How Good Is Our Service - July 2022

Monthly Performance Report

On this page you will find information on:

Assets and Facilities

assets and facilities infographic

Overview of Progress

Property Maintenance

Property Maintenance have achieved the target of 100% for Gas Servicing in July with 331 properties serviced in the month. We continue to consistently achieve our target and we are confident of maintaining this throughout the year.

Voids performance has dropped slightly in July to 93% from 94% in June which is still a positive level of performance and well exceeds our target of 85%. We continue to work towards improving performance in this area going forward.

Reactive repairs are ongoing and we continue to perform well in dealing with emergency and non-emergency repairs. The Care & Repair service continues to be well received with Aids & Adaptation works ongoing and progressing well across the stock.

The Smoke & Heat alarm installation programme has reached its conclusion and we have achieved our plan of visiting all properties across the estate in line with Government targets with 93% of properties now fitted with Smoke & Heat alarms. The remaining properties have been no accesses; a further letter will be issued in the coming weeks to these tenants requesting access and we will reschedule these as and when tenants contact us. We continue to carry out the installation of Smoke & Heat alarms for residents in East Dunbartonshire eligible through our Care & Repair service and this is being well received. We are also referring residents who do not meet the criteria to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service where they can request a Home Fire Safety visit to determine whether SFRS can provide them with assistance.

Kitchen, Bathroom, Heating and Roofing upgrade programmes are ongoing and progress continues in carrying out reactive and refurbishment works across the education and non-housing stock with decoration works ongoing in the school estate.

Facilities Management

The rollout of the new FM structure continues, with significant progression and employee displacement meetings are ongoing. A recruitment exercise commenced during July to fill vacant FM positions, however candidate interest was low and a further recruitment exercise is required to fill remaining vacant positions.

All FM Lead positions are filled. One Catering Co-ordinator position remains unfilled, which is currently advertised. One Building Manager position remain vacant, however this post is advertised and interviews are scheduled in August. Training for Building Managers has progressed throughout the year and further training sessions were delivered during July and will continue throughout the summer holiday period.

The service supported the delivery of Snack n Play and Play-schemes throughout July in identified Primary schools and will continue to do so for the remainder of the summer holiday period. This consists of Janitorial, Cleaning and Catering support with the provision of a hot lunch and day cleaning. 

With the closure of schools during the summer period, school meal uptake figures are not reported during July. A reduced lunch menu was implemented in May to ease resourcing and supply chain pressures and a return to a full menu offering will commence at the start of the new term in August.  Officers are liaising with suppliers to ensure products are available and a menu analysis is underway to ensure compliance with nutritional standards.

The service is working with the Soil Association to meet the criteria to achieve their Food for Life Bronze Award, which involves delivering nutritional school meals, meeting set percentages in respect of locally sourced produce and preparing meals fresh rather than by other means.

Estates

There are 73 Operational Assets which require an annual Gas Safety Check. There are no properties which require their annual gas safety service for the month of July. With robust measures in place to monitor performance, we are confident that all safety checks will be completed throughout the year. 

Officers continue to progress reactive repairs across the Education and Operational Estate on a daily basis with over 150-200 repairs processed on average every month through Property Maintenance or via external contractors.

The Quality Assurance service continue to inspect cleaning standards across the Educational Estate, with over 40 assets inspected and reports produced monthly. Over the past month, operational assets, including Hub’s, Community Centres and Libraries have been inspected and reports produced.

Estates Management continue to market vacant premises within the non-operational estate, with one vacant property let to a local company during the month of July. Discussions are ongoing with colleagues in the HSCP/NHS to support a need for premises to deliver services from in Milngavie.  At present the non-operational estate is over 94% occupied. Marketing has commenced for the lease of the new Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex with a closing date for offers set for 22nd August 2022. 

Officers continue to progress the current active disposals with colleagues in Legal Services to ensure that capital receipts are delivered and ongoing liabilities ie. rates, utilities, security etc are reduced.

Development & Investment

Good progress continues to be made through the construction phase of projects at Allander Leisure Centre, ASN Kirkintilloch and Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex, with Phase 1 handover of Boclair Academy achieved successfully by the end of July ahead of teachers and pupils returning to the School in mid-August. Good progress continues to be made at our Affordable Housing developments at the Loaning, Lenzie and Kerr St, Kirkintilloch. 

Redecoration remains on-going at Wester Cleddens and Twechar Primary Schools, which are due to conclude in September, with the next phase of redecoration works being planned at St Machan’s Primary School. A variety of other projects to improve the condition and suitability of the school estate were completed over the summer holiday period, including the relocation of temporary classrooms from Killermont to Clober Primary School.

Planning and pre-construction activities continue to progress to support for further improvements to the condition and suitability of the school estate, which will be carried out over the course of the remainder of the financial year and subsequent financial years.

The early stages of projects at Milngavie Primary School, Bearsden Primary School, Westerton Primary School and Balmuildy Primary School have all continued to progress through the period. At Lennoxtown High Park the pre-construction phase is now underway with a planning application now expected in the Autumn ahead of works starting in early 2023. Final contractual arrangements for the refurbishment of Brookwood Villa have been subject to further delay whilst final contractual terms are agreed between all parties. Financial close is now expected at the end of August with works commencing shortly thereafter.

Capital works across the Council’s existing Affordable Housing stock remain underway, including kitchen and bathroom replacement, re-roofing projects and works to improve the energy efficiency performance of houses. The tender process has now concluded for the Council’s new-build Affordable Housing programme with the appointment of a contractor and design team for both phases of the programme. The pre-construction phase is now underway, with an initial focus on updating feasibility proposals for each site, site surveys and pre-application engagement with Planning and Housing services.

Key Achievements / Areas of Focus

  • Achieved 100% compliance for Gas Servicing with focus on this continuing going forward.
  • Continued positive level of performance in void turnaround times with 93% of properties completed within our target timescales.
  • Kitchen, Bathroom, Central Heating and Roofing upgrade programmes ongoing with positive feedback being received from tenants across all contracts.
  • Continue to monitor and improve processes within Voids to ensure turnaround times exceed our performance target.
  • Assess and improve functionality of Total Mobile and the integration with Servitor to enable a more streamlined and efficient service.
  • Improve communications with customers and stakeholders to ensure the highest level of service delivery.
  • Continue to utilise robust reporting mechanisms for enhanced performance and service delivery.
  • Continue to carry out the installation of Smoke & Heat alarms for residents in East Dunbartonshire.
  • Progress decoration works across school estate.
  • 100% of Operational Assets requiring a Gas Safety check within the year’s anniversary of the previous check are completed.
  • Schedule in the upcoming Gas Safety Checks, which are required over August (2 properties) and September (7 properties) with contractors.
  • Finalise the refreshment of the Asbestos Management Plans for all school and educational establishments.
  • Continued progress in the delivery of capital works in the Council’s existing Affordable Housing estate, including kitchen/bathroom replacement.
  • Finalise contractual agreements for the refurbishment of Brookwood Villa.
  • Improve uptake of nutritious school meals.
  • Improve communications with customers and stakeholders to ensure the highest level of service delivery.
  • Reduce FM overtime.
  • Commence recruitment exercise to fill identified vacant FM positions.

Customer and Business Support Services

customer and business support infographic

Overview of Progress

The focus for the Communications & Engagement team in July included promoting the new Forward in Partnership focus for Council priorities, following agreement of this approach at the Council meeting on 17 June. A total of 12 media enquiries were responded to, 4 media releases were issued and 5 photocalls organised. Media releases are all available on the Council website news section and this month generated coverage in local and national media with an equivalent advertising value of over £2.8k. Social media posts continued to generate good interaction across a range of themes and social media audiences continue to grow across all channels with 21.1k followers on Facebook with a monthly reach of 1.5 million (up 28% on the previous month)  and 19.6k on Twitter with a monthly reach of 1.5 million. Most popular posts across both channels were in relation to news of Boclair Academy reaching completion and the successful recycling campaign showing how food can generate electricity. The food waste campaign also proved to be the most popular video output of the month.

The Corporate Performance and Research team have continued to fulfil required duties in relation to reporting of performance and provision of service level data returns within agreed timescales. The performance pages of the website have now been updated to reflect the 2021/22 year end position. Work continues to update the Operational and Corporate Risk Registers, due to be reported to Council following the summer recess, in line with Improvement Plans. The team is supporting ongoing project work in relation to the reporting and analysis of data held in Council systems.

The Customer Services team continued to deliver customer services in July across all channels. Call response time target was again challenged this month, but with new recruits now completing call handling induction, improvements are now being made. A total of 181 direct messages through social media were received and actioned (129 Facebook, 52 Twitter), down 4% on the previous month. A total of 173 direct messages were sent (145 on Facebook, 28 Twitter) up 7.5% on the previous month. Digital channel services also include email and web forms, and the team were able to meet all appointment requests for face to face services through the Community Hubs, including Registration appointments and Licensing appointments.

The Revenues and Benefits team have continued to process Council Tax and Benefits services and administration of the Scottish Welfare fund. The team continue to support other teams including the Ukranian Refugee Support Team and Shared Services Education. The team have provided significant support to Shared Services in the administration of School Clothing Grants, checking over 1000 applications for applicable benefits to speed up processing. The team continue to test the new online Council Tax System, which will go live later this year and allow secure access by residents to their Council Tax information.

The Shared Services team continue to provide support across all Council services. The Education support team have been processing applications for Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants. The Letting team completed the annual letting process with notifications to all groups of their successful lets. The Transport team completed the allocation of transport for Social Work clients for the start of the new year on 1 August.

The ICT Services team continue to support the Council’s information technology systems and services to deliver performance in line with agreed service levels. The team have resolved over 1200 service requests for the month of July.  ICT continue to support the migration of services to Microsoft 365 in partnership with the Business and Digital Change Team. The Team also installed and configured all ICT services at the new Boclair Academy and implemented a network upgrade at Bearsden Academy. The ICT Security Team have been working on the annual PSN accreditation for the Council, which is required to access Government systems such as DWP.

Key Achievements / Areas of Focus

Communications & Engagement

  • Promoted free period product survey throughout July to inform Council statement in relation to free period products Act coming in to force.
  • Promoted consultation on next stage of Bishopbriggs Town Centre Improvements – the Public Realm Plan element - as part of East Dunbartonshire’s City Deal suite of projects.
  • Production and promotion of further video content as part of food waste recycling campaign.
  • Supporting online delivery of Council meeting (28 July) and Licensing Board (1 July) through YouTube streaming.
  • Continuing to update Council website in line with service requirements, offering guidance on approach to meet accessibility legislation (There were 172k visits to the website and 337k page views from 167k unique visitors in July).

Corporate Performance

  • Work has commenced to progress the new tender for the Council’s insurance arrangements that are due to be in place by the end of the year.
  • Collation of LGBF Benchmarking indicators for formal submission to the Improvement Service and Preparation of a comprehensive 2020/21 LGBF report going to the first Council Meeting Following Summer recess.
  • Work progressed on establishing an officer focused intranet page for the team, allowing easy access to all corporate guidance documents across all service areas.
  • Successful submission of annual SOURCE return to Public Health Scotland in relation to Adult Social Care.
  • Work continues on the transition to monthly HGIOS reporting across all services, with monthly reporting now due to formally commence in Q2

Customer Services

  • Continued focus on further recruitment to vacancies and training of new agents on customer service delivery across all channels
  • Continuing to deliver Registration Services, managing sustained increase in marriage paperwork registrations after the longstanding pandemic restrictions.

Revenues and Benefits

  • Continue to progress the upgrade of the Council Tax System including new Document Management System and online Council Tax alongside Business and Digital Change colleagues.
  • The team supported Shared Services by checking the benefit status of over 1000 applicants for School Clothing Grants.
  • The team issued and dealt with the queries on over 3100 Council Tax bills, 2000 reminders and 2250 summary warrants. Over 300 Non Domestic Rates bills were also issued.
  • The Debtors team raised around 1500 invoices and over 1400 reminders

Shared Services

  • Completed the process for Social Work transport needs including entering information on database and informing clients of the outcome
  • Processed over 1100 Free School Meal and Clothing Grant applications including evaluation and payment to eligible recipients.
  • Completed the annual letting process for all groups and communicated outcomes to clients.
  • Completed processing for the Scottish Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme including calculating entitlement and communicating the outcomes to applicants.

ICT Services

  • Relocated and installed the ICT assets from the old school into the new Boclair Academy and progressed the installation of new equipment.
  • Completed an upgrade of the network at Bearsden Academy.
  • Supported the Business and Digital Change Team by completing the build of the test system for the new IHMS solution
  • Completed Test Servers for an Oracle Database upgrade for various service areas including Revenues and Benefits, and Planning.

East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust

EDLC infographic

Overview of Progress

Active Schools - Academic Year 2022-23-

Throughout the summer break the Active Schools team has been confirming priorities and KPIs for each school cluster. These priorities draw down from the Active Schools Annual Plan 2022-23, but take into consideration the local needs of the cluster and its surrounding community. The team have also been developing ED wide programs that support the networks key aims, these include:

  • Confirmation and launch of Volunteer and Young Leader training calendars.
  • Development of ED Secondary School Events Calendar
  • Work with key clubs to plan community links for the coming school year

Leisure Centres

Overall centre usage continues on a positive trend. However, period 4 evidenced a drop in dryside usage as the better weather affected Leisure Centre participation and the seasonal reduction in community/club usage due to holidays. Swimming pool attendances across all three sites held up well.

Dryside: 30,841

Wetside: 26,146

Libraries

For period 4 there were 20,111 visits in person and digital usage was 39,543. This represents 95% of target for the period. This is a decrease on P3, although in line with the decrease in usage normally experienced during the summer period. 

Period 4

Target: 63,103

Actual: 59,654

Museums

For period 4, there were 1,153 visits in person and digital usage was 2,110. This represents 107% of target for the period. Visits in person decreased by 14% compared with P3. This is predominantly due to only one exhibition opening in Period 4 compared to three in period 3.   Digital usage was down by 9% compared with period 3. 

Period 4

Target 3,050

Actual 3,263

Sports Development

  • The summer holiday programme was well attended this month with over 700 children taking part in a range of sports and activities

Key Achievements / Areas of Focus

Active Schools

  • Active Schools Cluster planning with key objectives and KPI’s to be confirmed by 2nd September.
  • 2021-22 Term 3 and Full Year MySport data completed by all ASCs- awaiting release of data from SS
  • Successful bid to Sportscotland Program for Government Funding stream (PFG) for development of ED wide Inclusive Dance project.

Sports Development

  • The majority of children who attended summer splash courses have been offered places on the term time Learn to Swim programme and a further 18 individuals had 1 to 1 lessons over the summer. 
  • Eighteen Sports Development coaches / play leaders assisted with the delivery of this year’s snack & play programme in 6 primary schools in partnership with Education.
  • Two new football coaches started this month, both doing well and are available for next term which will enable us to increase capacity in both community classes and schools programme. A rolling advert was placed for multi-sports coaches to enable year round appointments as required.

Cultural Services

  • Library service launched the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge following outreach work in local schools, aimed at attracting new young library users and encouraging them to read during the summer.
  • Supported Ukrainian refugees and encouraged them to use Library resources for communication and learning. Specific book stock ordered in, following consultation.

Key Improvement Action- update

EDLCT Digital Strategy- The draft Digital Strategy has been completed and will be presented to the EDLCT board for consideration on 17th August. The strategy details the key objectives for the next 3 years, and will be supported by a 3 year Implementation Plan.

Education

*No data due to Schools being Closed in July*

Overview of Progress

School Planning and Improvement Team

  • The new Boclair Academy was handed over this month from the contractor to Education. Preparations were made for the decanting of the equipment and resources to the school. 
  • The new Additional Support Needs school is progressing well and on target for summer 2023 opening. A consultation on the new name begins in August 2023, all stake holders will have input.
  • Modular units (classrooms) were moved from Killermont Primary to Clober Primary. Installation of these classes will take place in August, ready for the new term.

Early Years and Supporting Families

  • Campsie View Playscheme operated for the first three weeks in July. This provided holiday childcare for children who attend Campsie View School. 84 children were offered a place. The Care Inspectorate carried out an inspection of the Service during this time and initial feedback is very positive.
  • Merkland Playscheme also operated for three weeks starting from the final week in July providing holiday childcare for children attending Merkland School and children who have additional support needs attending schools across the council. 70 children were offered a place. 
  • Snack and Play Provision was offered in 6 Primary schools hubs for low income families. 329 children were offered a place.
  • Early Years interviews took place with over 22 vacancies available (full and part time). 20 vacancies were filled. This will help to further support 1140 rollout.
  • Requests for assistance for parenting advice and support from the Supporting Families Service continues to be high with 50 parents being supported through a 1 to 1 intervention in July. 20 new requests were also received in July. These requests were received from Health, Education as well as self-referrals in the month of July. Feedback is very positive with parents stating they feel more confident and less stressed.

Primary, Secondary and ASN Schools

  • The Quality Improvement Team identified priorities to work through to set up systems and processes for the new session.
  • The team collaborated to moderate Standards & Quality Reports and School Improvement Plans, looking at examples from each Learning Partnership Group, identifying themes, trends, strengths, areas for improvement. The team also agreed approaches to giving feedback, using a consistent approach across all schools.
  • There is evidence of improvement in high level, qualitative summaries of progress and achievements in the majority of Standards & Quality reports. The team identified best practice examples across all Learning Partnership Groups, along with areas for improvement to develop through the Career-Long Professional Learning (CLPL) calendar, Learning Partnership Groups and leadership networks in the new session.
  • Quality Improvement Managers, the Principal Educational Psychologist and Officers collaborated to create a Career-Long Professional Learning (CLPL) calendar for Session 2022/23. This will ensure that teachers and practitioners access high quality professional learning. All teams collaborated to ensure that the CLPL offer for next session reflects the Education Service Plan, themes emerging from schools and opportunities to deliver CLPL with a range of partners, including Health and Social Work.
  • Quality Improvement Managers collaborated with Skills for Life, Learning and Work Team to explore options for the Scottish Attainment Challenge, including opportunities to support care experienced young people through the Motivation, Commitment and Resilience (MCR) Pathways programme.

Skills for Life, Learning and Work Update

  • A number of new projects funded by the Local Employability Partnership using Scottish Government No One Left Behind funding have now started. These projects are targeting individuals who are unemployed, low income parents and those who have barriers to gaining employment including individuals with disabilities, criminal convictions, long term unemployment, carers and young people under 25.
  • A summer programme for secondary school age young people started in July. This included drop in sessions, working to address food poverty issues, outdoor and fun activities and support to help young people and parents access a new national entitlement card which provides free bus travel.

Areas of Focus

Early Years and Supporting Families

  • An evaluation of Snack and Play and the ASN Playschemes will now take place to explore successes as well as next steps.
  • A consultation on Early Years and Out of School Care Provision will take place to continuously improve the service – this will run from 17th August to 7th September.
  • A working party to review Campsie View Playscheme is planned for, starting in Term 1 session 2022-2023.

Primary, Secondary and ASN Schools

  • Link Quality Improvement Officers will visit schools to give feedback on Standards & Quality Reports and School Improvement Plans. Almost all schools will continue to be supported through progress updates during quality assurance and attainment visits. A small number of schools will benefit from bespoke support.
  • The Quality Improvement Team will finalise planning for the Scottish Attainment Challenge and Strategic Equity Funding, including planning to develop leadership in Early Years, the appointment of a Scottish Attainment Challenge Lead Officer and planning to support care experienced young people in secondary schools. Officers will consult with Head Teachers and work with Education Scotland to agree stretch aims for the Scottish Attainment Challenge.
  • The Quality Improvement Team will continue to work with schools to analyse attainment data, including Curriculum for Excellence (ACEL) and Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) data. An evaluative summary will be included in the August report.

Finance & Audit

finance and audit infographic

Overview of Progress

The month of July saw the Finance Team engaging with the External Auditors, providing answers to audit queries and taking Initial steps in appraising the options for potentially replacing the General Ledger system.

A key issue facing Finance at present is resources, with the service operating with vacancies across all Finance teams. Some Accountant posts are unfilled, despite having been advertised on several occasions. A Medium term plan has been developed that will see recruitment of trainees into the GRAD+ scheme and the recruitment of individuals into a Graduate Accountant role, that will provide training and a qualification. However, these schemes do not address the short term need for qualified accountants. Finance is engaging with Human Resources to explore short term options to address these gaps in the teams, which are affecting the teams’ ability to deliver the required service.

Internal Audit have been focussing on commencing the 2022/23 audit plan, with audits for the Council and the HSCP underway. Work nearing completion includes: Reconciliations, Rent Arrears and a review of the Tree Management Policy.

The Corporate Fraud Team have been undertaking investigations as a result of referrals received and have been undertaking vetting of applications for services such as Housing, Education, Licensing and Estates to secure the gateways by preventing fraud or error entering the system.

Key Achievements / Areas of Focus

  • The Provisional Outturn and Budget Estimates (POBE) return has been submitted to the Scottish Government. This was submitted after the deadline due to vacancies in the Finance Team.
  • The Treasury team continue to monitor cash flow closely, ensuring that there is liquidity for all Council activities. Additional borrowing continues to be taken in line with the Council's capital programme expenditure.
  • Initial work has been initiated in line with the 2022/23 Internal Audit Plan, with areas of focus agreed by the Audit & Risk Management Committee in June 2022.
  • Corporate Fraud are carrying out a review the highest debtors of Council tax.  It has been established that some of these properties were registered using fictitious names. Work is underway to establish the true occupants of the properties in order to safeguard the Council’s income.
  • Initial steps have been taken in appraising the options for potentially replacing the General Ledger system.
  • Recruitment and retention is increasingly becoming a challenge for the Finance service. The service are liaising closely with HR in this respect and a Graduate Apprenticeship Masters of Accountancy 5 year training programme has recently been launched, with the aim being to grow our own talent. However, there are short terms gaps in resources that require to be addressed.

Health and Social Care Partnership

HSCP infographic

Overview of Progress

The HSCP and its staff continue to work through the constraints of the pandemic to support the most vulnerable people in our community and promote social justice, equality and safety. In doing so, the Partnership rigorously applies its Business Continuity Plans and Covid-19 Recovery and Transition Plans.

The Covid-19 outbreak has continued to impact on a number of the performance metrics. Ongoing adaptation and prioritisation of health and social care resources in response to critical response management, the continued implementation of the vaccine programme and the impact of physical distancing, have all impacted on our ability to deliver the full range of services as they were delivered pre-pandemic. 

Despite these significant operational challenges, the HSCP continues to deliver on the majority of its performance indicators.

Key Achievements / Areas of Focus

Key Achievements:

  • Commencement of consultation of 5 year Social Support Strategy for Older People
  • The North Strathclyde Partnership Investigating pilot has been nominated for an Excellence in Children's Services category, at the Scottish Social Services Award.
  • Participation in and promotion of:
    - Power of Attorney
    - Stop Smoking support
    - Samaritans Talk To Us month
    - How to support yourself and others in extreme heat

Areas of Focus:

Children and Criminal Justice Services:

  • There has been an increase in the number of Looked After and Accommodated placements across East Dunbartonshire throughout 2021-22.  Work is ongoing to redress the balance of care by reviewing out of authority placements and continuing the Foster Carer recruitment campaign.
  • Delivery of year 2 of House Project which will improve outcomes for young Care Leavers.
  • Implement the Children’s Services Plan which covers areas such as Community Mental Health and Wellbeing, Keeping Children Safe, Corporate Parenting and Healthy Lifestyles.
  • Implement The Promise with a focus on Family Group Decision Making.
  • Implementation of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework.
  • Refresh EDC child protection procedures to reflect the new national child protection guidance.
  • Address the unpaid work services backlog to ensure those sentenced are able to complete their hours and are not breaching any order.

Adult Services:

  • Continue to ensure that we provide Self Directed Support training to Social Work and Health practitioners to instil confidence and knowledge about the options amongst the workforce. 
  • Continue to implement our Digital Health and Care Actions, seeking to link traditional telecare with telehealth monitoring and technology enabled care. Aiming to maximise the experience of remote technology and implement the Analogue to Digital Telecare Transformation by 2024.
  • Work continues to analyse and manage care home admission pressures, taking into account the potential consequences, both personal and organisational, for decision-making, with the aim to optimise the service model in relation to quality and efficiency.  Although there has been a downturn in the numbers seeking a Care Home placement, the complexity of those being managed in the community continues to rise.
  • Continuing to provide multi-disciplinary intensive oversight, support and assurance for all care homes and other registered care providers in the area.
  • Continue to pursue achievement of compliance with target timescales for adult protection cases.
  • Taking forward the Allander Leisure and Day Care Centre - to be augmented by informal community based support network and the development of community led partnerships to facility the growth of employability and third and voluntary sector supports.
  • Conduct a strategic review of all formal and informal social supports for older people to inform a five year strategy and commissioning plan, including centre based day care. 
  • Refresh the HSCP Carers Strategy.
  • Review of commissioned Mental Health and Alcohol and Drugs services.

Housing

housing infographic

Overview of Progress

As at 31st July 2022, the Housing Service:

  • Has 51 members of staff:
    • Estates - 7 (0 vacancies)
    • Strategy - 13 (2 vacancies, 1 is advertised, 1 maternity leave)
    • Rents - 12 (1 on maternity leave)
    • Homelessness - 14 (2 vacancies and 1 maternity leave)
    • Management - 5 (0 vacancies)
       
  • Actively manages 3747 social rented homes, broken down into 3691 mainstream accommodation and 56 homeless temporary accommodation. 
  • Maintains a housing list of 3150 households, made up of existing tenants, homeless applicants and waiting list applicants.
  • Manages 84 lead tenancies which are rented from either private landlords or Housing Associations, to assist with accommodating homeless households on a temporary basis.
    • 4 properties have been let
    • 8 New Builds
    • 15 mainstream
    • 0 buy back (Bought from the open market)
    • 1 HRH-HRA (temporary accommodation converted back to permanent)
    • 25 lets to the following queues:
    • 3 transfers
    • 4 waiting list
    • 17 homeless
    • 1 sheltered

Key achievements/Areas of focus

Strategy, Systems and Performance

  • Working closely with the Change Team to complete solution design documents across all areas of Housing for the new IHMS.
  • The successful applicant for the Strategy and Performance Adviser Post was Claire McNeil.
  • The successful applicant for the Systems Development officer Post was Linda McGuire.
  • Performance Monitoring Officers developing automated sheets and dashboards to ensure a more robust method to monitor all housing performance.
  • First draft of Local Housing Strategy reviewed and amended.
  • Liaising with Homelessness and Prevention Team to consult on the Short Term Lets Policy.
  • Liaising with Tenant Participation Team to review and produce the new Tenant Participation Strategy.
  • Working on the Digital Telecare Project Board to ensure the successful transition of analogue telecare to digital telecare throughout the sheltered complexes.
  • Peer review information sent to East Renfrewshire council results to follow.

Areas of focus

  • IHMS progression.
  • Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 completion.
  • Performance Monitoring.

Housing Operations – Estates and Tenant Participation

  • Percentage of tenancy sustainment has increased from 94.4% in June to 100% in July 2022. 
  • 7 new Anti-social cases received and 7 open Anti-social cases were resolved.
  • 4 nominations to Registered Social Landlords for consideration for allocation of their stock.
  • 0 decants took place.
  • 0 mutual exchanges.
  • Monthly Housing Liaison meeting attended to discuss cases with social work, antisocial team and Police Scotland.
  • Percentage of tenancies refused was 21% which has decreased from 26% in June.
  • Void rent loss has increased slightly since June, joint working with the void team continues.

Areas of focus

  • Improve void re-let times through joint working with void team.

Housing Operations – Rents

  • 8 tenants assisted and successfully awarded payment from Hardship Fund towards rent payment totalling £3,989.44.
  • Team provided significant time/resources support to the change team and NEC with the development of the IHMS.
  • TP Strategy review group - met to review recent consultation exercise and set priorities for the new strategy.
  • Preparation and article gathering for Tenant Partition newsletter which will be issued in August.
  • Tenant Participation Strategy Development – two consultation group sessions were held in July with tenants.
  • Tenant Participation Officer liaising with Policy Officers to review and produce the new Tenant Participation Strategy.
  • 8 Notice of Proceedings served.
  • 1 Court Actions raised.
  • 0 Eviction carried out.

Areas of focus

  • Active Tenant Rent Arrears are £1,385,820.68 which is an increase on June’s figure (£1,283,052.00).
  • Former Tenant Arrears are £731,839.00 which is an increase from June’s figure (£703,395.84).

Homelessness and Prevention

  • There were 35 homelessness applications taken.
  • 0 applicants waiting more than 3 years for offer of settled accommodation. 
  • 18 calls to homelessness out of hours service.
  • Rent Deposit Guarantee/Private Sector Scheme
    • 5 referrals
    • 1 housed
  • Landlord Registration - 148 actions
  • new applications
    • 56 renewals
    • 56 updates
  • Draft Short-term Lets Policy approved at Committee
    • 4 week consultation carried out
    • Final draft to be taken to Committee on 25 August
  • Housing Options event for Ukraine families and hosts took place on 25th July approx. 40 people attended.  

Land Planning and Development

Overview of Progress

Land Planning & Development have progressed a number of significant work streams during July 2022 in line with the Business Improvement Plan commitments. 

Land Planning Policy

  • Work towards the production of a draft Circular Economy Strategy for East Dunbartonshire is ongoing. Actions and objectives are being refined in collaboration with internal services and key external partners. The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on a Circular Economy Bill, the Council’s response was approved at PNCA in August.
  • The Land Planning Policy team received the Report of Examination of LDP2 from the Reporters, which was published on 12 July 2022. Officers have worked through the content of this report in order to progress to the adoption of LDP2. A Technical Note was provided to Members on this legislative process. The LDP Working Party will be held in August, prior to Council decision making in September.
  • Following August 2022 PNCA Committee approval of two pieces of planning guidance, consultation will now be undertaken.   
  • Following June 2022 PNCA Committee approval of the Council’s Parking Management Plan, the Plan can be found on our Parking-management-plan webpage and can now be quoted in correspondence.  

Sustainability Policy

  • Work on the Climate Action Plan and Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy is continuing. Officers are developing briefing sessions for Members on a range of elements to this work. 
  • The Re-Heat Project with Scottish Power Energy Networks and E.On was launched this month. The project which will provide an opportunity for low-carbon electrified heat and smart control to be introduced to 50 homes in East Dunbartonshire.  .
  • Work continues on identifying priority projects for inclusion in the Council’s new Greenspace Strategy, which will replace the Green Network Strategy and Open Space Strategy. Opportunities for improvement of open space, increasing tree cover, expanding peatland restoration and wetland creation are currently being assessed in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. 

GIS & IDOX Development Team

  • Ongoing roll out of ArcGIS Online web applications and mobile applications to aid officer’s workflows. Current workflows include analysis of travel connectivity to inform the evidence base for the next Active Travel Strategy and provision of data to the education service.
  • Street naming and numbering is underway for the Robertson homes development at Bearsden Golf Club.
  • July saw the recruitment of a temporary Team Leader for GIS & IDOX Support to cover the substantive post holders secondment. 

Business Support

  • Work continues with numerous public sector agencies to ensure all support mechanisms to help business and create jobs are fully utilised, including development of new skills & technologies.
  • Working on the development of new business support products designed to help businesses having difficulties in recovery, sustainability or diversification. These interventions will include loans and small grant support through residual ERDF and remaining discretionary funds as well as opportunities through the shared prosperity fund.

City Deal Team

  • The team continues with a range of work to ensure the delivery of the Council’s City Deal project, including the preparation of the different stages of business cases (in-line with City Deal & HM Greenbook requirements) which are required to unlock the funding from the region.
  • Expert technical services have been procured to support transport modelling, and work to procure relevant expertise to design the Westerhill Development Road (formerly BRR5) and undertake the Westerhill Masterplan has been well progressed in this period. Most recently, design consultants have been appointed to progress feasibility stage for the A803 Sustainable Travel Corridor.
  • The Public Realm Plan for Bishopbriggs Town Centre is now complete and an online exhibition of the plan will take place over the summer months 2022.
  • Meetings took place with local members over the summer.

Regeneration & Town Centres Tea

  • The Regent Gardens project is being progressed and is currently out to tender for the main works contractor. On the Campsie Memorial Hall in Lennoxtown - Work continues with the Trust for the hall to develop proposals to improve the hall and examine external funding opportunities including the Shared Prosperity Fund.
  • The Council’s UK Levelling Up Fund bid to support regeneration activity in Lennoxtown was submitted. Work to prepare for the Shared Prosperity Fund is ongoing, working with various services, local partners and the Glasgow City Region to help set local priorities and possible uses for the funding which will be allocated later in 2022.

Traffic & Transport Team

  • Work has concluded on design work for the Canniesburn Toll Improvement Project. Work will soon commence on procuring contractors for the construction period.
  • Construction work has begun on upgrading the Strathkelvin Railway Path between Kirkintilloch and Lennoxtown. The project has not progressed in line with initial timescales due to challenges being faced by the contractor including additional preparatory works required, the discovery of previously unknown utility cables and contractor staffing issues. A new surface is now being laid and the first section of the path between Kirkintilloch and Milton of Campsie is now scheduled to open prior to the completion of the surfacing between Milton of Campsie and Lennoxtown. Anticipated dates for reopening will be publicised on the Council’s website and social media channels when further clarity has been provided by the contractor on surfacing progress.
  • Feasibility and design works are progressing on a range of active travel infrastructure projects included in the Local Transport and Active Travel Strategies.
  • The team has successfully attracted external funding to help deliver a number of projects over 2022/23. Work is ongoing to recruit additional staff to support project delivery.
  • Work is progressing on key functions of the team including: working on a range of Traffic Regulation Orders at various stages of the statutory process, liaising with the network operator and maintenance contractors of the public electric vehicle charging network and continuing to assist in resolving access issues.

Development Management:

  • During the reporting period the planning side of the team has determined 53 applications and validated 59 applications. The Building Standards team have received 110 building warrants and approved 90 applications. The Enforcement Team opened 9 new cases and closed 5. 
  • The Building Standards team have had to manage a high workload whilst carrying 4 vacancies over this reporting period. In addition the Validation Team have 1 vacancy and the Planning Team have a half vacancy. Managing customer expectations has been critical, as unfortunately the team have not been able to respond as quickly as we normally strive to do. 
  • It is hoped ongoing recruitment processes will be successful however it is recognised that there is national recruitment challenge. This is being discussed at a national level with the Scottish Government, HOPS, LABBS and universities.
  • The Development Applications team prepared reports for the August meeting of the Planning Board.

Key Achievements / Areas of Focus

  • Development of plans to utilise the Shared Prosperity Fund which will be reported to a future meeting of Council.
  • Conclusion of the LDP examination and completion of adoption procedures.

Legal and Democratic Services

legal and democratic infographicOverview of Progress

During July, which is the traditional recess, the Service installed, tested and developed working procedures, training and protocols for the Council’s new Hybrid meeting system. An addendum to the Council’s Standing Orders was also developed to deal with the governance aspects of hybrid meetings.  This represents an intensive period of work where an 8 to 12 week implementation programme was condensed into 4 weeks.  This was shortened further so as to accommodate the need for a special meeting of the Council to approve the Standing Orders Addendum and associated arrangements for Hybrid meetings.

Key Achievements / Areas of Focus

  • During July, the Teams processed 8 Contract Form reviews, 5 Contract award letters, 35 taxi licences, and 9 grants. The number of licence applications is consistent with the previous month.
  • Of the 35 taxi licence applications considered, 2 were refused and so may result in appeals to the Civic Government Appeals Board. 
  • In light of the 100% performance, it is not proposed to take any steps at this time other than to continue to monitor progress against the set PIs
  • Resolution of judicial review challenge to a homelessness resulting in dismissal of the petition.
  • Completing due diligence to allow for the sale of Kelvinbank Resource Centre to be progressed.
  • Completion of purchase of residential unit at Townhead.
  • Providing ongoing support to the City Deal team in relation to WDR Contract 2 negotiations and alternative procurement route options.
  • Development of arrangements and procedures for Hybrid meetings.

Neighbourhood Services

neighbourhood services infographic

Overview of Progress

The Waste Team has continued the front line service operations for the collection of over 400,000 assorted household bins over the month of July, providing residual, recycling, food, garden and special waste collections on behalf of the Authority. The team has also managed the waste and recycling collections from over 500 of our local commercial premises.

Waste Services have managed the disposal and processing of over 800 tonnes of recycling and general waste materials through our Household Waste Recycling Centre at the Mavis Valley over this period.   

The Waste service have continued to work with our Clyde Valley partners through the period on the treatment and disposal contract for all residual household waste.  The Council processed around 1776 tonnes of waste through this contract in July, ensuring our waste undergoes treatment for recycling extraction prior to being sent through an Energy from Waste process.

The Fleet team continue to manage the transport operations including the Councils Goods Vehicle Operator Licence and compliance across all services. This includes provision and management of the maintenance workshops, annual testing, statutory inspections and management of Drivers in line with obligations and conditions laid out in the Councils commitment to the Scottish Traffic Commissioner.

Fleet Management has worked in partnership with services and officers from procurement in order to specify, tender and procure further vehicles and associated items of specialist plant, suitable for service users’ needs and to coincide with Lease contracts terminating through the financial year. Tenders are currently out for the replacement of specialist vehicles, plant & equipment for Roads and Environment services. It is anticipated that a new fleet of Property Maintenance & Greenspace & Streetscene vehicles will be delivered in the near future.

In addition to the this work the fleet service continues to support and manage Transport Operations for the provision of Additional Support Needs Transport service for Education and Integrated Health and Social Care, including delivery of school meals on behalf of the authority. This service has provided additional support for other services throughout the period. 

Key Achievements / Areas of Focus

  • Secured a new contractor for the collection and recycling of the Council’s Bring sites for Paper & Card banks and Glass, plastic and cans across the Councils recycling centres.
  • Work is progressing on the tender and detail for the Waste Compositional Analysis of the Councils Waste/Recycling to start November 2022.
  • Attendance at various Zero Waste Scotland meetings, Waste Network Managers Meetings, Clyde Valley Technical and Contract Management Steering Group Meetings for Waste & continued discussions on Implications for Councils with the introduction of a National Deposit Return Scheme.
  • The Mavis Valley Recycling Centre was busy during July, Scrutiny of the booking system reported 10373 visitors attended the facility during this period.
  • The good weather encouraged residents to utilise the successful Garden Waste service, with over 1130 tonnes being collected for recycling in July.
  • Successful ongoing delivery of the Clyde Valley Residual Waste contract, diverting 1776 tonnes of general waste for ongoing treatment within the month.
  • Ongoing assistance with waste and recycling collection for over 4,000 of our elderly and infirm residents on a weekly basis.
  • Attendance at meetings in support of other Council services and partners to identify options for Carbon reduction and the Circular Economy Agenda as part of the wider Climate Action Plan.
  • Delivery of Statutory Fleet Maintenance and Management services throughout the period.
  • Support Council services in the delivery of ASN Transport including the distribution of essential supplies for vulnerable individuals throughout the period including meals for early years facilities and lunch clubs etc.
  • Continued work on the management of Capital programme for the replacement of fleet assets through the financial year.   
  • Continued support to front line service operations through the provision of in house fleet maintenance function including horticultural and construction plant repairs.
  • Management of Fleet Operations in compliance with Operator Licencing legislation with a DVSA Operator Compliance Risk Score of Green 03 for both Traffic and Compliance and a 100% first time pass rate for annual tests.
  • Continue work for the review and creation of a new Fleet Asset Management plan to incorporate Zero emission and alternative fuelled vehicle and plant fleet, in the lead up to legislative deadlines and targets. 

Organisational Transformation

Overview of Progress

During July, the Service continued to support services across the Council in delivery or various projects and in support of the necessary day to day business which enables the Council to operate successfully. In addition, OT services were involved in ongoing support to a number of strategic procurements/projects, particularly in relation to City Deal. 

The Strategic Commissioning Team continued to support the work of the HSCP through the development of a new approach to provider engagement, which is more important than ever given the vulnerabilities of the current markets. During July, the TUs balloted members in waste and education (non teaching) for industrial action in support of their pay claim. This generated significant demands on the HR&OD service in terms of engagement with local TU officials, liaising with COSLA in relation to the national position and also supporting and advising managers in the affected services.

The Health and Safety team continues to carry out its corporate advisory role supporting services throughout the council concerning the planning of safe works and training, its supervisory role while works are being undertaken and leading on incident investigation and recording.

Key Achievements / Areas of Focus

Procurement, HROD and Commissioning

  • Providing ongoing support to the City Deal team in relation to WDR Contract 2 negotiations and alternative procurement route options.
  • Prioritised Education & Social Work transport contract awards for August 2022 School Term commencement.
  • Reviewed and developed revised approach for Provider Forums with a view to supporting delivery of the HSCP’s commitment - strengthening the commissioning collaborative approach
  • Implemented plans to re-provision care at home services following a provider’s notification to close the service.  The SCT facilitates weekly meetings with the provider and HSCP to identify suitable alternative commissioning arrangements
  • Contribute and inform GG&C Programme Board - Learning Disabilities Multi-Agency Collaborative Commissioning Group.  The group is responsible for reviewing unscheduled care arrangements, out of area placements at risk of breakdown and local resources required to support increasing demand and levels of clinical complexities
  • Supporting work on bench marking and other information gathering and analysis in furtherance of planning for the organisation and workforce of the future
  • Regular engagement with COSLA in relation to the developing dispute in relation to SJC pay claim and advising services in relation to ongoing ballot for industrial action.

Business & Digital Change

  • Progress preparatory work for deployment of Microsoft Outlook and Office 
  • Develop governance and resource arrangements for Oracle ERP project 
  • Supplier demos to be held for CRM and CSM (Website) using the Software Value Added Re-seller framework (SVAR).   
  • Solution design and build for Integrated Housing Management System (IHMS)    

Health and Safety

  • In depth statistical review of Accident/Incident stats
  • Assisting HR with definitions in terms of Industrial Injury/Accident requests
  • Broomhill depot yard, Torrance depot, Mavis Valley Recycling Centre inspections
  • Provision of risk assessments and training for a range of council teams and services including Housing, Community Safety and Property Maintenance
  • Review of Fleet risk assessments for the service and convert into new standardised format.
  • Property Maintenance Training – H&S Induction / Scaffolding / Accident Reporting and BM Training (Building Managers)

Place and Community Planning

Overview of Progress

Community Protection

  • Environmental Health
  • Trading Standards
  • Community Safety

The Community Protection Service delivers on a broad statutory remit, with delivery measures centred on protecting public health and safety, well-being and consumer protection. During the course of July the service has continued to actively engage in the local Co-Production arrangement with Police Scotland. This has resulted in a significant amount of joint work and coordinated activity to protect communities across the East Dunbartonshire area. The service has also continued to develop intelligence led approaches towards all areas of work in order to target local public health, community safety and consumer protection activity towards the areas of greatest need, risk and priority.

The Environmental Health Team has been engaged in the delivery of essential public health services throughout the reporting period in order to protect the community from hazards in the environment and to regulate and facilitate the growth of responsible businesses. July has seen a further increase in service requests, particularly regarding cases for public health investigation which include some complex noise complaints.  Home inspections for displaced Ukrainians and food law visits also continue through the summer. In a similar vein, the Trading Standards Team has been engaged in the delivery of essential consumer protection and licensing services to local consumers and businesses in order to maintain and protect a fair trading environment in East Dunbartonshire. Priority activity in July has included continuing work to develop a new Trading Standards Trusted Trader Scheme for the local authority area in advance of a launch over the next few months.

The Community Safety Team has continued to undertake a broad range of front-line work for the benefit of local communities during the reporting period. Officers from the team have therefore been engaged in the delivery of services in relation to antisocial behaviour, youth disorder, neighbour disputes, environmental incivilities, dog control, decriminalised parking enforcement, fly-tipping, mediation and pest control. Officers have continued to work closely with a range of colleagues and key partners to successfully deliver appropriate interventions and to make our local communities safer. The Community Wardens have also been developing links within the local communities they serve, getting involved in a number of initiatives and events that are now taking place or recommencing across the Council area.

Community Planning and Partnership

The team continue to manage the Community Grants Scheme. Applications are accepted from constituted community and voluntary groups for a variety of projects, which benefit residents within the East Dunbartonshire area. Organisations require being not for profit and having a bank account.  The team are connecting with partners to promote the local funding opportunity, and work closely with community organisations in our Place areas. The deadline for applications I Friday 2nd September (5pm).

Colleagues are working with partners and colleagues within communications to produce accessible collated reports on the findings of the recent consultation on the review and refresh of our four locality (Place) Plans.

The team continue to collaborate with partners to draft the fourth annual East Dunbartonshire plan on reducing child poverty. The partnership recognises the challenge facing individuals, in particular due to the cost of living increase. Actions continue to be coordinated under three themes: increasing income from employment; increasing income from social security and reducing household costs and other costs of living

During July, we continued to reach out to those whose voices are seldom heard, and targeted specific communities of interest to help inform and deliver out actions in our BSL Plan 2018-2024.

We continue to work with Scottish Government, Homes Office and partners to deliver the resettlement agenda across East Dunbartonshire Council area. This includes developing outcome based support plans for hosts, providing accommodation and supporting displaced people from Ukraine settle into East Dunbartonshire.

Community Testing

This local authority team was created in response to request from Scottish Government to support the COVID response and duties placed on local authorities, working closely with Greater Glasgow & Clyde NHS Board and also with ED HSCP.

The role of the team is temporary and has evolved and responded over the time of the pandemic. This has included provision of testing locally and also supporting the roll out of vaccinations for covid and for flu throughout East Dunbartonshire, and to residents of all ages.

Notably, the key health protection response ongoing for recovery is vaccination. During June close working and discussion has continued with GGC NHS Bd in relation to the next phase of future vaccination, which will be required by Scottish Government and based on the evidence and science. Vaccination clinics are currently established in Kirkintilloch and Milngavie town halls. From September 2022, then the programme will recommence at a frequency of 5 clinics per week across East Dunbartonshire for covid and flu boosters.

The Community Testing Team continues to support all national public health work and respond to the requests of Scottish Government and also of NHS Board in relation to testing programme and requirements and vaccination roll out.

Key Achievements / Areas of Focus

  • Delivery of effective services on a flexible basis in order to meet all statutory requirements and duties in relation to public health, community safety, consumer protection and licensing matters.
  • Delivery of local Co-Production activity between Community Protection and Police Scotland, with particular focus on effective tasking processes and the delivery of joint action plans and work to protect the communities of East Dunbartonshire.
  • Delivery of Business Improvement Plan activity relating to Community Protection - actions being implemented in accordance with set targets in order to deliver effective services in line with relevant corporate outcomes and with positive performance being reported.
  • Delivery of regulatory services that assist with economic recovery and that are designed to support local businesses and communities in the route out of the pandemic.
  • Provision of a resilient Environmental Health Service with ability to adapt to any new Covid-19 situations that prompt a public health response.
  • Assisting in the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees fleeing war through provision of housing visits and assessments.
  • Provision of draft content to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board (GGCHB) Health Protection Team on a Joint Health Protection Plan which is now due revision.
  • Ongoing monitoring of seasonal blue green algae in local open waters to assess the risks to users
  • Delivery of field responses in relation to all community safety matters (e.g. pest control, fly-tipping, antisocial behaviour and youth disorder, control of dogs and CCTV deployment).
  • Continued development of effective and efficient service delivery in relation to all Decriminalised Parking Enforcement with delivery of targeted enforcement activity in priority areas.
  • Delivery of water safety patrols at a number of key locations by the Community Wardens.
  • Delivery of Football Friday sessions in the Milton of Campsie and Lennoxtown areas – youth diversionary activity managed and run by the Community Wardens with approximately 40 children attending each Friday evening.
  • Community Wardens supporting the New Roots Gardening project which seeks to address social isolation and difficulties in participation whilst trying to help build independent living skills for those with a learning disability.
  • Community Wardens supporting the local Foodbanks including assisting with emergency deliveries where required.
  • Delivery of effective field responses in relation to all trading standards and licensing service requests.
  • On-going recommencement of Trading Standards and Licensing routine inspection and project work.
  • Development and introduction of a Trusted Trader Scheme for East Dunbartonshire by Trading Standards with an anticipated launch in autumn 2022.
  • Delivery of an integrity testing programme for alcohol at licensed premises in order to check compliance levels in relation to age verification policies and procedures.
  • Deliver community grant scheme, supporting a range of community-led initiatives.
  • Provision of community capacity support using a Community Learning and Development approach across our Place areas and communities of interest.
  • Worked closely with EDC Comms, EDVA, HSCP and critical community friends to develop accessible collated findings of the consultation on the review of the four locality (Place) plans - to be published imminently
  • Delivering resettlement support under both VPRS and Homes for Ukraine agenda’s
  • Work to Scottish Government and Greater Glasgow & Clyde NHS Board agenda in delivery of a public health response in both testing and vaccination provision across East Dunbartonshire
  • Oversee the Care for People support, engaging with third sector and partners, including community response and support
  • Coordinate the delivery of vaccination clinics including organising operational arrangements of buildings, facilities and stewards for customer interactions and queue management

Roads and Environment

roads and environment

Overview of Progress

The Roads and Environment Service continues to oversee the maintenance function and safe operation of the adopted public carriageway/footway network, adopted open spaces (including trees) and cemeteries within East Dunbartonshire. In addition, the Service also oversees the management and operations of Mugdock Country Park.

This Service area is divided into five portfolio groupings:

1. Roads Network Operations
2. Roads Technical & Engineering
3. Streetscene Technical Support (including Bereavement and Arboriculture)
4. Streetscene Operations (including grounds maintenance, street cleansing and cemetery operations)
5. Mugdock Country Park

Each team has specific areas of responsibility; however, they all operate and function collectively as required. Within their own areas, each team has a number of service accountabilities contributing to local outcomes.

The various sections within the portfolio groups continue to progress both revenue operation/maintenance work and internally and externally funded capital projects with colleagues in Procurement and Finance. Several projects are time specific due to the external funding conditions to it is very important to make best use of the time available to bring these projects to fruition for the benefit of local communities.

Roads Network Operations Team (including Street Lighting)

The team continue to delivery both planned and reactive maintenance to both roads and street lighting assets. Regrettably, staff turnover and the subsequent vacancies continues to be an issue, but both teams are utilising the tools and resources available to ensure maintenance work continues. The capital programmes for both teams continue with the carriageway and footway resurfacing programme and lighting projects ongoing across East Dunbartonshire. Finally, winter maintenance preparation continues with the winter rock salt stock replenishment completed in advance of the October start date.

Roads Technical & Engineering

The Roads Development, Structures, Traffic, Flood Risk and Drainage Teams continue to work on multiple projects including Road Coring, Flood Defence Maintenance, Bridge Inspection/Replacement and Signalisation/TRO Projects across various area. The Team is also coordinating with external contractors to delivery multiple traffic surveys with the information used to determine the next steps for various proposals. This information is used as evidence to either support the need for action or validate the decision not to take forward a proposal if it is not supported by evidence.

Streetscene Operations

The team continues with seasonal grounds maintenance tasks including grass cutting and herbicide treatments within open spaces, schools grounds, sports grounds and community facilities. The teams are also undertaking street cleansing of all adopted council roads and pavements including litter collection, mechanical sweeping and servicing of street litter bins. In addition, the team also continues to manage the Councils tree stock carrying out surveys and arranging remedial works as required. The team also manage and perform burials in the eight operational cemeteries. The team have commenced the 2022 Care of Garden Scheme – Care of Gardens Service | East Dunbartonshire Council.

Streetscene Technical Support Team

The team are preparing the required documents to progress the procurement exercise associated with the various projects. Liaise and advise various community groups regarding Environmental Improvement Projects including path improvement, play area renovations, cemetery and allotment development.

Mugdock Country Park

The team continue to work on the development of the 2022-27 Mugdock Strategy as well as progressing several quotes for various improvements across the Country Park. Year on year the July visitor numbers are well in excess of expectations.

Key Achievements / Areas of Focus

Roads Network Operations Teams (including Street Lighting)               

  • EDC Internal Resurfacing Programme (non-coal tar location)
    • Main Street, Milngavie
    • Woodvale Avenue, Bearsden
    • A803 Kirkintilloch Road
    • A810 Duntocher Road, Bearsden
    • Twechar Road, Twechar
       
  • EDC External Resurfacing Programme (coal tar location)
    • Woodvale Avenue, Bearsden
    • Muirpark dr Bishopbriggs
    • Roselea & Blane Dr Milngavie
       
  • EDC Construction of new footway
    • Wester Cleddens Road at Kintessack Place, Bishopbriggs
    • Milngavie Rd Bearsden
    • Drymen RD Milngavie
       
  • EDC Street Lighting Capital/Replacement Projects
    • Buchanan Street, Milngavie
    • Ralston Road / Russell Drive, Bearsden
    • Lime Grove / Birch Drive / Douglas Gardens, Lenzie
    • Rosehill Road / School Road / Kings Park, Torrance
    • Woodvale Avenue / Killermont Avenue / Hutchison Drive  /Albert Drive, Bearsden
       
  • EDC Christmas Lighting
    • Replacement / spare parts ordered in preparation for testing and repair of features.
    • Electrical / infrastructure repairs carried pout in preparation for this year’s installations.

*Some of the work listed was completed in July, but the Service are still awaiting disconnection by Scottish Power Energy Network (SPEN) to allow old columns to be removed.

Roads Technical & Engineering Teams -

Flood Risk & Drainage

Park Burn Kirkintilloch - De-silting of burn works completed.

  • River Glazert Restoration Project - Detail design works currently on going.
  • Kelvin Tributaries River Restoration Project - Specification of Requirements (Scope) for concept design is currently being drafted and being reviewed by SEPA.
  • River Kelvin Flood Defence Maintenance Contract - Awarded to WGM Ltd and start up meeting undertaken.
  • Preparatory works to complete the Park Burn dredging that could not be completed last year.
  • CCTV of several road locations with reported drainage issues.
  • Capital works completed at the following locations
    • 1 Roman Avenue, Bearsden
    • 3 Garngaber Court, Lenzie
    • 5-7 Greenhead Rd,  Bearsden
    • Campsie Rd at Valleyfield, Milton of Campsie (phase A)
  • Currently at 15 Thomson Dr Bearsden replacing gullies
  • Upcoming woks
    • Campsie Road at Newlands Terrace, Milton of Campsie (phase B) starts 15 August for 2 weeks
    • Boclair Road at Milngavie Road, Bearsden 12 – 16 September
    • 113 Milngavie Road, Bearsden 19 – 23 September
    • Angus Avenue, Bishopbriggs 7 November – 16 December (following cctv survey)

Development

  • Road inspections at development sites, monitoring site progression.
  • Asset collection on new developments.
  • Processing road opening and temporary traffic light permits, discussing acceptable dates for road occupation.
  • Managing the coring programme with Socotec. Approximately 70% of the south west area has been completed.
  • Concluding adoptions and adding to the list of public roads.
  • The Christmas Embargo for 1 December 2022 to 5 January 2023 has been placed on the road works register to prevent non-emergency works in town centres.
  • Scottish Road Works Register inspections charges for Q1 2022/23 have been sent.
  • Continuing to charge out Fixed Penalty Notices for failed notices on the Scottish Road Works Register.

Structures

  • The team hope to take on agency support until a permanent replacement for the Structures Engineer can be recruited.
  • General inspections are ongoing.
  • Fintry Crescent retaining wall strengthening work now complete.
  • Fluchter Road culvert strengthening work now complete.
  • Lions gate footbridge in Kirkintilloch refurbishment underway.
  • Inspections and works to rail bridges in Bearsden and Lenzie are scheduled to begin by end of the month.
  • Upcoming projects include bridge and culvert strengthening on Crow Road Lennoxtown and
  • Benvue underpass in Lennoxtown repairs and refurbishment work.

Traffic

  • Recruitment for a Senior Traffic Officer underway.
  • Various temporary road closure associated with Public Utilities and our Maintenance Section in relation to capital carriageway resurfacing works.
  • Traffic Regulation Orders now being advertised for various permanent orders ie speed limit extensions, waiting and loading restrictions etc.
  • Installing disabled parking spaces and removing those no longer needed.
  • Temporary roadwork notifications.
  • Responding to
    • Licensing requests for outdoor markets, second hand vehicle sales, and public entertainment events.
    • Requests for observations on planning applications.
    • Freedom of information requests.
    • Dropped kerb applications.
  • General lining and signing enquiries and instructions.
    • Currently agreeing locations for Brown tourist signs for Billingtons, Lenzie
    • Site assessment and procuring new bridge height signs for Easter Garngaber railway.
    • Lining at Main Street, Lennoxtown.
    • Lining at Queens View, Torrance

Greenspace & Streetscene Teams

Streetscene Operations

  • Street cleansing and associated tasks such as removal of fly posting and uplifting of fly tipping, mechanical street sweeping and installing replacement or additional bins.
  • Graffiti removal.
  • Ongoing cemetery operations, digging and carrying out interments, cemetery grass cutting, installing headstone foundations, benches etc
  • Cyclic grass cutting of open spaces, Housing estates, sports pitches, school grounds, open space hedge cuts.
  • COG service continuance (fourth cycle completed).
  • Housing one off grass cuts
  • Cutting of scatter flats, Lead Tenancies and temporary accommodation.
  • Checking and clearance of culverts
  • Play park inspection and repair
  • Watering and maintenance of hanging baskets
  • Football pitch initial mark and overlining; goalpost installation.
  • School and flower bed weeding; shrub bed facing up.
  • Responding to Customer Service Requests and complaints.

Streetscene Technical Support

  • Formal award for Climate Ready Park at Woodhill & Etive Open space. Pre start meeting conducted with contractor.
  • Peel Park Band Stand restoration project completed awaiting wild flower preparation and creation.
  • Internal Tree audit preliminary meeting and review.
  • Internal Memorial risk meeting completed.
  • Input into Play Sufficiency report, Climate Action Plan and Tree planting with external agencies with EDC’s Sustainability Team.
  • Period 1 LEAMS Survey completed utilising new system and new methodology
  • Long list produce of sites to be restored as part of the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Grant.  Technical note to be produced.
  • Lenzie Moss Boardwalk contract awarded, works to start in July.
  • KLR and BRR works now in its third cycle of grass cutting, spraying and waste removal.
  • Review of cross-working partnership as part of Keep Scotland Beautiful initiative for verge cleaning.
  • Synthetic 3G and grass football pitch contract – cleaning and disinfection programme progressed.
  • Ongoing surveying and removal of dangerous trees or limbs; scheduling of tree works in new financial year. 
  • Finalisation of specification for Horticultural framework tender and returned to procurement.
  • Responding to a number of planning applications
  • Attended Ash dieback seminar, commitment to attend Ash dieback working group for Scottish local authorities.
  • Fertiliser  Booster application Merkland grass pitch.
  • Compiled and submitted Mosshead Play Park Brief for Contractors.
  • Pump and fountain repaired in Milngavie and site visit to discuss benches.
  • Input into Additional Capital investment for drainage, active travel/access and footway surfacing.
  • Lenzie Moss drainage contractor completed to improve flows 
  • The team continues to respond to high volume of open space, tree and bereavement enquires, along with planning application consultations and complaints.
  • Bill of Quantities tenancy properties listings updated awaiting housing and school BoQ

Mugdock Country Park

  • Ranger activities and events took place during school holidays including Wildlife Weans, Sensational Safaris; Guided Walks, Forest Schools;
  • Clan Graham Society members from North America visited on one of their tours of Scotland and presented a cheque for maintenance and improvements to the Castle;
  • Gallowhill and Pond BBQ sites and BBQ Hut regularly booked out by groups, families and holiday clubs;
  • Fox and Badger study being carried out at Mugdock Wood and Bat counts taking place over a number of locations;
  • Corporate volunteers, Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan, assisting with conservation tasks;
  • Wedding photos at Mugdock Castle with drinks reception;
  • Bandstand hired for pilates and funeral reception, music group also hired the space;
  • Development of Light Show plans for December 2022;
  • Progress on superfast broadband with external cabling almost completed;
  • Emergency services exercise at Craigend Quarry to work out co-ordination plan