Best Service Team’ award for our
ShopMEA app launched to support local businesses and encourage residents to shop locally
Good Relations Week continues to make a positive impact in local communities
Awarded silver in the ‘UK Council of the Year’ category and bronze in the ‘Community Focus’ category at the iESE Awards
We have continued to adapt, respond and work proactively to support our citizens, communities and businesses, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19
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58,000
The Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 put in place a framework to support continuous improvement in the delivery of council services. programmesbusinessesengagedBusinessesthroughsupport securedparticipantsprogrammeemployabilityhaveemployment
transformationDigital of functionskey
The Department for Communities also sets statutory targets for Councils in the areas of Planning, Economic Development and Waste, and where possible, these are included within our Improvement
Diverse Education and delivered
The PEACE programme continues to make a positive impact in the Borough MEA tickets sold to strategic visitor attractions and East Antrim Support Hub now in its fourth year of operation Support Hub in its pilot year
Pilot Hydrogen Training Academy successfully launched trees planted
Scheme’Confidence‘COVID
ProgrammesTraining
TheObjectives.Performance Improvement Plan is a key element within our ‘Performance Management Framework’, which drives continuous improvement within the organisation. It sets out our Improvement Objectives for the year, and outlines what we hope to achieve, how we plan to do it and how our citizens will be
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The Act requires that Council set one or more ‘Improvement Objectives’ each year, and that we have appropriate arrangements in place to achieve them. It includes a statutory requirement that we publish a Performance Improvement Plan by 30 June each year.
better off as a result. It does not detail every improvement we intend to make, but focuses on key areas identified for improvement through Community and Corporate Planning processes, stakeholder engagement and research analysis.
Youth
1.0 Introduction
Apandemic.snapshot of some of our key achievements over the last three years is provided on the opposite page.
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Work at St. Patrick’s Barracks continues to progress
#RediscoverMEA launched to bring tourism back to the Borough.
Continuous improvement remains a key priority for Council. We will keep transforming how we do things to make sure that we can continue to meet the needs of our local communities, businesses and visitors alike.
01 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review
After a period of consultation, Council agreed six improvement objectives for the year.
1. Grow the economy and create jobs.
effectivenessStrategic Servicequality availabilityService Efficiency
Fairness Sustainability Innovation
4. Improve customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing our use of information technology
2.0 Improvement Objectives for 2021 to 2022
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
3. Reduce the impact of poverty through the delivery of a Slow Cooker programme.
The Plan focuses on seven key improvement areas:
2. Support the communities within the historic conservation area of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy.
You can view the Performance Improvement Plan for 2021 to 2022 at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/PIP
6. Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim.
| 04
5. Development of Sullatober Household Recycling Centre.
03 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review
HighlightsOur New digital Pass’‘Visitorand Portal’‘Procurement launched.module Council’s FriendlyAutism work shared as best practice. CouncilPerformingTop for two planningstatutorytargets. 131 Centre.Innovationcreatedeconomyknowledge-jobsatEcos 6 Impact’withaccreditedvenuesCouncil‘AutismAwards. 16 Champions.Autism Efficient’Energy‘Slow cookbook read online over 1,749 times. 203 (JAM)‘JustcompletedmembersstaffaMinute’training. 53 distributedcookersslow to support vulnerable.the 109 Programme‘GothroughpromotedjobstheForIt’ and 182 plansbusinessfinalised. CentreRecyclingHouseholdSullatober opened.officially 8 sessionsAwarenessAutismheld. andgardenSensorytrail opened at Ecos. 8 propertieseligible funding.HeritageTownscapeCarrickfergusreceivedInitiative 3.0 SummaryPerformance 21 AprilOutcomes2021toMarch 2022 71% achieved or on track. 24% are delayed but progressing. 5% are not due or are not available. 25 AprilIndicators2021to March 2022 It is important that we continually monitor and review our progress towards doing what we set out to do. We do this through a series of ‘outcomes’ and ‘indicators’. The ‘outcomes’ are statements of what we want to achieve for our citizens. The ‘indicators’ are how we measure success. Our results for 2021 to 2022 are summarised below. www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 06 60% achieved or on track. 16% are delayed but progressing. 12% have not been achieved or are stopped. 12% are not due or are not available. We have outlined our progress towards meeting our objectives as follows: Green | Achieved or on track Amber | Delayed but progressing Red | Not achieved or stopped Grey | Not due or not available05 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 07
109 jobs promoted.
Local Planning applications processed within an average of 15 weeks by March 2022. 9.6 weeks.
• You told us that ‘investment to grow the economy, create jobs and attract tourists’ was one of the most important forms of investment for Council (Household Survey 2018).
Delivery of an effective and efficient Planning Service to maximise development.economic
The Department for Infrastructure (DfC) set three statutory planning targets for Councils each year. For the period April 2021 to March 2022, we achieved two of these three targets. We were the top performing Council in Northern Ireland for the processing time of local planning applications, and for the percentage of enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks. One Council in the region met the target set for the processing time of major planning applications. We narrowly missed the 30-week target due to the statutory consultation process, with an average processing time of 34.7 weeks. However, we did make a 13% improvement on last year’s average.
How progressmeasurewe
| 0807 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review
70% of planning enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks by March 2022. 90.5%.
131 jobs created.
Rental income target achieved.
Grow the economy and create jobs
4.0 Performance Review
• Director of Development
• There were approximately 1,300 jobs lost in Mid and East Antrim during 2019.
The growth of new industry sectors by being a Centre of Excellence for startups, spin-outs and socialeconomy businesses within the Ecos Innovation Centre.
Why??
Who responsible?is
Our aim What we delivered
125 2022.Innovationjobsknowledge-economycreatedinEcosCentrebyMarch
Major Planning applications processed within an average of 30 weeks by March 2022. 34.7 weeks.
What you will see
131 knowledge-economy jobs were created at The Innovation Centre at ECOS by March 2022.
Indicators
At the end of March 2022, 109 jobs were promoted and 182 Business Plans finalised through the ‘Go for It’ Programme.
85 jobs promoted through the ‘Go for It’ Programme by March 2022.
£95,000 in rental income from Ecos Innovation Centre by March 2022.
Outcomes
The promotion of new jobs in the borough by successfully delivering the ‘Go for It’ Programme.
•
Objective: Support the communities within the historic conservation area of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy
Increased town centre footfall by March 2022 or beyond. Despite the approved extension to the scheme’s timescale, these targets are no longer deemed achievable, in light of current economic trends and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These indicators have been removed from the Performance Improvement Plan for 2022 to 2023.
How progressmeasurewe
Increased inward investment and local heritagedirectlyopportunitiesemploymentrelatedbothandindirectlytoandtourismgrowth.
At least 25 construction jobs have been supported through the Townscape Heritage Initiative schemes. The number of jobs created will be established on project completion.
The local community will have a better understanding of built heritage.
Lower levels of town centre vacancy by March 2022 or Increasedbeyond.
To date, the total vacant floor space restored and converted for reuse is 249m²: 195m² for retail/commercial use and 54m² for museum or culture space. 10 new ‘top-end’ apartments will be delivered between now and March 2023, or beyond.
We launched the Carrickfergus Gaol booklet in January 2022, funded by the Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative, and freely available at Carrickfergus Museum’s ‘A Most Proper Verdict’ exhibition. We held a ‘hardhat’ tour of the THI properties and commissioned filming to promote the town’s heritage. A catalogue of informative videos are available to watch on our website. We also participated in the European Heritage Open Days in September 2021.
Our aim What we delivered
In March 2022, an archaeological excavation of two test pits at 10 High Street, unearthed early fragments of animal bone and pottery of potential medieval origin. Photographers captured the event and we promoted it on social media, communicating its historic importance. Experts are currently examining the discoveries.
Between November 2021 and January 2022, 1,620 visitors attended the Carrickfergus Lego Exhibition, successfully held at Carrickfergus Museum and Civic Centre, alongside the Museum Service.
Up to 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored (including 8 existing awarded schemes), through the Townscape Heritage Initiative, with Council and National Lottery Heritage Fund grant assistance, by March 2022 or beyond. *¹ *²
Carrickfergus Castle is a key landmark and popular visitor attraction. • Significant factory closures, changes in buying habits and proximity to Belfast have led to a decline in Carrickfergus’ traditional town centre economy. Who responsible?is • Director of Development *1 The full impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the programme is not yet known, i.e. project timescales, costs, budgets and grants availability. *2 This key performance indicator will be measured in line with revised programme timescales, if applicable. On completion, a full evaluation will take place and will inform future town centre regeneration initiatives. www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 1009 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review
One additional property is due to receive a Letter of Offer before summer 2022. A tenth and final funding application is currently under assessment.
floor space for retail, commercial or residential use by March 2022 or beyond.
Outcomes
Education completedProgrammebyMarch2022. Three educational programmes have been successfully delivered so far.
By March 2022, eight eligible properties had received Letters of Offer from the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI). Three historic properties are successfully restored, with a further five due to complete in June 2022. The National Lottery Heritage Fund approved an extension to 31 March 2023, allowing time to deliver the remaining capital works and close the programme. This objective will remain within the Performance Improvement Plan until that time.
Up to 2 new grants awarded by March 2022 or beyond, to be measured in line with revised timescales.*²programme
Why??
What you will see
Indicators
Reduce
Our aim What we delivered
• Using slow cookers is a simple way to make healthy, nutritious meals at low cost.
What you will see
Why??
By March 2022, 53 vulnerable households received a slow cooker.
A series of fun and interactive demonstrationvirtualsessions for using a slow cooker.
We launched our cookbook in August 2021.
A “Slow Energy Efficient” cookbook for households to prepare low cost enjoyable and nutritious meals.
• In 2018/19, 16% of NI citizens were living in absolute poverty.*3
At least 70% of attendees state that they are now confident to produce healthy, nutritious meals using a slow cooker.
Indicators
50 slow cookers provided to vulnerable households by the end of March 2022. 53 *⁵
We promoted the cookbook through our social media and in the Community Health and Wellbeing e-zine. We also made it available to other organisations to support their activities.
Outcomes
“Slow Energy Efficient” cookbook launched by the end of July 2021.
We successfully launched our “Cook Slow, Eat Well” cookbook in summer 2021. It is available on our website and in hard copy. So far, we have distributed 98 copies and received 1749 views online (in the UK and internationally).
• Households experiencing food poverty often struggle to access a nutritionally adequate diet, which impacts on health & wellbeing.
• 3% of NI households had not eaten a substantial meal at least one day in the last fortnight due to a lack of money.*4
• Director of Community
How progressmeasurewe
*5 A figure of 43 was previously reported against this target in error. the the of a
Slow Cooker programme. www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 1211 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review
Given this objective is now fully complete, we will continue to deliver and report on it as ‘business as usual’. It will not form part of the Performance Improvement Plan for 2022 to 2023.
Delivery of free slow cookers to vulnerable households.
Who responsible?is
6 demonstration sessions by the end of March 2022. We held six demonstrations by March 2022.
delivery
94% said they felt more confident to produce healthy, nutritious meals in a slow cooker.
impact of poverty through
By May 2022, 11 demonstrations were held.
*4 Department of Health, 2018
*3 https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/system/files/publications/communities/ni-poverty-bulletin-201819.pdf
will continue to be provided within
System.CustomerAutomatedCall
Indicators How progressmeasurewe
Deliver ‘Community Centre FullConnectivity’DigitalviaFibreNI.
Why??
• In our Household Survey (2018), 39% of residents said they would like to be able to report a problem online, 37% would like to book activities, 27% would like to buy tickets and 22% would like to pay bills.
Two of five projects are fully complete:
• Automated Customer Call System.
A new ‘Visitor Pass’ system was successfully implemented in our ‘Ardeevin’ building in September 2021, and is continually being reviewed to identify improvements.
A redesign of the Council two).feedbackuserdevelopedwebsitefromexperience(Phase
• Director of Corporate Services
*6 Updates the Performance Improvement Plan for 2022 to 2023 progress where relevant.
Our aim What we delivered
transformationDigital of at least one customer facing service.
• Our services will be more effective and efficient, providing greater satisfaction and value for money for ratepayers.
The final configuration and implementation of Council’s new Finance system faced delays, which impacted the delivery timescale of the Procurement Tenders portal. Now the procurement contract management module is up and running, implementation can proceed. *⁶
The procurement of a network service provider is being conducted as a joint exercise with other NI councils. When this is finalised, the sites will be available for use. *⁶ ProcurementCouncil Portal.
Improve customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing our use of information technology
Implementation of our Digital Transformation Strategy, to include:
A new automated customer call system has been running successfully in our Waste department since June 2021, with very positive results.
The specification for Council’s corporate website and ‘The Braid’ is approved. Phase 2 will complete within 2022 to 2023. *⁶
Outcomes
• Digital Transformation will lead to improved management reporting and will support better and more informed decisionmaking.
reports,
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 1413 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review
Who responsible?is
What you will see
A minimum of 5 digital Marchcompletedprojectsby2022.
Due to the delay of fibre installations during the COVID 19 pandemic, all Councils involved in the Full Fibre NI project faced delayed implementations. 100% of the sites submitted by us are now installed and testing is complete.
• Digital transformation of at least one customer facing service.
Indicators How progressmeasurewe
Increase recycling by 23.2% by March 2022.
• The new site will increase recycling, improve efficiency of waste compaction and haulage, introduce new material streams for recycling and re-use and reduce the carbon footprint of the site.
Why??
Who responsible?is
• Director of Operations
A customer satisfaction survey is expected to take place in summer 2022*⁸. Customer complaints will be monitored throughout the year, and will be compared against the 2019 to 2020 baseline by March 2023.
• Sullatober Household Recycling Centre (HRC) has been identified as a site in need of redevelopment.*7
• Improved infrastructure will increase waste segregation and quality of materials collected to support local processors and the circular economy of Northern Ireland.
A more effective and efficient service with increased ratepayers.valuesatisfactioncustomerandformoneyfor
Development of Sullatober Household Recycling Centre *7 WRAP - HWRC Improvement Recommendations Report - Mid and East Antrim (June 2018) *8 Progress will continue to be measured and reported in the Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 progress updates, as appropriate. 15 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review
Outcomes
These targets are not due for measurement until March 2023. *⁸
This outcome is being measured using data relating to ‘containers hauled per newly recycled compacted material’ and ‘tCO2e’, and will be available in March 2023.
50% reduction in containers hauled per new customerIncreasedbyReduce2023.materialscompactedbyMarchtC02eby800March2023.rateofsatisfaction.
Our aim What we delivered
Survey results will be available in summer 2022, and complaints will be measured in March 2023. *⁸
What you will see
• 91% of residents say that recycling is either very or fairly important to them (Residents Survey 2018).
A larger site with improved infrastructure and accessibility to maximise re-use and recycling.
The new Sullatober Household Recycling Centre (HRC) opened to the public on Monday 16 May Performance2022. data will be available during 2022 to 2023, as detailed below.
Due to the revised opening date, this data should be available for reporting in September 2022. *⁸
An additional 1,046 tonnes of recycled materials and 12 tonnes of re-used materials by March 2023.
Financial savings by compacting waste and reduction in fuel consumption.
Objective: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 07
Six venues received the award in June 2021 (Carrickfergus Amphitheatre, Larne Leisure Centre, Seven Towers Leisure Centre, Carnfunnock Country Park, The Gobbins and The People’s Park).
• Improving people’s health and wellbeing (and reducing health inequalities) is one of residents’ top five priorities for making the local area a good place to live (Household Survey 2018).
Indicators
Six Council venues received the ‘Autism Impact Award’ for creating accessible and autism-friendly environments. Actions included staff training, and adjustments to improve accessibility and customer experience, such as pre-visit guides and ‘quiet spaces’. We also introduced a ‘quiet hour’ at the Carnfunnock Country Park Halloween event, prior to public opening. We attended a crossCouncil meeting to share best practice, and our work was used as a best practice case study in the T:BUC Urban Village Consultation Report on Autism.
Our aim What we delivered
What you will see
We will secure ‘Autism Friendly’ organisation status as a potential model for other Community Planning Partners.
41 people have now attended IMPACT Training, 16 achieved the accreditation and are now Autism Champions. Of the three Elected Member Champions targeted, one attended the Autism NI course, the others underwent awareness raising training.
How progressmeasurewe
Since launching in June 2021, we delivered eight awarenessraising sessions. We worked with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) to deliver a consistent promotional campaign, highlighting ‘World Autism Acceptance Week’ in March 2022.
• Autism is a lifelong disability that affects the way an individual relates to people, situations and the immediate environment.*9
• Director of Community.
The sensory garden and trail is complete, and has attracted attention from other Councils. We have been sharing details as an example of good practice.
A further 3 Council venues will be accredited with the Autism NI Impact Award by June 2021, including Carnfunnock Country Park, The People’s Park and The Gobbins.
• In Northern Ireland, 1 in 30 children have a diagnosis of Autism. *10
Eight public awareness sessions were held for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), The Gobbins catering franchisee, Tesco Community Champions and Libraries NI Community Planning Leads. Three were held in 2020 to 2021 for Carnlough Spar, Elected Members and the Raglan Development Project.
Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim
Development and launch of sensory garden and sensory trail at Ecos.
An awareness raising programme to develop the borough as an autism friendly place.
Outcomes
Sensory garden and sensory trail launched by September 2021.
‘JAM’ awareness training commenced in June 2021. 203 staff members have now completed this training.
Commitment to become a ‘JAM friendly’ organisation, as this will allow people with a learning difficulty, autism or communication barrier to tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily.
3 ‘Autism Friendly’ public awareness sessions held for businesses, Council staff members and the local community, with at least 70% of attendees reporting that their knowledge of autism has increased following training.
Objective:?Why?
A further 6 staff members and 3 Elected Members will be trained as ‘Autism Champions’.
*9 Autism NI *10 Prevalence of Autism in School Age Children in Northern Ireland 2019, Department of Health. 17 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review
Who responsible?is
The sensory garden and trail at Ecos Nature Park, Ballymena, launched on 23 June 2021.
Of the 25 indicators defined against the six improvement objectives, 22 were due for completion by March 2022. Of these, 68% were either completed or on track.
Outcomes
Improvement Objectives
Indicators
14% were designated red, and relate to the removal of two indicators for the Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative for increased footfall levels and reduced vacancy rates. Given current economic trends and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, these performance indicators are no longer deemed achievable or Therealistic.remaining red indicator relates to Council narrowly missing the statutory target set for the processing times of major planning applications.
21 outcomes were defined against the six improvement objectives for 2021 to 2022, 20 were due for completion by March 2022. Of these, 75% were successfully achieved.
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 2019 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review
for 2021 to 2022 - Progress Summary
25% were delayed, but progressing. These relate to the continuing historic works within Carrickfergus, three on-going digital transformation projects, and work that is underway to determine customer satisfaction levels for the new household recycling centre at Sullatober.
18% were delayed but progressing, and relate to the continuing historical works within Carrickfergus, on-going digital transformation projects, and data currently unavailable to determine customer satisfaction levels at the Sullatober household recycling centre.
Oneweeks.redflag
5.0 Statutory Performance Indicators
but cannot be published anywhere in advance of their release by NIEA. *12 No statutory target is set for this indicator. The ofprocessingaveragetimemajorplanningapplications. Major averageprocessedapplicationswithinanof30weeks. The ofprocessingaveragetimelocalplanningapplications. Local averageprocessedapplicationswithinanof15weeks. The % enforcementofcasesconcludedwithin39weeks. 70% of all enforcement cases progressed to target withinconclusion39weeks. The number of jobs promoted through businessactivity.start-up 85 jobs. The Authority(tonnage)amountofLocalCollectedMunicipalWastearisings. N/A*12 50% recyclinghouseholdby2022. The % of household waste collected by district Councils that is sent for recycling. The amount of biodegradable Local AuthorityMunicipalCollectedWastethatislandfilled. 16,387 tonnes. Indicator Target 34.7 weeks 9.6 76,68910990.5%weeksjobstonnes *11 51.9% *11 14,528 tonnes *11 Result 21 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review
Only one Council met the target during the year, with an average processing time across the 11 Councils of 49.8 weeks. We remain well within the two waste targets set by the Department for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs. A statutory target is not set for ‘the amount of Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste arisings’, therefore we set our own internal target. In 2021 to 2022, the amount collected was slightly over our internal target of 75,797 tonnes.
In addition to the improvement areas identified by us, the Department for Communities also sets statutory targets for Councils in the functional areas of Planning, Economic Development and Waste.
Our arrangements to meet these are through the delivery of our statutory services. They are outlined in our annual business plans, and as far as possible, within our Improvement Objectives.
For the period of April 2021 to March 2022, we achieved five of the seven statutory indicators.
We continue to exceed the Business Start-up job promotion target and the targets for two of the three planning indicators. We are a leading Council for the average processing time of local planning applications and the percentage of enforcement cases concluded within 39 was raised relating to ‘The average processing time of major planning applications’. Having improved our performance on last year’s result, we narrowly missed the target, with an average time of 34.7 weeks. This was due to the statutory consultation process.
How did we perform?
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs every three months. Reports are then issued comparing our performance with all other NI Councils. We publish the results on the our website at least every six months at Ourmidandeastantrim.gov.uk/PIPwww.latestresultsaresummarised on the opposite page.
*11 The final Waste figures for 2021/22 will be audited and publicly released by NIEA by December 2022. They can be used as a strong indicator of performance and are unlikely to change,
We closely monitor our performance to ensure we are progressing in line with targets, and we submit our results to the Department for Infrastructure, the Department for the Economy and the
85 94 20-21 21-22 10.4 9.6 20-21 21-22 109 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 2423 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review
We have exceeded the Business Start-up job promotion target every year since 2015 to 2016. Between March 2021 and April 2022, Council promoted 109 jobs through business start-up activity, a 16% increase on the previous year, and 28% over target.
top performing council in Northern Ireland in 2021 to 2022. Only one local authority met the target during this time.
The following charts outline our performance over the last six years in meeting the targets set for statutory key performance indicators.
During 2021 to 2022, Council experienced two applications requiring multiple consultation processes, resulting in the target being missed. However, at 34.7 weeks, this was a 13% improvement on the previous year, and our fourth consecutive improvement since 2018 to 2019. We were the fourth
Average processing time for major planning applications TargetTargetAchieved4020060 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 20-21 21-22 30 80 36.8 67.9 29 43.2 42.4 39.2 34.7 Weeks Number of jobs promoted through business start-up activity Achieved 2001501000 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 148 193 140 124 122createdJobs Average processing time of local planning applications TargetAchieved100515 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 15 20 14.2 9 9.6 7.8 7.6 Weeks Trend Analysis
The statutory target for the processing time of local planning applications is 15 weeks. In 2021 to 2022, our average was 9.6 weeks, 56% below target and a 4% improvement on 2020 to 2021. We were the top performing Council and one of only two local authorities to meet the Intarget.2021 to 2022, we were the top performing Council for the percentage of enforcement cases progressed to target conclusion within 39 weeks, achieving 90.5% against the 70% target. This was a 7.9% improvement on 2020 to 2021.
The statutory target for the processing of major planning applications (from the date valid to decision issued or withdrawal date) is an average of 30 weeks. These applications require approval from multiple statutory consultees, including but not limited to, the Rivers Agency, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Transport NI. There are occasions when consultees are unable to provide feedback within the allocated timeframe, which can delay the approval process. Delays can also happen when applications have inaccurate or insufficient detail. On resolution, the application must go through the consultation process again.
During 2021 to 2022, our recycling rate was 51.9%, up 1.1% on the previous year, and the highest percentage achieved by us since 2018 to 2019. We have exceeded the 50% household recycling target for the last five 2021 to 2022, we saw a slight increase biodegradable at For the have collected the set by the Northern Landfill Allowance’s Scheme In to 2022, we used 88.66% of our allocated a slight increase from 83.5% in to
2021.
2020
The amount of collected municipal waste arisings fell by almost 3%
less than
allowance,
to 76,689 in 2021 to 2022, from 78,986 in 2020 to 2021. Due to the fact that a statutory target is not set for this indicator, we set our own internal target. We were slightly over our own target in 2021 to 2022, but made an improvement on the previous year. Percentage of enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeksAchievedTarget4020060 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 10080Percentage 85.9 88.1 88.2 8986 70 TargetAchieved4020060 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 Percentage 42.9 45.3 52.4 51.452.8 50 Achieved15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 Tonnage 75,541 75,188 72,404 73,032 73,797 Achieved 82.6 90.5 20-21 21-22 20-21 21-22 50.8 51.9 78,986 76,689 20-21 21-22 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 2625 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review Trend Analysis
for Waste.
(NILAS).
14,528 tonnes.
allowance
in
The percentage of household waste collected by district councils that is sent for recycling (including waste prepared for reuse) The amount (tonnage) of biodegradable Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste that is landfilled Target 18,00012,0006,0000 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 20-21 21-22 22,000 20,115 19,563 18,515 17,451 16,387 16,387 16,38719,009 19,161 14,221 14,444 80,00060,00050,000070,00090,000 13,684 14,508 14,528 Tonnage The amount (tonnage) of Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste arisings
We remain within target for all three statutory key performance indicators
Duringyears.
waste collected sent to landfill,
seventh consecutive year, we
Ireland
2021
WalkerstheandparticipationincreasedthroughdogResponsibleownershipsupportofGreenDogScheme.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected pledge numbers greatly, as Council were unable to attend road shows and promotional activities were restricted. The number of active pledge numbers at March 2021 was 1160. Council’s current focus is on reducing dog foul and building community participation. An update on the scheme will be provided in the annual ‘Environmental Performance and Carbon Footprint’ Report (2021 to 2022) as an example of an environmental initiative. This will be reported to Council’s Direct Services Committee.
Complete Delayed but progressing
A reduction in the number of areas.issuefoulingperceivingresidentsdogtobeaninourlocal
The table opposite provides an update on an objective that was incomplete at the end of the financial year, and was not carried forward into the next year’s Performance Improvement Plan.
Our annual Self-Assessment report, published in September each year, provides an update on ongoing Improvement Objectives that do not form part of the subsequent years Improvement Plan.
A marketing and behaviours.andattitudestocampaignpromotionalchallengechange
2020 to 2021
WalkersthepromotionthroughenvironmentourpeopleEncouragetovaluenaturaltheofGreenDogscheme.
View our previous Performance Improvement Plans at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/Performance
6.0
A further Marchtakingcommittedorganisations2toactionby2021.
14 community groups are now participating in the Green Dog Walkers Scheme. New themed signage has been displayed throughout the borough, and regular social media messages have been posted to promote the scheme and to target dog foul. Council presented to the Outdoor Recreation NI Webinar in February 2022 as a best practice showcase. New video content is also in development.
A Green Dog Walkers Facebook page has been set up as a key engagement tool. Focus groups will be organised for community participants by the end of this year.
At least 1,500 active Green Dog Walker Pledges by March 2021.
There was a greater balance between enforcement and education during 2021 to 2022, with an increase in the number of Fixed Penalty Notices issued on the previous year. This resulted in a 25% reduction in dog foul complaints.
Objective Outcome PerformanceIndicator Status
A borough.cleaner A 10% reduction in the number of dog Marchcomplaintsfoulingby2021.
27 | Performance Improvement Plan 2021 to 2022 year-end review
Update on previous Improvement Objectives
The implementation of the new Northern Ireland Planning Portal for Mid and East Antrim.
The digital transformation of at least one customer facing service.
• The continued implementation of Council’s Agile Framework, through delivery of a number of citizen focused projects to include:
• A communications and awareness campaign to influence behavioural change towards electric vehicle use.
• The continued rollout of ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training to Council staff. 2023
*¹³
What you will see
• Up to 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored (including eight existing awarded schemes), through the Townscape Heritage Initiative, with Council and Heritage Lottery grant assistance, by 31 March 2023.
• Additional Council venues becoming ‘Autism friendly’ places.
Improving infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations.
March 2023
*14 Subject to a successful funding application.
• Additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’, to advocate on behalf of individuals with autism within Council venues and events.
A redesign of Council’s website, developed from user experience feedback (Phase 3).
An expansion of the Automated Customer Call System into an additional service area.
ObjectiveImprovement
Supporting MEA citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation.
2022 to 2023 Summary
• Increased inward investment and local employment opportunities related both directly and indirectly to heritage and tourism growth.
Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
• A minimum of 12 ‘fast’ chargers (22kW, charge in 1 to 2 hours) installed throughout the Borough by September 2023, as part of the On Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) *¹⁴.
• The promotion of new jobs in the Borough by successfully delivering the ‘Go for it’ Programme.
7.0 Improvement Objectives
December2023
• A target of three ‘rapid’ electric vehicle chargers (50kW, 80% charge in 20 minutes) installed at strategic locations in the Borough by December 2023, as part of the cross-border FASTER project.
March
March 2023
By when
• The continued rollout of an awareness raising programme.
• A programme of training and development opportunities for people to take part in safe and sustainable outdoor recreation.
March 2023
• An effective and efficient Planning Service to maximise economic development.
March 2023
• The delivery of four replacement Play Parks across the Borough.
• Three new or upgraded Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) or ‘kick about’ areas.
Growing the economy and creating jobs.
*13 Timelines are subject to change.
• A series of pre-employment programmes to upskill and enable residents to access employment opportunities that provide a progressive career pathway.
We welcome ongoing feedback on our Performance Improvement Plan. If you would like to make any comments, our contact details are on our website www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/PIP
Supporting the historic conservation of localsustainabilitycontributingCarrickfergus,totheoftheeconomy.
• The local community will have a better understanding of built heritage.
Improving technology.useenhancingserviceengagementcustomeranddeliverybyCouncil’sofinformation