TRURO CITY COUNCIL

CITY OF TRURO

BEST VALUE

PERFORMANCE PLAN

2007 - 08

Municipal Buildings, Boscawen Street, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2NE

Enquiries: (01872) 274766 www.truro.gov.uk e-mail:info@truro.gov.uk

TRURO CITY COUNCIL

BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE PLAN

2007-2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
Executive Summary	3
Section 1
Introduction & Structure of the Council	4
Section 2
Corporate Objectives	5
Section 3
Service Provision & Performance Indicators	8
Tourist Information Centre	8 – 9
Allotments	10 –12
Play Equipment	12 - 14
Sports Pitches & Facilities	15 –16
Administration & Planning	16 – 17
Mayoral Engagements	18
Lemon Quay	18
Community Worker Project	19
Section 4
Project Update & Performance Monitoring	21
Section 5
Policy on Contract Letting	32

BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE PLAN REVIEW

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Council, under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1999, has a duty of “Best Value”. This duty requires the Council to deliver services to clear standards – covering both cost and quality – by the most economic, efficient and effective means available. In order to demonstrate compliance the Council is required to: -

· Review its Services

· Set and monitor a range of performance targets to measure improvements in performance; and

· Publish its targets, achievements and the outcomes of its service reviews annually.

This document covers the second and third requirement above. It builds upon the work in past years and taking into account the achievements and changing circumstances over the past year reviews the targets for current projects. In addition, by increasing the number of Performance Indicators complies with last years Audit recommendation.

The Council achieved “Quality Status” last year. This is an award demonstrating that the Council is effectively and properly managed and able to play a full role in joint working arrangements with other public bodies and take on additional services and responsibilities if so desired.

This is particularly important with the ongoing Government reviews of local government services and the Local Area Agreements initiative.

The Government has announced that “Best Value” will finish in the current year. We are uncertain as to its replacement and the obligations it will bring. The Council will continue to abide by the principles of Best Value and continue to prepare an annual document measuring its performance.

The Council also received a Partnership Award for Excellence in partnership working for the Community Worker project. This was awarded by the Cornwall Strategic Partnership. The Partnership stated that the Project has been recognised for distinction in collaborative working, innovation and creativity and has played a significant role in improving the quality of life of its community.

Last years plan identified seventeen priorities for the Council and Section 4 of the plan shows that Targets have been substantially met. Particular achievements to mention are the refurbishment of the TIC and the continuing high standards achieved by the Parks department.

Once again this years plan identifies seventeen targets and I would highlight those of particular importance as the maintenance of the Parks, the TIC operation in its refurbished accommodation, the development of the Hendra Project, and the successful continuance of partnership operations on Lemon Quay and the Community Worker Project.

The Council would be pleased to receive any comments you may have on this report. Contact details are on the front cover.

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION AND STRUCTURE OF THE COUNCIL

The Council is responsible for putting into place proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources, to ensure proper stewardship and governance, and to regularly review the adequacy and effectiveness of these arrangements. This Performance Plan summarises the Council’s assessments of its performance and position in relation to its statutory duty to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement to the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

This year’s Best Value Performance Plan reflects the Council’s objectives, particularly linking into other community strategies, partnership working and the Governments new Health Agenda, whilst attempting to incorporate the recommendations from our last audit report. We are working wherever possible with the Principal Authorities and other partners to achieve and promote the economic, environmental and social well being for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors who hopefully, would have a feel good factor when residing, trading or visiting the City of Truro.

A major achievement of the Council has been the award of Quality Council status. This award is made by the National Association of Local Councils on behalf of the Government. The award demonstrates that the Council is effectively and properly managed, and is able to deliver more services if requested.

This year’s plan is in the following format:

1 2 3 4 5

Introduction and Structure of the Council Corporate Objectives/Improvements Service Provision including Performance Indicators Project Update