10 EAST DORSET NEWS SUMMER 2004EAST DORSET NEWS 11Audit Commission <strong>com</strong>pletes first ever inspection of District Council’s performance‘GOOD’ VERDICT ON COUNCILEast Dorset District Councilhas been judged ‘Good’ by theAudit Commission in its firstever inspection of district andborough councils in thecounty.In February all the Councils wereinspected by the Audit Commission in aprocess called the ComprehensivePerformance Assessment (CPA) whichis similar to an Ofsted inspection inschools.Derek Burt, Leader of the Council,TheGoldenThreadTen Service Units carryout the day-to-dayfunctions of theCouncil.Their work directlyrelates to the SixStrategic Themes.The Heads of Servicereport to the ChiefExecutive but workclosely with the LeadMembers.Each Service Unit has avariety of functions andevery cost centremanager has producedbusiness plans for theirspecific areas ofresponsibility.These business planseach identify which ofthe Strategic Themesrelate to its work.This identifiable andmeasurable connectionbetween everything theCouncil does is knownas the Golden Thread.It runs througheverything the Councildoes.said: “I am very pleased that theCouncil has been judged as ‘good’.“It reflects the excellent workingrelationship between Members andOfficers of the Council. It also reflectsthe close working relationship theCouncil has with its partners, enablingthe delivery of such high qualityservices to the <strong>com</strong>munity.”The Council spent a year preparingfor the inspection and undertook a dryrun in September called the PeerChallenge.This enabled the Council to improveEast Dorset District Council management restructureThe management structure of East Dorset DistrictCouncil has been trimmed and reorganised tomake it more efficient and cost effective.Following the CPA inspection in February and theretirement of the District Environmental ServicesOfficer in April, the Council has done away withits divisional structure and top layer ofmanagement.It has redefined its vision and reorganised itsStrategic Themes under the Elected Members.on its strengths and address areas forimprovement.Alan Breakwell, Chief Executive ofthe Council, said: “I am very pleased foreveryone involved with the Council andthe agreed improvement plan will allowthe Council to further develop andimprove in the future.”A team of four inspectors were atEast Dorset for a week with fullauthority to delve into any aspect ofCouncil business.The team took into account how wellthe Council runs, manages its financesand deals with claims for benefits, aswell as looking at: how well the Councilunderstands its housing markets; andhow it contributes to the managementof the physical environment.The Council presented hundreds ofdocuments to support its work and theinspectors interviewed ElectedMembers, Council Officers and peoplefrom partner organisations.All the District and BoroughCouncils were judged on pre-setcriteria so the Commission could<strong>com</strong>pare them realistically.All officers now report to the Chief Executive,Alan Breakwell. The former District PlanningOfficer, Geoff Cross has taken the new role ofPolicy Director. EDDC is unique among Dorsetcouncils in adopting this modern structure.Six Strategic Themes underpin the work of theCouncil. They incorporate the priorities set out bythe Members and are at the heart of the CorporatePlan. Each theme has a Lead Member andcorporate objective.CommunityLead Member, Councillor Maureen GodfreyTo provide a safe, inclusive and sustainable environment where the needs of all areaddressed.CultureLead Member, Councillor David DurleyTo provide the highest quality cultural, leisure and recreational services in full consultationwith residents and visitors.EnvironmentLead Member, Councillor Spencer FlowerTo protect and improve the quality of the physical environment, ensure that the transportneeds of all sectors of the <strong>com</strong>munity are addressed, that people are able to work productivelyand contribute to a sustainable local economy.Health and HousingLead Member, Councillor Queenie ComfortTo safeguard people’s health and welfare, address health inequalities, ensure sustainablewaste management and improve access to housing in both the private and publicsector.PerformanceLead Member, Councillor Alex ClarkeTo secure continuous improvement through development in the quality of working practices,drawing on best experience both within and outside the Council, within a culturewhich embraces critical review and change.ResourcesLead Member, Councillor Derek BurtTo ensure that a sound basis for service provision is delivered by the effective managementof the Council’s human, financial, technological and physical resources.Community SafetyWhat we said we would do:Address people’s fear of crime.What we did:While continuing the very goodwork undertaken with the EastDorset Crime and ReductionPartnership, the Council consulted with Dorset Police and<strong>com</strong>munity groups throughout the district regarding theappointment of an Anti Social Behaviour ReductionOfficer. Karen Jaggs was appointed to the post andstarted work in April 2004.What does this mean for residents?For members of the public suffering from behaviourdescribed as causing intimidation, harassment or alarmthe appointment is good <strong>news</strong>. Karen has already beeninvolved in a number of actions relating to anti socialindividuals: there are three court cases pending in respectof Anti Social Behaviour Orders in Heatherlands, one issought for an individual in Verwood another in Wimborne.Karen works closely with all other enforcement agenciesin the District as well as many voluntary organisationssuch as Youth Clubs and Neighbourhood Watch.RecyclingWhat wesaid wewould do:Increasethe rate ofrecycling and<strong>com</strong>posting.What we did:T h eC o u n c i lwidened thekerbside sortand collection of recyclable materials to 96% of houses inthe district and introduced the Brown Bin CompostingScheme to 5000 houses in the Verwood area in March.What does this mean for residents?Residents of East Dorset now enjoy one of the mostadvanced recycling programmes in the country. Theamount of waste sent to landfill sites last year was 500tonnes less than the previous year, significantly reducingthe detrimental effect of harmful gases and toxins on theenvironment.CultureWhat we said wewould do:Address the needsof young people.What we did:F o l l o w i n gconsultation withrelevant organisationsthe Council appointeda Youth DevelopmentOfficer to work withyoung people in theDistrict. Dave Auburnstarted work inSeptember 2003.Improving performance– improving serviceEach year the Council publishes its BestValue Performance Plan and reports onits out<strong>com</strong>es. The full plan is filed inlibraries and on the Council website atwww.<strong>east</strong><strong>dorset</strong>.gov.uk. Below is asnapshot of some of the things theCouncil said it would do in the year 2003-04 and what it means for residents.What does this mean for residents?Dave is constantly out and about in the <strong>com</strong>munityseeking the views of young people as well asrepresenting the views of the Council. He works with avariety of organisations from the Dorset Youth Service toinformal groups of youngsters. Much of his work hasfocussed on the desire by some <strong>com</strong>munities to provideskate park facilities which are being built in West Moors,Verwood, Three Legged Cross and Corfe Mullen.Throughhis work with the Youth Forum ideas are beinginvestigated for a major music event to be staged in EastDorset in the future. Dave also helped encourage youngpeople to participate in Local Democracy Week inOctober which introduced many to the democraticprocess for the first time.Inevitably his work has a knockoneffect with issues such as fear of crime and anti socialbehaviour. Because of this he works closely with the AntiSocial Behaviour Reduction Officer and CommunitySafety Officer.Performance ManagementWhat we said we would do:Prepare for Comprehensive Performance Assessmentin February 2004.What we did:AWorking Party <strong>com</strong>prising Members and Officerswas set up to address the Council’s areas forimprovement. A dummy run of the inspection (PeerChallenge) was carried out in September by threeexternal professionals who high-lighted the Council’sstrengths and weaknesses. From October until Februarythe Council has built on its strengths and addressed itsweaknesses. When the CPA inspectors arrived inFebruary they were provided with hundreds of pieces ofevidence to show how well the Council works. Theyinterviewed and consulted dozens of Members andOfficers as well as partner organisations with whom theCouncil works.The Council was judged on pre-set criteriato enable the inspectors to <strong>com</strong>pare us with otherCouncils in Dorset. The out<strong>com</strong>e of the inspectionshowed that East Dorset District Council is a ‘Good’council. (For further information see page 10).What does this mean for residents?East Dorset District Council is an efficiently runcouncil. It has a sound financial base and operatesservices for residents in a cost effective manner. Therelationship between Elected Members and Officers isvery good and the employees are among its leadingassets. The result of the CPA inspection gives the Councilthe confidence to continue to serve the residents of theDistrict to the very best of its ability.TourismWhat we said we woulddo:Expand partnershipworking with North DorsetDistrict Council to promoterural Dorset as a visitordestination.What we did:Produced a full colourguide to Rural Dorset whichwas distributed throughoutthe tourism industry toattract visitors to the area.Started work on animproved website topromote the area.What does this mean for residents?The booklet acts as a guide for both visitors andresidents alike promoting the numerous attractions andfacilities available in rural Dorset. For those working in thetourist industry locally the guide and website will help toincrease turnover and contribute to the economicprosperity of the area. When the website is <strong>com</strong>plete it willreach a much wider audience.PlanningWhat we said we would do:Improve the planning process.What we did:The Council purchased and installed new <strong>com</strong>putersoftware to provide better quality information and on-lineaccess to planning applications.What does this mean for residents?People now have easier access to planningapplications. Residents are able to view and <strong>com</strong>ment onplanning matters from their own home, they are able tomonitor progress, undertake searches and view propertydetails.Planning applications are sent to Parish and TownCouncils so that the public can view them locally andapplications can also be sent to third parties who areunable to visit the Council’s offices.The on-line service isalso useful to businesses who have interests in the districtbut operate from elsewhere.Queen ElizabethLeisure CentreWhat we said we woulddo:Complete the review of theleisure centre.What we did:The Council set up a Customer Panel to ensure thatQELC meets the needs and aspirations of its customers.A new relaxation and coffee area was created inreception, public swimming times were extended, thechanging rooms were refurbished and CCTV installed inthe car park.What does this mean for residents?Residents and visitors who use QELC now havegreater, improved and safer access to the centre. Morecustomers are able to use the facilities and because ofincreased opening times more swimmers are able to takeadvantage of the pool. Feedback from the Panel meansthat facilities and courses are constantly reviewed andadjusted to meet the needs of customers.CommunicationsWhat we said wewould do:Actively promote theCouncil and increaseinformation to the public.What we did:F o l l o w i n gconsultation with anumber of partnerorganisations the CouncilappointedaCommunications Officer.Peter Hyde started workin August 2003.What does this meanfor residents?The Communications Officer is responsible forkeeping residents informed about Council actions anddecisions. He has formalised the way in which the Councilworks with local media and is the first point of contact forall media enquiries. Peter produces two editions of EastDorset News per year (and provided the EDDC pages forthis publication). He also produces the internal staffmagazine (News@4HN) to inform Council employees ofkey issues.Another of his responsibilities is consultation,which will give the Council a greater understanding of theneeds of local <strong>com</strong>munities, leading to more efficientdelivery of services.
12EAST DORSET NEWS SUMMER 2004Financial performance2003/04RevenueBetter return on investments, increased in<strong>com</strong>e from Moors ValleyCountry Park and savings on manpower costs all contributed to theCouncil’s net expenditure being £362,000 less than expected.Reserves have been increased by £179,000 and working balancesby £4,400 to meet future liabilities and to increase resources for theCouncil’s capital programme.Original Actual Over/(Under)£000s £000s £000sService Expenditure 9,099 8,924 (175)Interest on Balances (335) (522) (187)Net Council Expenditure 8,764 8,402 (362)Cont. to/(from) Reserves (179) 179 358Less : Business Rate In<strong>com</strong>e (2,928) (2,928) 0Revenue Support Grant (634) (634) 0Collection Fund Contribution (76) (76) 0Council Tax (4,947) (4,947) 0(Increase)/Decrease in Balances 0 (4) (4)CapitalThe Council’s Capital Strategy and Asset Management Plan providethe framework within which the capital programme is developed. Theydemonstrate the link between the capital programme and the Council’scorporate priorities. More details about the capital programme can befound on the websitewww.<strong>east</strong><strong>dorset</strong>.gov.uk/council/finance/capital_program/default.htm.In 2003/04 the Council spent £2.08 million on capital projects. Themain areas of expenditure were:£000sAssistance to Housing Associations 155Recreation 221Renovation Grants 492Environmental Improvements 14Land Purchases & Property Improvement 220Car Parking 78Community Safety 90Electronic Government 120Highways & Road Safety 227Public Toilets & Sewerage 137Recycling 288Other 38Total 2,080Financial PositionThe Council’s overall financial position remains strong and working balances(the money set aside to cater for unexpected events) have beenmaintained at 8% of the net revenue budget, as required by Councilpolicy.Working balances were £705,600 and in addition to this the Councilhas £3.7 million set aside in other revenue reserves earmarked forspecific purposes.Revenue reserves are maintained to help cushion the council taxpayer from the effects of major items of expenditure in a single year (e.g.funding the cost of the public inquiry for the Local Plan).The Council has capital resources of £4.053 million as at 1 April 2004against a <strong>com</strong>mitted capital programme of £4.714 million. Capitalreceipts anticipated in 2004/05 will increase resources by £1.594 millionto £5.647 million, which will be sufficient to fund the existing programme.Council tax benefit - don’t be too proud to claimA national surveyhasrevealed thatfour out of tenpensioners aremissing out onunclaimedCouncil TaxBenefit.Less than halfof home-owningpensioners areclaiming moneythey should get.Some are missing out on a 100% CouncilTax refund and may be due arrears brininga possible cash windfall.Colin Swain, Head of Benefits andRevenues for EDDC, said: “Any pensionerthinking he or she is entitled to benefitshould claim. Don’t be too proud - you areentitled to it.“Claiming is so easy now. We have <strong>com</strong>binedthe Housing Benefit and CouncilTax Benefit forms to reduce paperworkand now we are cutting the pensioners’claim form by a third.”To make a claim or to find out moredetails call Benefits and Revenues on01202 886201.This brief quiz relates to national figuresbut the proportions are no differentfor East Dorset.(Answers at the foot of the article).1 How many pensioners are missing outon Council Tax Benefit?A 1 in 100B 4 in 100C 1 in 10D 4 in 102 What is the average yearly Council TaxBenefit paid to pensioners?A £1046B £46C £246D £4263 How much Council Tax Benefit isunclaimed by pensioners in the UK?A £750,000B £7,500,000C £75,000,000D £750,000,0004 How many home-owning pensionersare claiming their entitlement to Counciltax Benefit?A Fewer than 500,000B More than 500,000C Nearly all5 How many pensioners are missing outby not claiming Council Tax Benefit?A 500,000B 750,000C 1,000,000D 1,500,000Answers: 1 D, 2 D, 3 D, 4 A, 5 D.
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