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Progress made on remaining CPA Improvement Plan priorities


Improving Customer Choice
 
  • Customer Service Strategy completed.
  • Delivery of the five strands are being pursued in parallel; procurement of customer relationship management software in partnership, staffing, standards and accommodation strands are underway.  Identifying current cost is complete but further work to identify organisational cost efficiencies is needed as other strands identify the detailed changes to be made.
  • 88% of processes e-enabled, including many e-forms on-line.
  • Basic business processes for creditor payments are currently under review to maximise benefits from e-procurement.
  • Lyceum mini town hall scheme alterations completed and operations underway.
  • Extended opening hours at both Delamere House and Municipal Buildings are in place.
  • The new website using content management software for easy updating across all areas is live.
 
Supporting Employees
 
  • IIP status confirmed following positive review.
  • New Occupational Health scheme introduced.
  • New competency framework developed.
  • Recruitment processes reviewed and modified.
  • Stress audit completed.
  • New attendance policy applied.
  • Formal commitment to achieving Single Status agreement.
  • Substantial progress on Health & Safety policy.
  • Major improvements in attendance levels.
Supporting Diversity
 
  • Workshop for Management Team with advisor, followed by presentations to all Directorate Management Teams.
  • Recruitment processes and the Council's image as an employer reviewed.
  • Further Management Team workshop defined priority areas for action based on risk management criteria.
  • Equality training packs ordered from Cheshire County Council.
  • New arrangements (led by John Williams) to improve the level of advice and information submitted to the Members' Advisory Group.

DELIVERY OF THE FIVE CORPORATE PROJECTS
 
a) Crewe Town Centre
Outline schemes designed and consulted upon.  Now at decision stage on options.  The appearance of the town centre has been improved substantially with additional planting and car park improvements.  Negotiations started on a £100m private sector investment.
 
b) Queen's Park
 
Scheme submitted to Heritage Lottery Fund and awaiting formal decision.
 
c) Open Space Review
 
Tenders for external assistance now being evaluated.  Start of audit stage is anticipated next month.
 
d) Customer Relations Management (CRM)
 
Systems currently being evaluated by staff.  New competencies and training needs identified and development plans put in place.  Changes to back office systems and accommodation needs now being planned.
 
e) South East Quadrant
 
An effective partnership involving the Borough Council, County Council and the North West Development Agency has delivered:
  • The Basford West Development Brief
  • The Basford East Development Brief
  • A South East Quadrant Masterplan, and
  • Options for the future development of Crewe Station

Key construction projects underway include:
  • The Nantwich Road Improvement Scheme
  • The Weston Gate to Crewe Green length of the Crewe Green Link Road
  • Student accommodation for MMU, Cheshire the first stage of its centralisation on Crewe
  • The B & Q Retail Warehouse and new Crewe Arms Roundabout
  • Housing and the second golf course at Wychwood Park
  • An access road opening up Plot A, Crewe Business Park

End