Corporate Business Plan 2011-15 - Strategic Objective Update

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update

1 - Community well-being (GBC) This Year to Date

Progress to Date (2013/Q4)

The Woodville

At the end of March 2014, the Woodville welcomed Bafta and Oscar Nominated Director, Paul Greengrass, to the venue for a question and answer session before the screening of his film ‘Captain Phillips’. During his appearance, Paul Greengrass announced the news that the Council was installing new cinema equipment to enable the venue to screen blockbuster, new release films. As well as making new release films more accessible to the local community, the cinema is seen as a major contributor in the enhancement of the current night-time economy.

Appendix Two

Licensing Our Licensing decisions are made in accordance with statements of licensing policy adopted by the council.Having a comprehensive policy in place, applied consistently, assists both applicants and also members of the public concerned about licensed premises. During quarter 4 the Licensing Committee gave final consideration to a revised policy under Licensing Act 2003 which had been updated to take account of recent legislative changes. This policy was then formally adopted by Council in April. The Licensing Committee also agreed and approved a revised statment of policy in respect of sex establishments and sexual entertainment venues for the borough. Whilst it is not mandatory to have such a policy, we feel it advantageous to have one agreed and published for the reasons given above.

In January 2014, the Licensing team sent out the latest edition of our 'Taxi Talk' newsletter to all our hackney and private hire drivers. It is a useful way to update the drivers on topical issues and to remind them that we are there to advise and assist them. The latest newsletter covered driver safety, taxi marshalls, driver conduct, enforcement , DBS checks, the Taxi Bill and cold weather driving advice. The newsletter also invited drivers to put themselves forward as 'Council Liaison Drivers' -who could then meet regularly with the licensing team to discuss topical issues and generally improve lines of communication with the trade.

With regard to enforcement of the taxi trade we use a full range of options including advice, verbal warnings, written warnings, penalty points and suspension of licence. In 2013-14 72 verbal warning were given, 28 written warnings, 33 drivers were issued with penalty points and 3 drivers had their licence suspended. We take the safety of both the drivers themselves and also the travelling publc very seriously.

When our taxi licensing policy was last updated in May 2012, a requirement was introduced for all newly licensed drivers to provide a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV). It is pleasing to report that the number of WAVs in our fleet has increased from only four in April 2012 to a current total of 16. This improvement has been well received by Gravesham Access Group in that it provides more readily available safe transport for disabled persons.

Family health club courses

These are free 10 week courses which provide information to families which contribute towards leading a healthy lifestyle, working with families who have a young person at an unhealthy weight level.

The course provides 30-40 minutes of exercise with 20-30 minutes working on nutrition once a week. The Don’t Sit – Get Fit team(which includes a dietitian from DVH) monitors exercise levels, food intake and mental health and provide insightful information on how the family can make healthier lifestyle choices with the aim of reducing body mass index levels.

Obesity in an increasing problem, the Gravesham Health Profile indicated 28.5% of adults are obese which is over 4% of the national average. The percentage of children who are at an unhealthy weight has also risen in the last 10 years with currently 19.9% of children in year 6 classified as obese.

The factors that contribute to the these levels is the issue of Physical activity with only 47.1% of year 1-13 pupils spent three hours per week on PE and school sports which is below the national average of 55.1%. (Gravesham community profile, 2012)

Corporate Business Plan 2011-15 - Strategic Objective Update

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update

5 - Managing the council’s business responsibly (GBC) This Year to Date

Progress to Date (2013/Q4)

Procurement Wheeled refuse bins, food waste caddies and bin liners, for the new waste and recycling service have been procured via two Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO) frameworks.

Tenders are being issued for the procurement of an externally managed and hosted theatre booking software system and telephone service for the Woodville. The online Kent Business Portal (KBP) will be used to post the opportunity to the wider market as well as making the tender documents available for prospective tenderers to download.

The KBP has been selected to replace the South East Business Portal (SEBP) as the prime means of advertising tender opportunities and as a dedicated contract register which is available for access by the wider community. The KBP is provided at no cost to the Council and suppliers may register free of charge to identify potential business opportunities. The migration to the KBP took place due to an intention by the SEBP’s management to charge the Council for its continued use.

Support is being given to the development of tender documentation for the potential procurement of market stalls and the Council’s banking service.

Corporate Business Plan - Measures of Accountability

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update

CBP 9 - GBC Consultation (GBC) This Year to Date (Last Value)

Description Owner - Director (Communities)

To ensure that the number of people involved in GBC consultation groups increases in line with the borough’s population (a minimum 1% proportion of the population continually involved).

Year-end target for 2013-14 - 1,100 people

Period Table Actual Target Previous Year

2012/Q4 938 1,150 1,264 2013/Q1 1,047 1,100 1,248 2013/Q2 2,453 1,100 1,265 2013/Q3 1,197 1,100 978 2013/Q4 1,251 1,100 938

Commentary (2013/Q4) Community Engagement: Neighbourhood Forums - West Forum - 6 February - Young People and Access to Employment - 130 Rural Forum - 20 March - Speed Awareness - 79

Residents Panel - 566 - email contact has included sending links to KCC budget consultation, KCC libraries consultation, representation on DA scrutiny review participation, invites to events i.e. Chinese New Year and 50+ Forums, information on changes to KCC street lighting, invitations to participate in various arts projects and for volunteers to research World War One, join the Vaisakhi parade, requests for nominations for community awards, invites to take part in Community Clear up and Garden Party in April and May.

Corporate Business Plan - Measures of Accountability

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update

There was no 50+ Forum during Quarter 4, the next meeting is on 29 April.

Tenant Participation: People Bank - meeting on 13 Feb with 9 residents

Housing Services Consultation - Carl Ekman House on 6 February with 18 residents - to inform and advise residents about the proposed sprinkler system installation. An empty flat was used in which the system had been installed. 18 participated in survey about perception of council, engagement opportunities and proposals to develop a recyclable waste collection service for flats. Raised other issues i.e. leaking windows, first default letters for council tax should be less severely worded.

Area Housing Services Forum - 4 March - 8 residents Sheltered Housing Forum - 17 January - 7 residents Leaseholder Forum - 23 January - 6 residents Residents Association meetings - 101 residents Living & Learning - 179 participants - Craft courses, armchair exercise, Make Money Count, Zumba, Bead Making. Digital Photography - 27 participants Greenfingers community gardening scheme - 24 participants Regular newsletters.

Gravesham Youth Council Meetings: 10 January (10 attendees) 29 January (5 attendees) - Civic Cadet meeting 30 January (23 attendees) - Meeting with Meopham Girl Guides to discuss youth council and ask if they have any issues they would like the Youth Council to raise/discuss 5 February (8 attendees) - Civic Cadet meeting 12 February (6 attendees) - Civic Cadet meeting 14 February (12 received basic First Aid training from the British Red Cross) 15 February (4 members spent the afternoon collecting money for the British Heart Foundation. Total figure raised £800) 19 February (4 attendees) - Civic Cadet meeting 5 March (4 attendees) - Civic Cadet meeting 23 March (4 members attended Sport Relief to act as marshals following on from British Red Cross training) 26 March (6 attendees) - Civic Cadet meeting 28 March (11 attendees)

Corporate Business Plan - Information Only Indicators

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update

IO 5 - Swimming Usage (GBC) This Year to Date (Last Value)

Description Owner - Director (Communities)

Swimming usage at the leisure centres within the borough

Period Table Actual Previous Year

2012/Q4 77,583 71,739 2013/Q1 79,436 74,130 2013/Q2 88,903 84,435 2013/Q3 65,813 57,898 2013/Q4 77,971 77,583

Commentary (2013/Q4) Total Swimming attendance for the period was 77,971 compared to 77,583 for the same period 2013 – an increase of 388 (0.5%).

In terms of Total attendance at the centres for the period – there has been an increase from 219,930 in 2013 to 225,382 in 2014 – an increase of 5,452 (2.5%). The activities that are increasing are the Squash Courts at both leisure centres and the Main Hall at Cascades mainly generated through the introduction of the Roller Skating sessions twice a month on a Saturday evening.

Corporate Business Plan - Information Only Indicators

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update

IO 6 - Gym Usage (GBC) This Year to Date (Last Value)

Description Owner - Director (Communities)

Gym usage at the leisure centres within the borough.

Period Table Actual Previous Year

2012/Q4 52,736 51,483 2013/Q1 51,460 52,006 2013/Q2 45,056 48,226 2013/Q3 37,722 41,348 2013/Q4 48,359 52,736

Commentary (2013/Q4) Total Gym attendance for the period was 48,359 compared to 52,736 for the same period 2013 – a decrease of 4,377 (8%). However, as stated last quarter, GCLL is trying to encourage users of the Gym environment to access other activity areas such as the Group Class programme (Aerobic programme). When comparing the Group Class attendances for the period these have increased from 16,222 in 2013 to 21,049 in 2014 – an increase of 4,821 (13%). Therefore, when considering the two activity areas of Gym and Group Classes there has been an increase in attendance of 450 (1%), which is pleasing when considering the additional competition through NRG.

Corporate Business Plan - Information Only Indicators

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update

IO 7a - KECC Events (GBC) This Year to Date (Last Value)

Description Owner: Director (Communities)

Level of involvement at events delivered in partnership with the Kent Equality Cohesion Council - total number of events

Period Table Actual Previous Year

2012/Q4 0 -- 2013/Q1 3 3 2013/Q2 2 3 2013/Q3 2 5 2013/Q4 2 0

Commentary (2013/Q4)

Corporate Business Plan - Information Only Indicators

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update

IO 7b - KECC Events (people) (GBC) This Year to Date (Last Value)

Description Owner: Director (Communities)

Level of involvement at events delivered in partnership with the Kent Equality Cohesion Council - total number of people benefiting from the events

Period Table Actual Previous Year

2012/Q4 0 -- 2013/Q1 5,000 4,500 2013/Q2 5,000 19,000 2013/Q3 5,000 375 2013/Q4 5,000 0

Commentary (2013/Q4)

Corporate Business Plan - Information Only Indicators

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update

IO 7c - KECC Events (organisations) (GBC) This Year to Date (Last Value)

Description Owner: Director (Communities)

Level of involvement at events delivered in partnership with the Kent Equality Cohesion Council - total number of organisations worked with.

Period Table Actual Previous Year

2012/Q4 0 -- 2013/Q1 12 30 2013/Q2 14 12 2013/Q3 14 4 2013/Q4 14 0

Commentary (2013/Q4)

Corporate Business Plan - Information Only Indicators

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update

IO 8 - Event Income (GBC) This Year to Date (Last Value)

Description Owner: Director (Communities)

Level of income brought in from outside sources to support the events held with the Kent Equality Cohesion Council.

Period Table Actual Previous Year

2012/Q4 £0.00 -- 2013/Q1 £13,500.00 £7,500.00 2013/Q2 £2,250.00 £23,000.00 2013/Q3 £2,250.00 £500.00 2013/Q4 £7,250.00 £0.00

Commentary (2013/Q4) The KECC in partnership with the council has organised a number events during this period including; understanding the work of CAB and voluntary sector partners, Sadi Awaz Suno (promoting the wellbeing of BME women in Kent), Chinese New Year and St Georges Day school workshops.

Approximately 600 people have attended these events, with 975 young people benefitting from partnership working. Additional funds generated for community events during this quarter is £7250.

Corporate Business Plan - Information Only Indicators

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update

IO 9 - Heritage Events (GBC) This Year to Date (Last Value)

Description Owner: Director (Communities)

The number of visitors attending organised events held at each heritage site in the borough

Period Table Actual Previous Year

2012/Q4 75 -- 2013/Q1 2,283 2,220 2013/Q2 2,990 2,609 2013/Q3 93 278 2013/Q4 0 75

Commentary (2013/Q4) Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort closed at the end of September 2013 for the winter season and re-opened 5th April 2014.

The Civil Defence Bunker is the only property to continue monthly tours through to November and would normally commence these again in January. However the property was flooded during the recent heavy rain falls and has been closed whilst repair work is planned and carried out. The work is being covered by insurance.

Corporate Business Plan - Information Only Indicators

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update

IO 15 - Youth Council (GBC) This Year to Date (Last Value)

Description Owner: Director (Communities)

Number of people involved in the Gravesham Youth Council.

Period Table Actual Previous Year

2012/Q4 56 77 2013/Q1 36 55 2013/Q2 36 46 2013/Q3 58 19 2013/Q4 70 56

Commentary (2013/Q4) A total of 70 young people have attended youth council/civic cadet meetings within the period.

During this time 12 members have received basic First Aid training from the British Red Cross in February and a number of members also volunteered their time to act as marshals at the recent Sport Relief Mile, as well as supporting the British Heart Foundation in February by collecting £800 in support of the Gravesham’s role as an official ‘Heart Town.’

Additionally, seven young people from KCC Opportunity Gambia project gained volunteering experience.

Six young people from the Grand SAFE project gained experience in volunteering.

Corporate Business Plan - Information Only Indicators

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update

IO 19 - Active Gravesham Participants (GBC) This Year to Date (Last Value)

Description Owner - Director (Communities)

The number of people involved in the Active Gravesham, summer holiday programme and Go Gravesham activities.

Period Table Actual Previous Year

2012/Q4 246 -- 2013/Q1 333 583 2013/Q2 6,223 9,873 2013/Q3 449 52 2013/Q4 494 246

Commentary (2013/Q4) To encourage local involvement in the recent Sport Relief Mile, the Leisure Team and the GR@ND have been hosting free personal fitness sessions at Northfleet Youth Centre and Cygnet Leisure Centre. The first four sessions were free with additional sessions costing £2.50 each. Within the period 40 people have taken part in these sessions which have now been extended into the Spring.

Over 250 people took part in the actual Sport Relief Mile on 23 March 2014 held at Cylcopark, which included the Royal Rollers who skated 6 miles as a group and raised over £2500 for Sport Relief. The event offered a choice of 1,3 or 6 mile routes, giving a wide choice of options for all levels of participant.

The Leisure Team lent their support to the Kent School Games track and field event at Legends Sports Centre on Wednesday the 29th January, with 204 children from 10 local schools taking part.

Corporate Business Plan - Information Only Indicators

Appendix Two - Quarterly Update The Kent School Games offers school children across Kent the chance to compete in 35 key sporting events against local and County wide schools.