Agenda item

To receive an update on progress with delivering the Our North Tyneside Plan 2021-2025, as set out in the ‘Our North Tyneside Performance Report’ at Appendix 1.

Cabinet received an update report on progress in delivering the objectives of

the refreshed Our North Tyneside Plan 2021-2025 as set out in the ‘Our North

Tyneside Performance Report’ attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

The Council Plan was refreshed last year following the Mayoral Elections on 6 May 2021 to reflect the policy priorities of the incoming administration. Following consultation with residents and key stakeholders, Full Council agreed the refreshed Our North Tyneside Plan 2021-2025 on the 23 September 2021.

A refreshed Our North Tyneside Plan Performance Report had been developed to monitor progress against the new priorities and objectives set out in the Council Plan.  The Authority managed performance at two levels.  Strategic objectives were monitored and managed twice a year through regular reports to Cabinet, Overview, Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee and the North Tyneside Strategic Partnership.  Operational performance was managed on a day-to-day basis by service areas, with an overview on a monthly basis.  

The report, when read in conjunction with Appendix 1, provided an overview of performance since the start of the plan and identified the agreed activities that the Authority would pursue in the future. In addition, it provided comparator information, such as national or regional performance, as there were several issues where North Tyneside was facing similar challenges as other parts of the country. 

Some of the highlights of the Our North Tyneside Plan Performance Report were:-

·         Delivery of the Affordable Homes Programme was on track and a 10-year Delivery Plan was agreed by Cabinet in February 2022.  The number of long-term vacant dwellings continued to decrease and was currently at it’s lowest level in seven years.

·         The council’s carbon emissions reduced by 53%, well in advance of the 2023 target of 50% and in August 2022, Cabinet approved the Carbon Net-Zero 2030 Action Plan. 

·         £8m funding had been secured from the Green Homes Grant Local Delivery Scheme to install low carbon heating, energy efficiency measures and renewable energy systems in over 500 homes with low-household incomes. To date measures had been installed in 260 homes. 

·         Regeneration work was well underway in North Shields including public realm improvements, a new integrated transport hub, town square, planning permission had been granted for new family homes at the former Unicorn House Site, grant funding had been secured to develop a Cultural and Creative Zone and a bid had been submitted to the Levelling Up Fund for the Fish Quay. 

·         In Whitley Bay, improvement works to the Northern Promenade were completed and funding from the Active Travel Fund had been secured.

·         In Wallsend, funding had been secured for a range of improvements at Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum.  An expression of interest had been submitted to the National Heritage Lottery Fund.  A bid had been made to the Levelling Up Fund to deliver public realm improvements along the High Street, transport connections, enhance Segedunum. 

·         Master Plans were being developed for Whitley Bay, Wallsend and the North-West area of the borough.

·         Our beaches and warden managed parks continued to be recognised nationally for their high standards.  Three of our beaches had retained their Blue Flags and Seaside Awards and this year seven parks were awarded Green Flag Awards after Preston Cemetery applied for the first time in 2022.

·         Work to address health and socio-economic inequalities were being delivered through a number of initiatives including the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, Household Support Fund and Poverty Intervention Fund.

·         Support continued to our low-income households across the borough through the Council Tax Support Scheme and Hardship Support Scheme.

·         The education offer in the borough was strong compared to national and regional comparators, however an area of focus is to close the gap between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged pupils. 

Resolved that the progress made to deliver the updated objectives of the Our North Tyneside Plan 2021-2025 be noted.