Agenda item

This report sets out the quarter 3 2017/18 performance summary against the Council priorities relevant for this Committee: Medway: a place to be proud of and maximising regeneration and economic growth.

Discussion:

The Committee received a report setting out performance in Quarter 3 for 2017/18 for the key measures of success and projects relevant to this Committee.

The following was discussed:

• NI 154 Net additional homes provided - A Member sought information on the number of affordable homes delivered in the past year. The Head of Performance and Intelligence advised that this data would be included within the report to the Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee. However, she undertook to obtain this information and respond to the Member direct.

• NI 167A Wainscott Bypass (part A289) – A Member referred to performance indicator NI167A and expressed concern about the delays experienced by motorists leaving Medway City Estate during peak hours of 4.30pm – 6pm. He felt that the data, as presented, did not accurately reflect motorists’ experiences.

• NI 167– Average journey time along 5 routes across Medway – A Member thanked officers for the additional information supplied on the breakdown of the 5 routes and referring to comments made under NI 167A above, expressed the importance of taking into account motorists’ experiences and how this matched the data collected. This would assist the Council to ensure that the data collected was appropriate and sufficient.

He referred in particular to the Wainscott Bypass and the exit route from the Medway City Estate and expressed concern that the traffic lights at Medway Tunnel had not been operational for a while. This had resulted in an increase in journey times for this route. In addition, the parking of HGVs in St Anthony’s Way was increasing the difficulties experienced by motorists.

He also expressed concern as to traffic congestion around Medway Hospital and the effect that this had on ambulances getting to the Hospital, particularly when roadworks were taking place.

In response, the Head of Performance and Intelligence advised that officers were only able to report on the measures approved within the Council Plan signed off for 2017/18. She explained that the overall measure related to the average journey time across all 5 routes and that the 5 routes had been selected based on bids for funds.

It was confirmed that funding was available from the Local Enterprise Partnership and the Local Growth Fund for works to be undertaken at the Four Elms Hill Roundabout and Medway City Estate and this was currently the subject of consultation with businesses located on the Estate, with a closing date of 10 April 2018.

• Green Flag Parks – A Member referred to the achievement of Green Flag status for 7 parks and open spaces and in particular the award for Gillingham Park, a significant Edwardian Park.

• Jackson’s Recreation Ground – A Member asked for information on the landscape masterplan for Jackson’s Recreation Ground. It was agreed that this would be supplied direct to the Member concerned.

• Funding opportunities to develop innovative public service solutions -  A Member thanked officers for the work undertaken in securing £150,000 from One Public Estate to fund feasibility works at a number of sites in Medway.

Decision:

The Committee:

a)           noted the report and key measures of success used to monitor progress against the Council Plan 2017/18.

b)           noted that the Head of Performance and Intelligence will report direct to the Member concerned on the level of affordable housing delivered in the past year.

c)            noted that officers would supply information on the landscape masterplan for Jackson’s Recreation Ground to the Member direct.