We Asked, You Said, We Did!

Lancaster City Councils 2010/11 Consultation Feedback

*Not all consultations that took place during 2010/11 have been included. A range of surveys are regularly carried out by services and responses are dealt with on a one‐by‐one basis. For the purposes of this document, those have not been included.

We Asked for your Views and Suggestions on the following:

May  Sustainability appraisal scoping report  Your suggestions on issues to be scrutinised by Overview and Scrutiny Committee  Land Allocations Development Plan  Development Management Policies

June  Sandcastle Festival  Councillor Expenses

July  Housing and Council Tax Benefits  Structure of the Council/Council Executive Arrangements (have your say on how your city council is run!)  New Play Area – Hala

August  Heysham Play Area  Adventure Play Area ‐ Happy Mount Park  Children’s Play scheme Programme Feedback

September  We Do Like to be Beside the Sea: Morecambe’s Annual Celebration of the Seaside (festival)  Allotment Association repair and maintenance priorities  Holiday Programmes (wide range of sports and arts activities for children of all ages)

October  Council budget and local priorities  Local Democracy  Unmet demand survey

November  Annual Firework Spectacular 2010

December  Annual Review of Parking Fees and Charges  Choice based lettings system and new housing allocation policy

January  Media Survey

February  Lancaster District Housing Needs and Demand Survey

Held throughout the year  Morecambe Area Action Plan (MAAP) ‐ Capture Consultation  Connecting Communities project in Skerton wards

May

We Asked Your views on the sustainability appraisal scoping report

The scoping report is just one part of the sustainability appraisal process which all Local Authorities must undertake as part of the preparation of future Development Plan Documents (DPDs). You Said Three Sustainability Appraisal bodies of English Heritage, Natural England and the Environment Agency

Members of the planning consultation database We Did The Sustainability Appraisal went out to consultation for a 6 week period ending on the 6th August 2010. An individual cabinet member report was then prepared to authorise the adoption of the Scoping Report.

We asked for views from 3 sustainability appraisal bodies of Natural England, English Heritage and the Environment Agency, contacts on our LDF consulting portal as well as press releases in the local papers. Based on the comments received the scoping report was amended.

We prepared a consultation report which details the comments received and our response. The report can be viewed from the following link: http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/planning‐environment/forward‐planning/local‐development‐ framework/land‐allocations‐proposals‐map/ Contact: Forward Planning Officer – Rebecca Jones Telephone: 01524 582591 Email: [email protected] Regeneration and Policy Services

We Asked Your suggestions on issues to be scrutinised by Overview and Scrutiny Committee You Said A number of responses were received many of which related to playgrounds and the issue of anti‐social behaviour, particularly litter. We Did To address the anti‐social behaviour issues the committee received an update on the implementations of the recommendations of the Anti‐social Behaviour Task group and the Probation Service delivered a presentation which included the community payback scheme.

To address playground issues the Head of Environmental Services attended a meeting with a further meeting held at a local primary school.

The people who had responded to the consultation were notified and invited to attend these meetings. Contact: Senior Democratic Support Officer – Elizabeth Bateson Telephone: 01524 582047 Email: [email protected] Democratic Services

We Asked Your views on the issues and options to inform the Land Allocations Development Plan.

This will identify land to be developed for housing, employment and shopping as well as identifying land needed for future infrastructure such as new roads. Land to be protected for development will also be identified such as ngree belts and protected areas of open space. You Said So far you have said .....although this is the start of a 12 month consultation We Did We prepare reports at the end for every consultation to provide information on the various comments received together with our response detailing how we will take this forward. We also register all our contacts on our database and contact them with updates on the work that we are doing. Contact: Senior Planner – Maurice Brophy Telephone: 01524 582330 Email: [email protected] Regeneration and Policy Service

We Asked Your views on the issues and options to inform the Development Management Policies

This will set out the main tests that the council will take into account when it decides whether to grant planning permission for new development. You Said So far you have said .....although this is the start of a 12 month consultation We Did In terms of feedback we prepare reports at the end for every consultation session providing information on the various comments received together with our response in terms of how we will take this forward. We also register all our contacts on our database and contact them with updates on the work that we are doing. Contact: Senior Planner – Maurice Brophy Telephone: 01524 582330 Email: [email protected] Regeneration and Policy Service

June

We Asked Councillor expenses You Said A good response was received to the recruitment drive. We Did The new members will now get involved in monitoring and managing councillor allowances. Contact: Head of Legal and Human resources – Sarah Taylor Tel: 01524 582025 Email: [email protected] Legal Governance

July

We Asked Notifications ‐ correspondence Housing and Council Tax Benefits customers receive to advise them of their entitlement and legal obligations You Said Revenues and benefits customers (Housing and council tax benefit claimants only) were consulted on the content and layout of their notifications to see if the notifications can be simplified, made easier to read and the content reduced.

The notifications were deemed ‘Good’ by 54% of those asked. Some asked for less jargon and more basic facts. We Did The information provided by our customers has/is being used to amend the notifications, to make them easier to read and reduce the amount of paper work we issue with the notifications. Contact: Customer Services Officer (Jan Somerville) Telephone: 01524 582287 Email: [email protected] Revenues service

We Asked For your views on how the city council is run You Said 41 responses were received in total. 49% (20 respondents) expressed a preference for a new style Leader and Cabinet and 44% (18 respondents) expressed a preference for a directly elected mayor with Cabinet. 7% (2 respondents) had no preference or didn’t know. The remaining response stated ‘none of the above’ and recommended exploring ‘alternative models’. We Did Council considered the future decision making structure of the council at a specially arranged meeting held on 15 December 2010. The results of the consultation were reported at that meeting and council decided to adopt the Leader and Cabinet model of executive arrangements after the May 2011 election. Contact: Principle Democratic Officer ‐ Deborah Chambers Telephone: 01524 582057 Email: [email protected] Democratic Services

We Asked Your views on the Sandcastle Festival You Said Questionnaire to Sandcastle Applicants:

Responses were received from residents and visitors covering a wide range of ages and gender.

Total participants 4000, sampled surveyed 29 and response rate 0.70 %

No. of visitors 19, proportion of visitors 66 %, proportion of overnights 58 % and proportion of day trippers 42 %

50 % visit motivation (non‐residents) and enjoyment of event 66 %

The event was enjoyed by a vast majority of ages, gender, visitors and residents. We Did Comments and suggestions will be taken into account when organising future festivals. Contact: Marketing Officer – Mark McTigue Telephone:01524 582870 Email: [email protected] Community Engagement Service

We Asked New Play Area – Hala You Said 115 completed questionnaires were returned and used in this analysis from the 625 delivered (18.4%) around the Hala residential area.

These questions were asked to help to identify difference of opinion between people with or without children and different age groups.

Respondents were asked to detail the number of people in their households, and their age groups. 18% of respondents had at least one child under five years old living with them, 30 % had at least one child under 10 years old living with them and 39% of respondents had at least one child under 16 years of age.

Respondents were also asked to indicate if they had any time or interest in working on this project with regards to flower and fruit growing. If interested respondents were asked to detail their address and contact numbers.

28 people said they could be interested in this.

55 respondents (48%) made additional comments.

55 comments received 25 (46%) were ‘for’ the new play area, 4 (7%) were ‘against’ and 26 (47%) were ‘general. We Did Comments suggested that the play area should be fenced and have two areas for different age group uses. The feedback has led to the decision not to include a sand pit.

Hala Community Group work closely with the City Councils’ Environmental Health section to discuss options to combat the dog fowling issues raised within the consultation.

The Hala Community Group could look to involve the young people of the area to gain ownership of any proposed development and to reduce where possible potential anti‐social behaviour issues. The group could also look to work closely with the local community and the Police within the design phase which could assist in monitoring and the longer term success of the project.

These results will be used by the group and the designer to influence the next stage and designs.

Hala Community Group will be supported by Lancashire County Council through the design phase Designs will be consulted in a future consultation. Contact: Performance and IT Manager – Jason Mills Telephone:01524 582830 Email: [email protected] Community Engagement Service

August

We Asked Heysham Play Area

Supporting Heysham Neighbourhood Council to gain views from the Heysham Community on a proposed new play area for Heysham Village. You Said A questionnaire was distributed to 464 homes within the area with a pre paid envelope to assist returns.

155 completed questionnaires were returned and used in this analysis from the 464 delivered (33.4%) around the Heysham area.

These questions were asked to help to identify difference of opinion between people with or without children and different age groups.

21% of respondents had at least one child under five years old living with them, 30% had at least one child under 10 years old living with them and 35% of respondents had at least one child under 16 years of age.

In total 84 respondents (54%) made additional comments on this consultation, and in addition two letters were received.

84 comments received (54%), 50 (32%) were ‘for’ the new play area, 12 (8%) were ‘against’ and 22 (14%) were ‘general’. We Did The results will be used by the group and the designer to influence the next stage and any designs.

The group plan to work closely with the play area designer to produce a design which takes into account the consultation responses.

Work in partnership with the local Police Officers to tensure tha concerns regarding anti‐ social behaviour are minimised through effective design and on going policing of the area. Contact: Performance and IT Manager – Jason Mills Telephone:01524 582830 Email: [email protected] Community Engagement Service

We Asked Adventure Play Area ‐ Happy Mount Park

In May 2010, Lancaster City Council officially opened the Natural Adventure Play Area at Happy Mount park. To ensure that we fully assess this new attraction, we asked users to complete an evaluation form, either with, or on behalf on the child(ren) in their care. You Said The consultation ran from August 2010 and was completed in May 2011.

By April 1st 2011 we had 251 respondents, 14% were visitors to the area.

The Zip Wire and Adventure Climber were the most popular pieces of equipment.

The Sand Area and maze were the most popular natural areas.

52% of attendees had arrived with their parents, 17% with friends. 62% travelled to the park by car, 17% had walked.

85% of respondents have rated the facility either ‘Very Good’ or ‘Good’. We Did In May 2011, a report will be prepared and any areas of concern will be highlighted and followed up.

The analysis will be used as part of the funding required by many of the Big Lottery funding. Contact: Performance and IT Manager – Jason Mills Telephone:01524 582830 Email: [email protected] Community Engagement Service

We Asked Children’s Play scheme Programme Feedback You Said Two consultations took place for the Playscheme programme.

A regular Playscheme attendee’s consultation took place at each scheme location near the end of the Playscheme period.

A further Parents Consultation took place on completion of the Playscheme in order to gain views from the parents of the scheme.

Playscheme Attendees:

 51% of respondents were female, 49% male.  70% of respondents rated their enjoyment of the Playscheme either as a ‘5’ or ‘6’ on the 1 to 6 scale.  50% of respondents resided in Morecambe, 23% in Lancaster.  0% of all respondents were at the Playscheme for the first time and 90% said that they would return and attend the Playscheme again.

Parent Consultation:

 326 packs were dispatched, 89 were completed and returned, a 27% return rate.  60 (67%) respondents travelled less than a mile to attend their Playscheme and that 26 (29%) travelled over a mile.  A high percentage of parents/guardians (97%) felt that the Playleaders were friendly and approachable.  An extremely high 98% of respondents agreed that the Playscheme activities provide a good experience for the children. The results show that we did not receive one negative comment, and that 72% comments were positive in nature. In reality, a number of comments contained both a positive and suggestive element. We Did Information highlighted in the analysis reports for both consultation exercises will assist in the potential commissioning of the Playscheme programme for 2011. Contact: Performance and IT Manager – Jason Mills Telephone:01524 582830 Email: [email protected] Community Engagement Service

September

We Asked We Do Like to be Beside the Sea: Morecambe’s Annual Celebration of the Seaside (festival) You Said The first section of the survey looked at responses from both local residents and visitors.

A large number of people attended the event because they had been before (32%) or were passing by (22%). The most effective marketing tool was newspaper stories with 23% of participants hearing about the event through the media.

Visitors, living outside of Lancaster and Morecambe.

A total of 7 visitors completed the survey.

Over half of the visitors to the event were visiting specifically for the event whilst 37% were on a holiday/leisure trip

The event was enjoyed by a wide range of ages, gender, visitors and residents. We Did All the information from these comments will be taken into account when organising future festivals. Contact: Marketing Officer – Mark McTigue Telephone:01524 582870 Email: [email protected] Community Engagement Service

We Asked Allotment Association repair and maintenance priorities You Said A preliminary questionnaire was completed by each allotment association prior to site visits. At each site visit representatives were able to guide us round the site and tell us about problem areas, work they need doing etc and we took notes and photos We Did The jobs requested by each allotment association were priced up and then presented back to ALMA and Torrisholme Allotment Association (not part of ALMA) to be prioritised to fit within the set budget.

A separate report is being produced about the fencing requirements on each site which should lead to programme of fencing improvements. Contact: Cleansing Improvement Officer (Emma Coopland) Telephone: 01524 582436 Email: [email protected] Environmental Services

We Asked Holiday Programmes (wide range of sports and arts activities for children of all ages) You Said Consultations were undertaken with attendees of our Holiday Activity Programmes (February Half Term, Children’s Festival (March), May Half Term, Summer Activity Programme and October Half Term). And overview of this year’s activity programme consultation shows that over 400 children were consulted on their experiences of the programme. The enjoyment level was between 93% and 97%. New users attracted to the programme averaged at 35% for each programme. We Did The analysis of all consultation returns are used as part of our regular Holiday Programme Review meetings which look to continuously improve all aspects of the current Holiday Programmes. Contact: Performance and IT Manager – Jason Mills Telephone:01524 582830 Email: [email protected] Community Engagement Service

October

We Asked Council budget and local priorities You Said Public authority listening days.

Officers spoke to approximately 90 people at Morecambe, 100 people at Lancaster and 10 at the Carnforth Public Authority Listening Days.

Budget forums – 30 residents attended the Morecambe, Lancaster and Morecambe forums to discuss options to reduce services.

551 questionnaires were received (411 paper and 140 online). Unfortunately 126 incomplete responses could not be included in the overall results although all the comments along with a number of emailed comments have been reported to Cabinet and Service Heads for consideration.

The evaluation for all budget forums showed that the vast majority thought that the events and format were very good. The Leader has also received a thank you letter regarding the Lancaster public budget forum. We Did All the detailed information has been sent to Management Team and Cabinet for consideration.

Cabinet members are using this information in their discussions with Service Heads and will refer to the information throughout the budget process. The report was put on the consultations web page until 2011 public senior decision took place. Contact: Consultation and Engagement Officer (Jennifer Milligan) Telephone: 01524 582268 Email: [email protected] Community Engagement Service

We Asked Local Democracy You Said Mock council at Morecambe Town Hall attended by 65 pupils.

There were 5 different activities that the children were asked to evaluate:

Election of Officers – the activity was enjoyed by almost all the pupils with 10+ saying it was the best bit of the day; they enjoyed being able to take part in a voting process.

Pupil Power – Tow thirds of the pupils enjoyed this game, Morecambe Town Hall Council chamber doesn’t particularly lend itself to grouping pupils together comfortably which may be the reason that a third felt neutral about the game. Some said it made them realise just how hard it is for the council to decide what to spend the budget on.

Drawing the Mayor – The majority of pupils enjoyed this activity; although 7 were neutral and 5 disliked it; this acknowledges the fact that not all children enjoy drawing and art activities.

Council meeting – The majority of pupils enjoyed this activity and enjoyed getting the chance to speak in public.

Improved knowledge of LCC – The majority of pupils said they knew more about the council having taken part in this day’s activity.

Pupil Power Day at Lancaster Town Hall attended by 100 .pupils

Pupil Power – The majority of the pupils enjoyed playing Pupil Power with only 13 saying it was okay. They enjoyed making decisions about where to spend the budget and decide which services to keep, they enjoyed having replica money to play with, over half said they would not change this game in any way.

Town Hall Tour – Nearly everyone enjoyed the Town hall Tour and meeting the Mayor in the Mayor’s Parlour and over half said they would not change this game in any way.

Environmental Workshop – Love Food hate Wates – Two thirds of the pupils enjoyed this activity and they had been encouraged to reduce food waste and recycle and 80% of the pupils said they would like to find out more about food recycling.

There were many positive and favourable comments received about the Pupil Power Day, some included: I love the Town Hall x 11; Cool, Great, Brilliant, Thank you, etc x 26 and Mr Mayor is great x 12. We Did All the responses received will be taken into account when planning the sessions for next year’s local democracy week. Contact: Children and Young People Assistant – Sue Pickthall Telephone: 01524 582662 Email: [email protected] Community Engagement Service

We Asked Unmet demand survey You Said The hackney carriage fleet at the time of the survey consisted of 109 vehicles, the current limited number. Whilst all new plates issued must be wheel chair accessible, the total of such vehicles is currently just 15, or 14% of the fleet. On the private hire side, some 5% are wheel chair accessible style.

Overall provision of licensed vehicles in Lancaster is marginally below the average for Lancashire authorities.

Private hire numbers have not increased since 2005. The only growth in the licensed vehicle fleet since 2005 arose from the last plate issue of five plates.

Fares are amongst the lowest third in the United Kingdom, being 317th out of the 380 authorities compared in the Private Hire Monthly table current at this time.

The Lancaster licensing area has a good number of hackney carriage ranks, but many are not used by passengers. Lancaster has seen a recent review of rank provision and central area ranks are under the process of being revised. A similar exercise will occur in due course in Morecambe.

The hackney carriage fleet showed a high level of availability, with 91 of the 109 plates observed during the survey (83%). Some hackney carriages served one location, not many served all locations, but quite a fewe wer active at two of the three sites being observed.

In general, it was clear that those wanting hackney carriages knew where to go to obtain a vehicle, even though in particular the bus station rank might not be in a normal footfall of the city. The Market Street rank in Morecambe is on a excellent location, provides an excellent service, and is valued as such by the people of Morecambe.

Overall, results from the public attitude surveys showed that 40 to 58% of respondents had used some form of licensed vehicle in Lancaster/Morecambe in the last three months. Overalle th figures suggest relatively moderate use of licensed vehicles in the area. In the main, results from the public attitudes are similar to those from the survey in 2007, apart from the fact that there is a slight improvement in the opinion people have of the service provided, with more now considering the service good than average to 2007. We Did The first stage of establishing a living taxi strategy and Action Plan must be for the Licensing Committee to accept the findings and recommendations of the Report.

The report forms a review of the licensed vehicle industry of the City of Lancaster. The report focuses on current demand identified through video and manual surveys, trade and stakeholder consultations and desk studies.

Once these are accepted, the Licensing Section can draw together a time‐based action plan to deliver and develop the hackney carriage and private hire service for the Borough. Contact: Licensing Manger (Wendy Peck) Tel: 01524 582317 Email: [email protected] HR and Legal Services

November

We Asked Annual Firework Spectacular 2010 You Said People attended the event because they had been before (37%) or they heard via word of mouth (27%). The most effective marketing tool was poster/leaflet with 13% of participants hearing about the event through this means.

The majority of respondents felt the event was excellent.

The majority of respondents (74%) were residents of Lancaster or Morecambe.

A total of 38 visitors completed the survey.

Over half of the visitors who completed the survey were visiting specifically for the event.

The event was enjoyed by a vast majority of ages, gender, visitors and residents. We Did All the information from these comments will be taken into account when organising future festivals. Contact: Marketing Officer – Mark McTigue Telephone:01524 582870 Email: [email protected] Community Engagement Service

December

We Asked Annual Review of Parking Fees and Charges You Said Local Chambers of Commerce and of Trade, the Federation of Small Businesses, Morecambe Town Council and the Festival Market Traders were consulted over the pay and display and permit options.

Customers affected by the Lucy Street car park proposals were consulted over the proposals for the car park.

Trades Unions and Group Administrators were consulted over the staff and Member proposals.

On‐street pay and display charges had already been the subject of consultation with Lancashire County Council. We Did The consultation responses that were received were provided to Cabinet Members before the Cabinet meeting and the views of those consulted were taken into account when the report was considered and the recommendations were agreed. Contact: Parking and Administration Manager – David Hopwood Telephone: 01524 582817 Email: [email protected] Property Services

We Asked Choice based lettings (CBL) system and new housing allocation policy

To find out people's views on the proposed new choice based lettings system and allocation policy. You Said Broadly positive response, especially in terms of how easy the system is to understand and its role in helping housing applicants make informed decisions about their housing situation, and the fairness of the system.

Almost half of the consultees felt they would need help to look for, and register an interest in current vacancies.

The consultees gave their opinion on the kinds of information they would like to see when properties are advertised, and the methods they would favour when accessing this information.

The survey results suggest that although understanding of choice based lettings is good, many respondents didn't feel sufficiently well informed to give an opinion on how fair and easy to understand the new banding system is. The banding system is an important part of the new allocation policy. We Did Customer training days will be taking place nearer to launch date. These will include sessions to help people access the CBL web page. Sessions will take place in Morecambe and Lancaster and in rural areas too.

Following the launch, staff will be available to help customers access the system.

People will be able to access the system using a variety of methods. Property adverts will include most of the information suggested.

Further information will be provide for all potential users of the system, including a CBL user guide. This will be agreed as 'tenant friendly' by one of our tenant groups, to ensure ease of understanding.

Voluntary organisations and support and advice agency will be provided with training to allow them to assist and inform the clients of theirs who are potential users of the system. Contact: Policy and Performance Manager (Pete Linsley) Tel: 01524 586873 Email: [email protected]

January

We Asked Media Survey You Said The majority of respondents were satisfied with the Council’s Press Office giving the majority of questions an ‘always’ or usually’ or an ‘excellent’ or ‘good’.

88% of respondents said ‘yes’ to having a member of the communications team available when they need them.

It was felt by 38% that photos provided electronically should be developed.

38% of respondents thought the communications staff were either very helpful or helpful.

75% of respondents thought the quality of press releases they received were good. We Did High satisfaction levels with the press officer have been maintained therefore no specific action is required.

The information gathered from this survey will be used to provide a focus for continual improvement. Contact: Communications Officer – Michael Hill Telephone: 01524 582041 Email: [email protected] Community Engagement Service

February

We Asked Lancaster District Housing Needs and Demand Survey You Said The Housing Needs and Demand Survey is being compiled by consultants, David Couttie Associates.

Questions were sent to a random selection of households. The survey work has been completed in relation to the householder questionnaires.

In conjunction, there is an online employee survey for larger employers within the district, which is still in progress until we get sufficient responses to provide meaningful data. We Did We are now awaiting the first draft report. Contact: Strategic Housing Officer – Kathy Sinclair Telephone: 01524 582724 Email: [email protected] Planning Delivery Team Regeneration and Policy

Held throughout the year

We Asked Morecambe Area Action Plan (MAAP) ‐ Capture Consultation

Before work formal commenced on the AAP the MAAP team surveyed members of the public to capture people thought of Morecambe today. People asked to describe Morecambe in three words and people were also able to visit the website and complete questionnaires to find out their views. People could keep up‐to‐date during the consultation by joining the MAAP Facebook group or following the MAAP on Twitter. Various consultations took place throughout the year. You Said A great response was received both on the street and on‐line. A report detailing the results and more information on MAAP is available to download at www.lancaster.gov.uk.morecambeaap We Did The report will form part of the background evidence for the MAAP. Work on the MAAP formal commenced on 22nd March and it is expected that the plan will take two years to be adopted. The public will be consulted on the plan throughout the process. Contact: Senior Planner (Regeneration) – Julian Inman T: 01524 582336 E: [email protected] Planning Delivery Team Regeneration and Policy Service

We Asked Connecting Communities project in Skerton wards

A range of opportunities were provided for people to get involved. The events involved children and young people including young gypsy travellers, older people, families, people with learning disabilities, people who work in the area etc. You Said The key themes which were raised through the community engagement included: dog fouling, dog wardens, responsible dog owners; youth centre, youth workers and open for longer hours; activities for young people; and overall better street environment and public realm. We Did  All the views from the community engagement opportunities were fed into the Summit event which was held on 12 October 2010. Everyone who had a say or who had been involved in the project in some other way were invited including members of the local community, country and city council services, local faith groups, elected members, strategic officers from local authorities, community and voluntary organisations.  Visual minutes were taken throughout the day and can be viewed in Skerton Community High School hall.  A design workshop took place in early November to add more detail and develop potential actions.  A community plan is currently being developed and since the events have finished members of the community have been in touch to find out how they can get involved.

Key elements of the plan that people would like to do include:  The development of community hubs around Skerton High, St Chads Church and Lune Park  Sorting out dog fouling and other ‘non caring’ about the environment activity  Creating a community conservation/growing area  Supporting young people with things to do and places to be  Making books and reading accessible Contact: Consultation and Engagement Officer – Jennifer Milligan Telephone: 01524 582268 Email: [email protected] Community Engagement Service