Annual Report 2009/10 - East Herts District Council

Annual
Report
2009/10
www.eastherts.gov.uk

Contents
Page
Introduction 1
Our Vision for the District 4
Progress against East Herts
Council’s Strategic Priorities 5
Decision Making in the Council 20
How we measure success
and performance against
our priorities 21
Data Quality 22
Equalities 22
Statement on Contracts 22
Financial Information 23
Contact your Councillor 27
Appendices 33
Annual Report 2009 - 2010

Introduction
The annual report documents our significant achievements,
external assessments, performance and financial
information for the financial year 2009/10. The
programme of work set out in this document looks back,
reporting on the council’s performance against ambitions,
efficiency savings and budget across the council’s five
corporate priorities as set out in the 2009 – 2012
Corporate Plan.
The document aims to ensure local residents can accurately judge us on our effectiveness and
contribution to the district and its local communities while informing the council, councillors
and employees of current performance levels in relation to our stated aims.
Not everything the council has done over the last year is included, but rather a detailed
commentary on the council’s most significant achievements. Alongside this is a summary of
unaudited financial information for the year, as well as
our standing against all national and district
wide performance indicators.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010 1

Message from the Leader
As you’re probably aware, East Herts Council, like all others, is facing some tough spending
decisions during the next 12 months and beyond.
Of course, this isn’t something we’ve just started thinking about. Over the last 12 months
everything we’ve done has been carried out with continual focus on achieving the best value for
money and sustainability. Last November saw ARC (Alternate Refuse Collection) introduced,
which has seen the amount of waste sent to expensive landfill reduce significantly by enabling
residents to recycle far more from the kerbside. We’re delighted with the way the scheme has
bedded in and the enthusiasm with which it’s been received has seen us on our way towards the
50% recycling target by 2012.
The council has also done its utmost to bring in sources of funding from as many avenues
as possible. The 2020 Vision document for Bishop’s Stortford was based on the views of 4,000
residents. This led to the council successfully bidding to Herts Forward for £135,000, topped up
by council money and donations from local organisations to provide £275,000 for updates to
Bishop’s Stortford market and the River Stort.
As a council we have been mindful of looking to the future to make sure that no matter what
happens with public finances we’re well prepared. Because of that we’re able to invest in big
new projects while making sure our core services continue to be top quality. The 2009
Organisational Assessment placed us in the top five Hertfordshire district/borough councils,
and of those we scored the highest in the “Managing Finance” category.
I hope this annual report will give you a flavour of how we have prepared for the ever-changing
world we’re operating in over the last year. Regardless of these
challenges, we will continue to listen to what’s important to you and strive to deliver thanks to
the preparation and foresight of our ever
committed staff, partners and residents.
Cllr Tony Jackson
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
2

Message from the Chief Executive
Here at East Herts Council we are proud of the work we do and the district we serve. By working
together with our partners to put people first and delivering value for money services, we have
continued to improve services for our customers.
A new customer service centre opened at Charringtons House in Bishop’s Stortford and the
reception at Wallfields, Hertford, was refurbished. The changes have provided modern,
purpose-built environments that enable us to provide a far wider range of services, ensuring
a smoother, quicker, more effective experience for our customers.
In response to satisfaction surveys for leisure and sports facilities we took the decision to
contract out our leisure services and make a major investment in services. The much-improved
10 year contract and impressive £3.5million refurbishment of Grange Paddocks and Hartham
gym’s has transformed what’s on offer and has already seen a large surge in visitor numbers.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved but we will continue building on the improvements while
enhancing the ways we work to deliver real, positive and sustainable outcomes that offer
value for money in light of the pressurised times ahead.
Chief Executive
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
3

Our Vision for the District
East Herts Council is driven by a vision for the district on behalf of all
our residents:
To improve the quality of people’s lives and preserve all that is best in East Herts
This overriding aim is underpinned by five Corporate Priorities which
reflectlocal needs and objectives as identified through public consultation
and feedback.
They are:
● Promoting prosperity and wellbeing; providing access and opportunities
● Pride in East Herts
● Fit for purpose, services fit for you
● Caring for what’s built and where
● Shaping now, shaping the future
● Leading the way, working together
Each priority is further defined by a series of corporate
targets which are set out in our 2009 – 2012 Corporate
Strategic Plan. This sets out the vision and high-level priorities
or the council and identifies key outcomes to be achieved over
its target period. These are shared with many of our partner
organisations to enable a joined-up approach to target setting
and work management, helping to remove service gaps and
duplication while promoting efficiency.
Full details on all targets and achievements are
available on our website,
www.eastherts.gov.uk/councilinformation
This annual report cannot include everything within our
work programmes; however it does identify the areas
which we believe will be of most community interest
because of their impact and benefits.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
4

Progress against East Herts Council’s
Strategic Priorities
“Promoting prosperity and wellbeing; providing access and opportunities”
Our priority is to enhance the quality of life, health, and wellbeing of
individuals, families and communities, particularly those who are vulnerable.
Did you know?
Throughout the year the East Herts Housing Strategy 2008/11 action plan was monitored to ensure
all actions were on target. A new action was added - to spend our local share of the £6.6million
awarded to the London Commuter Belt on reducing levels of fuel poverty, particularly for vulnerable
groups. We plan to install fuel efficiency measures into 340 homes for each of the next two years.
East Herts is building up a good record in this field. Since establishing the Herts and Essex Energy
Partnership (HEEP) in June 2009, over 149 energy efficiency measures have already been carried
out – covering extra loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and ‘warm front top-up’ grants.
Development of Leisure Facilities in Hertford and
Bishop’s Stortford
East Herts Council responded to resident’s feedback on sports and leisure by contracting out the
provision of its leisure services on a substantially improved 10-year contract, offering savings of
around £4m to the council taxpayer subsidy. In addition, an invest-to-save contract was agreed for
developing Grange Paddocks and Hartham leisure centres, lowering the taxpayer subsidy by
approximately a further £3m over a ten year period while offering improved facilities.
At Grange Paddocks a £1.89m high-quality refurbishment of the changing facilities, reception
area and gym opened in February 2010. It replaced the previous 26 stations of equipment with 85
high-tech exercise stations and installed new studio space for dance and exercise classes. At
Hartham, £1.62m was also spent on increasing the number of equipment stations to 85 as well as
comprehensive improvements to the centre. This included providing new studio space, high-quality
refurbishment to changing rooms and introducing high-quality equipment such as the popular
reaction plates. Both centres now provide increased access to affordable, high-quality facilities with
more classes at more convenient times.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
5

The first annual review of the Council’s 10-year leisure contract with Sports and Leisure
Management Ltd (now known as Everyone Active) was presented to Community Scrutiny Committee
in January 2010. Early signs show an increase in gym membership from 668 to 1920 at Hartham
and a significant increase from 100 to 1382 at Grange Paddocks. Visits at both centres have
increased by 9,142 over the period January to March compared to the same period last year.
Qualitative feedback for both sites has shown that users like the improved gyms and quality of the
changing facilities.
Highlights:
● The Government’s Place Survey carried out in summer of 2009 revealed 89% of local
people are either satisfied or very satisfied with the area they live, a rise from 82% in
the 2006/07 survey. 8 out of 10 say people from different backgrounds get on well
and everyone is treated with respect by their local public services. Fewer than a
quarter (23.3%) of those who responded felt drug use or dealing was a problem in
their part of East Herts and just 15% felt antisocial behaviour was an issue – well
below the Hertfordshire average.
● Young people can enjoy more exciting outdoor play opportunities with accessible
facilities for disabled and able-bodied youngsters and increased opportunities for
informal play. This is thanks to the completion of all four projects within the Big
Lottery-funded Play Portfolio “Playing on the Wildside”. This included a new dventure
playground on King George Playing Fields, Ware, and a refurbishment of an existing
playground on Bentley Road in Sele as well as delivery of informal play opportunities
for both children and teenagers during school holidays. Children and young people
were involved from the beginning in designing and helping to build the adventure
playground to ensure they got the equipment and experience they wanted.
● Improved access, larger bays and essential upgrades to our car parks has ensured
they are fit for purpose well into the future. A programme of car park improvements
continued throughout 2009/10 at Amwell End, Jackson Square and Crown Terrace,
with the projects being completed £13,000 under the capital estimate of £90,000.
Preparations for the major Gascoyne Way refurbishment were also carried out
during 2009/10.
● East Herts Council joined with a Bishop’s Stortford local business owner to open a
Shopmobility scheme. Scooters and wheelchairs are free to use for registered
customers. Conveniently located on the ground floor of Jackson Square car park,
Shopmobility will make it easier to get to the shops, post office, bank and many other
places for those who need assistance.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
6

● The Community Safety Partnership met regularly throughout the year with the aim of
promoting closer cooperation between the police, East Herts Council and other
district and countywide partners to reduce crime. The council is committed to helping
improve the quality of people’s lives, working with all partners to ensure crime rates
remain among the lowest in the county. The 2009/10 Community Safety Action Plan
supported this with Serious violent crime reducing from 15 offences in 2008/09 to
12 in 2009/10 (20%). Serious acquisitive crime reduced from 1317 to 1204 (9%)
and assault with less serious injury from 467 to 426 (9%). Several changes
contributed, such as a seconded officer working with the council, multiagency
induction classes and staff training in partnership working.
● Residents and businesses alike are increasingly able to enjoy the night-time hours
free of the fear of crime in East Herts major towns. This follows the creation of four
alcohol control zones, two in Bishop’s Stortford, one in Hertford and one at Amwell
End, Ware. These have been set up by East Herts Council with the police to reduce
antisocial behaviour caused by drinking, providing police with extra powers to
confiscate alcohol. This, combined with good partnership working with the police and
landlords has contributed to reducing alcohol related offences by 67% in the year
2009/10.
● The impact of technology has enabled the police to keep track of crime and ensure
improved road safety through the introduction of an Automatic Number Plate
Recognition System in two police cars covering East Herts. The system automatically
reads number plates and checks various computer databases for any association to
criminal activity, traffic offences and lack of insurance. This enables timely, on the
spot investigation, freeing up police time. East Herts Council contributed a grant of
£20,000 towards the system which covers half the costs and will help police keep
track of crime across the district. Residents should also feel safer in their homes
thanks to Operation Abode. East Herts council contributed £10,000 towards the
scheme which is clamping down on burglary. The money will go towards increased
high visibility patrols and more plain-clothes officers targeting criminals.
● Improved comfort, stability and independence has been provided for families and
individuals on the road to recovery from homelessness. The council converted a hostel
for the homeless from 15 hostel rooms and the former manager's accommodation
into 11 self-contained flats. Previously many rooms had shared kitchens and
bathrooms, which weren’t suitable for families and lacked the right environment to
foster confidence and optimism in a new life. The refurbishment cost £450,000, but
it’s now saving £70,000 a year by making the most of the space and using rooms that
were previously empty.
● A House Condition Survey was completed and the final report from the consultants is
imminent– this will provide improved data on which to base future private sector
housing service decisions.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
7

● Both artists and residents can enjoy new, exciting and progressive art projects and
spaces developed within the district now that East Herts is the lead authority for
developing the Design East initiative. The project is dedicated to supporting and
developing opportunities for artists while promoting new art spaces and creating a
network of talented designers from the region to then showcase their talents to a
wide audience.
● Continued support and development of emergency planning will ensure the council
and emergency services are ready for every eventuality and residents offered the
utmost protection. The East Herts Emergency Plan was maintained and developed,
including a review of the Incident Control Centres and Reception Centres. Parish and
Town Council Clerk and Councillor training has taken place, as have emergency
planning events. In particular a major multiagency tabletop exercise included all the
“blue light” services, several voluntary sector agencies and two large business sector
companies helped develop a combined response
● All new applications and annual relicensing of premises, persons and vehicles involved
in licensable activities were processed under legislative requirements and statutory
guidance. No appeals were made to the Magistrates’ Court on the grounds that
applications were not processed in time.
● The public can be secure in the knowledge the districts licensed premises set high
standards and are well regulated. Rigorous enforcement, through joint activity and
information sharing with the police, has resulted in fewer licence reviews and prose
cutions/ formal cautions, by containing the cost of providing the Licensing Service.
● People with learning and physical disabilities as well as incapacity benefit claimants
and lone parents on income support have been offered the chance to develop skills,
experience and confidence in the workplace. East Herts Council has taken a lead role
in working together in partnership with Work Solutions, a specialist employment team,
to offer work tasters within the Council. The opportunity for 16 – 18 year olds to gain
nationally recognised qualifications has also been furthered through East Herts
active involvement in the National Apprenticeship scheme and Leading by Example.
The council has worked closely with the Job Centre Plus to give opportunities to 16 –
18 year olds on work-based training programmes designed around the needs of
employees and employers.
● Working with our local job and career centres, the Human Resources department
continues to promote the council as an employer of choice, with the intention to
retain Two Ticks disability symbol on job adverts from Jobcentre Plus.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
8

Fit for purpose, services fit for you
Our priority is to deliver customer focused services by maintaining and developing a well
managed and publicly accountable organisation
Did you know?
East Herts Council and Circle Anglia are now both located at Charringtons House in Bishop’s
Stortford, providing a one-stop-shop call-in centre for residents. You can also pay bills without having
to queue using new payment machines whilst always having someone on hand to answer any
questions or queries. Telephone: 01279 655261 or email enquiries@eastherts.gov.uk for more
information on the services on offer
Changing the Way We Work (C3W)
As part of the commitment to deliver value for money, the council is seeking to invest in improved
customer services, update its infrastructure and modernise its working practices. Two key
milestones have been achieved on the Changing the Way We Work project. There has been a
transformation of the reception at Wallfields, Hertford, into a new customer service centre.
A new Customer Service Centre has also been built at Charringtons House in Bishop’s Stortford
to replace The Causeway reception. The facility offers improved and extended services for
residents and with South Anglia Housing Association sharing the centre it offers a one-stop
shop forresidents. The move also means that taxpayers will avoid a heftybill for
refurbishment of The Causeway, a building the council does not own and no
longer meets our needs.
Customers coming into the new Customer Service Centres are able to use
more services face-to-face than previously available. Automated payment
machines and improved computer facilities will speed up access, while extra
interview rooms will provide private space to discuss confidential
issues, such as housing and benefits applications.
As well as this, home and remote working is being introduced across
the council for its staff, maximising space and promoting flexibility.
The Council intends to undertake further Business Process
Improvement (BPI) work and has been granted funding from
Improvement East to set up a BPI Team. This will look to
remove unnecessary bureaucracy and improve the public’s
interaction with the council, making it easier to access
services on-line where suitable, such as recent work done to
provide access to development plans through Planning Online.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010 9

Highlights:
● Residents were consulted and listened to through a range of formats during 2009/10
in order to ensure the council continues to target the activities of most importance to
residents while providing the right set of services. These included the 2009
Residents’ Survey and continuing Community Voice meetings. Staff views and
feelings were also gathered through extra staff focus groups following on from the
2008 Staff Survey and the 2010/11 Budget Consultation. The Council can then
ensure it’s on track, whilst keeping residents and staff informed of its direction,
priorities and financial position. Current data from the 2009 Residents’ Survey shows
that nearly two thirds of residents (63%) say the Council keeps them very or fairly
well informed, ensuring that we can be challenged on the decisions we make. Most
residents (71%) said the Council is making the local area a better place to live. 53%
of respondents agreed with the statement that the council delivers good value for
money, a significantly more positive result than in the 2007 survey when only 45%
agreed.
● Residents can now engage with major council decisions and local issues by following
council meetings on any home computer. Installation of audio-visual and web casting
equipment in the council chamber at Wallfields, Hertford, will now enable all
residents to view proceedings either in real-time or as an archived recording. Live
broadcasting of Full Council and Development Control Committee meetings will make
East Herts Council more accessible and help to increase awareness and community
involvement in the democratic process.
● The council is now able to better learn from the customer experience thanks to the
introduction of a new Corporate Customer Feedback procedure called the '3Cs’. The
scheme aims to reflect the full range of Comments, Compliments and Complaints
received from residents and customers. From this the customer services team is able
to maximise the use and learning from all the feedback we receive. The council can
then make improvements and fill gaps where necessary as well as consolidate the
areas recognised as working well, with good response times and learning the key
output focus.
● Building Control retained their ISO quality assurance accreditation for the
forthcoming year – this means the recognised high-quality service provision for
customers will be maintained.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
10

● Companies doing business with East Herts Council can now almost guarantee they
will be paid on time. This is thanks to the implementation of full commitment
accounting and BACS processing of supplier payments, providing more efficient
business processes and the ability to pay our suppliers more quickly. Invoices being
paid on time increased from 96.90% in 2008/09 to 98.19% in 2009/10 and
represents the best annual performance so far.
● An updated Asset Management Strategy and Plan was produced, resulting in better
(planned) management of the Council’s assets in line with the Corporate Priorities
● A review of Planning Enforcement resulted in the introduction of a changed
Enforcement Policy on 1 April 2010 – the outcome for the customer can be seen with
clearer information about the remit of the Service and Service levels.
● Easier and timelier access for comment during planning consultations is now
possible because of the transition to a more fully comprehensive on-line service
within the Planning Department. From April 2009 all plan drawings are available online
during public consultation, increasing access and efficiency.
● The Parish and Town Council Action Plan supported several measures which will
promote a more joined-up approach to customer services across the district’s
councils. Ensuring we can work more closely and effectively with clerks and
councillors in the towns and villages across East Herts is essential in providing an
all-inclusive service. Town, Parish and District councils should all be able to help any
resident who makes contact, so it’s imperative good communication channels are
maintained.
● The Council also rolled out FISH, a corporate training initiative that focuses on the
fundamental principles to ensuring the delivery of excellent customer services
whether these are for internal or external customers. It is our continuous
commitment to deliver customer focused services by maintaining and developing a
well managed and publicly accountable organisation
● From May smart cards were made available through a ‘Parksmart’ scheme in the
districts major towns, providing a 10 per cent discount on five hour and all day stays.
The cost of parking has been reduced for those using the cards, particularly helping
those who work full or part-time in our towns and regularly need use of car parks.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
11

Pride in East Herts
Our priority is to improve standards of the neighbourhood and environmental management in
our towns and villages.
Did you know?
A £275,000 improvement project, inspired by the Bishop’s Stortford 2020 Vision document, will soon
be improving two of the town’s most popular attractions – the market and the River Stort towpath.
The council bid successfully for £135,000 from Herts Forward Local Strategic Partnership to add to
the £50,000 put in from its town centre enhancement fund, with the remainder donated by
organisations working with the council.
The money will be used to improve signage and access to the towpath and provide attractive new
market stalls, electricity for traders and develop proposals to pedestrianise the market area of North
Street on market days.
A Vision for Bishop’s Stortford
‘A Vision for Bishops Stortford’ sets out some exciting opportunities of change for the district’s
biggest town. It brings together the views of the Vision 20 20 group – a partnership led by East Herts
Council – and 4,000 residents who responded to a questionnaire about the town and where it should
be headed. Addressing issues such as how to create a thriving town centre and improve the town’s
look and feel are just some of the issues considered, as well as suggestions on how we might achieve
these goals.
A common theme emerged from research into residents’ perceptions – that the town had not
previously had the benefit of a common vision and a consistent approach to
how it has evolved. A Vision for Bishop’s Stortford seeks to build on the
heritage of Bishop’s Stortford which has grown and developed
organically over many hundreds of years to provide clear
objectives with a wide a consensus as possible.
For more information view the full report at
http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/BishopsStortford2020
Annual Report 2009 - 2010 12

Highlights:
● Green Flag status, the national standard for parks and green spaces, was awarded to
The Ridgeway Open Space (Hertford) and retained for Southern Country
Park.Continued development and improvements to important open spaces, in
accordance with the council’s Parks Development Programme, was made possible
because of successful bids for external grant funding totalling £200,000. Adults and
children alike will be able to have a role in designing the spaces thanks to range of
public events and consultations at both sites. User involvement is encouraged
through an active “Friends Of” group at Southern Country Park which is now being
developed at The Ridgeway.
● To reduce carbon emissions and the council’s carbon footprint, provide community
leadership and consider adaptations to cope with climate change the Climate Change
Strategy and Action Plan has been agreed by Council. The Executive agreed a range
of building related environmental improvements to be carried out. This work is
essential in safeguarding the sustainability of both the council and the district as a
whole.
● Enhancing the special heritage of all our towns is essential in maintaining their
vibrancy and attracting visitors into the area for our local shops and businesses,
especially within the current financial climate. Under a town centre enhancement
programme the council invested in Buntingford’s Christmas lights and Market Street
bus shelter. Under the same scheme a £54,000 investment in Bishop’s Stortford and
Hertford was sponsored to make our two largest towns as attractive as possible.
● The Sawbobus is a vital community service which has proved popular with the town’s
residents and receives many passengers. The council is providing an annual grant of
£24,000 to Sawbridgeworth Town Council to help provide the community bus service
which replaced the SW bus services in winter of 2009.
● Ware was helped able to win a prestigious silver gilt medal and most improved
entrant at the annual Anglia in Bloom competition. East Herts Council worked
alongside Ware in Bloom to ensure the town’s streets were litter free and looking at
their best in time for the competition.
● Greater access was provided for shoppers to toilet facilities in Ware town with the
provision of a community toilet scheme. Five businesses have signed up, agreeing to
allow the public into their premises for use of the toilet without having to make a
purchase. The council will pay the businesses an annual fee towards running costs
and as a result can look at closing the expensive and ageing public toilets.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
13

Annual Report 2009 - 2010
Caring for what's built and where
Our priority is to care for and improve our natural and built environment
Did you know?
Plans to spend nearly £1million on the Castle Hall arts and entertainment centre in Hertford
have been agreed by the council. The complete overhaul will see the venue re-branded as ‘Hertford
Theatre’ and will bring the tired and outdated hall well and truly into the 21st century.
The project will see the introduction of a new café with art exhibition space, a new foyer and
reception area, bar, dance, and exercise studio. A total refurbishment of the outdated theatre hall and
river room will breathe new life into the venue and make it a place everyone can be proud of.
A brand new cinema quality film programme and professional pantomime will be introduced, adding
greater diversity to the space and attracting more visitors into the venue and the town.
Work began in June, with the new look venue due to re-open as Hertford Theatre in late autumn.
From August you can follow the progress of the work and book tickets in advance at the new bespoke
website: www.hertfordtheatre.com
Alternate Refuse Collection (ARC)
In November 2009 ARC (Alternate Refuse Collection) was
successfully implemented, adding food waste, cardboard and
plastic bottles to the paper, glass, cans and garden waste that
could already be recycled from the kerbside. As a result much
more can be recycled easily, contributing to the council’s move
towards its target of recycling 50% of waste collected by 2012.
In the six months since introducing ARC people have been recycling
more waste than ever – starving landfill sites of expensive waste. Since
implementation residents of the district have sorted an impressive 11,330
tonnes of recyclable material into brown bins and green and blue boxes, 4,221 (42%) tonnes more
than the same six months in 2009. Part of the increase was garden and food waste into the brown bin
– almost doubling from 3,690 to 6,526 tonnes.
Although it is too early to say whether resident satisfaction with recycling has increased, estimated
performance for NI 192 (percentage of household waste sent for reuse, recycling and composting)
has increased from 34.85% in 2008/09 to 41.0% in 2009/10. Going forward, the Council is
predicting the recycling rate will increase to 48% in 2010/11 and 50% in 2011/12.
14

Highlights:
● Savings were made with continued work by the Hertfordshire Waste Partnership to
deliver further joint working on procurement and service delivery. Several joint
procurement initiatives have been completed, including a joint contract to procure
kitchen caddies - saving £40,000 for East Herts Council - and a County wide contract
for collecting abandoned vehicles. A new consortium contract for recyclable materials
is in place that will generate additional income for the Council.
● The green belt and natural beauty of the countryside around Benington has been
protected with the rejection of a wind farm proposal. The council’s planning
department was backed by a government inspector in its dismissal of the proposal for
three 119m turbines. Councillors, supported by a significant proportion of local
residents, considered the structures negative impact on the surrounding green belt
to outweigh the benefits as a renewable energy project.
● Consultation continued with ASDA over a proposed store in Ware on the Cintel site on
Watton Road and with developers for new school development proposals in Bishop’s
Stortford. Officers work hard to ensure the correct balance is struck with benefits for
residents, the community and environment when major applications are made, before
being reported to the Development Control Committee for final decisions.
● The risk of flooding was reduced through routine inspections and maintenance
works to critical and ordinary watercourses and maintenance of what are
some of East Herts most popular attractions.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010 15

Annual Report 2009 - 2010
Shaping now, Shaping the Future
Our priority is to safeguard and enhance our unique mix of rural and urban communities
ensuring sustainable, economic and social opportunities including the continuation of effective
development control and other measures.
Did you know?
The Local Transport Act (2008) stipulates that all new Local Transport Plans must address five
overarching goals set by Central Government, defined as:
● Support economic growth
● Tackle climate change
● Promote equality of opportunity
● Contribute to better safety, security and health
● Improve
The council has developed an Urban Transport Plan for Hertford and Ware in conjunction with
Hertfordshire County Council. Extensive consultation with stakeholders, interest groups and
residents has taken place to establish what the major transport issues are across all modes within
the area. The plan develops an understanding of these issues and seeks to identify measures and
schemes to reduce or solve these problems for the period up until 2021.
Local Development Framework (LDF)
Work has continued on the Local Development Framework (LDF), the statutory policy framework for
planning, producing the policy base for the future of East Herts to 2021. The focus of the planning
system has shifted away from being solely concerned with how land is used, to a wider understanding of
how places such as towns and villages function. This is especially important in a rural district like East
Herts where we need to balance carefully competing social, environmental and economic
demands to ensure that we maintain our high-quality of life for both our generation and those to come.
One of the key principles of the new planning system has been an increased focus on fully engaging the
local community and other stakeholders in preparing the LDF. Feedback received has been used to help
draw up the first draft of the East Herts core strategy document, the new overarching planning document
for the district. This is now awaiting endorsement by full council before starting the Issues and Options
formal consultation period during summer/autumn 2010.
Issues of public concern will be addressed through this process – overall range and amount of development
and specific locations among those contained in the Core Strategy. Such engagement is important in
ensuring all East Herts residents have a say in how the district’s developed, what’s build, and where.
For the latest information or to find out more about the LDF visit www.eastherts.gov.uk/ldf, call the
Planning Policy Team on 01279 655261 or email planningpolicy@eastherts.gov.uk.
16

Highlights:
● Help for rural businesses to expand and take on new renewable energy projects has
been made possible with East Herts establishment as the accountable body for the
new Rural Business Development initiative. More than £3million has been secured
which can be offered to rural businesses to help them undertake green projects. The
money is now available to farm and tourism businesses as well as rural community
organisations that plan to work to reduce their carbon emissions.
● The modernisation of Bishop’s Stortford’s market with high-quality, standardised
branding has been identified to best showcase the town centre’s attributes and
enhance the ambience of the town centre experience. The move will improve market
day shopping and increase footfall for local businesses. A scrutiny Task and Finish
Group looking into support and development of markets addressed quality as much
as quantity (of stalls), with pedestrianisation of North Street, Bishop’s Stortford, on
market days emerging as a major new initiative. Grant funding of £135,000 has been
secured to improve the market with new stalls, better signage and electricity for
traders.
● East Herts Council continued to engage with regional and national planning issues to
ensure the district’s interests are recognised and best served. The council continued
to input into the review of the East of England Regional Plan until its submission to
the government in March 2010. Meanwhile, the Stansted G2 inquiry remains on hold
without any timetabled dates for continuation.
● The East Herts Village Hall Community Challenge awarded £10,000 to Datchworth
Village Hall as the winner of this year’s best run village hall title. The challenge is run
by East Herts Council with the aim of awarding management committees that run
their buildings in a professional way. This encourages long-term planning and
conscientious management, providing the winners with the funding necessary to
support long-term business plans.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
17

Leading the way, working together
Our priority is to deliver responsible community leadership that engages with our partners and
the public
Did you know?
The Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) of which East Herts is a partner, received nearly £250,000 in
performance reward grants from central government as a result of hitting its Local Area Agreement
(LAA) targets.
The LSP Board agreed to distribute the grant to a range of projects across the district, offering a
range of improved outcomes to support vulnerable groups, promote economic wellbeing and improve
community safety.
For more detail on the recipients of the grants and the projects being carried out visit:
www.eastherts.gov.uk
Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS)
East Herts Council continued working with all members of the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP)
on work being carried out for the Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) 2009 – 2024 – Everyone
Matters – for the East Herts district. The strategy sets out the vision and ambitions for the future wellbeing
of the area and is based on hard evidence collected from a wide range of sources, a structured
process of public consultation and stakeholder engagement.
In light of the resource implications in the current financial situation all Sustainable Community
Strategy theme leads have evaluated the actions within their SCS ambitions. This has identified the
areas of work which can continue without further resource, those which will require new resource
to succeed and those which are under threat.
Ways in which the LSP members can share resources are now being looked at to meet local priorities
in ways the council could not do by itself. By gaining a better shared understanding of all the services
partners offer we are able to identify service gaps, duplications and areas where partners can better
work together to provide a more complete service.
For further information on the Local Strategic Partnership and its Sustainable Community Strategy
visit www.eastherts.gov/LSP
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
18

Highlights
● Scrutiny provides an open and transparent forum in which to ensure that policies and
services are meeting the Council’s priorities and the needs of local people. During the
year the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report was produced, detailing committees’
achievements. This states “it is testimony to the constructive nature of the relationship
in East Herts, that scrutiny is seen as a positive function by both Executive members and
senior officers. The non-confrontational approach and realistic recommendations
made by scrutiny mean that their intervention is valued”.
● In addition an External Audit review on the effectiveness of the council’s Scrutiny and
Audit Committees was completed. The auditors concluded that “Overall we recognise
the Council has developed the scrutiny function since 2007. We also consider the
Audit Committee is improving its effectiveness. Further, we consider the level of
scrutiny at East Herts is similar to that of other councils we audit. We consider the
commitment to scrutiny to be strong and well-supported by officers”. Throughout the
year, the scrutiny committees continued to perform well. All work programmes for
each committee have been discussed at each meeting and reviewed to ensure
relevancy with the committee’s terms of reference and that they reflect the issues that
need to be scrutinised.
● East Herts continued to chair and develop the role of the District Children’s Trust
Partnership and deliver the annual action plan, the Youth Conference and the Youth
Council. This will result in the further enhancement of the five outcomes of Every
Child Matters which includes:
Developing new children’s centres
Promoting healthy eating
Increasing levels of volunteering among young people
Reducing substance misuse, particularly alcohol.
● The Community Safety Partnership has ensured that crime levels are low compared to
Hertfordshire neighbours. Furthermore, on feeling safe perceptions East Herts
features in 1st position in Hertfordshire with most residents (64.5%) responding that
they feel very or fairly safe after dark. When asked how safe residents felt during the
day, 93% felt very or fairly safe, which ranked 3rd position in Hertfordshire.
● Vulnerable young people’s needs were supported by the Community Safety
Partnership involvement with street pastors. These church volunteers provide advice,
support and a friendly ear to young people on the street at night in Bishop’s Stortford,
Hertford and Ware. Residents were also concerned about burglaries and theft, so the
partnership funded Immobilise – a free website where residents can register
possessions to help the recovery of stolen goods and pursuit of those responsible.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
19

● Ongoing partnership development work with the East Herts Council for Voluntary
Service (CVS) progressed well in providing an enhanced sense of community
cohesiveness and involvement of small Black & Ethnic Minority (BME) groups in the
community. Capacity building work with BME community groups, including East
European workers continued and the second year of the children’s activity
programmes successfully delivered with 2,047 children and young people taking part
in 2009/10.
● Antisocial behaviour can often be a damaging but unrecognized form of crime. A set
of minimum standards for recording and investigating complaints drawn up by the
Community Safety Partnership will now provide residents with the assurance that
complaints will be dealt with and everything possible done to address any issues. The
standards commit authorities to an agreed level of service which will ensure residents
are safe and free from the fear of such crime.
● The Council and its partners are also helping to reduce the fear of crime through the
funding of four more Police Community Supports Officers (PCSOs) over the year. This
was further supported by an award-winning and successful campaign to reduce fear
of crime which included the funding for some pedal cycles for police patrols,
sustained and supported neighbourhood watch and an innovative drug swipe testing
programme for licensed premises.
Decision making in the council
Ultimate responsibility and accountability for the performance of the Council rests with the elected
councillors. Political leadership is key to ensuring the Council has the right policies in place. This
needs clear vision, a focus on improvement, with personal and collective accountability and all
councillors play a vital role.
High-quality council services rely on strong corporate governance from members and it is the
responsibility of these members to ensure there is an emphasis on providing quality services the
public want. Judging the effectiveness of the council against desired outcomes – through
performance management - is part of everyone’s day-job.
East Herts Council has adopted a Leader and Cabinet system. The cabinet forms the council’s
Executive, and currently comprises six members plus the Council Leader. The Executive meet
regularly – normally every month – and takes key decisions on behalf of the council. Executive
members outline the ambitions for each service within their portfolios.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
20

Our most important policy decisions must be considered and taken by the whole Council – by the ‘Full
Council’ – attended by all councillors. For example, the council’s annual budget must be approved by
the Full Council, as must key policies and strategies.
In addition, the council has three Committees drawn from those councillors who are not Executive
members. They contribute to the Council’s development, monitor and review council policies and
procedures. They also monitor the performance of our services and review performance targets. The
Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2009/10 can be found on our website.
The Council also has regulatory powers and responsibilities, and has set up committees to carry
out these key functions relating to development control, enforcement, and licensing. There are also
specific committees – the Audit Committee and the Standards Committee - to ensure the council
operates prudently, and meets effective standards of governance.
In addition, the Council is committed to working in partnership with regional bodies and the other
local statutory agencies including the police, NHS, fire service and with local businesses and
community organisations, towards shared community goals. The council is a key partner in the Local
Strategic Partnership, and a key player in delivering the wider Herts Forward Community Strategy,
with the Leader and Chief Exec leading the Better Places to Live theme.
How we measure success and
performance against our priorities
Local Authorities are required to monitor their performance against a nationally determined set
of indicators.
The National Indicator (NI) set provide incentives for closer partnership working to deliver improved
outcomes working by applying where relevant to our local partners – such as the Primary Care Trust
(PCT) and the police.
These performance indicators enable government to monitor our progress, let us compare with other
Councils and importantly provide our residents with information about how well we are performing
and whether we are achieving targets set to improve services.
The council also runs corporate indicators titled East Herts Performance Indicators (EHPI) which
measure local standards and targets that are felt to be important in maintaining outcomes of the
highest standard for the district.
Appendix A details our performance against our indicators for 2009/10
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
21

Data Quality
Data quality plays an important part towards contributing to the delivery of the Council’s corporate
priorities, with the key priority being to “Deliver customer focused services by maintaining and
developing a well managed and publicly accountable organisation”
Our most recent data quality audit found that ‘The Council's overall management arrangements
for ensuring data quality are demonstrating good performance’ and that ‘the Council's processes for
securing good data quality on internally generated data has been consistently very good’.
Equalities
East Herts Council is firmly committed to providing and promoting equality for all its employees
and the wider community. The Council values the diversity of the community and wants to use the
community’s wealth of experience to create an excellent quality of life in East Hertfordshire. The
Council accepts that discrimination affects people in complex ways and discrimination is a major
barrier to a fair and just society. The Council is committed to achieving equality and community
cohesion in partnership with other organisations and local communities.
The East Herts Comprehensive Corporate Equality Policy 2008-2011 sets out the Council’s vision and
commitment to ensure equality of access and opportunities for all living and working in the
district. It incorporates Race, disability and gender equality schemes, incorporating new legal duties,
to ensure compliance with legislation, and best practice standards. Specific equality targets and
actions are set out in the Corporate Equality Plan 2008-2011.
East Herts will continue to strive to create an environment in which there is respect for every
individual and recognition that no member of the public, employee, potential employee, service user
or Councillor will be discriminated against irrespective of their gender, race, ethnicity, colour, marital
status, disability, age, sexuality, family responsibilities, religion, trade union involvement or political
beliefs.
Statement on Contracts
In making changes to the way in which services are delivered, there will be times when the Council
awards contracts that involve the transfer of employees out of council employment. In 2009/10
there were no contracts that involved such a transfer of employees.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
22

Financial Information
The financial information included gives an overview of the Council’s financial position and
performance for 2009/10. In 2009/10 the Council set a Band D Council tax of £155.41, which
equates to a charge of 43p a day. The total Council Tax that residents pay includes services provided
by Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Police authority. The chart below shows the
proportion of an average Band D Council Tax bill that relates to each authority.
The pie chart below shows the main sources of income for the Council in 2008/09
Where the money comes from
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
23

The Services Provided
Most Council services provided on a day-to-day basis, such as refuse collection and environmental
health, are paid for by Government grants, Business Rates and from Council Tax.
All Council services are regularly monitored and reviewed at Council meetings to ensure residents
receive both quality of provisions and value for money.
Revenue Expenditure
The table below compares the 2009/10 estimate with the 2009/10 actual.
REVENUE ANALYSIS 2009/10 2009/10
Estimate Actual Variance
£000 £000 £000
Gross Expenditure 64,873 73,551 8,678
Income -41,441 -46,587 -5,146
Service Expenditure 23,432 26,964 3,532
Interest Transactions -1,523 -1,802 -279
Impairment 0 -5,480 -5,480
Other Finance Transactions -3,304 -2,288 1,016
Use of Reserves -1,600 -172 1,428
Government Grants -8,033 -8,250 -217
EHDC demand on Collection Fund 8,972 8,972 0
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
24

In 2009/10 the Council spent just over £7 million on capital projects. Capital projects are
enhancements or purchases made to benefit the residents of East Herts over several years. These
projects are funded mainly by Capital Receipts (money raised by selling Council assets, such as land
and buildings), Government Grants, and Revenue Contributions.
How the money has been spent on capital projects
Information Technology
Housing
Renewal and Other Housing Grants
Community Grants
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools
Other Leisure & Cultural Projects
25
Planning & Town Centre Schemes
Recycling & Environment
Other
Total

How the projects have been funded
Please let the Council know if you found this financial information useful or if there is any other
financial information that you would like us to provide.
If you would like further details, the full audited Statement of Accounts is available at the
Council Offices in Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford, by telephoning the Accountancy Section on
(01279) 655261 or on the website at www.eastherts.gov.uk.
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
26

Contact your councillor
Bishop’s Stortford
Independent
Bishop’s Stortford Central
Keith Barnes
59 Waytemore Road
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 3RE
01279 505238 / 07824 332955
keith.barnes@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Bishop’s Stortford Meads
Ralph Gilbert
42 Kings Court
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 2AB
01279 656200
ralph.gilbert@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Bishop’s Stortford South
Diane Hollebon
29 Pynchbek
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 4DH
01279 658870
diane.hollebon@eastherts.gov.uk
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
Conservative
Bishop’s Stortford South
Allen Burlton
3 Kimberley Close
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 3JE
01279 834095
allen.burlton@eastherts.gov.uk
Liberal Democrat
Bishop’s Stortford Central
Mione Goldspink
9 Avenue Road
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5NS
01279 656634
mione.goldspink@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Bishop’s Stortford Silverleys
Graham McAndrew
1 The Shearers
St Michaels Mead
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 4AZ
01279 758815
graham.mcandrew@eastherts.gov.uk
27
Conservative
Bishop’s Stortford Meads
Jill Demonti
150 Barrells Down Road
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 2SZ
01279 506118
jill.demonti@eastherts.gov.uk
Liberal Democrat
Bishop’s Stortford All Saints
Andy Graham
79 Stansted Road
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 2DT
07828 299552
andy.graham@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Bishop’s Stortford South
Bob Parker
8 Manston Drive
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5EL
01279 832812
bob.parker@eastherts.gov.uk

Conservative
Bishop’s Stortford Silverleys
Duncan Peek
27A Rye Street
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 2HA
07719 350201
duncan.peek@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Bishop’s Stortford All Saints
Colin Woodward
133 Parsonage Lane
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5BB
01279 658286
colin.woodward@eastherts.gov.uk
Hertford
Conservative
Hertford Bengeo
Kim Darby
The Flat
Ware Park Farm, Ware
SG12 ODU
01920 463979
Kim.Darby@eastherts.gov.uk
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
Liberal Democrat
Bishop’s Stortford Central
Bob Taylor
14 Havers Lane
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 3PB
01279 653033
robert.taylor@eastherts.gov.uk
Buntingford
Conservative
Buntingford
Stan Bull
7Greenways, SG9 9EG
01763 272939
stan.bull@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Hertford Sele
John Hedley
19 Hutton Close
Hertford, SG14 2DW
01992 587353
john.hedley@eastherts.gov.uk
28
Liberal Democrat
Bishop’s Stortford All Saints
Mike Wood
11 Kings Cottages
South Road
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 3JD
01279 654369
mike.wood@eastherts.gov.uk
Independent
Buntingford
John Warren
5 Willow Close, SG8 8BA
01763 848482
john.warren@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Hertford Castle
Dorothy Hone
12 Park Road
Hertford, SG13 7LF
01992 587523
dorothy.hone@eastherts.gov.uk

Conservative
Hertford Sele
Pam Grethe
13 Edmunds Road
Hertford,SG14 2EY
01992 581802
Pam.Grethe@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Hertford Castle
Russell Radford
81 Mandeville Road
Hertford, SG13 8JJ
01992 581554
Russell.Radford@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Hertford Kingsmead
Beryl Wrangles
1 Tamworth Road
Hertford, SG13 7DD
01992 503300
Beryl.Wrangles@eastherts.gov.uk
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
Conservative
Hertford Rural South
Linda Haysey
Roxford House
St Mary's Lane
Hertingfordbury, SG14 2LF
01992 582151
linda.haysey@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Hertford Bengeo
Peter Ruffles
62 Hertingfordbury Road
Hertford, SG14 1LB
01992 582722
peter.ruffles@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Hertford Kingsmead
Nicholas Wilson
19 The Squirrels
Hertford, SG13 7UT
01992 500439
nicholas.wilson@eastherts.gov.uk
29
Conservative
Hertford Bengeo
Graham Lawrence
6 Greyfriars, Ware
SG12 0XW
01920 461459
Graham.Lawrence@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Hertford Castle
Suzanne Rutland-Barsby
Keeper's Cottage
Hertingfordbury
Herts SG14 2LE
01992 583975
suzanne.rutlandbarsby@eastherts.gov.uk

Sawbridgeworth
Conservative
Sawbridgeworth
Roger Beeching
Quince, Newports
High Wych Road, CM21 0HP
01279 722496
Roger.Beeching@eastherts.gov.uk
Villages
Conservative
Thundridge and Standon
David Andrews
c/o Council Offices
The Causeway
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 3EN
01920 821194
David.Andrews@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservatives
Braughing
Rose Cheswright
C/O East Herts Council
Council Offices, The Causeway
Bishop's Stortford, CM23 2EN
01920 823742
rosemary.cheswright@eastherts.gov.uk
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
Conservative
Sawbridgeworth
Anthony Dodd
34 Pishiobury Drive,
CM21 0AE
01279 722390
tony.dodd@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservatives
Hertford Heath
William Ashley
Hatch Grove, Monks Green Farm
Mangrove Lane, Brickendon
Hertford, SG13 8QL
01992 511313
william.ashley@eastherts.gov.uk
Vacant position
Hunsdon
Vacant position at
time of writing
30
Vacant position
Sawbridgeworth
Vacant position at
time of writing
Conservative
Much Hadham
Mike Carver
Eastcote, Hadham Cross
Much Hadham, SG10 6AP
01279 843427
Mobile: 07545 817656
mike.carver@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Stanstead Abbotts
Nigel Copping
Sanville
42 Hoddesdon Road
Stanstead St Margarets, SG12 8EQ
01920 870155
nigel.copping@eastherts.gov.uk

Conservative
Puckeridge
Andrew Dearman
Ash House
Gravelly Dell
Gravelly Lane
Braughing, G11 2RD
01920 823822
andrew.dearman@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Hertford Rural North
Michael McMullen
Stonyhills
Nr Ware, SG12 OHQ
01920 463430
michael.mcmullen@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Walkern
Giles Scrivener
Acre Farm
Moor Green
Ardeley , SG2 7AT
01438 861157
giles.scrivener@eastherts.gov.uk
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
Conservative
Datchworth and Aston
Tony Jackson
41 Brookbridge Lane
Datchworth, SG3 6SU
01438 814497
anthony.jackson@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Watton at Stone
Nigel Poulton
The Knoll
18d Hockerill
Watton At Stone, SG14 3SQ
01920 427568
nigel.poulton@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Little Hadham
Michael Tindale
Bourneside
Bourne Lane
Much Hadham, SG10 6ER
01279 843000
michael.tindale@eastherts.gov.uk
31
Conservatives
Great Amwell
Janet Mayes
The Cottage
Cautherly Lane
Great Amwell
Nr Ware, SG12 9SD
01920 870012
Conservative
Mundens & Cottered
Jim Ranger
Cromer Cottage
Cromer
Nr Stevenage SG2 7QA
01438 861318
jim.ranger@eastherts.gov.uk

Ware
Conservative
Ware Trinity
Malcolm Alexander
The Firs
14 The Ridgeway
Ware, SG12 0RT
01920 467867
malcolm.alexander@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Ware Chadwell
Mark Pope
1 Meadow View Road
Ware, SG12 9JU
01920 420498
Mark.Pope@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Ware St Mary’s
Alan Warman
72 Wheatsheaf Drive
Ware, SG12 0XS
01920 465398
alan.warman@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Ware Christchurch
Phyllis Ballam
5 Cromwell Road
Ware, SG12 7JS
01920 464594
phyllis.ballam@eastherts.gov.uk
Liberal Democratic
Ware Christchurch
Victoria Shaw
The Lane House
Hampden Hill
Ware, SG12 7JT
01920 466212
victoria.shaw@eastherts.gov.uk
Annual Report 2009 - 2010 32
Conservative
Ware Trinity
Terence Milner
47 Amwell End
Ware, SG12 9JE
01920 464020
terence.milner@eastherts.gov.uk
Conservative
Ware St Mary’s
Jeanette Taylor
8 Orchard Close
Ware, SG12 0PY
01920 464262
jeanette.taylor@eastherts.gov.uk

Appendix
Annual Report 2009 - 2010
33

Getting in Touch
Telephone: 01279 655261 Bishop's Stortford Office:
The Causeway, Bishop's Stortford, Herts, CM23 2EN.
Hertford Office: Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford,
SG13 8EQ.
Feedback
If you would like to provide any feedback on the annual
report or East Herts Council in general, or if you would
like to know more contact: enquiries@eastherts.gov.uk