Audit Commission

The planning service provided by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is 'fair' and has 'promising prospects for improvement' according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission.

On a scale from zero to three stars the Audit Commission inspection team gave the service a 'fair', one-star rating. This was because the planning service is readily accessible to customers and helps the Council to fulfil its wider ambitions. However, user satisfaction is poor and there are no service standards published to tell customers what they can expect.

'The Council is aware of what it must do to improve the planning service. It has recruited new staff and used information technology to improve access. There are still things that the Council must do, as our report shows, but with good leadership and commitment the prospects for improvement are "promising".'

Strengths include:

• Local people and service users are helping to shape planning policies
• The planning service is accessible to most users and makes good use of the internet, with applicants and the public now able to to view applications and plans online

Weaknesses include:

• Service standards are not publicised, meaning that users do not know what level of service to expect when making a planning application
• User satisfaction with the planning service is poor
• The service is unable to show that it provides value for money.

Recommendations include:

• Developing and publicising service standards so that users know what to expect
• Improving understanding of what users can expect from the service
• Building better relationships with all parts of the community to make the service easier to access by everyone
• Comparing the service’s performance with that offered by better performing councils

Notes to editors

1. The inspection covered the Council’s Development Control and Strategic Planning services. Development Control is responsible for processing all planning applications in line with Council policy and regional guidelines. Strategic Planning is responsible for producing planning policies in line with local, regional and national priorities. The two services employ 38 staff, with a budget of approximately £1.74m for 2009/10. In 2007/08 some 1,800 planning applications were processed, together with 96 appeals and 382 enforcement investigations.
2. The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.
3. Our work across local government, health, housing, community safety and fire and rescue services means that we have a unique perspective. We promote value for money for taxpayers, auditing the £200 billion spent by 11,000 local public bodies.
4. As a force for improvement, we work in partnership to assess local public services and make practical recommendations for promoting a better quality of life for local people.
5. Further details about the role of the Audit Commission can be obtained from www.audit-commission.gov.uk.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:Eric Ludlow, Regional Communications Manager (Central) on 0844 798 4183 AUDIT COMMISSION PRESS OFFICE ON 0844 798 2128