Service performance report highlights achievements and commitment to continuous improvement
Last updated | 31/05/2008
The Annual Performance Report for The Environment Service will be considered at the next Environment and Enterprise & Infrastructure Committees on Wednesday 4 June 2008.
The report details the range of commitments for the Service, progress on these areas of work, and future activity. Achievements during 2007/2008 include:
- continued improvements to traffic signals, pedestrian facilities and public transport provision to support older people and people with disabilities
- organisation and promotion of events focussing on sustainable travel
- new play equipment in parks and open spaces, and new sports pitches, at locations throughout Perth and Kinross
- refurbishment of parks in Kinross and Aberfeldy with new paths and play equipment
- construction of new paths and improvements to existing paths, including access for people with disabilities, at the Birks of Aberfeldy and Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park
- regeneration activities in Perth, Kinross and Eastern Perthshire
- continued improvement in the level of waste recycled and the overall cleanliness of local streets
- completion of a new Park and Ride facility in Kinross and the start of work on extending the Perth Park and Ride site at Broxden
- partnership working with VisitScotland and TACTRAN to improve access and opportunities to visit locations of historic, artistic and environmental interest in Perth and Kinross
Case studies in the report highlight the achievement of Cittaslow status for Perth, the successful introduction of a new pilot food hygiene information scheme covering all catering and food retail premises in Perth and Kinross, and ongoing work to improve and preserve the historic centre of Coupar Angus.
The report also shows that tourism revenues had risen to £416.51m in 2007/08 from £373m the previous year.
There was a slight drop in the percentage of planning applications dealt with within two months. However, these indicators did not reflect the hard work undertaken this year by Planning staff to improve the service they provide to clients.
Following a review of the service the total number of pending applications within the service has been reduced by 15%, despite a further rise in number of applications received. The Service also decided almost 300 more applications than it did in the previous year.
Changes introduced by the planning service include a quicker registration system, a separate 'fast-track' process for small simple applications and quicker replies to enquiries about the need for planning permission.
Convener of the Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor John Kellas, said: “A recent internal audit highlighted areas that needed improvement in planning. We were already aware that work needed to be done in these areas, and these new figures show that thanks to the efforts of our dedicated staff we are moving in the right direction. I am confident this hard work will be reflected positively in next year’s Annual Report."
Environment Convener, Councillor Alan Grant added: "Enhancing the local environment is another key role for the Service and we are taking forward many initiatives in this aspect of our work. The growing support we have for recycling and reducing waste among our communities is a further example of how we are working to meet our objectives as a Service."
The report will also subsequently be put before the Scrutiny Committee on 11 June 2008 and the Community Safety Committee on 18 June 2008.
