Issue - meetings

To receive the mid-year review of performance for the Environment and Neighbourhood Services.

The committee received the report which provided an update on the performance across Environment and Neighbourhood Services for the first half of 2022-23 against the relevant priorities, actions and measures of success within the Council’s Corporate Plan 2021-25.

A query was raised as to vacancies within the Planning team and the current backlog of planning applications. The committee were advised that there were vacancies across the service which had not been possible to fill and that there was a contract with Capita to assist with the backlog. The contract was due to end in the next few months due to existing officers having gained more experience. It was agreed that a breakdown of the cost of this contract and how many applications it had dealt with would be shared with the Committee. A further request was made by Cllr Dean for the Committee to receive figures on what the backlog was and what it is now.

A query was raised regarding the prices for hackney carriage hire in Congleton as this appeared to be lower than other areas in the borough and could create an issue with retaining taxi companies in the town. The committee were advised that the set prices were subject to consultation with the companies in the town and that previously Congleton had objected to increases on the basis that they were too high. The Licensing Committee could look at reviewing this if taxi companies in the area wish to raise this.

RESOLVED:

That the committee note the performance of the department.