Minutes:
The Leader of the Council was pleased to report that Durham and Lincolnshire had been announced as the two top performing highways authorities in the country. Roads Minister Andrew Jones M.P. had urged other authorities to look closely at how Durham and Lincolnshire were running such an efficient operation. The Leader congratulated officers and Councillor Stephens as Cabinet Portfolio holder on this achievement.
The Leader of the Council reported that the Council’s latest Performance Management Report had shown the following:
· There had been a 12% increase in visitor numbers to major attractions in the County, including Beamish Museum, Bowes Museum and Palace Green;
· There had been an increase of 14% in usage of the Park and Ride service;
· Anti-social behaviour levels were decreasing;
· Good levels of street and environmental cleanliness were continuing;
· 93% of telephone calls to the Council were answered within three minutes;
· 95% of invoices were paid within 30 days.
The Leader informed Council that the majority of the Council’s performance was positive despite cuts of some £150m since 2011 and thanked staff and partnerships for their achievements.