12 PERFORMANCE REPORT OF THE CABINET MEMBER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT PDF 262 KB
Cyflwynwyd gan: Cllr. Dafydd Meurig
Additional documents:
Decision:
To accept
and note the information in the report.
Minutes:
The report
was submitted by Cllr Dafydd Meurig
DECISION
To accept and note the information in the report.
DISCUSSION
The report
was submitted noting that this was the Cabinet Member's first performance
report back as the portfolio leader in the field. It was explained that he was
happy on the whole with what he had seen at first glance. Attention was drawn
to the Climate Change Emergency Plan noting that the meetings had now restarted
and that they were looking at moving from planning to implementing. It was
noted that progress had been seen in many of the priorities.
In terms of
the department's performance, it was noted that it was very encouraging that
there had been an increase in the Planning Service's performance with the
average number of days taken to deal with planning applications reducing from
103 to 78. However, it was stressed that further work was needed to reach the
statutory timeframe of 56 working days. Another challenge was outlined
regarding the number of planning enforcement applications increasing, with 45
received during the first two months of this financial year. It was noted that
work was underway to deal with the applications.
It was
emphasised that good work was being undertaken by the Public Protection
service, with over 90% of the 2180 businesses in Gwynedd being given a food
hygiene score of between 3 and 5. In terms of the department's financial
situation, it was noted that it was fairly healthy with savings schemes on
track to be completed on time.
Observations
arising from the discussion
¾
It
was asked if the department would tackle the need to ensure active travel
routes across the county. It was explained that work was being carried out and
that the consultation was currently open, and everyone was encouraged to voice
their opinions in it.
¾
With
the Government's announcement regarding the change in speed limit down to 20
miles per hour in some locations, it was asked if the department had enough
staff to deal with the change. It was stressed that when it would come into
force, the timetable would be challenging and it was noted that a discussion
was currently ongoing with the Welsh Local Government Association regarding the
capacity needed and the need to ensuring adequate staffing. In terms of
staffing within the department, it was highlighted that staff with technical
expertise were needed in this department which could be challenging given the
linguistic requirements.
Awdur: Dafydd Wyn Williams