Press Release

Policy and Resources Committee for November

Friday, 10 November 2006

Policy and Resources Committee will meet on Thursday 16th November 2006 to discuss a range of matters relating to the work and performance of Derry City Council.

Members will receive a detailed quarterly corporate review of Derry City Council and includes budgetary performance, overtime, absenteeism and a range of service information.

The quarterly review details the budgetary control performance by service for each department for the six months ending 30th September 2006. Overall net expenditure is largely in line with budget with a favourable variance of £491,936 for the six-month period, attributed largely to Culmore Landfill Site remaining open beyond the planned closure date and slippage in the opening of the recycling centres. Income has decreased and this has been attributed to the loss of income from commercial operators as a result of capacity restrictions at Culmore Landfill Site and at Leisure Centres, due to intense competition in the fitness suite market.

While there was a 1.75% reduction in sickness costs, there was also an increase in overtime and mileage costs over the same period for the previous year. The increase in overtime is mainly attributed to difficulties experienced in recruiting specific staff. The situation has been resolved with effect from August 2006.

The decrease in sickness shows a decrease of 183 days and more than 55% of all absentees were referred to the Occupational Health Advisory Service. It is anticipated that the continuation of the service together with increased Human Resources and management focus on absenteeism, the sickness absence figures can be reduced further.

The Quarterly Report also highlights activity reports relating to a range of corporate actions and usage of a range of Council services.

Members will also be provided with proposals from the Electoral Office to the way in which the electoral register is to be maintained. Details of how NILGA are undertaking a process to model its future in the light of the RPA will also be made available to members, as well as details of a public consultation process on the Equality Commission’s Draft Guide on Promoting Positive Attitudes towards disabled people and encouraging the participation of disabled people in public life.

Members will be made aware of the completion of the public consultation and equality impact assessment of the Draft Corporate Plan and Corporate Business Plan and to consider recommendations relating to the St Patrick’s Day Parade 2007 Messines Project which is being proposed by the Island of Ireland Partnership.

Members will be asked to consider attending the Confederation of European Councillors Seminar on Services for the Elderly in Enniskillen and to participate in the 2007 anjual Island of Ireland week’s 90th anniversary of the Battle of Messines.

Details of the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme and the replacement of the Smartcard system for concessionary customers will also be provided to members for information.

All matters will be considered in full at the Policy and Resources Committee meeting on Thursday, 16 November, at 4.00 pm at the Guildhall. All details of committee business for next week including details of the Environmental Services (Licensing) Committee, which takes place on Monday 13 November, the Regional Services Committee, which takes place on Tuesday 14 November, and City of Derry Airport Committee, which takes place on Wednesday, 15 November. Details of all of the committees are available by logging onto www.derrycity.gov.uk/thisweek.

Ends

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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