with these issues. statutory obligations as a “food authority” 5 Strategic Review of Trading Standards. Review of trading 5 To continue to participate in the national discussions standards and national/regional delivery still being promoted to regarding the review and design of future services address the findings of Audit Scotland report “Protecting which raised significant risk to the future of trading Consumers” standards. The Council, through its Protecting Consumers Action Plan and successfully addressed many of the recommendations in the report at a local level but we await the details of proposals before we make further comment but local delivery/accountability will be an important factor for us to consider. 6 Review of advice services in Argyll and Bute 6 To undertake a review of the current arrangements for advice services across Argyll and Bute, in consultation with providers, and make recommendations on how the Council can support future arrangements. 7 The age profile of the current Building Standards team 7 Investigate the use of the apprenticeship scheme. requires careful consideration to succession planning Discuss entry requirements with GCU for suitable candidates. Design a training programme for apprentices. Consultation and Engagement We asked (focus of consultation) You said (customer response) We did (improvement actions) 7 customer surveys were undertaken The overall response rate was 22% We are improving the level of communication across the specific areas of debt and the general findings were: with customers, to ensure they are kept informed counselling, licensing standards, 77% of customers overall were very of progress, actions, timescales and any delays. private landlord registration, trading satisfied with the overall service they We have developed systems to better manage standards programmed Inspections, received. workload and ensure that case load are trading standards service requests, 75% were very satisfied with how our reallocated when an officer is absent from work environmental health programmed staff did their jobs. for long periods, or is leaving the Councils inspections and environmental health service requests. employment. LDP Supplementary Guidance was on Comments were made by a wide range Amendments to policies were made, public consultation for six weeks in of public and private sector agencies subsequently approved by Full Council and October / November. on a variety of planning policies. Scottish Government and now adopted for use
with these issues. statutory obligations as a “food authority” 5 Strategic Review of Trading Standards. Review of trading standards and national/regional delivery still being promoted to address the findings of Audit Scotland report “Protecting Consumers” which raised significant risk to the future of trading standards. The Council, through its Protecting Consumers Action Plan and successfully addressed many of the recommendations in the report at a local level but we await the details of proposals before we make further comment but local delivery/accountability will be an important factor for us to consider. 5 To continue to participate in the national discussions regarding the review and design of future services 6 Review of advice services in Argyll and Bute 6 To undertake a review of the current arrangements for advice services across Argyll and Bute, in consultation with providers, and make recommendations on how the Council can support future arrangements. 7 The age profile of the current Building Standards team requires careful consideration to succession planning 7 Investigate the use of the apprenticeship scheme. Discuss entry requirements with GCU for suitable candidates. Design a training programme for apprentices. Consultation and Engagement We asked (focus of consultation) You said (customer response) We did (improvement actions) 7 customer surveys were undertaken across the specific areas of debt counselling, licensing standards, private landlord registration, trading standards programmed Inspections, trading standards service requests, environmental health programmed inspections and environmental health service requests. The overall response rate was 22% and the general findings were: 77% of customers overall were very satisfied with the overall service they received. 75% were very satisfied with how our staff did their jobs. We are improving the level of communication with customers, to ensure they are kept informed of progress, actions, timescales and any delays. We have developed systems to better manage workload and ensure that case load are reallocated when an officer is absent from work for long periods, or is leaving the Councils employment. LDP Supplementary Guidance was on public consultation for six weeks in October / November. Comments were made by a wide range of public and private sector agencies on a variety of planning policies. Amendments to policies were made, subsequently approved by Full Council and Scottish Government and now adopted for use
pr_services_apr_2015-16.docx