Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019/2020 - Mid and East Antrim Borough ...
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Performance
Self-Assessment Report
2019/2020
If you would like this publication in an Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
alternative format, such as large print, 1-29 Bridge Street Ballymena BT43 5EJ
T: 0300 1245 000
or another language, please email E: enquiries@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
communications@midandeastantrim.gov.uk W: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Contents 1.0 Introduction
1.0 Introduction Part 12 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (The Act)
put in place a framework to support continuous improvement in the
delivery of council services within the context of strategic objectives
2.0 Arrangements to Secure Continuous Improvement and issues that are important to those who receive those services.
3.0 Assessment of Performance 19/20 The Act specifies that
Council must make
• Performance Improvement Objectives 2019/20
• Statutory Performance Indicators arrangements for the
• Self-Imposed Performance Indicators publication of:
• Benchmarking
• Performance Audits a) Its assessment of its performance
during a financial year:
4.0 Performance Improvement Plan 2020/21 • In discharging its duty to make
arrangements to secure continuous
improvement.
• In meeting its improvement objectives
5.0 Overall Performance Assessment which are applicable to that year.
• By reference to the statutory performance
indicators and self-imposed indicators
6.0 Conclusions which are applicable to that year.
b) Its assessment of its performance
Appendices in exercising its functions during a
financial year as compared with:
• Its performance in previous financial years.
• So far as is reasonably practicable, the
performance during that and previous
financial years of other councils.
The purpose of this Self-Assessment Report
is to provide an overview of Mid and East
Antrim Borough Council’s assessment of its
performance for the year 2019/20.
2| Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk |3
2.0 Arrangements to Secure
Continuous Improvement
2.1 Performance Management Framework
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council introduced a Performance
Management Framework during 2017/18 to drive performance management Plan Purpose
and continuous improvement within the organisation.
The Framework diagram was revised during Council’s Performance Planning Cycle is The Community Plan was launched on 1 April 2017 and
the development of Council’s new Corporate outlined in the table in Appendix 1 which sets a 15-year vision for Mid and East Antrim Borough. The
Plan for 2019-2023 and is provided in Diagram describes the timelines for managing Community Plan
Community Plan is led by Council in partnership with the
1 below. performance throughout the year. public, voluntary and private sectors.
The diagram illustrates that performance is The ongoing review and reporting schedule
measured and managed at all levels within for the various plans is discussed within
A new Corporate Plan for the 2019-2023 period was launched
the organisation. The framework links directly the Performance Management Framework
Corporate Plan in July 2019 and includes six strategic themes that are aligned
to the corporate planning processes in place document. A copy of the Framework is
with the Community Plan.
within Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. It available on request.
demonstrates how strategic objectives within
the Community Plan and Corporate Plan are
cascaded through annual business plans and A Performance Improvement Plan is produced annually and
Performance
ultimately to every employee’s work objectives. includes improvement objectives that align with the key
Improvement Plan
priorities of both the Community Plan and Corporate Plan.
Community Plan | 15-year strategic plan
Annual Business Plans are developed to set the direction for
all Directorates. They define outcomes for the year and
Annual Business Plans
include key performance indicators to monitor and drive
Corporate Plan | 4-year strategic plan performance improvement.
Personal Development Planning (PDP) ensures that all staff
Performance Improvement Plan | Annual improvement plan Employee Personal objectives and development activities are fully aligned with
Development Plans the Business Plans, and ultimately the Corporate Plan and
Community Plan.
Annual Business Plans
The table above provides a brief summary of the plans
Employee Personal Development Plan
illustrated within the Performance Management Framework
Annual plan linked to work objectives & learning & development needs
Diagram
4| 1: Mid and
Performance East Antrim
Self-Assessment Borough
Report Council - Performance Management Framework
2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk |5
2.2 Governance Arrangements 2.3 Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s
Audit & Scrutiny Committee
Within Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the following
governance arrangements were established to manage The Terms of Reference for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s
performance during 2019/20 for the Corporate Plan, Audit & Scrutiny Committee sets out the Committee’s overall
Performance Improvement Plan and Annual Business Plans. purpose and objectives.
The Committee has two key functions of During 2019/20, the Committee
‘Audit’ and ‘Scrutiny’. The area of met 3 times during the year in
performance improvement falls within August, December and February
the ‘Scrutiny’ function, and includes the 2020.
monitoring, assessment and review of
Plan Council / Commitee Reporting Cycle the following: Meetings were scheduled for
April and June 2020; however,
• Business Plan performance due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Service Risk Registers these were cancelled.
SMT 6-monthly
Corporate • Business Improvement &
Plan Efficiency Strategy progression
Council 6-monthly • Performance Improvement Plan
performance
• Council Transformation
SMT Quarterly
Performance
Improvement
Plan
Audit & Scrutiny Quarterly
SMT Quarterly
Directorate
Business Plans
Audit & Scrutiny 6-monthly
These governance arrangements facilitate and support transparency, accountability and
improvement across the Council.
6| Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk |7
2.4 The Performance Improvement Plan
We demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement in the The plan sets out our improvement
delivery of our services through our Performance Improvement Plan. On objectives for the year. It outlines
30 June each year, Council publishes a new plan, which sets out how we what we hope to achieve, how we
will deliver improvement in at least one of the seven improvement areas, plan to do it and how our citizens
as stipulated in the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014: will be better off as a result.
Our improvement objectives are developed It also looks back at previous objectives
through a process of collaboration, that were not fully completed, and provides
engagement and research. The development updates on the progress made with them.
process commences in the autumn, with a Progress update reports were scrutinised
series of workshops with senior managers by the Audit & Scrutiny Committee on a
Strategic Service Service Efficiency
and Elected Members from across Council. quarterly basis.
effectiveness quality availability
The Performance Improvement Plan for The year-end progress report was scrutinised
2019/20 was developed alongside the on 18 August 2020, and can be viewed at:
new Corporate Plan 2019-2023 which was www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/PIP
launched in July 2019. Further details of the
Corporate Plan are provided in section 4.
Section 3 of this Self-Assessment Report
Fairness Sustainability Innovation details our specific improvement objectives
for the year 2019/20, and the progress made
against these.
8| Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk |9
COVID-19 Response and £100,000
Awarded through the
2,500
DfC Food
Arrangements
Community Support Grant Scheme Parcels Delivered
Supported Businesses Engaged
deliveries for 8 and Supported
by the Economic
In March 2020, a global pandemic was declared and the UK Government
local shops 1,300+ Development Team
announced measures to tackle the COVID-19 virus. This included the closure
of all non-essential businesses and restriction on movement to enforce social
157+ 2,356+ 400
distancing, reducing the spread of the virus. Additional Businesses signed
Elected Member
Support Requests Facebook onto the
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Council has worked extensively with local
invoked its Emergency Plan in response to the communities to provide support to those Followers BuySupplyNI Portal
pandemic. A number of services were closed, most in need. The Community Support Grant
for example, leisure centres and parks, in order
to protect the public and staff.
Scheme was launched to provide financial
support to projects that have aimed to 200+ 40,000+ 18,500+
Many services continued to assist those more vulnerable. Council has Harbour Visits to the
#MEAStars
operate as normal and introduced innovative services during the Inspections Council website
some vital new services lockdown period. For example, Council Engagement
Completed
were introduced to used an emergency community Figure
meet the needs of funding stream to enable the
residents, at very short Members of the borough’s
notice. Dementia Friendly Choir to
stay connected virtually. Digital, Finance and Human Resources webinars 28
Council ensured
minimal disruption to
In other initiatives the
council has also
held with 94 local businesses attending Virtual
Physical
many services, for example, started creating
Activity Videos
587+
Waste Services, Planning & virtual museum
Building Control services
and many more. Additionally,
visits.
Virtual Business
2,926 £ 117+
we established a Council Council has had Mentoring Hours Supplier Invoices
Remote Call Centre to provide to be flexible and
Planning
Delivered Processed and Paid Applications
residents and business owners this emergency
with advice and support. We situation has Decided
also expanded our business
support programmes to support
impacted on the
delivery of some 235 100% Priority One
local businesses during the crisis. of our Performance Virtual Building
Improvement Plan Animal Welfare Cases
Work Inspections Responded to
Council increased its communication activities objectives for 2019/20.
to residents, businesses, partners and other However, we are confident that all
relevant stakeholders during this time. MEA improvement objectives will be fully delivered
Stars was introduced to recognise the work of
individuals, groups and businesses who had
once normal business resumes.
99 3,164
supported local community organisations, Further detail on some of the services that Kerbie
Property Searches Completed
charities and the NHS to provide much needed Council has delivered during the early weeks Boxes
support during the crisis. of the pandemic can be found on the opposite and Responses Returned Delivered
page.
10 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 11
3.0 Assessment of 3.1.1 Year-end Performance Review for 2019/20 Summary
Performance 2019/20 Performance Improvement Plan 2019/20 Outcomes
19 outcomes were defined against the five improvement objectives. 18 of
these were due for completion by March 2020. Of the outcomes due for
completion, Council achieved the following results:
78% of outcomes achieved (14 of 18).
3.1 Performance Improvement Objectives 2019/20 22% delayed but progressing (4 of 18).
During 2019/20, the percentage will be fully implemented once
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council identified improvement of outcomes achieved was 78%, normal business resumes.
objectives within the following six areas as the focus of the compared to 81% in 2018/19.
There were no outcomes flagged The other outcome that is
Performance Improvement Plan for 2019/20: as red this year again. delayed relates to the restoration
of targeted properties in
3 of the 4 delayed outcomes Carrickfergus. 3 letters of offer
relate to the ‘Improve customer of funding have been issued
engagement and service versus a target of 4. The principal
delivery by enhancing our use funder, National Lottery Heritage
of information technology’ Fund, has offered flexibility over a
Strategic Service Service Efficiency Sustainability Innovation objective. There has been a delay proposed new grant expiry date
effectiveness availability Quality in the implementation of 3 out of March 2022 and beyond, as a
of 5 of the Digital Transformation result of the uncertainty around
projects, as a result of the the impact of COVID-19.
The plan was based on the strategic A series of outcomes and indicators were COVID-19 pandemic. These
priorities agreed by Council in the current developed to support the monitoring
Corporate Plan 2019-2023. and reporting of performance. These are
outlined within Project Initiation Documents
Five improvement objectives were identified (PIDs) for each objective, and progress is Performance Improvement Plan 2019/20 Indicators
for 2019/20: reported on a quarterly basis.
1. Grow the economy and create jobs
Of the 17 key performance indicators defined within the five
within Mid and East Antrim Borough. Further detail can be found on Council’s
2. Support the communities within website at objectives, 13 of these were due for completion by March 2020. Of the
the historic conservation area of www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/PIP indicators due for completion, Council achieved the following results:
Carrickfergus, contributing to the
sustainability of the local economy. 77% of outcomes achieved (10 of 13)
3. Improve the quality of life and economic
prosperity in local villages.
15% delayed but progressing (2 of 13).
4. Encourage people to value our natural 8% were not achieved (1 of 13).
environment.
The indicators that are delayed The indicator where the target
5. Improve customer engagement and
but progressing relate to the was not achieved relates to the
service delivery by enhancing our use of
Carrickfergus Townscape statutory Planning performance
information technology.
Heritage Initiative and the Digital indicator ‘The average processing
Transformation projects, as time of major planning
discussed above. applications’. This is discussed
further on page 30.
12 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 13
Grow the economy Our aim What we’ve delivered
and create jobs
Create jobs and deliver an effective and efficient Planning Service.
Council continues to successfully deliver the ‘Go
for It Programme’, with 122 jobs promoted and 199
The promotion of new jobs in the
within Mid and East Antrim Borough
business plans created during the 2019/20 period.
borough by successfully delivering the
Of the 11 councils, Mid and East Antrim Borough
‘Go for It’ Programme.
Council is ranked top for the percentage of jobs
created versus their statutory jobs target.
Progress is continuing with our Integrated
Property Programme to create grade A office
accommodation that will encourage start-ups,
The tables that follow The growth of new industry sectors by
allow our local indigenous businesses to grow and
attract new investment.
provide more detail on the being a Centre of Excellence for start-ups,
spin-outs and social-economy businesses
progress made against each within the Ecos Innovation Centre.
Plans for an extension of the Ecos facility to support
a 50-person grade A office space are well underway
objective during the period with the focus on professional services companies
April 2019 – March 2020. in the Fintech and Digital sectors who are rethinking
their business models post COVID-19.
The outcomes are analysed
Outcomes
using R/A/G status updates: Due to a number of complicated applications, with
a large number of consultees, Council have not
met the target set for the processing time of major
Green | On track / completed / planning applications for 2019/20.
progressing as planned
However, we remain well above target, and indeed
Amber | Progressing but delayed a top performing Council, for both the processing
Delivery of an effective and efficient
Red | Not progressing / stopped Planning Service to maximise economic
of local planning applications and enforcement
Grey | Not due yet conclusion times.
development.
The Local Development Plan continues to progress.
The ‘Draft Plan Strategy’ was published in September
2019. The public consultation finished in December
2019 with 200 responses received. 80 counter
representations were completed by the end of
March.
85 jobs promoted through the ‘Go for It’ 122 jobs promoted through the ‘Go For It’
Programme by March 2020. Programme.
125 knowledge-economy jobs created in 123 knowledge-economy jobs created in Ecos
Ecos Innovation Centre by March 2022. Innovation Centre.
£87,230 in rental income from Ecos
Target met for rental income for 2019/20.
Innovation Centre by March 2020.
Major Planning applications processed within
42.4 weeks
an average of 30 weeks by March 2020.
Indicators
Local Planning applications processed within
7.6 weeks
an average of 15 weeks by March 2020.
70% of planning enforcement cases concluded
89%
within 39 weeks by March 2020.
Director of Development.
Who is
responsible?
14 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 15
Carrickfergus Townscape Our aim What we’ve delivered
Heritage Initiative Offer grant assistance to support the structural repair, refurbishment and re-use of properties within the
Carrickfergus conservation area.
Support the communities within The Dobbins Inn is complete. Kelly’s Coal Office has been handed over to
a tenant and is complete, subject to the defects period.
the historic conservation area of Approximately 10 buildings
One new project, the Warrant Officer’s House and Guard Room was
awarded a Letter of Offer on 30 January 2020. Construction work
began on site in early March 2020 and continued until the site closed
Carrickfergus, contributing to the
of historical and architectural on 24 March, due to restrictions introduced as a result of the COVID-19
interest restored, through grant pandemic.
assistance, by July 2021.
sustainability of the local economy
Three further funding applications were submitted to the THI in July 2020.
The principal funder, National Lottery Heritage Fund, has offered flexibility
over a proposed new grant expiry date of March 2022 and beyond, as a
result of the uncertainty around the impact of COVID-19.
The Education Programme continues to exceed targets. From April 2019
to March 2020 inclusive, there were 40 events/initiatives with 1,202
participants. Specifically in the last 3 months of 2019/20, 5 events were held
Outcomes involving 188 participants plus an exhibition entitled ‘Women in Carrickfergus
Gaol’. Additional activities include:
The local community will have • The built heritage publication, ‘Carrickfergus Through the Centuries:
a better understanding of built A Walk through the Historic Town and Harbour’ was published in May
heritage. 2020.
• A Digitisation Project of Carrickfergus Town Records 1600s - 1800s
has progressed with the appointment in July of Queen’s University
to carry out the digitisation of this rare document in the collection of
Carrickfergus Museum. The project will create on-line historic building
resource for those interested in researching building and family history.
Approximately 6-10 construction jobs were supported for the duration
Increased inward investment of the Kelly’s Coal and Dobbins Inn schemes, with one full-time and one
and local employment part-time job expected on completion of each. The numbers of jobs
opportunities related both created on completion of projects will be evaluated at programme close.
directly and indirectly to
heritage and tourism growth. A further 6-10 construction jobs are estimated to be supported during the
conservation of the Warrant Officer’s House and Guard Room.
Four new grants awarded by One further grant was awarded on 30 January 2020. A total of 3 projects
March 2020. have been funded by the THI programme.
Education Programme From April 2019 to March 2020 inclusive, there were 40 events/initiatives
completed by December 2020. *1 with 1,202 participants.
Increase town centre footfall Footfall counters in place, performance will be evaluated at the end of the
by July 2021. *2 project.
One previously vacant property, Kelly’s Coal Offices, brought back into
office/retail use.
Lower levels of town centre
Indicators The recently awarded project, the Warrant Officers House, will create new
vacancy by July 21. *2
exhibition and office accommodation. Further projects currently under
development will create residential and retail accommodation. This will be
evaluated at the end of the project.
Increased floor space for retail,
Kelly’s Coal Office has brought back into use 114 m2 of floorspace. An
commercial or residential use
evaluation will take place at the end of the project.
by July 2021. *2
Director of Development.
Who is
responsible?
16 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 | 17
*1 The Education Programme will be delivered up to December 2020 rather than March 2020, as previously published
in the Performance Improvement Plan 2019/20.
*2 A full evaluation will take place at the end of the project and will inform future town centre regeneration initiatives.
Improve the quality of life Our aim What we’ve delivered
& economic prosperity Priority infrastructure projects delivered in five villages within Mid and East Antrim Borough. The
programme is funded by Council and DAERA with support from the European Agricultural Fund for
Rural Development.
in local villages The new look Diamond area in Ahoghill includes a new
Redesigned Diamond area in clock, seating, paving, planting and ornamental railings. It is
Ahoghill by May 2019. hoped this will prove popular with both visitors and locals as
a meeting space and be a valuable asset to the community.
Broughshane Play Park benefited from a £150,000 makeover
and provided equipment to make it as accessible as possible,
Enhanced children’s play area in
including a wheelchair roundabout, 30-metre cableway,
Broughshane by May 2019.
inclusive swing seat, standing pendulum swing, cradle nest,
four-person see-saw and a chain path.
The new MUGA pitch in Clough will encourage more people
New small community multi-use
to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits that sport can bring.
Outcomes games area (MUGA) in Clough by
The pitch measures 25 metres by 15 metres and has been
June 2019.
enclosed with steel fencing.
New floodlit multi-use games
The new floodlit multi-use games area (MUGA) in Ballycarry
area (MUGA) in Ballycarry by June
was completed in July 2019.
2019.
Enhanced Whitehead Coastal
The coastal promenade in Whitehead completed ahead of
Park / Promenade by October
schedule in September 2019.
2019.
Five projects delivered by March
All five projects are successfully completed.
2020.
Indicators
Director of Community.
Who is
responsible?
18 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 19Encourage people to value Our aim What we’ve delivered
our natural environment Continue to encourage responsible dog ownership through the Green Dog Walkers scheme.*3
Responsible dog ownership Following the successful and continued roll-out of the Green Dog
through increased participation Walkers marketing and promotional campaign, pledge numbers
and support of the Green Dog have surged by 100%, reaching 1,022 pledges by April 2020 from
Walkers Scheme. a baseline of 512 in April 2019.
The campaign continues to have a positive influence on dog
fouling in the borough. Campaign activities have included:
• Joint events and PR with the Dogs Trust.
A marketing and promotional • Launch of the Reportable App.
campaign to challenge • Circulation of information posters to external organisations
attitudes and change such as vets and dog groomers, and internally to key
behaviours. departments, such as Parks and Waste.
Outcomes • Name the dog competition – 226 different names suggested
by residents/staff.
• Numerous press releases distributed to local newspapers.
Dog foul on our streets has reduced by 50% according to
the Keeping Northern Ireland Beautiful (KNIB) survey (July -
September 2019). Of 100 streets, dog foul was noted on 5,
A cleaner borough.
compared to 11 streets in the previous period. Substantiated dog
foul complaints received by Council also continues to fall as
detailed below.
At least 500 active Green Dog
1,022 Green Dog Walker pledges are currently active.
Walker Pledges by March 2020.
A 10% reduction in the number
43% decrease - 111 complaints were received in 2019/20
of dog fouling complaints by
compared to 195 complaints in 2018/19.
March 2020.
At least two community 8 community groups are committed to taking action. 7 of these
organisation committed to groups are now active with the 8th expected to become active
taking action. during 2020/21.
Indicators
The first survey was issued in July 2019 in the summer edition of
‘Connections’, our residents’ magazine and 40 responses were
A reduction in the number
received. An internal survey was distributed to Council staff in
of residents perceiving dog
autumn 2019 and circulated again in January 2020; these surveys
fouling to be an issue in our
received 34 responses. Existing pledge holders were scheduled to
local areas.
be contacted in July 2020; however, it is expected this survey will
be delayed due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Director of Community.
Who is
responsible?
*3 The Green Dog Walkers Scheme is an innovative approach to dog fouling. Responsible dog
owners and dog walkers support the scheme by signing a pledge to clean up after their pets,
and to encourage other owners to do the same by giving them bags.
20 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 21Improve customer Our aim What we’ve delivered
engagement & Deliver our agreed Digital Transformation Strategy.
service delivery A Customer Complaints & Contact system.
This project is currently on hold until we review a
module that has become available within the new
Financial Management System that may provide a
suitable solution.
by enhancing our use of The booking system is now operational for the
process of issuing invoices and account paperwork.
The system will be further enhanced to include the
information technology completion of site maps and introduction of online
inventory and fault reporting.
A Marina Booking system. Payments made at Carrickfergus Marina are currently
being processed using the previous system as staff
have not yet received the relevant training,as a result
of the closure of the marinas due to the COVID-19
pandemic. This training will be completed as soon
as practicably possible to remove any duplication of
processing.
This project has been completed and the text alert
Outcomes system is now fully operational. The first batch of
A Citizen Text Alert / Reminder system. texts was sent in March 2020 and to date there
have been 150 texts sent to registered Dog Licence
owners with renewal reminders.
The contract was awarded, however, there have
been a number of operational issues identified which
have stalled the system becoming fully operational;
for example, streamlining the individual processes
Online Building Control Certificates.
into one overall process. The pandemic has resulted
in a delay in the resolution of these issues. It is
expected that the issues will be resolved with the
contractor as soon as is practicable in 2020/21.
All hardware has been purchased; however,
installation has been paused due to building closures
Additional Wi-Fi points.
as a result of COVID-19. Once normal business
resumes, the additional wifi points will be installed.
All projects are well progressed. COVID-19 has
A minimum of five digital projects completed disrupted the final implementation of a number of
by March 2020. projects. All projects will be fully implemented when
normal business resumes.
Indicators
Director of Support Services.
Who is
responsible?
22 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 233.1.2 Review of outstanding Objective Outcome Status
actions from previous years’ 2016/17
Improvement Objectives A consistent and fair Leisure
Service Pricing Policy which Leisure Services Pricing
The table opposite provides an update on previous promotes access to leisure Policy for Council Revised Leisure Pricing Policy implemented
improvement objectives that were not carried forward which will be used to from April 2020.
services across the borough.
cost charges and fees.
to the subsequent years’ plans. Some were not fully
completed in the financial years in which they related.
The objectives have now been completed. High level of customer
satisfaction based on Full ISO14001:2015
Full accreditation was achieved in February
standards which are well accreditation across the
2020.
communicated to both service whole organisation.
users and staff.
2017/18
To achieve a culture of high
performance which will
support the provision of first- The Personal Development Planning
process is a key element within our
class front-line services, which
The ACHIEVE Project. Performance Management Framework and
make a positive impact on is now embedded within our operational
the quality of life for all our management systems.
citizens.
2018/19
Our older people are active, Extend the Dementia
respected and supported in Friendly programme This project has successfully completed.
their community into the Carrickfergus Key achievements included the training of
area of the Borough 19 Dementia Champions, 215 Dementia
and expand it into friends and 21 businesses throughout the
broader, Age Friendly year.
programmes.
2019/20
Improve quality of life and Priority infrastructure
economic prosperity in local projects delivered in
villages five villages within All five projects are now complete.
Mid and East Antrim
Borough
24 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 253.2 Statutory
Performance Indicators
The Local Government (Performance Indicators and Standards) Order Performance is analysed using R/A/G status
(Northern Ireland) 2015 sets out statutory performance indicators
and standards for Councils. Standards are set for each Council within
Northern Ireland. For 2019/20, these were set in the functional areas Status Trend
of Economic Development, Planning and Waste Management.
On track and Performance has improved
progressing as planned since the previous year
The information is currently collated by the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s
Department for the Economy, Department 2019/20 performance against these indicators Progressing but may Performance is similar to
for Infrastructure and Department for is outlined in the tables which follow. be delayed the previous year
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
(DAERA) respectively and published on Not progressing/ Performance has declined
their websites. Once released to Council, stopped /not achieved significantly since the
this information is published for citizens previous year
and other stakeholders to assess Council’s
performance in these areas.
26 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 273.2.1 Economic Development
2018/19 2019/20
Ref Statutory Indicator Standard Year- Year- Ranking % over Status Trend
end result end against target
result other No of jobs promoted through business start-up activity
councils
ED1 The number of jobs
300
promoted through 85 124 122 1st 44%
Jobs created
business start-up activity 200
100
85
148 193 140 124 122 Target
0
15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 Achieved
We have exceeded the Business Start-up job promotion target
every year since 2015/16 as outlined in the opposite diagram.
This trend has continued into 2019/20 where despite a slightly
lower result than last year, we were still 44% over target.
Council has consistently been one of the A suite of business support programmes Jobs promoted by Councils 2019/20 (actual vs. target)
top performers across the region. The has been developed under Amplify, the
chart opposite highlights the year-end integrated economic strategy for the
performance for the Northern Ireland borough. The programmes encourage 350
Business Start Up Programme for each entrepreneurship, provide guidance at the
council during the period April 2019 – pre-enterprise stage and raise awareness of 300
March 2020. the support in place through the NI Business 250
Number of Jobs
Support Programme. Council officers are
• 199 business plans were completed and working very closely with Enterprise NI and 200
122 jobs promoted against a statutory local delivery agencies to ensure that job
target of 85 jobs per annum. targets and business start numbers continue 150
• Council is in first position in Northern to grow and exceed the statutory target,
Ireland for percentage over-achievement building a dynamic small business base in 100
of the jobs target having held second the borough. 50
position last year.
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an
id
N
n
M
ay
ds
rid
D
ur
M
rm
&
w
ry
Ar
nb
sb
im
se
ew
Fe
Li
Ba
au
tr
N
An
C
h,
ag
m
Ar
Target Jobs Created in year
28 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 293.2.2 Planning
2018/19 2019/20
Ref Statutory Standard Year- Year- NI Ranking Status Trend
Indicator end result end result average against
other Average processing time of major planning applications
councils
P1 The average
30 80
processing time 52.8
weeks 43.2 weeks 42.4 weeks 4th
of major planning weeks 60
applications.
Weeks
40
P2 The average 30
15
processing time 14 20
weeks 7.8 weeks 7.6 weeks 1st
of local planning weeks 36.8 67.9 29 43.2 42.4
0 Target
applications.
P3 The percentage
15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 Achieved
of enforcement
70% 88.2% 89% 81.4% 4th
cases processed
within 39 weeks.
P1: The average processing time of major planning applications Average processing time of major planning applications by Council
The statutory target set for each council for regeneration of St Patricks Barracks which Antrim & Newtownabbey
processing major development planning impacted on processing times during the
applications (from the date valid to decision year. Pre-application discussions are being Ards & North Down
issued or withdrawal date) is an average of 30 actively encouraged to reduce the processing Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon
weeks. time of major applications.
Belfast
In 2015/16 and 2016/17, a number of legacy The average processing time for major
Causeway Coast & Glens
issues meant that the 30 week target was applications was 52.8 weeks across all
not achieved. Council did meet the target in councils in 2019/20, an improvement on the Derry City & Strabane
2017/18 but some complicated applications previous year’s 59 weeks but still significantly
Fermanagh & Omagh
received thereafter have resulted in an slower than the statutory target. Only 2 NI
average processing time of over 40 weeks in Councils processed their major applications Lisburn & Castlereagh
the last 2 years. under the 30 weeks.
Mid & East Antrim
The result for Mid and East Antrim during Our comparative performance with other Mid Ulster
2019/20 was 42.4 weeks, a slight reduction NI Councils is outlined in the chart opposite
Newry, Mourne & Down
from the 2018/19 result of 43.2 weeks. Three which is published by the Department for
complex applications were approved for the Infrastructure. 0 50 100 150 200
30 wks
Weeks
2018/19 2019/20
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/
planning-activity-statistics
30 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 31P2: The average processing time Average processing time of local planning applications by Council
of local planning applications
Antrim & Newtownabbey
Ards & North Down
In each of the past five years, we 20
have outperformed the target set for Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon
15 15
processing times for local planning Belfast
Weeks
applications of 15 weeks. 10
Causeway Coast & Glens
5
Since 2015/16, the average processing Derry City & Strabane
14.2 9 9.6 7.8 7.6
time for local applications has almost 0 Fermanagh & Omagh
halved from 14.2 weeks to 7.6 weeks. 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20
Lisburn & Castlereagh
Mid and East Antrim have consistently
been a top performer for this indicator Mid & East Antrim
and is ranked as the best performing Mid Ulster
council in 2019/20. Target
Newry, Mourne & Down
Achieved
In 2019/20, 7 Northern Ireland Councils 0 5 10 15 20 25
met the statutory target as Weeks 15 wks
outlined in the chart opposite, published https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/ 2018/19 2019/20
by the Department for Infrastructure. articles/planning-activity-statistics
The NI average was 14 weeks.
The percentage of enforcement cases processed within 39 weeks
P3: The percentage of enforcement
by Council
cases processed within 39 weeks
Antrim & Newtownabbey
Ards & North Down
Performance remained well above 100
the 70% target in 2019/20 at 89%. Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon
80
Performance has been relatively 70 Belfast
Percentage
consistent and above target over the 60
Causeway Coast & Glens
five-year period from 2015-2020.
40
Derry City & Strabane
Across councils, 81.4% of enforcement 20
Fermanagh & Omagh
cases were concluded within 39 weeks 85.9 88.1 86 88.2 89
0
during 2019/20. This is similar to the 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20
Lisburn & Castlereagh
rate reported for the previous financial Mid & East Antrim
year (81.0%). Individually, ten of the 11
councils met the target in 2019/20 as Mid Ulster
outlined in the chart opposite which Newry, Mourne & Down
is published by the Department for Target
Infrastructure. Mid and East Antrim Achieved 0 20 40 60 30 wks 80 100
placed 4th against other Councils. Percentage 2018/19 2019/20
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/
32 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 articles/planning-activity-statistics www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 333.2.3 Waste W1: Percentage of household waste collected by Council that is
sent for recycling (including waste prepared for reuse) *4
2018/19 2019/20
Ref Statutory Standard Year- NI Year- Ranking Status Trend
The 2019/20 figures for the three year. Campaigns rolled out during 2019/20
Indicator end average end result against
indicators for Waste Management are included bespoke communications on
result other
councils to date not audited and confirmed by reducing and recycling plastic waste
the NIEA (Northern Ireland Environment and on recycling household food waste.
W1 The percentage of Agency). However, on the basis of the Council also obtained bathroom recycling
household waste draft year-end figures, Mid and East bags for MEA householders, encouraging
50% by
collected by councils 52.4%*5 49.80% 51.4%*4 7th Antrim Borough Council is placed 7th them to recycle what can be ‘missed
2020
that is sent for recycling amongst Councils in Northern Ireland in capture’ from household bathrooms.
relation to the percentage of household
W2 The amount of waste sent for recycling. Council were Council are currently reviewing new
biodegradable Local 16,387 13,684 placed 4th at the end of 2018/19. Over initiatives for 2020/21. Council’s
14,444*5
Authority Collected tonnes N/A tonnes*4 N/a the past three years, we have exceeded Household Recycling Centres recycled
tonnes
Municipal Waste that is (2019/20)
the 50% household recycling target and just over 70% of the 14,800 tonnes that
landfilled
for 2019/20 the recycling rate was 51.4%, went through the sites during 2019/20.
W3 The amount (tonnage) a slight decrease of 1% from the previous
of Local Authority 73,797
No 73,032*5
Collected Municipal N/A tonnes*4 N/a
standard tonnes
Waste arisings
W1: Percentage of household waste collected by Council that is sent 60
50
Percentage
for recycling (including waste prepared for reuse) *4*5 40
60
20
42.9 45.3 52.8 52.4 51.4
50 0 Target
15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20
Percentage
40 Achieved
30
20 Notes
*4 The final Waste figures for 2019/20 will be audited and publicly released by NIEA on 1st December 2020. They can be
10 used as a strong indicator of performance and are unlikely to change, but cannot be published anywhere in advance
of their release by NIEA.
0 *5 2018-19 figures amended slightly from figures reported previously following verification by NIEA.
Derry &
Strabane
Belfast
Fermanagh
& Omagh
Antrim &
Newtownabbey
Armagh,
Banbridge
& Craigavon
Causeway
Coast & Glens
Lisburn &
Castlereagh
Newry
Mourne
& Down
Ards &
North Down
Mid & East
Antrim
Mid Ulster
2018/19 2019/20 Target
34 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 35W2: The amount of biodegradable Local Authority Collected W3: The amount of Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste
Municipal waste that is landfilled (tonnage) *4 arisings (tonnage) *4
In each of the last five years, Council has collected less than the allowance The amount of collected municipal The slight increase in waste arisings
set by the Northern Ireland Landfill Allowance Scheme (NILAS). In 2019/20, waste arisings during 2019/20 was 73,797 without a corresponding increase in
Council achieved a 5.3% decrease in the amount of biodegradable waste that tonnes, which is a slight increase (1%) from recycling has resulted in a slight decrease
landfilled compared to the previous year and used 83.5% of our allocated 73,032 tonnes for 2018/19. overall in recycling rates.
landfill allowance.
No statutory target is set for this indicator.
22,000
18,000
76,000
Tonnes
12,000
75,000
19,009
13,684
14,444
19,563
16,387
20,115
18,515
14,221
19,161
17,451
6,000
74,000
Tonnes
0
15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 73,000
72,404
73,032
75,188
75,541
73,797
Target 72,000
Achieved 71,000
15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 Target
Achieved
Summary
Council remains well within target in all the Waste Performance indicators. Some
65,500 bins are collected each week from households in the Borough. A recent
customer survey showed that 91.7% of residents are satisfied with Household
Recycling Centres and 77.2% are satisfied with the kerbside collection service.
36 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 373.3 Self-Imposed
Performance Indicators
In addition to the seven statutory indicators in section 3.2, Mid and East 3.3.2 Self-imposed performance indicators 2019/20
Antrim Borough Council measured its performance using a range of
self-imposed indicators in 2019/20, as discussed below. Of the 20 self-imposed performance indicators:
3.3.1 Corporate Plan 2019-2023 16 (80%) indicators showed performance was
achieved/on track;
A new Corporate Plan was launched in July P e r f o rm in g Co u n ci
High l
2019 to guide Council for the 2019-2023
period. The Plan was developed following Our
Environment
3 (15%) indicators showed that performance was
extensive consultation. It aligns with the
£
delayed but progressing;
Borough’s Community Plan and seeks to
Hi
ci l
gh
un
achieve our vision of “Mid and East Antrim
Pe
Co
1 (5%) indicator was not due at the time of
r fo
in g
will be a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive Sustainable
rm i
o rm
Jobs & Tourism
reporting.
n g Co
community where people work together to
Hi gh Pe r f
Mid and
East Antrim will be a
improve the quality of life for all”.
un cil
strong, vibrant, safe Community Safety
& inclusive community, & Cohesion
where people work
together to improve
As the diagram illustrates, the Plan is based quality of life
upon six strategic themes:
for all.
The 3 performance indicators showing amber relate to:
1. Sustainable Jobs and Tourism; Good Health
& Wellbeing 1. Visitors at strategic tourist attractions – do not cover everything that the Council has
2. Our Environment;
performance was 92,026 visitors versus a delivered, but highlight a selection of the
Hi
l
3. Community Safety and Cohesion;
ci
Learning
gh
n
target of 100,000 for 2019/20. See page significant actions.
ou
P
for Life er
4. Learning for Life;
C fo
g rm
in
or
m in
41 for more details.
5. Good Health and Wellbeing; and,
gC
erf ou
hP n ci
Hi g l
6. High Performing Council. The following R/A/G status was used
2. Percentage of people with a sense of to analyse progress with the Corporate
Five of these themes are consistent with those in to Council in December 2019 and August 2020. belonging to their area – the most recent Objectives and Corporate Indicators.
the Community Plan. The ‘Progress in Education’ These can be viewed on our website: performance recorded was 88.7% during
theme from the Community Plan was adjusted to www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/corporateplan 2016-18 which was a minor drop on the
‘Learning for Life’ to better reflect our contribution 89.2% recorded in the previous period
to education. Another theme of ‘High Performing To ensure full delivery of the Corporate Plan, (2015-17). See page 45 for more details. On track and progressing
Council’ has been wrapped around the outside to 25 corporate objectives have been developed as planned
show that everything we do will help us achieve that underpin the six strategic themes. As well as 3. Number of days per employee spent on
our outcomes and, ultimately, the vision for the the statutory indicators discussed in section 3.2, training - on average, a total of 8.5 days Progressing but may
Borough. we use a suite of 20 self-imposed indicators to were spent on training versus a target of be delayed
ensure that progress is continually monitored and 9 days. See page 47 for further details.
The Chief Executive works with Elected Members measured and that appropriate action is taken on Not progressing / stopped
to continue towards fulfilling the vision for the a timely basis. The tables that follow illustrate some of / not achieved
Borough through the delivery of the Corporate the key actions that have been progressed,
Plan. Members are provided with an opportunity The next section demonstrates how we have as well as progress against the Corporate Target not yet defined /
to review progress on a six-monthly basis. performed against our corporate objectives and Performance Indicators. The achievements data not yet available
Corporate Plan progress reports were brought our self-imposed indicators during 2019/20.
38 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 39Sustainable Key Performance
Jobs & Tourism Indicators
Objectives: Number of businesses
What we will do by 2023 engaged across business
support programmes
1. Grow, support and sustain new and existing
businesses through council and other initiatives. We have engaged with 372 businesses 372 businesses engaged
2. Position MEA as a dynamic, outward-looking region between April 2019 and March 2020. under our Amplify strategy
which welcomes and supports inward investment.
3. Enable entrepreneurs to deliver economic growth This includes participants on our Amplify Business Escalator, NIBSUP, Exploring Enterprise,
through partnership and other supports. Stride, Jobmatch, Verve, Kickstart, Yes you Can, Enterprising Women and Inspiring
Communities programmes.
4. Attract more visitors to stay longer and spend more
through the delivery of our tourism strategy.
5. Create a compelling tourism and economic
proposition by developing and investing in our
unique heritage and assets. Number of jobs Target Achieved
promoted through 300
Jobs created
business start-up activity 200
Key achievements
We promoted 122 jobs through the 100 85
148 193 140 124 122
• In response to the announcement response to the Invitation to Tender the borough and enabling them to Business Start Up programme between 0
on the 25th September that was submitted on 25 January 2020. test trade their products in two high
Wrightbus had entered into Heathrow are currently reviewing street locations within Carrickfergus
April 2019 and March 2020. 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20
administration, Council immediately the tender documents and will and Larne.
activated its Rapid Redundancy continue to assess the merits of the
• Council hosted a successful,
Response Programme. It initiated proposed sites. Council are waiting
inspirational employer breakfast This is 44% more than the statutory target of 85. Council was the top Council in Northern
a Northern Ireland-wide campaign for a response from Heathrow.
along with central government and
on Thursday 16 February 2020 Ireland for overachievement against its jobs target.
• A wide range of activities is as part of the first Northern
business leaders from throughout
underway to realise the benefits Ireland Apprenticeship Week to
the region who rallied behind the
from City Deal funding and Council highlight the different types of
workers and their families to keep
is working towards submission apprenticeships available and the
the factory site open and save as
of Outline Business Cases. City benefits of having an apprentice Visitors at strategic
many jobs as possible.
• Council’s flagship Business
Deal funding will be invested in
Carrickfergus regeneration, works
to bring new skills and talent to
businesses.
tourist attractions
Escalator Programme mentored to further enhance the Gobbins
• Plans for an extension of the Ecos
166 businesses providing an and re-development of the St
facility to support a 50-person
This indicator counts the number of
equivalent value of circa £107,500
of mentoring support. This support
Patrick’s Barracks Site in Ballymena
which includes development of
Grade A office space are well
underway with the focus on
visitors at The Gobbins, Carrickfergus
Castle, Arthur Cottage, Andrew Jackson
92,026
has secured £3.1 million worth of
sales/contracts for participating
an Innovation Centre – i4C, the
Integrated Industrial Inspiration and
professional services companies in
Cottage and US Rangers Museum.
ticket sales
the Fintech and Digital sectors who
businesses and supported at least Innovation Campus.
are rethinking their business models
2 businesses growth expansion
• 13 rural businesses received some post COVID-19.
relocating to larger premises.
£344k of funding under the DAERA
We recorded 92,026 visitors between April 2019 and March 2020. This was slightly below the
• Council successfully secured 100,000 target for the year, as Carrickfergus Castle Keep was closed for works. This resulted in
• Council is partnering within the Rural Business Investment Scheme.
£50,000 additional marketing
consortium led by the Graham
• Council launched the pop-up shop spend from the Department For reduced visitor numbers and educational visits during the year.
Group as one of 18 tenderers invited
project in November coinciding Communities to enhance its
to final stage bidding to secure
with Global Entrepreneurship existing integrated festive “Find your
one of the 4 proposed Heathrow
week. The project involved Christmas” marketing campaign.
Expansion Logistics Hubs. A
engaging with entrepreneurs across
40 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 41Our Key Performance
Environment Indicators
Objectives: Major awards secured
What we will do by 2023 and maintained
1. Deliver high quality places where people want to In 2019/20 we are monitoring the achievement
live, work and invest, using the Local Development of the following environmental awards: ISO 14001;
Plan, regeneration and excellence in leadership. Green Flags; Britain in Bloom; NI environmental 14/14
2. Improve and sustainably manage our environment, benchmarking; and Seaside Awards.
protecting it for future generations.
2019/20 was a successful year for Mid and East Antrim in securing and maintaining
3. Encourage people to value our natural environment awards. Council obtained certification to the International Environment Standard
and built heritage, by enhancing responsible access 2015:ISO 14001 for the entire organisation. Cullybackey secured a gold award from
to it and promoting the benefits it offers for our Britain in Bloom 2019 and Council retained its Platinum status in the Northern
health and wellbeing. Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey. We also achieved 8 Green Flags for
4. Lead by example and reduce the impact of council our local parks and retained 3 Seaside Awards
services on the environment.
Key achievements Level of external investment secured £
per annum for regeneration projects
• Council achieved accreditation Best ‘Small City / Large Town’ award other owners to do the same. The
to IS0 14001:2015 International and were progressing to the Britain Scheme has been very successful
£560,000 of funding was secured from the
Environmental Management
Standard across all services in
in Bloom competition before the
COVID-19 pandemic curtailed the
this year with 1,022 pledges to date,
well over the 500 target. There has Department for Communities for public realm £560,000
February 2020. This ensures that competition. Cullybackey won a gold been a marked 43% decrease in dog works in Greenvale Street, Ballymena. investment
Council reduces the impact of award from Britain in Bloom 2019 foul complaints with 111 recorded in
its services on the environment and Ahoghill received ‘Best of the 2019/20 versus 195 in the previous
and improves its environmental Best’ at the Best Kept Awards 2019 in year.
performance year on year. 2019/20 the ‘Best Kept Large Village’ category. • In total, 7 villages in the borough
statistics show that our carbon • Millions of wildflower seeds have received over £515,000 of Rural
footprint has shrunk by 10%, use
of fleet fuel dropped by 6% and
been sown at 12 sites across the Development Programme funding ‘Keep Northern Ireland
Borough. This is not only great news to complete their village projects.
our paper consumption fell by 7% for nature, it also reduces Council’s Projects included a new village Beautiful’ Cleanliness Index
compared to the previous year. maintenance requirements. clock, enhancement of child’s play
• MEA4Trees launched during National • area, floating jetties, outdoor fitness
Council currently uses 650 litres of Scores closer to 100 indicate better
Tree Week in December 2019, and
running until 2025, promotes the
herbicide per annum. Our Parks team
are on track to reduce our chemical
equipment, community garden, and
environmental enhancements. performance and 66% is the point at which 72% score
importance of trees. The ambitious usage across the borough over a • Council delivered 56 local clean-ups performance is considered acceptable. (70% 2018)
tree planting initiative engages local three-year period. Two machines across the borough with 954 bags of
communities to plant a tree for every have been purchased which remove rubbish collected.
household in the Borough over the moss and weeds from hardstanding •
next six years, that is 56,000 trees areas and this year we met our target
Work continues under the Council’s score is 72% for the July-September 2019 period, a 2% improvement
Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage
across Mid and East Antrim. The total reduction. We hope to achieve a 45% Initiative. The Dobbins Inn and Kelly’s
from 2018 for the same period and 4% better than the NI 2019 average.
number of trees planted so far is reduction overall by April 2023. Coal Office are complete and one
17,348, leaving 38,652 more trees to
The Green Dog Walkers Scheme
• more grant was awarded for the
be planted by 2025. Trees have been
is an innovative approach to dog Warrant Officer’s House and Guard
planted in many locations across the
fouling where responsible dog Room.
Borough including Glynn, Ahoghill
owners and dog walkers support the • Red squirrels were successfully
and Carnfunnock.
scheme by signing a pledge to clean reintroduced to Carnfunnock
• Ballymena won Ulster in Bloom’s up after their pets and to encourage Country Park and are doing well.
42 | Performance Self-Assessment Report 2019-2020 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 43You can also read
