To update Members on the progress towards achievement of the targets for 2007-08 in the Directorate Plan.

The Committee considered the progress towards achievement of targets for 2007-08 in the Directorate Plan.

The Director of Environment and the Improvement Manager highlighted that 2 of the 57 Environment Directorate-lead indicators from the Annual Operating Plan were currently marked red (not on target); 59% of indicators used in external judgements, where data was available, were currently showing an improvement against last years performance and both LPSA indicators were judged green (on target/met target). Appendix A to the report set out details of performance against targets and Appendix B set out performance against a number of national indicators.

The Director of Environment reported that earlier in the year a permit scheme had been introduced to reduce the volume of trade waste entering the household waste stream.  Unfortunately this had resulted in a increase in the number of fly-tipping incidents. As a result PI 94 – reduction in fly-tipping – had been affected (now indicated as red) and while performance had now levelled off it was unlikely to meet the target by year end. Similarly, as one team dealt with both fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles the 100% target under PI 96 – removal of abandoned vehicles – will not be met (now indicated red).  While the introduction of the permit scheme had been unpopular the Committee questioned the cost, or savings, arising from the permit scheme.

On scrutinising the report the Committee noted the following principle points:

• PI 52 – No. of people killed or seriously injured on Herefordshire roads – the number of recent deaths on the A49 would effect the target outcome.  While the Council was responsible for the target the Highways Agency was responsible for trunk road safety. The Directorate would continue to work with the Highways Agency to improve trunk road safety.
• PI 6 – method of travel to work – it was noted that the LTP gave statistics on the lengths of various journeys.
• Clarification was given on PI83a – principle road condition – that 14% of principle roads fell below the condition threshold.
• PI 54 – street cleanliness – due to seasonal variation a yearly profile was used against which performance was measured. While current performance against last years outturn had fallen, performance was ahead of the same period last year.  Questioned on the regularity, or otherwise, of cleaning streets and drains, the Director of Environment reported that this would be looked at as part of the review of the contract with Amey Wye Valley Ltd.
• PI56 – Municipal Waste c) recycled & d) landfilled – this was an indicator in the Local Area Agreement and related to trade waste collected by the Council.  The indicator had been split to show the percentages recycled and sent to landfill.  The Committee noted that the Council had little influence on trade waste and suggested that greater pressure be placed on government to start to reduce the significant volumes involved. 
• Responding to concerns about the use of the waste permit scheme for Herefordshire residents with Gloucestershire postcodes the Director of Environment reported that this, together with household waste amenity site opening times, was under review.
• BVPI 87 – cost of waste disposal – financial penalties would be imposed in 2010 for exceeding the targets with additional Land Tax penalties being imposed soon thereafter.

RESOLVED: that subject to the points recorded above the report be noted.