181024 EHI SIP 2024-27 Mid-Year Monitoring Report FULL REPORT
Renfrewshire Council · 29 October 2024
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 29 October 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Communities and Housing Policy Board On: 29 October 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Environment, Housing, and Infrastructure ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Environment, Housing, and Infrastructure – Service Improvement Plan 2023-26 Mid-Year Monitoring Report ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Service Improvement Plan 2023-26 was approved by the Communities and Housing Policy Board on 16 May 2023. The plan sets out the priorities for the development of the service over a three-year period. 1.2 The Service Improvement Plan is part of a suite of documents which describe the strategic direction of the Service and the Council, and also includes the Council Plan, Community Plan, Risk Management Plan and the Workforce Plan. 1.3 The Service Improvement Plan sets out the actions which will ensure continuous improvement across the service and the performance indicators which ensure the impact can be measured. These reflect the priority themes of the new Council Plan which was approved by Council on 29 September 2022. 1.4 This report contains details of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure performance and achievements over the period 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024. The main purpose of the report is to provide: • details of the key achievements of the service over the period. • an update on changes made to the action plan and scorecard to reflect the new Council Plan themes. • a progress update on implementing the action plan linked to the 2024-27 Service Improvement Plan.
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• an assessment of performance in relation to the service scorecard of core performance indicators; and • an overview of priorities for the service over the next six months. 1.5 Over the past six months, the service has made good progress in delivering positive outcomes for Renfrewshire and its residents. This includes through the actions within the Service Improvement Plan and other areas of activity which did not form part of the Service Improvement Plan actions which have subsequently arisen over the first six months of 2024/25. 1.6 To complement the six-monthly update on the Service Improvement Plan, a Service Update report will be presented to each cycle of the Communities and Housing Policy Board. This report will provide an overview of key service activities, an operational performance update on the services and key projects and updates on any other relevant changes to service areas covered within the remit of the Board. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Communities and Housing Policy Board: 2.1 Note the contents of this report, including updated performance information and progress to date on delivering the actions contained within the Environment, Housing, and Infrastructure - Service Improvement Plan. _________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The Service Improvement Plan is a comprehensive statement of the outcomes the service aims to achieve, and the actions it will take to achieve these. It fits within the wider planning framework of the Council by taking account of Community Planning themes and Council priorities as set out in the new Council Plan. It enables elected members to have oversight of developments within the service and to consider and develop policy options which reflect customer need and resource availability. 3.2 The Service Improvement Plan also provides a mechanism by which elected members can evaluate the performance of the service. The appendix to the plan contains an action plan and performance indicators against which progress can be measured. This mid-year monitoring report provides an update on progress against the 2024-27 plan. 3.3 Section 4 of this report gives details of service activity and achievements over the period April-September 2024. Section 5 discusses actions delayed or cancelled since the Service Improvement Plan was approved. Section 6 provides a narrative on performance against the scorecard included as appendix 1, section 7 highlights the main priorities of the
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service over the next six months. 3.4 An outturn report detailing full-year performance will be brought before this board in spring 2025. ___________________________________________________________________ 4. Service Update and Key Achievements April-September 2024 Housing Services • Positive progress is being made across all areas of the Housing-led Regeneration and Renewal Programme within the agreed timeline for works scheduled in year 3 of this 10-year programme. The acquisition and rehousing strategy is progressing as planned with 58 of 89 properties now acquired and several phases of demolition being taken forward as blocks become fully council owned and vacant. • We have reduced the use of B&B and the average length of time to complete duty has not risen despite an increase in homeless applications (which has been in line with national trend.) Wrapround support initiatives continue to be provided, including ‘MyLife Ahead’ supporting those with alcohol/drug issues requiring help to sustain settled housing. • The target for Council general lets to homeless group has increased to 55% for 2024/2025 from 49% in 2023/2024. New temporary posts have been created across homeless and housing support services to help ensure those in housing need are supported. • Joint Estate Action Plan successfully piloted in Moorpark improving connections with services involve in the delivery of estate management related activity in and around the Council’s Housing stock. • Working in partnership with Invest in Renfrewshire colleagues, Housing Services are seeking to recruit two Housing Modern Apprentices. The successful candidates will commence their apprenticeships within our housing management team and will work in a range of teams within Housing Services over the course of their two-year apprenticeships. • We are on track to ensure council housing properties are fully compliant with electrical safety and smoke detection by March 2025. • Dedicated Income Advice available for Council Tenants and digital referral process in place, to simplify access to specialist income advice for Council Tenants experiencing financial issues. • Over 500 Ukrainian Displaced Persons now resettled in Renfrewshire since 2022 and a further 18 families from Afghan / Syrian / Somalian programmes.
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• Access to health and wellbeing support and activities has now been broadened out to older tenants out with our sheltered housing complexes (e.g. Rowan Court and Glencairn Court high rise blocks) as well as working with partners such as The Wise Group, Impact Arts and Blue Triangle Housing Association to provide events and activities for homeless applicants and Housing Support service users. • As part of the Tenant Participation Strategy 20222-2027 a new Quality Circle focussing on Estate Management has been developed, and Officers are working with colleagues to further develop digital participation methods. • In partnership with HSCP, Police Scotland and Children’s Services, we continue to signpost and offer advice and assistance to Gypsy/ Travellers on health, education, and other needs. Currently there are no known Transit Sites in Renfrewshire. • Projects continue to be targeted to where they can make the most impact to citizens and families on low income. To date national initiatives around pricing, websites compliance and short measure have been completed. • We will continue to deliver the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing post 2020-(EESH2) milestones until the Scottish Government issues the final agreed SHNZS due to be in place for 2025 and the interim targets up to 2045 before a costed plan is prepared. • During 2023/204 68.55% of properties of properties are now compliant with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (against a target of 100%). Public Protection • Supporting the local economy by advising on Net Zero and proper disposal of batteries and electrical equipment is now part of any visit to a trader. Key sources of information and advice have been noted on our enforcement forms which are left at every visit. E-scooter retailers in the area have been subject to enhanced advice and support to ensure consumer awareness of the proper use of lithium batteries. • Priority projects have been identified with a focus on reducing emissions from “heat and fleet.” These projects will form part of our costed delivery plans. • The food sampling programme is continuing and is on track. Performance is on target. Health and Safety interventions are ongoing across a range of sectors to ensure the safety of staff and clients/customers.
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• There have been no exceedances of the statutory objective level for Nitrogen Dioxide during the year. However, the annual average value PM 10 value across all continuous monitoring sites is below the target for the year and we are monitoring to improve the air quality across Renfrewshire. • We are in final discussions with Legal Services, ICT, and software supplier prior to commencing pilot. This initiative will extend the ways tenants impacted by Anti-Social Behaviour can make reports and log incidents using systems such as the ‘ASB app.’ • We have risk assessed and sampled 100% of Private Water Supplies as required by the Regulations during the year. • Two Modern Apprentices in Regulatory Services will start with the service in October 2024. The Modern Apprentices will complete a two- year apprenticeship with Ayr College while supporting and being supported by the wider Public Protection service. • We continue to support the implementation of Short Let Licensing Scheme and Officers within the service continue to review applications and undertake visits to premises as appropriate as consultees within the licensing process to ensure that licensed premises are safe for guests. • We continue to work with partners on national Serious Organised Crime and CONTEST (Prevent) agendas developed via the Renfrewshire & Inverclyde (Divisional Multi Agency Contest / Serious Organised Crime Group, Renfrewshire Community Protection (Prevent) Steering Group and the Divisional Serious & Organised Crime Group to address current and emerging threats in these workstreams. • Litter is recognised by the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) as having a negative impact on climate change due to marine plastic pollution greenhouse gas emissions created through the breakdown of litter and litter choking out plant life. Team Up to Clean Up volunteers collected over 9,000 bags of litter in the first half of 2024. • October 15th to November 10th (inclusive) is the major supply period for fireworks for personal use. Trading Standards register the storage and supply of these products, 18 retail premises throughout Renfrewshire. There are around 18 premises registered to supply fireworks at the current time, but registrations can be received and granted at any time. Registrations cannot be refused except in the case of prior storage breaches, or underage sales. This work feeds into Operation MOONBEAM, which is a partnership initiative between Trading Standards, Community Safety, Police Scotland, and Scottish Fire & Rescue to minimise disorder around bonfires and unregulated fireworks displays.
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5. Areas where actions have been delayed or cancelled. 5.1 As detailed in Appendix 1 all actions are on target. 6. Progress against performance measures 6.1 Environment, Housing, and Infrastructure Services reports on 19 performance indicators, 6 are reported annually and 13 reported quarterly. This report contains data pertaining to Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 of 2024/25 with annual figures referring to 2023/24. 6.2 The following indicators show areas which are currently performing better than their respective targets. • Percentage of Overall Repairs Completed Within Target (Housing Services) - Q2 performance has improved from Q1 and stands at 95.37% which is better than the target of 95%. This is also an improvement on the annual figure for 2023/24 which was 92.1%. • The average length of time taken to complete non-emergency repairs continues to improve. For Q2 it was an average of 5.98 days, which is an improvement from Q1 and also an improvement on the overall figure for 2023/24 which was 7.9 days. • Average time from households presenting themselves as homeless to completion of duty (number of weeks) - Q2 figure of 22.41 days weeks * shows an improvement from Q1 which was 23.09 weeks days and is better than the target of 26 weeks Please note - Quarter 2 figure is an estimate as information is to be verified being checked by Scottish Government. We don’t expect official figure until November 2024. • Average length of time taken to re-let properties in the last year (in days) was 39.33 days, which although a slight increase from Q1, which was 37.6 days, performance continues to be well ahead of target of 53 days. • Percentage of rent loss due to voids for Q2 was 1.53% which continues to be better than the target of 1.8%. • In the first six months of 2024/25 Environment, Housing & Infrastructure received 2,612 elected member enquiries of which 93% were responded to within timescale. This was against a target of 85%. 6.3 The following Performance indicators are showing as areas which are not on target. • In the first six months of 2024/25 Environment, Housing & Infrastructure received 5,370 front line resolutions of which 48% were responded to within timescale. • In the first six months of 2024/25, 43.1% of 185 complaint investigations received by Environment, Housing and Infrastructure have been responded to on time.
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• Gross rent arrears (all tenants) as at 31 March each year as a percentage of rent due for the reporting year – Although below target, performance continues to improve in both former and current tenant rent collection in line with collection rates at this point in the financial year – Q2 position in 23/24 was 9.46%. 7. Priorities over the next six months Housing Services • We will deliver any new duties with partners in relation to prevention of homelessness that are to be announced following Scottish Government consultation on the Housing Bill. • The revised Housing Asset Management Strategy will be presented to Communities and Housing Policy Board in 2024/2025 • We will continue to deliver the key outputs from the 6th year of Renfrewshire’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan. • As regards the local response to the current homelessness pressures, we will continue to deliver good performance in relation to key areas such as : length of time to complete duty, average time homeless households spend in temporary accommodation, number of children staying in temporary accommodation, minimising the use of B&B and so on • Our SHQS pass rate is still materially affected by EICR & Smoke Detector fails and by EESSH fails. A contract has recently started to enforce EICRS/Smoke detector installs and we expect the position to improve as a result, for next year's compliance rate. Public Protection • Work is underway to review and develop a fresh approach to tackling dog fouling supported through enforcement activity by Community Support Officers. • Proposed ban on the sale of single use nicotine vaping products, implementation of the new legislation is proposed for 1 April 2025. Further information is awaited on delivery and funding of any enforcement requirements enabling a full position to be taken. Some concerns remain around the definition of ‘single use vape’ and the enforcement powers available to officers. • The Communities & Housing Policy Board recently approved a proposal to consult our communities for the potential deployment of Fireworks Control Zones in Renfrewshire. This is a new and discretionary power, whereby Local Authorities may designate specific geographical areas as Fireworks Control Zones, in which the personal use of fireworks is banned. The use of fireworks in these areas would be a criminal offence, which would be enforced by Police Scottland. These areas must be evidence-based, limited to a
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defined geographical area, and be date/time bound. Communities will be able to submit requests, and - subject to review by a multi-agency panel - successful submissions will be subject to a rigorous consultation process. If progressed, the full process for the establishment of a Fireworks Control Zones lasts 36 weeks and so it is hoped to open the process in the early New Year to allow this to be completed before October 2025. • Priority projects have been identified with a focus on reducing emissions from “heat and fleet.” These projects will form part of our costed delivery plans. • In our efforts to support the local economy to work towards Net Zero, Trading Standards and Licensing have been working with local businesses in or linked to the green energy sector with advice visits planned for later this year. __________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial -The Service Improvement Plan highlights resourcing pressures arising from increasing demand for services and the current financial environment. 2. HR & Organisational Development – The Service Improvement Plan also highlights workforce development and wellbeing considerations. 3. Community/Council Planning – The report details a range of activities which reflect Council and Community Planning themes and direct link to the delivery of the Council Plan. 4. Legal – none. 5. Property/Assets – none. 6. Information Technology – Service Improvement relating to information technology are key enablers of service improvement and modernisation and support service – level and corporate objectives. 7. Equality & Human Rights - The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety – none. 9. Procurement – none. 10. Risk– Risks related to the delivery and management of services are
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regularly monitored and included in Renfrewshire Council’s Corporate and Strategic Risk Registers. 11. Privacy Impact – none. 12. Climate Risk – A section of the actions and performance indicators within the SIP covers the ‘Green’ theme of Renfrewshire’s Council Plan which highlights activities across the Council to tackle climate change. 13. Children’s Rights – none. 14. Cosla Policy Position – none. _______________________________________________________ List of Background Papers: Communities and Housing Policy Board, May 2024, Agenda Item 4: “Environment, Housing and Infrastructure – 2024-2027 Service Improvement Plan” ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Gordon McNeil, Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure, Email: gordon.mcneil@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level ENVIRONMENT, HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN 2024-2027 Six monthly progress update October 2024 Communities and Housing Policy Board
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level WELCOME TO OUR SIX-MONTHLY UPDATE • This update reflects on the first six months of our Service Improvement Plan, highlighting areas where we are already making progress and some areas we want to focus on more, perhaps because performance isn’t moving in the direction we anticipated or because of other pressures or factors that makes this even more of a priority for us. • The following pages shine a spotlight on some great projects or practice and highlight areas where we’d like to improve or develop further. At a service level, there is a stronger focus on some of the Council Plan Strategic Outcomes than others. Towards the end of this document, you’ll find a full update against all the actions and performance indicators we use to measure progress. • We report on 19 performance indicators, 6 are reported annually and 13 reported quarterly. This report contains data pertaining to Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 of 2024/25 with annual figures referring to 2023/24.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level ABOUT US This update covers the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure service areas within the remit of the Communities and Housing Policy Board. These are: Housing Services Responsibilities include: • As at, 31 March 2024 the housing stock being managed is 12,305 • Providing services to Council tenants, alongside housing advice and support • Assisting homeless people and those threatened with homelessness • Ensuring people have safe and healthy places to live Public Protection Responsibilities include: • Regulatory and Public Protection services including partnership working with police, fire and other multiagency partners • Helping to keep people safe through the Community Safety Hub • Safeguarding the public and protecting consumers through Trading Standards and Environmental Health Civil Contingencies Responsibilities include: • Providing support to all services across the Council to ensure they have robust arrangements in place for the continued delivery of essential services in the event of significant incidents such as disruptive weather or widespread power outage. • Civil Contingencies service has provided emergency planning for Renfrewshire, and on behalf of East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire council areas
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level DELIVERING THE COUNCIL PLAN Place Green The Council general lets to homeless group has increased to 55% for 2024/2025 from 49% in 2023/2024. New temporary posts created across homeless and housing support services to help ensure those in housing need are supported. Positive progress is being made across all areas of the Housing-led Regeneration and Renewal Programme within the agreed timeline for works scheduled in year 3 of this 10-year programme. The acquisition and rehousing strategy is performing as planned and various phases of demolition are being taken forward as blocks become fully council owned and vacant. Supporting the local economy by advising on Net Zero and proper disposal of batteries and electrical equipment is now part of any visit to a trader. Key sources of information and advice have been noted on our enforcement forms which are left at every visit. E- scooter retailers in the area have been subject to enhanced advice and support to ensure consumer awareness of the proper use of lithium batteries. Priority projects have been identified with a focus on reducing emissions from “heat and fleet”. These projects will form part of our costed delivery plans. By 10 Sept 2024 Operational and Management void numbers had been reduced from 518 to 395 and void rent loss had been reduced to less than 4.50%. By 31 July 2024 net void turnaround time had been reduced from 50.4 days in 2023 – 2024 to 38.6 days.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level PLACE • Joint Estate Action Plan successfully piloted in Moorpark improving connections with services involve in the delivery of estate management related activity in and around the Council’s Housing stock. Priorities and areas for improvement • We will deliver any new duties with partners in relation to prevention of homelessness that are to be announced following Scottish Government consultation on the Housing Bill. • The revised Housing Asset Management Strategy will be presented to Communities and Housing Policy Board prior to end of 2024/2025. • We will continue to deliver the key outputs from the 6th year of Renfrewshire’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan. In Quarter 2, 95.37% of repairs were completed within target We have reduced the use of B&B and the average length of time to complete duty has not risen despite increase in homeless applications (in line with national trends.) Wrapround support initiatives continues to be provided, including ‘MyLife Ahead’ supporting those with alcohol/drug issues requiring help to sustain settled housing We continue to deliver the Housing –led Regeneration and Renewal Programme. Owner acquisition of properties identified for demolition continue positively with 58 of 59 properties now in Council ownership. Achievements
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level PLACE Achievements Priorities and areas for improvement The food sampling programme is continuing and is on track. Performance is on target. Health and Safety interventions are ongoing across a range of sectors to ensure the safety of staff and clients/customers. We are in final discussions with Legal Services, ICT and software supplier prior to commencing pilot . This initiative will extend the ways tenants impacted by Anti-Social Behaviour can make reports and log incidents using systems such as the ‘ASB app’. There have been no exceedances of the statutory objective level for Nitrogen Dioxide during the year. However, the annual average value PM 10 value across all continuous monitoring sites is below the target for the year and we are monitoring to improve the air quality across Renfrewshire. We have risk assessed and sampled 100% of Private Water Supplies as required by the Regulations during the year. Work is underway to review and develop a fresh approach to tackling dog fouling supported through enforcement activity by Community Safety Officers.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level ECONOMY Achievements Priorities and Areas for Improvement Proposed ban on the sale of single use nicotine vaping products, implementation of the new legislation is proposed for 1 April 2025. Further information is awaited on delivery and funding of any enforcement requirements enabling a full position to be taken. Some concerns remain around the definition of ‘single use vape’ and the enforcement powers available to officers. • Two Modern Apprentices in Regulatory Services will start with the service in October 2024. The Modern Apprentices will complete a two-year apprenticeship with Ayr College while supporting and being supported by the wider Public Protection service. • Working in partnership with Invest in Renfrewshire colleagues, Housing Services are seeking to recruit two Housing Modern Apprentices. The successful candidates will commence their apprenticeships within our housing management team and will work in a range of teams within Housing Services over the course of their two-year apprenticeships. Work is ongoing to review animal license conditions across all licenses and introduce modern effective licence conditions to protect the welfare of animals being bred or sold within Renfrewshire. • We continue to support the implementation of Short Let Licensing Scheme and Officers within the service continue to review applications and undertake visits to premises as appropriate as consultees within the licensing process to ensure that licensed premises are safe for guests. • The work carried out in Ferguslie Park by the Council’s Regeneration and Development Team has been recognised at the recent Herald Property Awards (Sept24), with the project winning Regeneration Project of the Year 2024 – Residential Award in collaboration with AS Homes. .
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level FAIR Achievements Priorities and areas for improvement We are on track to be fully compliant within the required timescales to ensure council housing properties are fully compliant with electrical safety and smoke detection We continue to work with partners on national Serious Organised Crime and CONTEST (Prevent) agendas developed via the Renfrewshire & Inverclyde (Divisional Multi Agency Contest / Serious Organised Crime Group, Renfrewshire Community Protection (Prevent) Steering Group and the Divisional Serious & Organised Crime Group to address current and emerging threats in these workstreams. Dedicated Income Advice available for Council Tenants and digital referral process in place, to simplify access to specialist income advice for Council Tenants experiencing financial issues. October 15th to November 10th (inclusive) is the major supply period for fireworks for personal use. Trading Standards register the storage and supply of these products, 18 retail premises throughout Renfrewshire. There are around 18 premises registered to supply fireworks at the current time, but registrations can be received and granted at any time. Registrations cannot be refused except in the case of prior storage breaches, or underage sales. This work feeds into Operation MOONBEAM, which is a partnership initiative between Trading Standards, Community Safety, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire & Rescue to minimise disorder around bonfires and unregulated fireworks displays. Over 500 Ukrainian Displaced Persons now resettled in Renfrewshire since 2022 and a further 18 families from Afghan / Syrian / Somalian programme October 15th to November 10th (inclusive) is the major supply period for fireworks for personal use. Trading Standards register the storage and supply of these products, 18 retail premises throughout Renfrewshire. There are around 18 premises registered to supply fireworks at the current time, but registrations can be received and granted at any time. Registrations cannot be refused except in the case of prior storage breaches, or underage sales. This work feeds into Operation MOONBEAM, which is a partnership initiative between Trading Standards, Community Safety, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire & Rescue to minimise disorder around bonfires and unregulated fireworks displays.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level FAIR Achievements: • Access to health and wellbeing support and activities has now been broadened out to older tenants out with our sheltered housing complexes (e.g. Rowan Court and Glencairn Court high rise blocks) as well as working with partners such as The Wise Group, Impact Arts and Blue Triangle Housing Association to provide events and activities for homeless applicants and Housing Support service users. Priorities and Areas for Improvement • Data verification by the Scottish Government is delayed. The information will help us to update our internal calculations on the average time from households presenting themselves as homeless to completion of duty. In partnership with HSCP, Police Scotland, children services we continue to signpost and offer advice and assistance with health, education and other needs . Currently there are no Transit sites in Renfrewshire . Projects continue to be targeted to where they can make the most impact to citizens and families on low income. To date national initiatives around pricing, websites compliance and short measure have been completed. • As part of the Tenant Participation Strategy 20222-2027 a new Quality Circle focussing on Estate Management has been developed, and Officers are working with colleagues to further develop digital participation methods.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level GREEN Achievements: We will continue to deliver the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing post 2020-(EESH2) milestones until the Scottish Government issues the final agreed SHNZS due to be in place for 2025 and the interim targets up to 2045 before a costed plan is prepared. During 2023/204 68.55% of properties of properties are now compliant with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (against a target of 100%) EESSH2020 Standard compliance is 87.75% in 2023/24 - up from 85.07% in 2022/23 In our efforts to support the local economy to work towards net zero, Trading Standards and Licencing have been working with local businesses in or linked to the green energy sector with advice visits planned for later this year. Litter is recognised by the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) as having a negative impact on climate change due to marine plastic pollution greenhouse gas emissions created through the breakdown of litter and litter choking out plant life. Team Up To Clean Up volunteers collected over 9,000 bags of litter in the first half of 2024. Priorities and areas for improvement Priority projects have been identified with a focus on reducing emissions from “heat and fleet”. These projects will form part of our costed delivery plans. Our SHQS pass rate is still materially affected by EICR & Smoke Detector fails and by EESSH fails. A contract has recently started to enforce EICRS/Smoke detector installs and we expect the position to improve as a result, for next year's compliance rate. Supporting the local economy by advising on Net Zero and proper disposal of batteries and electrical equipment is now part of any visit to a trader. Key sources of information and advice have been noted on our enforcement forms which are left at every visit. E-scooter retailers in the area have been subject to enhanced advice and support to ensure consumer awareness of the proper use of lithium batteries.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Priorities and areas for improvement Work being undertaken to engage with the services to identify gaps in digitisation to improve business processes and the effective use of data capture and analysis. Working in collaboration with Digital First team to develop business processes to link the customer experience with frontline operations. Living our Values Achievements: • A Staff Engagement Forum has recently been established, and feedback will be used to inform service operations. • Robust and up to date business continuity arrangements are in place and maintained with ongoing training and scenario planning to supplement this work as required. • An Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Health and Safety Plan 2024/25 was approved by the appropriate Board for each service area. A 6-month update on actions and progress will be provided to the appropriate Board in October/November 2024. Work is ongoing across services to review health and safety and risk assessments. • Teams from Housing Services have completed Level 1 (Trauma informed) and Level 2 (Trauma Skilled) Training with almost 100 staff participating in 2024 so far. Trauma informed approaches already aligned closely with the ethos of the service, but the additional training has highlighted opportunities to build on existing good practice, not only in terms of working with service users but also in supporting colleagues.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level ACTIONS AND INDICATORS Communities and Housing Policy Board October 2024
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level DELIVERING THE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN– PLACE What we will do Due Date Status Progress Update Deliver the key outputs from the 6th year of Renfrewshire’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP) and ensure the supply of temporary accommodation provision of support to those in need, and the number of social rented housing lets meets the national and local increase in homelessness. 31 March 2025 We have reduced the use of B&B and ensured the average length of time to complete duty has not risen despite the increase in homeless applications (in line with national trends.) Wrapround support initiatives continue to be provided, including MyLA (MyLife Ahead) which supports those with alcohol/drug issues who require help to sustain settled housing. Deliver any new duties, with partners, in relation to prevention of homelessness. To be confirmed once it is decided that the Housing Bill should become an Act The new duties have still to be announced following Scottish Government consultation on the Housing Bill. The Bill is at Stage 1 of the parliamentary process to decide if it should become an Act. A decision by the Parliament on this is expected by the end of November 2024. Implement revised Housing Asset Management Strategy. 31 March 2025 The Housing Asset Management Strategy 2024-2029 has been presented to the Housing Investment Programme Board and is also being consulted on by the Housing Asset Management Thematic Group. A final approved strategy will be presented to Communities Housing Policy Board in 2024/2025. Progress the Regeneration and Renewal programme across the eight Areas. 31 March 2026 Positive progress is being made across all areas where the agreed timeline shows, works scheduled in year 3 of this 10-year programme. As reported to the Communities and Housing Board in August 2024, the acquisition and rehousing strategy is performing as planned and various phases of demolition are being taken forward as blocks become fully council owned and vacant. Officers will work together to review the delivery and turnaround of void properties across Renfrewshire to minimise times, wherever possible, to allow properties to be re-let. 30 Sept 2024. This date is subject to change due to the nature and scope of the review and once the teams are fully embedded. By 10 September 2024 Operational and Management void numbers had been reduced from 518 to 395 and void rent loss had been reduced to less than 4.50%. By 31 July 2024 net void turnaround time had been reduced from 50.4 days in 2023 -2024 to 38,.6 days.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level What we will do Due Date Status Progress Update Develop and implement the range of measures in place to mitigate the impacts from the increased homeless pressures, especially in relation to changes in national migration and resettlement policies and programmes. 31 March 2025 Legal duties to assess homeless applications, provide temporary accommodation, and ensure housing support needs are assessed and met continue to be delivered despite record levels of homelessness. The target for Council general lets to homeless group has increased to 55% for 2024/25 from 49% in 2023/2024. New temporary posts created across homeless and housing support services to help ensure those in housing need are supported. Improve connections with services involved in the delivery of estate management related activity in and around the Council’s Housing stock. 31 March 2025 Housing Estate Manager (Council Housing) in post April 2024. Joint Estate Action plan successfully piloted in Moorpark. Extend the ways tenants impacted by Anti- social Behaviour (ASB) can make reports and make reports and log incidents using systems such as the ‘ASB app’. 31 March 2025 Final discussions scheduled with Legal Services, ICT and software supplier prior to commencing pilot. Review our current approach to dog fouling enforcement and use community engagement and data to map out ‘hot spots’ to target enforcement. 31 March 2025 Work to review and develop a fresh approach to tackling dog fouling is ongoing and will be supported through enforcement activity by Community Support Officers. DELIVERING THE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN– PLACE
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Indicator Current Status 2023/24 2024/25 Q1 Q2 Explanation of performance Value Target Target Value Value Private Water Supplies – 100% of type A supplies risk assessed and sampled 100% 100% 100% Not measured for quarters Not measured for quarters All regulated private water supplies have been sampled and risk assessed as is required by the Regulations during the year. Air Quality - Annual average PM10 value across all continuous monitoring sites 12.78ug/m3 18ug/m3 18ug/m3 Not measured for quarters Not measured for quarters The average value is significantly below the target for the year Air Quality - average nitrogen dioxide value of monitoring sites, within AQMA(s) exceeding limits 0ug/m3 40ug/m3 40ug/m3 Not measured for quarters Not measured for quarters There have been no exceedances of the statutory objective level for Nitrogen Dioxide during the year Percentage of reactive repairs carried out in the last year completed right first time (Housing Services) 87.3% 93% 93% Not measured for quarters Not measured for quarters The value for 2023/2024 is slightly below target of 93% Percentage of Overall Repairs Completed Within Target (Housing Services) 92.1% 95% 95% 94.5% 95.37% Q2 performance has improved from Q1 and is better than the target of 95%. This is also an improvement on the figure for 2023/24 which was 92.1%. Average length of time taken to complete non-emergency repairs (days) (Housing Services) 7.9 days 15 days 15 days 6.5 days 5.98 days The average length of time taken to complete non-emergency repairs continues to improve. For Q2 it was an average of 5.98 days, which is an improvement from Q1 and also the overall figure for 2023/24 which was 7.9 days. Average time from households presenting themselves as homeless to completion of duty (number of weeks) 21.23 26 26 21.1 22.41 Q2 figure of 22.41 weeks shows an improvement from Q1 and is better than the target of 26 weeks days. Please note Quarter 2 figure is an estimate as information to be verified by Scottish Government. We don’t expect official figure until November 2024. DELIVERING THE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN– PLACE
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level DELIVERING THE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN – ECONOMY What we will do Due Date Status Progress Update Provide employment, training, and apprenticeship opportunities for identified groups of young people in Renfrewshire. 31 March 2025 Two Modern Apprentices in Regulatory Services are due to start with the service in October 2024. The Modern Apprentices will complete a two-year apprenticeship with Ayr College while supporting and being supported by the wider Public Protection service. Working in partnership with Invest in Renfrewshire colleagues, Housing Services are seeking to recruit two Housing Modern Apprentices. The successful candidates will commence their apprenticeships within our housing management team and will work in a range of teams within Housing Services over the course of their two-year apprenticeships. Complete the review of animal license conditions across all licences. 31 March 2025 This work is ongoing to review and introduce modern and effective licence conditions to protect the welfare of animals being bred or sold within Renfrewshire. Deliver The Business Regulation Service Plan. 31 March 2025 Service plan delivery is ongoing. The food sampling programme is continuing and is on track. Performance is on target. Health and Safety interventions are ongoing across a range of sectors to ensure the safety of staff and clients/customers. Continue to support the implementation of Short Let Licensing Scheme. 31 March 2025 Officers within the service continue to review applications and undertake visits to premises as appropriate as consultees within the licensing process to ensure that licensed premises are safe for guests. Implement the proposed ban on the sale and supply of single use nicotine vaping products. 31 March 2025 The implementation of the new legislation is proposed for 1 April 2025. Further information is required on delivery and funding of any enforcement requirements before a full position can be taken. Some concerns remain around the definition of ‘single use vape’ and the enforcement powers available to officers.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level DELIVERING THE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN – FAIR What we will do Due Date Status Progress Update Liaise with Gypsy/Travellers who are staying in Transit Sites. Ongoing No sites in Renfrewshire Where required we will offer signposting advice and assistance with meeting health, education and other needs, and share information on Gypsy Traveller Transit Sites with partners such as HSCP, Police Scotland, Childrens Services etc. Reducing inequalities by ensuring proactive regulatory activities are targeted where they can support the wellbeing or financial security of citizens. 31 March 2025 Projects continue to be targeted to where they can make most impact to citizens and families on low income. To date national initiates around pricing, website compliance and short measure have been completed. Work with partners on national Serious Organised Crime and CONTEST (Prevent) agendas. 31 March 2025 This continues to be developed via the Renfrewshire & Inverclyde (Divisional Multi Agency Contest / Serious Organised Crime Group, Renfrewshire Community Protection (Prevent) Steering Group and the Divisional Serious & Organised Crime Group. These Forums are represented by multi-agency partners including neighbouring local authority, Police Scotland SFRS and Scottish Government Prevent representatives to address current and emerging threats in these workstreams. Deliver the Action Plan outcomes outlined in the Tenant Participation Strategy 2022‐2027. 31 March 2025 Officers are working through the specific actions detailed in the Action Plan. Since the last update a new Quality Circle focussing on Estate Management has been developed. Officers are working with colleagues to further develop digital participation methods. Ensure effective participation and support for all refugee programmes. 31 March 2025 Over 500 Ukrainian Displaced Persons now resettled in Renfrewshire since 2022 and a further 18 families from the Afghan / Syrian / Somalian programme. A programme of community integration events and activities has been established and new specialist posts created to support greater participation and integration opportunities.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level DELIVERING THE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN – FAIR What we will do Due Date Status Progress Update Fully implement the improvements to our Sheltered Housing and Health & Wellbeing service. 30 June 2024 Access to health and wellbeing support and activities has now been broadened out to older tenants out with our sheltered housing complexes (e.g. Rowan Court and Glencairn Court high rise blocks) as well as working with partners such as The Wise Group, Impact Arts and Blue Triangle Housing Association to provide events and activities for homeless applicants and Housing Support service users. Simplify access to specialist income advice for Council Tenants experiencing financial issues. 31 March 2025 Dedicated Income Advice available for Council Tenants and digital referral process in place. Ensure council housing properties are fully compliant with electrical safety and smoke detection. 31 March 2025 2 external contractors have been procured to assist in dealing with the outstanding properties. Our Building Services team are carrying out forced access to those that have failed to respond to letters or no provided access . On track to be fully compliant within the required timescale.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level GREEN What we will do Due Date Status Progress Update Supporting the local economy towards Net Zero; ensuring proper and informed consumer choice, both through effective advice and regulation. 31 March 2025 Advising on Net Zero and proper disposal of batteries and electrical equipment is n ow part of any visit to a trader . Key sources of information and advice have been noted on our enforcement forms which are left at every visit. E-scooter retailers in the area have been subject to enhanced advice and support to ensure consumer awareness of the proper use of lithium batteries. Deliver the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing post-2020 (EESSH2) milestones. (The Scottish Government is reviewing EESSHH2 to strengthen and realign the standard with the target for net zero heat in houses from 2040, as set out in the Climate Change Update, the Heat in Buildings Strategy, and the Housing to 2040 Route Map – whilst the review is underway, the Scottish Housing Regulator will continue to gather data on EESSH1 compliance). 31 March 2025 This needs to tie in with Scottish Government timelines We await the final agreed SHNZS from the Scottish Government due to be in place for 2025. We await the interim targets up to 2045, before a costed plan can be prepared. Develop costed delivery plans to support zero journey within the Council and working in partnership with key stakeholders. 31 March 2026 Priority projects have been identified with a focus on reducing emissions from “heat and fleet”. These projects will form part of our costed delivery plans. Deliver a programme of enhanced operational environmental and community support activities for environment and place. 31 March 2025 Litter is recognised by the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) as having a negative impact on climate change due to marine plastic pollution greenhouse gas emissions created through the breakdown of litter and litter choking out plant life. Team Up To Clean Up volunteers collected over 9,000 bags of litter in the first half of 2024.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level GREEN Indicator Current Status 2023/24 2024/25 Q1 2023/24 Q2 2023/24 Explanation of performance Value Target Target Target Target Percentage of Council housing stock which meets the Scottish Housing Quality Standard. 68.55% 100% 100% Not measured for quarters Not measured for quarters The Annual figure is the final figure to be returned to the Scottish Housing regulator as part of our ARC return. Our pass rate is still materially affected by EICR & Smoke Detector fails and by EESSH fails. A contract has recently started to enforce EICRS/Smoke detector installs and we expect the position to improve as a result, for next year's compliance rate. Percentage of homes meeting the EESSH 2020 standard. 87.75% 95% 95% Not measured for quarters Not measured for quarters Including insulation works and solar PV installs in 2023/2024, the pass rate increased to 87.75%. Over 600 new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) were added to our system, many replacing previously cloned energy data however, the real EPC data often lowered scores and resulted in some new fails emerging. As EESSH is being replaced by SHNZS, we do not expect to target works for further EESSH compliance.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level DELIVERING THE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN – LIVING OUR VALUES What we will do Due Date Status Progress Update Continue to develop new approaches to staff communication and engagement across all areas of the service. 31 March 2025 A Staff Engagement Forum has recently been established, and feedback will be used to inform service operations. Ensure robust and up to date business continuity arrangements are in place and maintained. 31 March 2025 Robust and up to date business continuity arrangements are in place and maintained with ongoing training and scenario planning to supplement this work as required. Embed the enquiry systems for public and elected members across Environment, Housing & Infrastructure services. 31 March 2025 A system to deal with public and elected member enquiries is established and embedded across Environment and Infrastructure Services and supports ongoing work to identify recurring issues or concerns which can be address. Work to establish and embed a similar approach for Housing within EH&I will be undertaken in the next few months. Review Health & Safety and Risk Assessments. 31 March 2025 An Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Health and Safety Plan 2024/25 was approved by the appropriate Board for each service area. A 6-month update on actions and progress will be provided to the appropriate Board in October/November 2024. Work is ongoing across services to review health and safety and risk assessments. Ensure robust financial monitoring. 31 March 2025 Regular financial monitoring discussions with Senior Management and Finance Team are well established to support ongoing monitoring and planning of resources. Review and maintain continuous improvement frameworks. 31 March 2025 Work is ongoing to address actions identified from Audit reports and accreditations including maintaining British Standards ISO9001 for identified services.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level DELIVERING THE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN – LIVING OUR VALUES What we will do Due Date Status Progress Update Support the Council in developing New Ways of Working. 31 March 2025 Environment, Housing & Infrastructure continue to proactively support and encourage hybrid working where possible and the use of technology, such as teams, to improve collaborative working. Provide our employees with the appropriate support to manage their attendance, health, and wellbeing. 31 March 2025 All employees are provided with appropriate support to manage their attendance, health and wellbeing including use of Occupational Health referrals and “Timefortalking”. Better use of data and technology to improve services performance and delivery. 31 March 2025 Work is currently ongoing to use data and technology to support Waste & Recycling Service with a new project, Roads Service to implement a new system and other improvements using data and technology to improve and modernise the work undertaken across our estate including to clean schools, ensuring our resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. Implement the next phase of transformation as part of Right for Renfrewshire. 31 March 2025 EH&I has continued to support the Council’s Transformation Programme. Engage and participate in trauma informed and responsive Renfrewshire programme. 31 March 2025 Teams from Housing Services have completed Level 1 (Trauma informed) and Level 2 (Trauma Skilled) Training with almost 100 staff participating in 2024 so far. Trauma informed approaches already aligned closely with the ethos of the service, but the additional training has highlighted opportunities to build on existing good practice, not only in terms of working with service users but also in supporting colleagues. Staff from housing were invited to the Trauma Informed and Responsive Renfrewshire Steering Group to present on how the training has benefitted them and how they have implemented the learning. Work with Services across EH&I to support further digitisation and business improvement of our processes to meet the needs of our customers. 31 March 2025 Work being undertaken to engage with the services to identify gaps in digitisation to improve business processes and the effective use of data capture and analysis. Working in collaboration with Digital First team to develop business processes to link the customer experience with frontline operations.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level DELIVERING THE COUNCIL PLAN – CROSS CUTTING THEME IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES “Across all of our work and all of our efforts, we hope for loving and happy lives for Renfrewshire’s children - working together to get it right for children, families and communities – protecting, learning, achieving and nurturing. Every priority of this Council Plan will contribute to improving the lives of Renfrewshire’s children and their families. It is our fundamental duty as an organisation and our shared responsibility as citizens of this place to ensure that our children inherit a Renfrewshire where their wellbeing is nurtured, their futures are bright, and their environment is safe and healthy.’ What we will do Due Date Status Progress Update EH&I will work towards keeping The Promise 31 March 2025 Head of Housing (who is also a member of the Council’s Senior Management Team) now sits on the Renfrewshire’s Strategy Promise Oversight Group . The Promise Manager has been introduced and attended Housing Services CMT and from this there has been several follow up actions agreed. Discussions have taken with the Promise Manager and Senior Housing Managers around the future consultations regarding incorporating The Promise housing related calls to action into key housing policies. Close on-going positive relationships and links with Homeless & Housing Support Services and The Promise Team including activity around the Homeless Service – Service Development Plan 2023-2026 Regulation of Social Housing Assurance Statement now has appropriate reference to Looked After and The Promise and this activity was supported by Housing Lead Officer – (Performance, Policy & Participation) and The Promise Manager. It has been recognised that an area for improvement is to grow the number of Promise Keepers across the service.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level DELIVERING THE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN – LIVING OUR VALUES Indicator Current Status 2023/24 2024/25 Q1 2024/25 Q2 2024/24 Explanation of performance Value Target Target Value Value Average number of workdays lost through sickness absence per employee (FTE) (cumulative) 14.91 TBC TBC 4.15 TBC Data for Quarter 2 not yet available, due to changes in reporting processes currently being developed within HR&OD % of Members enquiries completed within timescale 92% 85% 85% 92% 94% In the first six months of 2024/25 Environment, Housing & Infrastructure received 2,612 members enquiries of which 93% were responded to within timescale. % of frontline resolutions dealt with within timescale 85% 85% 85% 40% 58% In the first six months of 2024/25 Environment, Housing & Infrastructure received 5,370 front line resolutions of which 48% were responded to within timescale. % of complaint investigation completed within timescale 89% 85% 85% 45% 40% In the first six months of 2024/25, 43.1% of 185 complaint investigations received have been responded to on time. % of FOI request completed within timescale 100% 100% 100% 98.51% 97.37% In the first six months of 2024/25 Environment, Housing & Infrastructure dealt with 354 Freedom of Information requests of which 347 (98%) were responded to within timescale. 110 of these requests were cross departmental and 244 were departmental. Training – Percentage of staff training undertaken in relation to qualifications (Public Protection) 100% 100% 100% 98.51% 100% Staff training is provided on a structured basis as needs are identified to ensure that they have the correct skills and qualifications to undertake their duties. There are currently two FTE staff completing training to qualify as Environmental Health Officers, sitting their professional exams in October 2024.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level DELIVERING THE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN – LIVING OUR VALUES Indicator Current Status 2023/24 2024/25 Q1 2024/25 Q2 2024/25 Explanation of performance Value Target Target Value Value Gross rent arrears (all tenants) as at 31 March each year as a percentage of rent due for the reporting year. 8.32% 7.5% 7.5% 7.95% 8.89% Although below target, performance continues to improve in both former and current tenant rent collection in line with collection rates at this point in the financial year – Q2 position in 23/24 was 9.46% Rent collected as percentage of total rent due in the reporting year. 100.42% 98% 98% 99.46% 98.4% Rent collected continues to be slightly better than target. Average length of time taken to re-let properties in the last year (in days) 50.4 53 53 37.6 days 39.33 days Figure for Q2 was 39.33 days, which although a slight increase from Q1, which was 37.6 days, performance continues to be well ahead of target of 53 days. Percentage of rent loss due to voids 1.45 1.8% 1.8% 1.58% 1. 53% Percentage of rent loss due to voids for Q2 was 1.53% which continues to be better than the target of 1.8%.
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level EHI SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN SIX MONTHLY PROGRESS UPDATE OCTOBER 2024 For more information, please contact: Douglas.morrison@renfrewshire.gov.uk