Please ask for: Fiona Harboard Telephone: 01482 613712 Fax: 01482 613110 Email: [email protected] Text phone: 01482 300349 Date: Tuesday, 03 February 2015
Dear Councillor,
Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Commission
The next meeting of the Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Commission will be held at 10:00 on Wednesday, 11 February 2015 in Room 77.
The Agenda for the meeting is attached and reports are enclosed where relevant.
Please Note: It is likely that the public, (including the Press) will be excluded from the meeting during discussions of exempt items since they involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as describe in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.
Yours faithfully,
Scrutiny Officer for the Town Clerk
Town Clerk Services, Hull City Council, The Guildhall, AlfredPage Gelder 1 of Street,78 Hull, HU1 2AA www.hullcc.gov.uk DX: 11934 HULL 1 Tel: 01482 300300
Energy and Infrastructure OSC
To: Membership: Councillors P Allen, A Clark, D A Craker, J Dad, J Fareham, A Gardiner, G Wareing and A Williams
Portfolio Holders: Councillor M Mancey, Portfolio Holder for Energy City
Officers: Trish Dalby, Director of Strategic Commissioning and Delivery Mark Jones, City Regeneration & Policy Manager Andy Burton, City Streetscene Manager Malcolm Relph, City Economy Manager Graham Hall, Assistant City Manager Fiona Harboard, Scrutiny Officer (x6)
For Information: Councillor T McVie, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee Councillor J Korczak Fields, Deputy Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee Reference Library (Public Set)
Alerts: Councillor A Bell, Leader of the Majority Opposition Jane Price, Assistant City Manager Press office Viking Radio – [email protected] Yorkshire Post – [email protected] & [email protected] Radio Humberside – [email protected] Hull Daily Mail – [email protected] & [email protected] KCFM Radio – [email protected] All Other Elected Members
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Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Commission
10:00 on Wednesday, 11 February 2015
Room 77
A G E N D A PROCEDURAL ITEMS
1 Apologies
To receive apologies for those Members who are unable to attend the meeting.
2 Declarations of Interest To remind Members of the need to record the existence and nature of any Personal and Discloseable Pecuniary interest in items on the agenda, in accordance with the Member Code of Conduct.
Members Code of Conduct - Part D1 of the Constitution)
3 Minutes of the Meeting held on Friday 14th January 2015 5 - 14 To approve the minutes as a true record.
NON-EXEMPT ITEMS
4 Rail Themed Discussion Item 15 - 16 To discuss with representatives of the local rail companies issues appropriate to the regional rail infrastructure.
5 Fracking and Coal Bed Methane Policy Discussion Paper 17 - 42 To enable the Commission to consider the issues around Fracking and make recommendations for the development of the Fracking Policy, as requested in Full Council.
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6 Bus Lane Review and Enforcement 43 - 54 To provide an update on the review of the use of Bus Lanes throughout the city and the introduction of enforcement through the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
7 Referral from Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee 55 - 76 To enable the Commission to consider a referral from the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee regarding appropriate Corporate Performance Measures for Highways.
8 Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Commission 77 - 78 Draft Work Programme 2014/15 To consider the items included in the work programme and make recommendations for the inclusion of additional items.
EXEMPT ITEMS
No Exempt Items THERE ARE NO EXEMPT ITEMS ON THIS AGENDA
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Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Commission
10:00 a.m. – 12:40 a.m. Wednesday 14th January 2015, Room 77, The Guildhall, Alfred Gelder Street, Hull, HU1 2AA
Present:
Councillors P Allen (Chair), A. Clark, D A Craker, J. Dad (Deputy Chair), J. Fareham and A. Gardiner
In attendance: P Robinson (Local Transport Plan Development Manager) Minute 34 Councillor M Mancey (Portfolio Holder – Energy City) Minute 34 D Sharp (Assistant City Manager, Streetscene) Minute 34 and 35 P Shipp (Chief Executive , East Yorkshire Motor Services) Minute 34 and 35 D Skepper (Commercial Director, Stagecoach East Midlands) Minute 34 and 35 K Ryan (Senior Public Transport Officer, Streetscene) Minute 35 R Glossop (Flood Risk Planning Manager) Minute 36 A Burton (City Streetscene Manager) Minute 37 G Hall (Assistant City Streetscene Manager) Minute 38 E Warwick (Directorate Operations Office) Minute 38
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Apologies:
Councillor A. Williams
Minute Number Action to be Taken by
32 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Ray Teal Councillor A. Clark declared a personal interest in minutes # in so far as he is a link Director for Street Lighting at Kingstown Works Limited.
Councillor J. Fareham declared a personal interest in minutes # in so far as he is a Director of Kingstown Works Limited.
Recommendations: Reasons for Recommendations:
N/A N/A
33 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 3 a. Scrutiny Officer - FH DECEMBER 2014
The Scrutiny Officer submitted the draft minutes from the meeting held on Wednesday, 3 December, 2014.
Recommendations: Reasons for Recommendations: a) That, once the names of Cllrs A Clark and J Fareham have a) To give a true reflection of the meeting been included as sending their apologies, the minutes of the meeting of this Commission held on Wednesday, 3 December, 2014, having been printed and circulated, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the Chair.
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NON EXEMPT ITEMS c) Scrutiny Officer – FH 34 A63/CASTLE STREET WORKS DISCUSSION ITEM
Paul Robinson (Local Transport Plan Development Manager), and Doug Sharp, Assistant City Manager, Streetscene, attended to support this item. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of attendance of the Highways Agency Project Officer. As a result, Peter Shipp (Chief Executive , East Yorkshire Motor Services) and Dave Skepper (Commercial Director, Stagecoach East Midlands), although not invited to attend for this item, had offered to contribute. The Commission was advised of the following key issues:: i. The A63/Castle Street Works were due to take 35 months to complete, the first phase being the relocation of graves at the Trinity Burial Ground. ii. The HA plan was to re-route traffic from the A63 onto slip roads so that traffic would flow throughout daylight hours. iii. That a recovery system would be provided by the HA during the period of, and in the locality of, the Works. iv. That Streetscene was working to reduce 99% of traffic pinch-points in advance of the Works. v. That the Secretary of State for Transport was doing all possible to ensure the bridge works would be complete by the end of 2016, and that the HA were looking at an accelerated programme for the footbridge. The Commission discussed: i. That there would inevitably be some congestion, and that local drivers would use their own diversions. ii. That a recovery service that encompassed more of the A63, and that preferably was made permanent, was needed. iii. The impact of the Works on the Interchange and bus services. iv. The likely date of commencement of the major part of the Works. v. The importance of minimising disruption in the 2017 City of Culture.
Recommendations: Reasons for Recommendations:
a. N/A a. That the Commission thanks Mr Peter Shipp for providing the
Castle Street Works schedule of works, as supplied to him by Balfour Beatty, and for briefing the Commission on the plans.
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b. N/A b. That the Commission wishes to express its disappointment at the failure of the Project Manager from the Highways Agency, or a member of his team, to attend the second meeting that he has accepted an invitation to but not attended.
c. That a letter be sent to the Secretary of State expressing the c. In order to highlight the lack of essential interaction between the concerns of the Commission at the non-attendance of the Commission and the Highways Agency Highways Agency, and requesting that pressure be placed on the Agency to meet with the Commission to make certain that members can contribute to the advance planning that is needed to ensure that the A63 / Castle Street Works is accommodated within the transport infrastructure and causes minimum disruption to residents of, and visitors to, the City.
Minute Number Action to be Taken by
35 LOCAL BUS TRAVEL DISCUSSION ITEM b) Andy Burton/ Graham Hall/ Doug Sharp/ Kerry Ryan c) Scrutiny Officer - FH
Peter Shipp (Chief Executive , East Yorkshire Motor Services), Dave Skepper (Commercial Director, Stagecoach East Midlands) Kerry Ryan (Senior Public Transport Officer, Streetscene) and Doug Sharp (Assistant City Manager, Streetscene) attended to support a discussion about the local bus services and related issues. The Commission discussed: i. Bus Lane Enforcement: That, following feed-in from the Commission, consultation with Members and bus companies was taking place; that enforcement would mean revised lines, TROs and signs; a Cabinet report was to be brought to the Commission in February; that the deadline for enforcement was June or July 2015, but that this was dependent on the feedback and changes that may need to be
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made; that a bid had been submitted for funding for the re-alignment of the lanes on Anlaby Road; that Anlaby Road would continue to have two lanes; and, that Hull residents question the need for bus lanes, but that they speed up bus services and increase passenger numbers. ii. Public Realm: That bus representatives and Council officers were part of the Transport and Logistics Forum that was committed to keeping bus stops accessible to those who need them; that there were concerns regarding the removal of stops at Monument Bridge as many passengers would consider Carr Lane to be too great a distance to access, and removal of stops could be detrimental to the Old Town; that bus stops on Albion Street were impractical due to the condition and width of the pavements; that even current bus stop sites did not take into account other pavement users, especially the disabled an visually impaired; and, that there was a need for proper consultation on the re-routing of buses, with a real plan put in place after consideration of feedback. iii. Bus Strategy: That this was actually a document covering current operational delivery, pulling together aspects such as the City of Culture work and Public Realm within one document; that members wished to be consulted on the content of the document in advance of a draft version; that an update on the previous Strategy of 2008 was needed as a priority; and, that a Bus Strategy needed to be developed in conjunction with the Parking Strategy as both areas influence and impinge on each other. iv. Park and Ride and the City of Culture: That, as Stagecoach now runs the Park and Ride as a commercial operation, this would be their responsibility; that there was the capacity to increase the services, but that work was necessary to increase the number of low access buses in order to ensure a standard; that a Park and Ride service wasn’t run on New Year’s Day as it placed a substantial amount of risk on Stagecoach of incurring a loss; , and that Stagecoach had discussed with KC Stadium an offer to run buses for the Hull City match, but that the offer had not been taken up. v. Real Time Updates in bus shelters: That the live tracking of bus services on the EYMS web-site had proved very popular, with over 90.000 hits since its inception; there had been positive feedback from customers; and, that the information on late-running buses was drawn down by the company to report on delays. vi. Blundell Corner delays: That the recent delays were caused by an accident, not because of planned works; that the planned works would take place at off-peak times; delays to bus services resulting from road incidents; whether there was an emergency plan in place for accidents such as the one discussed; and, plans already in place for such an incident, such as communication between bus drivers and alerts issued by Hull City Council when bus diversion was needed. vii. Traffic Light Sequencing: that the bus companies had concerns regarding traffic light phasing generally and requested that a better method of co-ordinating traffic and pedestrian light phasing be considered; and, delays caused to bus services due to traffic lights and blocked box junctions. viii. Hull Card: That there continues to be technical problems with the machines to be used to top up cards; that the resolving of the issues is not the responsibility of Hull City Council; and, that a technical team is working on ironing out the problems, but that it is taking time and money. ix. Interchange Information Point: That, although First TransPennine Express required match funding in order to contribute, the Information
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Point is progressing. x. Pot-holes: The need for pot-hole repairs as they damage buses and cause discomfort to passengers; that some pot-hole repairs were not being prioritised due to the inadequacy of government funding, but that repairs would continue to be on-going. xi. Meeting with East Riding of Yorkshire Council: that officers and the Portfolio Holder were pressing for a meeting with the ERYC to begin discussions about joined-up changes to bus routes and the infrastructure.
Recommendations: Reasons for Recommendations:
a. That the Commission thanks the bus company representatives a. N/A for their attendance.
b. That officers note the issues discussed by the members and b. To ensure that, where possible, the Council’s partners are the bus operators and give them consideration when working considered in plans for the City on policies, strategies, and on a day to day operational basis.
c. That another meeting be held with the local bus operators c. To continue and build on the partnership working during 2015/16 at an appropriate time according to plans for the A63/Castle Street Works and the City of Culture 2017
TH 36 10 AUGUST 2014 FLOOD INVESTIGATION BRIEFING a)-b) Rachel Glossop
Rachel Glossop (Flood Risk Planning Manager) attended to update the Commission on the progress of the statutory investigation into the local flooding of 10th August 2014.
The Commission discussed: i. The continued impact of the 2007 floods and how the Association of British Insurers use maps to set premiums that increase premiums because of the 2007 flooding; and, that officers are to meet with ABI to progress the case for using maps that will reduce premiums in the local area. ii. That the Environment Agency was responsible for tidal and pluvial flooding and flood warnings, the Council was responsible for surface
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and ground water, and Yorkshire Water was responsible for sewers and drainage, and that Yorkshire Water needed to be monitored to ensure excess water was not pumped into the River Hull and cause flooding. iii. That the River Hull Integrated Catchment Strategy includes plans for lock gates on the River Hull and dredging of parts of the River.
Recommendations: Reasons for Recommendations:
a. That the Commission supports the officer recommendations as detailed in Section 2 of the report. a. As per the minute
b. That the Commission welcomes the combined catchment b. So that a joint approach can be taken to issues that were previously approach now being taken to the River Hull Strategy, and the thought to be solely those of the City. planned consideration of River Hull lock gates.
NON EXEMPT ITEMS a)-c) Andy Burton 37 CITY STREETSCENE MANAGER PRESENTATION Andy Burton (City Streetscene Manager).attended the Commission to update on current developments relating to the Streetscene service. He informed the Commission of the following key issues:
i. That the government Future Funding consultation meant that a portion of the Integrated and Maintenance highways funding is likely to be held back until criteria are fulfilled. At this present time there is no indication of what those criteria may be; and, that the highways pro-active approach will be seen more positively that a reactive approach. ii. That traffic modelling was being explored so that “what if” scenarios would enable quick reactions to any event. iii. That plans were being put in place to ensure that the maintenance of the main gateways to the City would be co-ordinated with the schedules of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, especially around 2017. This would include litter picking and grass-cutting, but that talks were in the early stages so no detail was available. iv. That a feasibility study was being undertaken to install LED lighting across the City; that this would be funded through the resultant 80% energy saving; and, that issues around the decreased spread of light from LEDs was accommodated though increased numbers of lights. The Commission discussed the time taken from residents reporting streetlights that were malfunctioning to KWL receiving the report from Hull
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City Council, and that KWL reacted quickly to reports, but the reports were delayed through the 300300 reporting system,
Recommendations: Reasons for Recommendations:
a. To enable members to better understand the issues around the a. That the headlines from the Department for Transport future highways funding guidance be circulated to members of the planned new government method of funding Highways. Commission outside the meeting.
b. That when the maintenance of approach roads to the City is b. To ensure that the maintenance of approach roads is appropriately co-ordinated with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council the scheduled maintenance schedule continues to be as robust as Hull City Council’s current schedule.
c. That consideration be given as to how a reporting system can c. To reduce timelines for the repair of lights, leading to more customer be established that enables unlit streetlight reports to be made satisfaction for residents directly to KWL, thus ensuring more timely repairs and a reduced workload for the Hull City Council call centre.
EXEMPT ITEMS
a)-d) Graham Hall/ Emma Warwick 38 HIGHWAYS FUTURE OPTIONS
The Commission discussed the justification for the report being Exempt. At the request of a member a recorded vote was taken on the motion “That the Highways Options Report remain exempt”. For: 5 (Allen, A Clark, Craker, Dad and Gardiner) Against: 1 (Fareham)
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Motion carried Graham Hall (Assistant City Streetscene Manager) and Emma Warwick (Directorate Operations Officer) attended the meeting to advise on the potential models for the delivery of the Highways service after Cabinet had requested an investigation into the future delivery options for Highways services. The Commission discussed: i. Why KWL had not been considered to be consulted with and used on an advisory basis; that current staff problems would be transferred across through the TUPE process, making the KWL model unadvisable; that the previously failing Lighting service had been transferred and was now successful; that KWL demonstrated managerial skills, but technical skills were missing; that this report was only asking for feedback on the preferred options to pursue, it was not a decision; and, that previously KWL had not been approached as at the time that the report was produced it was felt that there was not the capacity within KWL to take on the service, although that circumstance had now changed. ii. That there was a skills shortage within the current Highways service as jobs had been reduced over the past decade and the situations was now critical due to the ageing workforce; that Highways had been advertising for additional technical staff over the last eighteen months, but that there had been no response and posts had not been filled, and this was one of the reasons that the various Highways options needed to be considered. iii. That local highways contractors were not being awarded as many contracts as national contractors because of the scale of their operations and the work to be carried out ; that soft market testing with national contractors had taken place and interest had been shown, but since the Hull Highways funding was miniscule in comparison to their other clients it would make it unlikely that Hull would be seen as a priority customer; and, that the East Riding of Yorkshire Council had a greater Highways resource because of the scale of their highways, and for that reason it would be advisable to pursue the option of pooling resources with that authority
Recommendations: Reasons for Recommendations:
a. That the Commission supports Options 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3b and 3c, as detailed in section 6.1 of the report, for further a.-d. As per the minute investigation as to their suitability for a future delivery model.
b. That if option 1b is favoured as the future delivery model it is recognised that a SMART method of delivery must be adopted.
c. That, if appropriate, the skills and experience of KWL staff be
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utilised on an advisory basis. d. That this Commission continues to be updated on the progress of future Highways Options to allow consideration and input.
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Energy and Infrastructure OSC Rail Themed Meeting
11 February 2015
Potential Questions / Issues for Discussion
The Interchange
1. What plans do you have for any changes/improvements to the Hull Interchange? To include an update on the progress of the Paragon Interchange Cycle Hub, and on the progress of the information desk. (First Trans-Pennine Express and Hull City Council officer)
Electrification
2. What progress is being made on Electrification to Hull? (Hull Trains / Network Rail)
Reliability / Performance
3. Can you update on recent reliability / performance (to all operators)
4. What improvements are planned for the Hull to Beverley line, including the line to Scarborough, in terms of reliability and frequency? (Northern Rail)
5. Has consideration been given to making the service to York from Hull more frequent and with no changes? (Northern Rail)
Planned Works
6. Is there any update on the Selby Swing Bridge works? Were they successful, what is the expected lifespan of the repairs?
7. Are any other infrastructure works planned? (Network Rail)
Franchising
8. How do you see your future in respect of the Franchise replacement programme? (to all operators)
9. What can you offer in terms of improved services to persuade us to support any future franchise bids? (to all operators)
Page 15 of 78 10. What plans have you got for rolling stock replacement/improvements in the short and long term? (to all operators)
UK City of Culture 2017
11. How do you plan to ensure adequate services are in place to accommodate the influx of visitors expected to Hull for the UK City of Culture 2017? (to all operators)
12. Can you guarantee that no major works (other than emergency repairs) will take place in the region at that time? (Network Rail)
13. Will Hull City Council be linked with to ensure that issues are considered in advance on a partnership basis so that the transport infrastructure generally is working to maximum capacity? (to all operators)
General
14. What progress is being made in relation to renewing/extending Track Access agreements? (Hull Trains only)
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Report to the Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Wards Non Scrutiny Commission February 2015
Fracking and Coal Bed Methane Policy Discussion Paper
Report of the City Regeneration and Policy Manager
1. Purpose of the Report and Summary
1.1 At its meeting on the 20th November Full Council passed a motion on fracking and coal bed methane extraction. The Motion requested that a policy be developed for the Council in line with the Motion and that the Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Commission consider the issues and make recommendations for the development of the Policy before the final Policy is produced.
1.2 This Report sets out:
1.3 The current legislation and national policy for the development of unconventional oil and gas and the role of key agencies in the process including the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water; The Report also examines the current and potential location of unconventional oil and gas exploration in and around the City; A short resume of the current science and evidence for unconventional oil and gas exploration and development from both sides of the argument is also given.
1.4 The report proposes a draft Council policy position in line with the agreed Motion by Full Council that the Council does not support the development of unconventional gas and oil through fracking or coal bed methane.
1.5 It is essential to understand that this Council policy is not binding on the Council as the Local Planning Authority. Any Planning policy regarding fracking would be included within the emerging Joint Minerals Plan. If a planning application was received ahead of the publication of this plan it would need to be assessed against the policies within the current Joint Minerals Plan (which was adopted prior to any knowledge of fracking) and the National Planning Policy Framework. Each application would be considered on its merits in terms of benefits for
Author: Martin Budd Page 17 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 1 of 25 energy supply and disbenefits in terms of harm to the environment and amenity and any other material planning considerations..
2. Recommendations
2.1 That Scrutiny considers and comments upon the arguments for and against the exploration and extraction of unconventional oil and gas through the processes of fracking and coal bed methane extraction to inform the final policy development.
3. Background
3.1 The Council passed a Motion on 20th November (Appendix 1) proposing a new Council Policy that would position the Council as rejecting the exploration and developing of unconventional oil and gas through the process known as fracking and coal bed methane extraction. Consequently the Council would take a position of objecting to any planning applications or licenses for the exploration, development or extraction of unconventional oil and gas within the City boundary or where an unconventional development might take place under the City from drilling outside of the City’s boundaries.
3.2 Gas held within shale beds is accessed through a technique called “hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” for short. Water, containing sand and chemicals, is pumped at high pressure into the rock. The sand keeps the small fractures in the rock open while the chemicals react with the gas increasing the amount of gas extracted. Fracking for unconventional oil and gas has developed rapidly over the last five years in particular in the USA where it has had a significant impact in lowering energy prices and surpassing coal as the main source for energy generation. However, the technology requiring the extraction of oil and gas through fracking has had a significant number of health and social issues associated with it in the USA. Due to these concerns development of these fuels globally has been slow with many counties in Europe taking a cautious approach. France has banned fracking, Germany has a de facto ban through the current Government coalition document and the Netherlands has a moratorium.
3.3 Shale gas and oil are found in certain geological formations of highly permeable rock. It is trapped in tiny pore spaces or absorbed into clay particles. This differs from conventional gas which is found large pockets in impermeable rock.
3.4 Advances in technology as well as the rising price of oil and gas have made the exploration and exploitation of shale gas and oil more viable.
3.5 The exploration of oil and gas on land is not new and there are several sites within the UK currently extracting conventional oil and gas. However, the techniques required to exploit unconventional deposits have raised concerns in communities, interest groups and in the press.
Author: Martin Budd Page 18 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 2 of 25 3.6 Unlike conventional oil and gas extraction which can extract all of the reserves from a single well head; unconventional gas and oil extraction requires the construction of tens, and even hundreds, of fracking wells for a deposit site.
3.7 Fracking is an old technology and has been used since the 1950’s primarily using water and oil based gels however the rapid development of the industry in the USA and Canada has seen the use of other chemical combinations and a rapid expansion which has created pressure on water resources as well as contamination of aquifers and leaks from used water storage tanks1.
3.8 Coal Bed Methane extraction has been used in mining for a long time particularly in coal mines where there are high amounts of methane that can cause explosions known as “fire damp”. Traditionally coal bed methane extraction has taken place before a new seam is developed to extract and vent to the air the methane to ensure safe mining operations. Methane creates about 25 times more global warming per tonne that carbon dioxide2. The Centre for Research on Globilisation were the first to say that over its entire lifecycle, shale gas production is dirtier than coal3 due to the greenhouse gas trapping capacity of leaking methane. Numerous studies since then have depicted high leakage rates throughout the production lifecycle4. Recently coal bed methane has been undertake using fracking techniques to open up the coal seems to extract the gas and then collect it at the surface for injection into the main gas grid.
The Process of Fracking
3.9 The development process for unconventional shale gas and oil extraction involves three phases5: Phase 1: taking 2-6 months including exploratory drilling to establish if extraction is profitable including seismic surveys, test samples and flow testing. Phase 2: taking 6 months to 2 years is the pre-production and production phase when water, chemicals and equipment are brought to the site and waste water carried away. During this phase additional wells will be dug and could last for up to 20 years. Phase 3: is the decommissioning and site restoration period.
3.10 The process of fracturing rock or fracking for shale gas and oil involves the drilling of a large bore hole vertically and then horizontally, sometimes for many
1 http://www.ibtimes.com/fracking-safe-study-finds-hormone-system-disrupting-chemicals-water-near- drilling-dense-areas 2 http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/ch2s2-10-2.html 3 http://www.desmogblog.com/cornell-fracking-shale-gas-more-dangerous-than-coal-climate 4 http://www.globalresearch.ca/methane-emissions-the-impact-of-shale-gas-fracking-on-climate- change/5383045
5 DECC Developing Onshore Shale gas and Oil- facts about “Fracking” 2013 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/265972/Developing_Onshor e_Shale_Gas_and_Oil__Facts_about_Fracking_131213.pdf Author: Martin Budd Page 19 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 3 of 25 miles; encasing this in concrete; and then flushing water in at very high pressure to create fractures in the rock where the gas or oil is held. The water is combined with a sand and chemical mixture to ensure that the fractures remain open. The gas then flows to the surface to be captured at the well head.
3.11 Fracking has been most significantly exploited in the USA but there are unconventional gas and oil deposits on most continents.
3.12 There have been two widely reported explorations for unconventional gas and oil in the UK, both undertaken by Caudrilla. The most recent, in August 2013, at Balcombe in West Sussex which received significant protest by local residents and others opposed to fracking. No fracking took place at the site and Caudrilla have since decided that the oil can be extracted conventionally. The other exploration which included fracking was near Blackpool in 2011. In April and May of that year, two small earthquakes occurred close to the drilling site. An independent report commissioned by Cuadrilla confirmed that the fracking process was the cause of the earthquakes6. Following this and after an investigation, there was an 18 month ban on further exploration. This is not an unusual event in certain geological formations as found in studies in the USA7.
3.13 Because of the geology of the UK the industry is expected to develop at a much slower rate than in the USA. Added to this, there is a requirement for planning consent and a tighter environmental regulation landscape. It is likely that it will be up to ten years before there is any significant production at scale and there will be at least a further two years of exploration.
3.14 It should be noted that fracking, or rather the technology of using high pressure water to extract oil, has been used at most oil and gas wells to obtain the last drops of energy.
National Context
3.15 The Government sees unconventional gas and oil exploitation as part of the wider energy mix with the ability to increase energy security. The Government has offered a number of financial incentives to companies wishing to undertake the exploration of unconventional gas and oil reserves. The 2013 Budget and Autumn Statement included:
A new shale gas field allowance Extended ring-fence expenditure supplemented from six to ten years Establishment of the Office of Unconventional Gas and Oil The tax rate on a portion of company profits reduced A tax allowance equal to 75% of capital spent on projects
6 Geomechancial Study of Bowland Shale Seismicity, November 2011 http://www.cuadrillaresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Geomechanical-Study-of-Bowland-Shale- Seismicity_02-11-11.pdf 7 New Scientist August 2013 http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24069-fracking-operations-triggered- 100-quakes-in-a-year.html Author: Martin Budd Page 20 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 4 of 25 3.16 In January 2014, with concern over opposition to shale gas extraction by some local authorities and communities the Government announced that Councils’ could keep 100% of the business rates collected from shale gas sites. This was estimated at £1.7m a year for a typical site. There is also a community benefits package of £100,000 when a test well is fracked and a further 1% of revenues if shale gas discovered. This could be worth between £5m-£10m for a typical site over its lifetime. This reflects the approach the Government has taken with onshore wind turbine development which requires a community benefit for communities next to sites.
3.17 In addition the Government confirmed in the Queen’s Speech (2014), plans to streamline the underground access regime and make it easier for companies to drill for shale gas through a new Infrastructure Bill. Under the existing system license holders do not have automatic access rights to drill under landowners property and permission should be sought from the landowner before they can do this. If permission is refused then license holders can apply through the Secretary of State and courts to gain access. However, the Government believes this route to be too time consuming and is consulting on the following changes which would:
o Grant underground access rights to companies extracting petroleum resources (including shale gas and oil) and for geothermal energy in land at least 300 metres below the surface; o A voluntary and community payment of £20,000 for each unique lateral (horizontal) well that extends by more than 200 metres laterally. Alongside this will be powers to make such payments compulsory if companies fail to volunteer. . o A public notification system, under which the company would set out drilling proposals along with details of the voluntary payment.
3.18 In January 2014 following a debate on the Infrastructure Bill the Government accepted 13 amendments to the Bill related to fracking including:
No fracking to take place in National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Water Protection Zones (see Appendix 4) independent inspection of the integrity of wells, monitoring for leaks of methane informing residents individually of fracking in their area (but no right to object) 12 months background data collected of sites prior to drilling
In addition the Government’s proposal to allow “any substance” to be used in fracking wells was also overturned. Further the Government committed to cancelling shale gas licences if their official advisers, the Committee on Climate Change, concluded that shale gas would damage climate change goals or make a written statement to Parliament explaining the reasons for not doing so8.
8 http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jan/26/conservatives-u-turn-fracking-labour-cuadrilla- drilling-ban Author: Martin Budd Page 21 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 5 of 25
3.19 The exploration and development of shale gas can only be undertaken through a Petroleum and Exploration and Development License (PEDL) issued by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. In addition a company wishing to frack would also need to obtain approval under the National Planning Policy Guidance9 as follows:
Department of Energy and Climate Change – issues Petroleum Licenses, gives consent to drill under the License once other permissions and approvals are in place, and have responsibility for assessing risk of and monitoring seismic activity, as well as granting consent to flaring or venting; Mineral Planning Authorities – grant permission for the location of any wells and well pads, and impose conditions to ensure that the impact on the use of the land is acceptable; Environment Agency – protect water resources (including groundwater aquifers), ensure appropriate treatment and disposal of mining waste, emissions to air, and suitable treatment and manage any naturally occurring radioactive materials; and Health and Safety Executive – regulates the safety aspects of all phases of extraction, in particular responsibility for ensuring the appropriate design and construction of a well casing for any borehole.
Other bodies which may be involved in the consenting of the process include:
the Coal Authority, whose permission will be required should drilling go through a coal seam; Natural England, who may need to issue European Protected Species Licences in certain circumstances; the British Geological Survey, who need to be notified by licensees of their intention to undertake drilling and, upon completion of drilling, must also receive drilling records and cores; and Hazardous Substances Authorities, who may need to provide hazardous substances consents.
There may also be additional consents and orders, such as stopping up rights of way or temporary road orders, which must be obtained.
Shale Deposits in the UK
9 http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/minerals/planning-for-hydrocarbon- extraction/how-mineral-planning-authorities-plan-for-hydrocarbon-extraction/ Author: Martin Budd Page 22 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 6 of 25 3.20 The Department of Climate Change published a report into the potential for shale gas exploration in 201210 which showed the shale formations with most gas potential. This identified a formation running from the north east to the south and south west including the Weald Basin covering East and West Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and the Bowland Shale in the Pennine basin covering Lancashire and Yorkshire. The Weald and Pennine basins are thought to offer the most potential.
3.21 At present there is very little certainty about the total amount of extractable gas in the UK. In June 2013 a separate study of the Bowland Basin11 estimated a gas in place assessment of 37.6 trillion cubic meters (tcm). Appendix 2 contains a map of the Bowland Basin. However there is a caveat because of the difficulties with how much is extractable. (Based on USA recovery levels it is estimated that 1.8-13 tcm could be extracted.) The current annual UK gas consumption figure is 77 billion cubic meters and we have approximately 1.5 tcm of conventional gas recoverable12.
3.22 Because of this uncertainty over shale gas estimates the Government in response to an investigation by the Energy and Climate Change Committee has estimated that there would need to be 20 -40 wells drilled over the next two years to establish commercial viability. It also concluded that it was too early to say if it would result in cheaper gas prices and it would be wrong to assume that a national or global boom in shale gas would result in price decreases13.
Coal Bed Methane Deposits
3.23 Gas is bound within coal by a process known as adsorption, where the gas molecules adhere to the surfaces within the coal. As pressure is reduced, gas is released from the coal surfaces, diffuses through the coal and flows through the fracture system of the coal. Coalbed methane production can be subdivided into three categories: coal mine methane (CMM), abandoned mine methane (AMM) and coalbed methane (CBM) produced via boreholes from virgin coal seams. Aside from safety concerns, venting this gas is destructive to the environment because methane is an important greenhouse gas, 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide on a mass basis.
3.24 In CBM production, a well is drilled into the coal seam and water is pumped out to lower the pressure in the seam. This allows methane to desorb from the
10 British Geological Survey Unconventional Hydrocarbon resources of Britain’s Onshore Basins- Shale Gas 2012 https://www.og.decc.gov.uk/UKpromote/onshore_paper/UK_onshore_shalegas.pdf 11 British Geological Survey The Carboniferous Bowland Shale Gas Study: geology and resource estimation 2013 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/226874/BGS_DECC_Bowl andShaleGasReport_MAIN_REPORT.pdf 12 Department of Energy and Climate Change Digest of UK Energy Statistics https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/digest-of-uk-energy-statistics-dukes 13 Department of Communities and Local Government Revised requirements relating to planning applications for onshore oil and gas: proposals paper https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/274955/Revised_requirem ents_relating_to_planning_applications_for_onshore_oil_and_gas_-_proposals_paper_- _Summary_of_responses_and_government_response.pdf Author: Martin Budd Page 23 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 7 of 25 internal surfaces of the coal and diffuse into the cleat, where it is able to flow, either as free gas or dissolved in water, towards the production well. Permeability (imparted mainly by the cleat) is necessary to achieve CBM production. The natural permeability of coal seams can be low, so some CBM wells are stimulated (hydrofractured) to improve connectivity between the borehole and the cleat system. Wells may have many subsurface horizontal or multilateral sidetracks drilled from one surface location to penetrate more coal.
3.25 The British Geographical Survey 2004 study14 estimated that as little as 1% of this resource could be recovered, because of perceived widespread low seam permeability, low gas content, resource density and planning constraints. However, US analogous CBM developments have now been proven to achieve recovery of 30-40% in some fields. If 10% of the UK CBM resource potential could be developed, the produced 290 billion cubic meters (bcm) would correspond to over three years of UK natural gas supply (annual UK natural gas consumption is 77 bcm). Appendix 3 shows the current CBM sites and potential appropriate coal deposits as well as a detailed map showing coal pits and cola strata in Eastern England.
Environmental Impacts
3.26 Unconventional gas is an intensive industry with a larger environmental footprint than conventional gas. More wells need to be drilled, there are significant traffic movements of 14-51 vehicles a day, impacts on local communities, land use and water resources. Aligned to this there are potential hazards with surface contamination as well as ground water contamination which have been highlighted in certain fracking operations in the USA. In addition there is the release of methane from the process which has a larger climate change impact than carbon dioxide.
3.27 A Report by the Tyndall Centre15 in 2011 highlighted the concerns around the potential for ground water contamination affecting drinking water and wetland habitats. The research identified that this was a possibility because although the fracturing process takes place below the level at which aquifers are found the drilling is likely to pass through existing aquifers. Appendix 4 contains information on ground water locations under Hull and the East Riding. Another potential raised in the Report was that the process of creating the fractures would enable contaminated waters to find aquifers through natural pathways. A key issue then is the quality of the casing in the bore hole to protect the surrounding ground. The issues in the USA of water contamination have been linked to potentially poor bore hole casing.
3.28 The concerns over earth tremors noted at Blackpool are not unusual. In the UK, earth tremors were not infrequent as a result of the mining industry. However, the Government has introduced a requirement for seismic monitoring at fracking sites with a traffic light system. There is also a requirement to monitor the growth of the height of fractures to ensure that aquifers are not contaminated.
14 British Geographical Survey UK Coal Resource for New Exploitation Technologies Final Report 2004 15 Tyndall Centre Shale gas: an updated assessment of environmental and climate change impacts http://www.tyndall.ac.uk/sites/default/files/coop_shale_gas_report_update_v3.10.pdf Author: Martin Budd Page 24 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 8 of 25
3.29 The use of water is a significant concern. A report by AMEC16 indicated that up to 18% of current annual mains water supply for the energy, water and waste industries would be needed for a developed fracking industry. While the abstraction of water requires a licence form the Environment Agency, this would still present a significant increase in water demand.
3.30 Additionally, the process generates a significant amount of waste water. Each well could generate between 3,000m3 to 18,750m3 and it is estimated at a high activity scenario it could reach108 million m3. This would require treatment and present a significant pressure on existing water treatment facilities which is likely to require new or upgraded facilities.
3.31 The study also identified that traffic to the site could result in between 14 and 51 vehicle movements a day during the exploration and site preparation phase over a 32 to145 week period.
3.32 It is also not fully understood the amount of methane that escapes to the air from the fracking process both from oil and gas deposits as well as coal bed methane extraction. Methane has a significantly greater impact on climate change than carbon dioxide.
3.33 The use of unconventional gas has been seen as a tool to reduce carbon emissions as it will replace the use of coal in power stations for the production of electricity. This has been part of the reason for the drop in fuel prices in the US as fracked gas has replaced coal. However, the use of fracked gas in the US domestic market has seen coal exports increase as new markets for the US coal industry have had to be found. So while there may be a local carbon reduction the overall carbon emissions have increased17.
3.34 It has been argued that in order to address climate change through reducing carbon emissions that an approach should be adopted of leaving carbon based fuel in the ground to hasten the transition to a low carbon economy18. The relative cheapness of fracked gas and depression of global coal prices though US surplus capacity works against a low carbon transition and investment in renewables and low carbon technologies and their adoption on a global basis. The Governments view is that the carbon emission of fracked gas is broadly similar to that of conventional gas and that shale gas is a “bridge” fuel source in the low carbon transition19.
16 Amec The Environmental Effects of Onshore oil and gas Licensing 2013 17 Platts.com US Coal Market –Export Potential http://www.platts.com/news- feature/2012/coaltransport/index and The Diplomat US Companies Benefit from China coal Addition http://thediplomat.com/2013/11/how-us-companies-benefit-from-chinas-coal-addiction/ 18 Speech by Christiana Figueres Executive Secretary UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to the World Coals Association 2013 https://unfccc.int/files/press/statements/application/pdf/20131811_cop19_coalassociation.pdf; Naomi Klein This Changes Everything Capitalism vs the Climate Allen Lane 2014; Duncan Clark and Mike Berners-Lee The Burning Question Profile Books 2013 19 DECC Potential Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated with Shale Gas Extraction and Use 2013 http://www.tyndall.ac.uk/sites/default/files/coop_shale_gas_report_update_v3.10.pdf Author: Martin Budd Page 25 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 9 of 25 3.35 A literature review undertaken by Public Health England20 in June 2014 into the potential chemical and radioactive pollutants from shale gas extraction found that the process of extraction is undertaken in a safe manner then the risks to public health are low. Where problems did occur these emanated from operational failure and poor legislative framework.
Local Impact
3.36 The available data from the Bowland Basin Report indicates there is unlikely to be shale gas extraction within close proximity to Hull. While there are oil and gas exploration licences covering the City and the East Riding, these are longstanding and have primarily been to enable conventional oil and gas exploration.
3.37 The current Petroleum Exploration and Development Licenses in Hull and surrounding areas are:21
Parliamentary % of Licence Round License Constituency constituency Operator awarded AS covered by under licence block Kingston 88.5% RATHLIN 13 PEDL 183 upon Hull East Kingston 100% RATHLIN 13 PEDL 183 upon Hull North Kingston 78.5% RATHLIN 13 PEDL 183 upon Hull West & Hessle Beverley & 0.2% DART 13 PEDL 176 Holderness Beverley & 85.8% RATHLIN 13 PEDL 183 Holderness Haltemprice & 12.3% DART 13 PEDL 179 Howden Haltemprice & 18.4% DART 13 PEDL 176 Howden Haltemprice & 32.9% RATHLIN 13 PEDL 183 Howden
20 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/328298/PHE-CRCE- 009_cover_note.pdf
21 Shale Gas and Fracking, House of Commons Standard Note, 04 December 2014. Author: Martin Budd Page 26 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 10 of 25 3.38 This table shows the results of overlying DECC’s onshore PEDL licence areas with parliamentary constituency data. These are all current extant PEDL licenses, none of DECC’s licenses distinguish between shale gas and other forms of hydrocarbons.22
3.39 A map has been published (Appendix 4) showing areas where drilling licenses have been issued including possibly fracking which includes an area in the East Riding south of Market Weighton. However, Rathlin Energy has established a well at Crawberry Hill near Walkington East Yorkshire. This well has penetrated the Bowland Shale but to date no test fracking has taken place. The Minutes of a Community Liaison meeting in Bishop Burton held in November 2014 includes a statement from Rathlin that they do not intend to undertake any fracking (large scale or mini) activity at the Crawberry Hill site23.
3.40 There is some potential for local businesses currently involved in the conventional oil and gas exploration and extraction industry to obtain contracts with fracking companies. But this is at such an early stage that a number cannot be put against it. As indicated in paragraph 4.8 below above there are significant vehicle movements and therefore local freight companies may be in a position to obtain contracts depending on the location of fracking sites.
Legislative Issues
3.39 The current Coalition Government has been very supportive of the fracking industry seeing the technology and fuel obtained as an opportunity to provide energy security to the UK as well as support growth. Alongside this it is seen as part of the bridging fuels as the UK transitions to a low carbon economy. It has acknowledge the impact that fracking has had in the USA with a significant reduction in energy costs is unlikely to happen in the UK because the amount of
22 Ibid 23 http://www.rathlin-energy.co.uk/yorkshire/ Author: Martin Budd Page 27 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 11 of 25 frackable energy is significantly less and geography and geology of the UK are notably different.
3.40 The use of unconventional oil and gas is part of the UK energy policy (source) and the industry benefits from additional financial support announced in the Autumn Statement 201424 to increase public understanding of the fracking process create a sub-surface test centre and set up a long term sovereign wealth fund for the North of England so that income generated in the North is reinvested in infrastructure projects there.
4. Issues for Consideration
4.1 The current legislative framework is in favour of the exploitation of fracking as an energy extraction technology and the Government’s actions have been to support the industry and encourage support for fracking by local authorities and communities.
4.2 However, there is a significant number of people, communities, interest groups, regions and countries that have taken a position go of their being more cautious about the technology or opposed to its development.
4.3 The arguments against fracking and coal bed methane have centred on:
the environmental threats to water from contamination of underground aquifers; the amount of water required for the fracking process and its treatment/disposal; the increased traffic associated with the process of taking and removing the water and oil/gas extracted; the number of wells required within a fracking area and its visual impact; and the climate change impacts and the need to leave carbon based fuel in the ground to enable the Planet to not exceed a 20c temperature increase from pre-industrial times.
4.4 Two of the main concerns with the process of Fracking are water related. While fracking would generally take place at depths below aquifers the drilling process in certain places will pass through the aquifers. Therefore any breach in the fracking casing could result in contamination. Once an aquifer is contaminated it will be very difficult to treat because of its inaccessibility as well as have significant impacts on local communities and industry.
24 Page 38 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/382327/44695_Accessible.pdf
Author: Martin Budd Page 28 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 12 of 25 4.5 There are also concerns about the amount of water that will be required for the fracking and coal bed methane processes. Amec25 the leading engineering company has raised this as a key issue and how demands for water between other industry, farmers and domestic use will be balanced particularly in areas of water stress. They have estimated that up to 18% of current annual mains water supply for the energy, water and waste industries would be needed for a developed fracking industry.
4.6 The impact of climate change and expected increase in heat waves and periods of prolonged drought as the centaury develops will increase this water stress. Additionally, the extraction of increased amounts of fracked carbon fuel alongside existing conventional carbon sources will increase the impact of climate change and further exacerbate the water shortage problems.
4.7 The fracking process also generates a significant amount of waste water. Each well could generate between 3,000m3 to 18,750m3 and it is estimated at a high activity scenario it could reach108 million m3. This would require treatment and present a significant pressure on existing water treatment facilities which is likely to require new or upgraded facilities. It is unclear if the waste water from the fracking process will be treated on site or taken to existing facilities. Hull has a significant water treatment facility in the East of the City and therefore there could be increased pressure on the treatment works as well as possibly increased vehicle movements if water is taken here from wells nearby
4.8 The report by Amec also estimated that a fracked well could generate traffic to the site that could result in between 14 and 51 vehicle movements a day during the exploration and site preparation phase over a 32 to145 week period. The process of fracking requires the development of multiple wells with in a small geographical area therefore increasing the number of vehicles within a local area significantly. The sites currently being developed are primarily in rural areas and therefore will have a significant impact on these networks. Because of the Hull Travel to Work Area there is the potential for the vehicles movements to have an impact on the City as well.
4.9 Fracking unlike conventional oil and gas extraction requires the development of multiple wells within a close proximity to each other. There is therefore likely to be an increased visual impact during the extraction process and could see communities “ringed” by well development sites.
4.10 In the context of climate change fracking has two significant impacts. The development of fracked gas may divert investment from more expensive (up- front) alternatives such as renewables and nuclear, weakening the case for reducing reliance on fossil fuels26. The Government sees the exploitation of unconventional oil and gas as a way of increasing the UK’s energy security and as a transition fuel to a low carbon future. However, the exploitation of all available oil and gas reserves weakens the development of a renewable energy and energy storage market. Further the use of fracked oil and gas does not
25 Amec The Environmental Effects of Onshore Oil and Gas Licensing 2013 26 Schrag, D.P., “Is shale gas good for climate change?” Daedalus, 141(2), 72-80, 2012 Author: Martin Budd Page 29 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 13 of 25 “offset” the use of conventional oil and gas and coal but rather drives those markets to other countries.
4.11 This therefore leads to the most significant argument against the development of a fracking industry. Climate Change is now acknowledged as the greatest threat to humanity as indicated in the latest UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Reports in 201427. The former Director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, Professor Kevin Anderson, has said that “From a climate-change perspective this stuff [fracked gas and oil] simply has to stay in the ground.”28 A Tyndall Centre report published in November 2011 concluded:
“... emissions from a fully developed UK shale gas industry would likely be very substantial in their own right. If the UK Government is to respect its obligations under both the Copenhagen Accord and Low Carbon Transition Plan, shale gas offers no meaningful potential as even a transition fuel.”29
4.12 Books published by Duncan Clark Mike Berners-Lee and Naomi Klein30 all present the evidence that the world is unable to extract and burn the known reserves of carbon based fuel without leading the planet to a 50c temperature rise above pre-industrial levels. This is 30c above the internationally accepted “safe” temperature of 20c above pre-industrial; levels state dint he Kyoto protocol. Fracking for gas and oil therefore creates a contradiction with both the Kyoto Protocol and the national targets contained in the Climate Change Act.
4.13 A report in October 2013 by Friends of the Earth31 based on analysis by Carbon Tracker32 demonstrated that if the UK is to meet its contributes under the Climate Change Act and enable the UN climate change agreements to reduce global temperature rises to at the most 20c above pre-industrial levels then we need to leave the gas and oil that can be obtain from fracking in the ground. The argument of gas as a transitioning energy source to a renewable energy future would require the rapid reduction in the use of oil and coal which we currently are not resolving. Further the Government’s current energy policy is to maximise the recovery of all known and possible oil, coal and gas reserves whether onshore or offshore33 and the draft Infrastructure Bill seeks to enshrine this policy in law.
4.14 Research published in Nature in 2014 by Christophe McGlade and Paul Ekins34 reinforces the implications for fossil fuel extraction if the planet is to have 50%
27 IPCC Fifth Assessment Reports 2014 http://www.ipcc.ch/ 28 “What the Frack?” The Economist, 1 October 2011 p.34 and “Natural Gas: Should fracking stop?” Nature Volume 477, pp 271–275 15 September 2011 29 Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, Shale gas: an updated assessment of environmental and climate change impacts, Executive summary, November 2011, p7 30 Naomi Klein This Changes Everything Capitalism vs the Climate Allen Lane 2014; Duncan Clark and Mike Berners-Lee The Burning Question Profile Books 2013 31 http://www.foe.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/uk-shale-gas-unburnable-carbon-18099.pdf 32 CarbonTracker, 2013. Unburnable carbon. 33 Ed Davey, 2013a. Green Growth, Green Jobs: The success of renewables in Scotland. 18th March. 34 Christophe McGlade and Paul Ekins The Geographical distribution of fossil fuels unused when limiting global warming to 20c Nature 517 January 2015 Author: Martin Budd Page 30 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 14 of 25 chance of meeting the target of a 20c increase in temperatures above pre- industrial levels. The table below shows the implications for extraction of unconventional oil and gas. The research indicates that 100% of the oil and 82% of the gas must be left in the ground:
Extended Data Table 3: Regional distribution of resources unburnable before 2050 in absolute terms and as a percentage of current resources under the 2 °C scenario that allows CCS. (Christophe McGlade and Paul Ekins The Geographical distribution of fossil fuels unused when limiting global warming to 20c Nature 517 January 2015)
5. Options and Risk Assessment
5.1 While the discussion paper does not currently propose a draft policy the Motion agreed by Full Council indicates that the Council wishes to take an anti-fracking position.
5.2 The adoption of an anti-fracking policy would position the Council as opposing a key thread of the coalition Governments energy policy. The Council will need to take steps through the preparation of submissions to object to any planning applications submitted for fracking or coal bed methane extraction both within the City boundary and outside the city boundary, within a set radius yet to be determined because of the use of horizontal drilling from fracking wells and the local of aquifers supplying water to the City.
5.3 There are currently financial incentives (paragraph 3.16) for communities and Councils to support fracking activities within their boundaries and the Council would be taking a position where it would wish to object to development that could
Author: Martin Budd Page 31 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 15 of 25 lead to this income. While it is highly unlikely that fracking development would be sought within the City if an application is submitted for fracking within the City and this was successful through planning then the community and Council would still receive the income set out in legislation for “hosting” a fracking site. The Council will need to take a position as to what it would do with this income.
6. Consultation
6.1 While the Policy has yet to be developed the Motion approved by Full Council on fracking and coal bed methane indicates that a policy position opposing the exploitation of unconventional oil and gas through fracking and coal bed methane is supported.
6.2 As part of the development of the Policy following the comments of the Commission consultation will be held with the Portfolio Holder for Energy and Infrastructure and the Commission, Planning, City Managers and the Corporate Strategy Team, interest groups and Rathlin Energy.
7. Conclusions
7.1 This discussion paper has been developed to enable the Commission to take a considered view of the arguments for and against fracking and to inform the development of a Council Policy on Fracking and Coal Bed Methane in line with the Motion agreed at Full Council on the 20th November 2014.
7.2 The views expressed by the Commission will inform the Policy that will be presented to Cabinet and Full Council.
City Regeneration and Policy Manager
Contact Officer : Martin Budd Environment and Climate Change Strategic Advisor Telephone No. : 01482 613098
Officer Interests: None
Background Documents: - As referred to in the text of the report.
Report to Scrutiny 1st April 2014 Unconventional Gas Extraction - Fracking
Author: Martin Budd Page 32 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 16 of 25
Appendix 1
Council Motion 20th November 2014:
Shale Gas and Coal Bed Methane Extraction
That this Council:
a) Notes the commitment of the Coalition Government for developing hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the UK;
b) Notes the recent protests against shale gas drilling in areas of East Yorkshire;
c) Notes the controversy about both the supposed benefits of extracting on-shore gas resources and the local environmental impacts;
d) Notes the recent evidence that 60-80% of world fossil fuel reserves need to be left in the ground if average global temperature rise is to remain within 2 degrees;
e) Believes that UK shale gas and coal bed methane will add to the fossil fuel pollution burden;
f) Notes that the millions of gallons of water, per well, needed for hydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas (known as fracking) would reduce water supplies in this region, which are also threatened by the impact of climate change;
g) Notes the well-documented risk of groundwater contamination as a result of fracking, which would exacerbate the pressure on water supplies and put residents at risk, especially as the water supply to this city comes from the aquifers which are undergoing exploratory drilling at the moment;
h) Notes the unavoidable increase in noise, visual intrusion and air pollution from heavy traffic in communities close to fracking sites;
i) Will develop a Council policy on shale gas and coal bed methane extraction by referring this motion for a full scrutiny inquiry into the issue of ‘fracking’ including the evidence of ecological, geological and pollution associated with this method. To report back to Full Council as soon as possible.
j) Will continue to attract appropriate funding for projects which increase energy efficiency, sustainability and self-sufficiency, stabilise energy bills, and create jobs in the green economy, and Send a copy of this motion to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and the Minister of State for the Department for Energy and Climate Change.
k) This Council believes that the future for this region is in developing the potential of the green, renewables energy generation industry and moving away from depleting resources of fossil fuels that damage the environment and lead to climate change.
Author: Martin Budd Page 33 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 17 of 25 Appendix 2 DECC/BGS Shale Gas Study potential Fracking Sites35
35 Page 2 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/226874/BGS_DECC_Bowland ShaleGasReport_MAIN_REPORT.pdf Author: Martin Budd Page 34 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 18 of 25 Appendix 3 Coal Bed Methane Sites UK36
36 Source: The Unconventional hydrocarbon resources of Britain’s onshore basins- Coalbed Methane (CBM) DECC 2012 page 2.
Author: Martin Budd Page 35 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 19 of 25 Current UK Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences (and methane drainage areas), CBM wells, CBM developments, vent developments and areas under consultation currently which may be offered in the 14th onshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round.
Eastern England – summary map of unconventional hydrocarbon potential
Author: Martin Budd Page 36 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 20 of 25 Appendix 4
Ground Water Source Protection Map Zones37
Ground Water Source Protection Zones
Inner zone (Zone 1) Inner zone - subsurface activity only (Zone 1c) Outer zone (Zone 2) Outer zone - subsurface activity only (Zone 2c) Total catchment (Zone 3
37 Source Environment Agency web site http://maps.environment- agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController?value=hu1+2aa&lang=_e&ep=map&topic=groundwater&layerGroups=default &scale=9&textonly=off#x=504552&y=438625&lg=1,&scale=5
Author: Martin Budd Page 37 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 21 of 25 Aquifer Maps Superficial Deposits Designation
Pink areas on map show permeable layers capable of supporting water supplies at a local rather than strategic scale, and in some cases forming an important source of base flow to rivers. These are generally aquifers formerly classified as minor aquifers
Author: Martin Budd Page 38 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 22 of 25 Aquifer Maps- Bedrock Designation
Purple: These are layers of rock or drift deposits that have high intergranular and/or fracture permeability - meaning they usually provide a high level of water storage. They may support water supply and/or river base flow on a strategic scale. In most cases, principal aquifers are aquifers previously designated as major aquifer
Orange: Secondary B - predominantly lower permeability layers which may store and yield limited amounts of groundwater due to localised features such as fissures, thin permeable horizons and weathering. These are generally the water-bearing parts of the former non- aquifers
Author: Martin Budd Page 39 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 23 of 25 Ground Water Vulnerable Zones
Major Aquifer High Major Aquifer Intermediate Major Aquifer Low Minor Aquifer High Minor Aquifer Intermediate Minor Aquifer Low
Author: Martin Budd Page 40 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 24 of 25 Appendix 4 Department of Energy and Climate Change Onshore Oil and Gas Activity Map38
38 https://decc-edu.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=29c31fa4b00248418e545d222e57ddaa Author: Martin Budd Page 41 of 78 Status: Draft v4 Date: 03/02/2015 Page 25 of 25
Page 42 of 78
Briefing Paper to the Energy and Infrastructure Overview Wards: All and Scrutiny Commission
11 February 2015
Bus Lane Review and Enforcement
Briefing Paper of the of City Streetscene Manager on behalf of the Director for Strategic Commissioning
1. Purpose of the Paper and Summary
1.1 Provide an update on the review of the use of Bus Lanes throughout the city and introduction of enforcement through the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
2. Background
2.1 At the meeting of 15 October 2014 the scrutiny commission recommended deferral of the introduction of bus lane enforcement until a full review of bus lanes was complete. At the subsequent meeting of Cabinet which considered the bus lane report and included comments from the commission, Cabinet decided to progress with the introduction of enforcement with an anticipated commencement date of June/July 2015.
2.2 To support the introduction of enforcement a review of signs, lines and Traffic Regulation Orders is required. Whilst the decision has been taken to introduce enforcement, it was thought prudent to seek the views of members and the bus companies in terms of any changes or issues that could be considered and addressed prior to implementation.
2.3 This report provides a broad timetable for implementation and a summary of the feedback from members and the bus companies.
2.4 There are seven bus lanes in total across the city. With the exception of where junctions of minor roads are within the proximity of bus lanes or sufficient carriageway width does not exist, the seven bus lanes cover most of the length of four major corridors in the city as detailed in Table 1.
Author: Page 43 of 78 Status: Date: 03/02/2015 Page 1 of 6 Table 1 Location From To Beverley Road – Outbound Opposite Norfolk Street Opposite Wellesley Avenue Beverley Road – Inbound Sutton Road Norfolk Street Anlaby Road – Outbound Ferensway Walton Street junction Anlaby Road – Inbound Meadowbank Road Ferensway Holderness Road - Witham Ings Road Outbound Holderness Road – Marfleet Lane Witham Inbound Spring Bank West – Railway Bridge Spring Bank Inbound
2.5 Bus Lanes operate on a tidal flow basis with operating times currently being Inbound 7.00 am – 9.30 am and Outbound 4.00 pm – 6.30 pm. The timing of the bus lane operation ties in to the morning and evening peak traffic movements. The bus lanes are not restricted to buses only with the Traffic Regulation Order governing usage allowing for Private Hire Vehicles, Hackney Carriage Taxis, Motorbikes and HCC Passenger transport buses. Bus lanes also provide a safer cycling route.
2.6 In addition to the bus lanes we also have two bus gates at Queen Victoria Square and Brook Street / Ferensway that are for buses only and are a key east / west link through the city centre and access to the Interchange respectfully, which operate 24hrs.
2.7 Together, Stagecoach and East Yorkshire Motor Services carry approximately 425,000 passengers each week. On an average day, 2,711 buses travel via the bus lanes across the city. This can be split into areas shown in Table 2.
Table 2 Anlaby Road Beverley Holderness Spring Bank Road Road West Inbound 448 232 574 172 Outbound 521 200 564 NA Total 969 432 1138 172
2.8 Bus lane enforcement trials were undertaken in June 2014 and demonstrated that continued significant abuse of bus lanes was a routine practice. As a result Cabinet agreed in October 2014 that enforcement of bus lanes by ANPR cameras should be implemented in 2015.
3. Issues for Consideration
3.1 Mass transport offered by public transport service providers remains a key factor for the economic wellbeing of the city and continued economic growth which supports both social, leisure and industrial development such as the Siemens investment and is key to being able to move people about. A robust transport infrastructure is essential if major developments, improvements such as the castle street work and events such as The City of Culture can be successfully managed without adversely affecting the quality of life for the residents, visitors and businesses that already exist within the city. Author: Page 44 of 78 Status: Date: 03/02/2015 Page 2 of 6
3.2 Cycling to work in Hull continues to be 4 times the national average, and the city remains in the top 10 cities for cycling outside of London and the London boroughs. However, as the layout of the city’s highway network does not allow for the creation of off street routes, cycling provision is provided within the bus lanes.
3.3 Consultation with elected members was undertaken in December 2014. A summary of the responses and specific concerns are outlined below:
Beverley Road bus lane removal due to poor frequency of public transport. Removal of bus lane between College St and Norfolk St as it often causes an obstruction to the filter lane for Freetown Way. Review of timings with regards to shortening the operating times. Removal of the bus lane on Holderness Road between Williamson street and Clarence street as traffic turning right on to Damson Lane often blocks the flow of traffic on Holderness road causing congestion. Beverley Road bus lane north of Cottingham Road should either be removed or extended the full length through to Hall road. A new bus lane is required on Cranbrook Avenue over its full length. A new bus lane is required on Hall Road from Endike lane to Cottingham Road. Anlaby Road fronting the Hull Royal Infirmary is a problematic area and requires a redesign prior to any enforcement. Beverley Road junction with Inglemire Lane will lead to claims of entrapment if this location is used for camera enforcement as the design of the junction is confusing and causes delays. Camera enforcement of bus lanes will be seen as profiteering. Income from such enforcement should be used to encourage drivers to use the bus lanes correctly when they are not in operation. The Westbound bus lane on Anlaby Road over the flyover is not practical due to the layout of the Anlaby Road / Walton Street Junction. Parked cars using local shops block bus lanes.
3.4 The consultation also demonstrated that members in general were supportive of the continuation of the provision of bus lanes based on the existing set up. Full details of members’ comments are contained in Appendix 1.
3.5 Consultation with Public Transport Providers was also undertaken in December who made it clear that the continued operation of the bus lanes was essential to deliver the current service and supported the introduction of ANPR enforcement to ensure that punctuality of buses could be maintained in future. In addition the following key issues were identified as being desirable:
To consider extension for the operation of Bus Lanes in the afternoons from 2pm to 7pm. This will provide a larger window for the improved consistent operation of punctual bus services. The peak flow times can change from one week to the next and between one year and the next. 24hr Bus Lane priority at Holderness Road approaches to Mount Pleasant Junction. There are three lanes on the Holderness Road approach to the Mount Pleasant junction. The outbound is already marked as a bus lane, with unclear priority. Clarify
Author: Page 45 of 78 Status: Date: 03/02/2015 Page 3 of 6 this and also add to the inbound leg and buses will receive greater priority at no major disadvantage to normal flow. Beverley Road inbound between Endike Lane and Clough Road. Historical issues with the effectiveness of this bus lane due to the widths on certain sections. A review should be undertaken to ensure carriageway width enables efficient flow of traffic. The issue is fundamentally caused by the bus lane and normal traffic lane passing parked vehicles. There isn't enough room for a van to park and then two lanes of traffic to pass. Bus Lane from the Interchange to Spencer Street. To assist buses on the outbound journey between the Interchange and Spencer Street
3.6 The public transport providers also identified a wider range of highway improvements that would enhance the public transport service, full details of which are contained in Appendix 2 and will inform the future highways capital programme.
3.7 To adequately manage the use of the public highway and discharge the council’s duty under the Traffic Management Act, it is clear that in view of the conflicting demands from public transport providers, cyclists, private motorists and the business community a longer term strategic view is required that benefits the economy of the City as a whole. The majority of comments from members and the bus companies could not be reviewed and consulted upon in time for implementation by June 2015. To undertake an appropriate review we will need to consider:
which vehicles we may want in bus lanes; their time of operation. For bus lane restrictions to apply between 10am and 4pm requires formal consultation and any objections would need to be resolved through enquiry which could potentially take several months prior to the appropriate traffic regulation orders being produced; expansion or reduction of the current bus lane network and associated highway improvements; traffic flow analysis; information from traffic and enforcement cameras; and potential amendments to traffic signal timings.
3.8 Clearly, the current policy is to prioritise public transport over private vehicles which can lead to delay to other users of the highway network, although such delays are generally short and are seen as an acceptable consequence of the policy. In terms of enforcement, we will ensure that camera placements are appropriate so as to take on board the responses from members. The aim is to minimise bus lane contravention and therefore our focus is on reducing clear contravention as opposed to generation of income or targetting of highlighted pinchpoints.
3.9 Many sections of bus lanes exist on carriageways that are adjacent to local shopping areas and small businesses that are reliant on passing trade from both bus passengers and private motorists. Many of these businesses, due to the layout of the properties also rely on access from the main roads to receive deliveries.This again contributes to the conflicting demand between businesses, public and private transport and is a critical factor when considering any change to the location and operating times of bus lanes.
Author: Page 46 of 78 Status: Date: 03/02/2015 Page 4 of 6 3.10 Air pollution is a further consideration which continues to be a significant issue. The National Environmental Audit Committee recommends that the most polluting vehicles should be removed from the roads and every effort should be made to encourage greater use of Public Transport as this represents a more environmentally friendly solution.
3.11 Anlaby Road, fronting Hull Royal Infirmary continues to be a known area of conflict between public transport and private motorists as insufficient lane width exists to accommodate the needs of all traffic movements at this section, however a bid for pinch point funding to the Local Enterprise Partnership has been successful and this will resolve the issue by the end of 2016, however due to the known issues at this location, no camera enforcement would be undertaken until the current layout is amended.
4. Next steps
4.1 Table 1 outlines the key activities now being progressed in order that the camera enforcement can commence in June 2015 as required by the Cabinet decision of 27th October 2014.
Table 3 Work flow Comments Procurement of Tender documents completed January 2015, return date 20th March, Cameras award of tender 13th April TRO review and Traffic regulation orders reviewed January 2015. TROs to be Consolidation consolidated into one TRO, implementation 27th February Lining review and On site compliance checks to be completed by 27th February, all maintenance maintenance identified to be completed by 31st March Sign locations to be identified in March, Procurement of signs and Signs installation associated sign poles April, installation May Installation of Cameras to be installed in May in order that testing can be cameras undertaken prior to implementation in June Press releases available to coincide if required with Tender Award and instalation of signs and cameras. Full Press release June on Press / Publicity commencement of operation Web site and A-Z page for call centre operatives to be available from 5th May providing advice and guidance on the correct use of bus Web Site for Bus lanes, what constitutes an offence and what action to take if a PCN is Lanes issued
4.2 The review of bus lane TROs and procurement of the CCTV equipment is scheduled to be completed in spring 2015 with implementation of enforcement commencing in June / July 2015 following a media campaign advising on the appropriate use of bus lanes.
City Streetscene Manager on behalf of the Director for Strategic Commissioning
Contact Officer : Richard Townend Telephone No. : 331122
Officer Interests: None Author: Page 47 of 78 Status: Date: 03/02/2015 Page 5 of 6
Background Documents: - None
Author: Page 48 of 78 Status: Date: 03/02/2015 Page 6 of 6 Appendix 1
Member responses on bus lane enforcement
Ings Coming from the East of Hull on Holderness road heading west, just before Witham the bus lane needs removing from Williamson street up to Clarence street as traffic turning right on to Dansom Lane often block the flow of traffic on Holderness road leaving drivers with the only option of using a bus lane to go straight ahead or to turn left onto Clarence street.
Between William street and Thomas street there is a newsagent and parked cars obstruct this lane which causes further difficulties.
Holderness I agree with councillors analysis re being unable to turn right except to use bus lane Northern The bus lane from Clough Road /Beverley Road junction either has to be got rid of or extended right the way up to the Hall Road Beverley Road junction as it is very confusing to have less than 100 yards of bus lane then traffic lights then no bus lane until you get passed the Hall Road Beverley Road junction.
The effect is that traffic gets snarled up especially at peak times right the way along Beverley Road from the Clough Road junction.
Also as Inglemire Lane from Hall Road to Beverley Road is now being used as an arterial road often buses trying to get along Cranbrook Avenue get struck as there are no traffic lights at the junction of Inglemire Lane and Cranbrook Avenue, which would really help to keep the traffic flowing and there needs to be a Bus Lane from Cottingham Road to Greenwood Avenue because frequently buses can sit for anything up to 10-15 minutes without moving.
Hall Road is another area where we either get lay bys installed which make the most sense or one side is made into a bus Lane from Endike Lane to Cottingham Road because again buses and traffic get snarled up for ages.
Bricknell Although not in Wyke the bus-lane between College and Norfolk street needs removing. Two omnibuses legitimately waiting at the Spring Bank junction lights block any ability to cut across the lanes and enter the filter for Freetown way meaning a whole cycle is often unused and adding to
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It remains my personal view the Beverley road bus-lane should be entirely scrapped given the poor omnibus frequency. I can sit in traffic and not be undertaken at all, or at most one (not even full) omnibus might.
I think the times are generous too, although not generous compared to some barmy councils. From 7 to 7-30 I can be one of five vehicles at any one time on the way in to town.
Avenue The situation described is not, it seems to me, deliberately created by traffic engineers, and there are two lanes, so, if its clear where the cameras are.... in which case, we ain't going to make any dosh, so why do it.... but anyway, there is a choice. So, I agree it’s a problem, but it’s not the worst.
On Anlaby Road going west at the lights outside HRI, the right hand lane is right turn only into HRI, and the left hand lane is bus lane till shortly before the light/straight on. Its already a recipe for confusion at peak times, and when you stick a camera there as you certainly will since its the biggest cash cow I know.... there will be many, in my opinion very legitimate complaints.
Arguably more annoying, in that its a new junction deliberately designed to cause the maximum amount of delay and confusion, is the lights on Beverley Road at the junction with Inglemire Lane. (And why, to assist people who drive their little darlings to school). Once again, if a camera is set here, drivers will legitimately complain that we have deliberately set up a situation to entrap them.
If I was regularly undertaken by buses and taxis and bikes when the lanes are in operation, I might believe this was anything to do with encouraging the use of non-personal- car transport. But I very rarely am. I'm afraid this will look like profiteering. If we do it, I do hope you will spend some of the ill gotten gains on encouraging people to use the bus lanes when they are not restricted at peak times so that we choke the city up with less fumes because people are too dumb or frightened to read the signs or believe what they say.
I'm very glad that scrutiny suggested a review of the bus lanes generally. If what we really want is more use of public transport and
Page 50 of 78 more use of bicycles, were going to have to be a whole lot more radical than this.
Boothfery The bus lane westbound over Anlaby Road flyover towards Walton Street is not practical in that drivers will often move over into the left hand lane before the ‘right turn only’ lane for Walton Street for fear of not getting back into the correct lane if travelling straight ahead. Drivers that have obeyed the traffic markings can come into conflict with drivers that have moved over early, especially if they don’t let them back into the line of traffic.
Suggested that the bus lane markings be reduced to allow drivers going straight ahead time to get into the correct lane if going straight ahead and to reduce potential conflict with other drivers.
Pickering Cllr. Allen reports that he is dealing with this via his role as Chair of Environment and Infrastructure Committee (No bus lanes in Pickering Ward) Orchard Park & Would like all existing bus lanes to be retained Greenwood
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Page 52 of 78 PUBLIC TRANSPORT - TRAFFIC RELATED ISSUES
No. Priority Issue Raised Raised by Comment
4004 QW 24 Hour Bus Only Stagecoach & To remove all vehicles except access for EYMS Buses from this section for reliability Monument and safety. Bridge/Carr Lane
1005 1 24 Hour Bus Stop Stagecoach & Need to establish a protocol for a Clearways. EYMS Citywide approach. BM/TF submitted priority locations. EW needs to resolve as part of DPE implementation April 06. 4005 QW Adjust light Stagecoach & Adjust green time to avoid buses sequence at the EYMS being stranded across Ferensway. junction of Brook This is caused by the congestion Street/Ferensway within the entrance of the Interchange. 1001 1 Adjustment to road Stagecoach Ease egress from Leads Road layout at either by controlled lights or Bandstand, Leads different priority. Need further Road and Holwell investigation and tie into wider Road approach. study. Speed of traffic on roundabout. 2008 2 Anlaby Road bus Stagecoach & Full review of provision over full priorities - EYMS stretch. Paticularly west bound Ferensway to conflicts with right turn queues at Boothferry Road - HRI entrance & Walton St & both directions. consequent enforcement issues Approach bus lane EYMS Enable buses to pass queue on eastbound nearside Boothferry Road to Calvert Rd 1010 1 Bellfield Avenue Stagecoach To improve intersection to allow buses to turn right from Bellfield Avenue into Holderness Road without trailing the back end into the northbound carriageway. Poor visibility doesn't allow buses to make this turn in one move. 2012 Bellfield Stagecoach To improve intersection to allow Avenue/Holdernes buses to turn right from Bellfield s Rd Avenue into Holderness Road without trailing the back end into the northbound carriageway. Poor visibility doesn't allow buses to make this turn in one move. 2010 Bodmin Road Stagecoach To improve the junction in order to northern junction better facilitate the left turn into with Bude Rd. Bude Rd which will allow buses to not have to wait for both directions to clear which causes delays.
1008 1 Brook Street Stagecoach & Disabled parking/loading EYMS restrictions. 2001 2 Bus gate at Feren- Stagecoach & NeedPage to 53 consider of 78 in light of any re- sway/Prospect EYMS routing of buses. Street No. Priority Issue Raised Raised by Comment
3001 3 Bus Lane from Stagecoach & To assist buses on the outbound Interchange to EYMS journey between the Interchange Spencer Street and Spencer Street. 2009 2 Bus Stop EYMS This is in Highways Agency road. Clearways on HA roads - new Hedon Road. Calvert EYMS Introduce approach bus lanes & Lane/Spring Bank remodel roundabout to improve West/Priory Rd traffic flow & capacity roundabout 2004 2 Carr Lane Stagecoach Boxed junctions at Princes Quay. 2006 2 Carr Lane - Stagecoach & To replace zebra crossings due to Replace Zebra EYMS the amount of pedestrians Crossings with attempting to cross at that point. Pelican Crossings 2011 Dunvegan Road Stagecoach Buses turning left from Dunvegan left turn into Rd into Saltshouse Road are Saltshouse Road. unable to avoid the kerb unless waiting for oncoming traffic from Saltshouse Rd to clear. 4003 QW Filter lights from Stagecoach & To re-instate the left turn filter from Holderness Road EYMS Holderness Road into Clarence into Clarence Street. The filter physically exists its Street just not used!
2005 2 Gillshill Road at Stagecoach Parking restrictions required school times (Gillshill Primary) 1007 1 Hessle Road EYMS Bob Rackley referred to low number eastbound of left turning vehicles and re- approach to Askew quested buses be allowed to pro- Avenue. ceed ahead from the nearside lane, left turn except buses.
1002 1 Holderness Road - EYMS + Stage- Originally suggested as a short term New Bus Lane coach (short measure during the construction of operation lanes. term for 4 Hedon Road. Need to consider bus Ex-tension to bus months) lane opera-tion as part of the Phase lanes 7.30 - 2 of Holderness Road midday in, midday - improvements. Review end of North 18.30 out. Bridge clo-sure.
HRI/Anlaby EYMS Run two phases Anlaby Rd both Rd/Rawlings directions & Rawling Way/Argyle St Way/Argyle St both directions with advance filers & junction ped phases on demand to improve junction capacity. Widen west bound approach on Anlaby Rd
2003 2 James Reckitt Stage-coach Request for lay-bys. Lay-bys Avenue. recently installed has transferred Chamberlain Road parking to elsewhere along the to Summergangs route - need more lay-bys. Road.
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Briefing Note to the Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Commission
Wednesday 11th February 2015
Referral from Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee
Briefing Note of the Committee Services Manager
1. Purpose of the Briefing Note and Summary
1.1 This briefing note is intended to enable the Commission to consider a referral from the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee (OSMC):
‘That the Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Commission consider the targets relating to the standard of the highway and whether spend is an appropriate measure or whether a measure such as the graded highway condition would be more appropriate.’
2. Issues for Consideration
2.1 The OSMC received a briefing to its 1st December, 2014 meeting on behalf of the Chief Operating Officer (Appendix 2) which advised on:
i) Progress towards establishing a revised set of corporate performance measures.
ii) Details for each new measure including definition, target with rationale and the responsible Scrutiny Commission.
2.2 The OSMC agreed that the Energy and Infrastructure OSMC would be best placed to consider whether measure 2.05 of Appendix 1 of the report :
Amount of money required to maintain the highway to an acceptable standard
was an appropriate measure of degradation or improvement in highways, and best able to demonstrate the impact of preventive measures.
2.3 Consideration should initially be given as to what the Corporate Performance Measure is intended to measure. This may be, as stated in point 2.2 “the impact of preventive measures”. However, if the performance of the Highways service as a whole is to be measured, then preventive measures may be considered to be only part of the work of the service. Also, there may be a distinction that needs to be made between reactive preventive measures and planned preventive measures. The funding needed to maintain a highways standard, or the number of roads falling below that standard may not be an accurate measure of the performance of a service.
2.4 "Amount of money required" is calculated as the annual depreciation of the carriageway over a 12 month period. However, it is possible that a measurement of monetary value may not be considered as an appropriate measure of the state of the City’s roads.
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The measure should be viewed as just an alternative method of reflecting the quality of the highways at any single point in a year. It is not a direct reflection of budgetary spend, but is an estimation of the funding ideally required at a set time within the year to bring the highways up to standard. The measure takes into account the varying cost of repairs to individual roads according to their varying specifications of road type and materials. However, if repairs were carried out within years and the highways were still not of an “acceptable standard”, an annual monetary measurement would not reflect the intervening cost of temporary repairs and maintenance (or even multiple repairs). Thus, a monetary measurement may not accurately demonstrate the impact of preventive measures.
The “amount of money required” also does not take into account any changes in materials used or innovative practices introduced which may reduce or increase a base cost, and these would have to be factored into an annual measurement (along with inflation), leading to a complicated calculation system to enable a year on year direct comparison.
2.5 An alternative new measure was submitted by Highways for inclusion as a corporate performance measurement, but was not finally included in the report considered by OSMC. This measure was “The number of highways reactive repairs outstanding (backlog)” and was calculated as the number of highways reactive repairs raised, minus the number of highways repairs undertaken, giving a backlog of works outstanding. Whilst this measure, in effect, relates to the repair of pot-holes, it does not take into account the resources spent on planned repairs, which would also contribute to improved highway condition and improved perception of the state of the highways. By concentrating on a negative measure related to one strand of highways repairs only, this measurement may be considered to be an inappropriate measure of the performance of the service as a whole.
2.6 Monitoring already carried out by the Highways service may be considered appropriate as a New Corporate Performance Measure. The Highways Asset Engineer reports carriageway condition levels as part of government performance measures. The process for this monitoring is:
I. Annual surveys are carried out on the Principal (A roads) and non principal (B and C roads) called a scanner survey. II. This is processed using an accredited UKPMS (pavement management system) with the results given as a road condition index (RCI) III. The RCI value is then classed into 3 categories Green – good state of repair, Amber – some deterioration is apparent and should be monitored, Red – failed areas requiring planned maintenance within a year IV. The % of the carriageway that falls into the red is then reported as the following performance figures: Date topic 130-01 Principal roads - % of the road network that requires planned maintenance within the next 12 months Data topic 130-02 non-principal roads - % of the road network that requires planned maintenance within the next 12 months
This measure does accurately report on the condition of the City’s highways. However, it does not monitor the efficiency of delivery by the Highways service as a whole. This measure concentrates on planned maintenance only, and Page 56 of 78 2
does not reflect the efficiency or inefficiency of any planned maintenance that takes place or the efficiencies of reactive maintenance.
3. Conclusions and Next Steps
3.1 The Commission should note the referral from the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and agree how it would wish to proceed. The Commission may consider that one of the measures detailed in section 2 of this briefing, or a combination of them, would be an appropriate Corporate Performance Measure for the Highways service.
However, the Commission may wish to discuss with the City Streetscene Manager at the Commission’s February meeting alternative measures that could potentially be introduced as a Corporate Performance Measure.
If the Commission feels value can be added by considering the matter further the Commission is kindly asked to give a clear instruction regarding the information it would require, and the outcomes it expects to achieve.
Alex Holgate, Committee Services Manager
Contact Officer: Fiona Harbord Telephone No: 01482 613154
Officer Interests: - None
Background Documents:
Appendix 1 - Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee 01.12.2014 Appendix 2 – Briefing on behalf of the Chief Operating Officer as considered at OSMC 01.12.2014 New Corporate Performance Measures
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Page 58 of 78 Ward
Wards: All Report to:
Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee – 1 December 2014
New Corporate Performance Measures
Report of the Chief Operating Officer
1. Purpose of the Report and Summary
1.1. This paper provides an update on progress towards establishing a revised set of corporate performance measures.
1.2 Details for each new measure including definition, target with rationale and the responsible Scrutiny Commission are contained in Appendix A.
2. Proposed New Performance Measures
2.1 In line with good practice the set of performance measures, reported on corporately to Members, has been revised. The process for reporting on the service performance measures will remain as it is currently with the revised set of measures being reported on for this current period (Quarter 3), and therefore reported to Members in the new year. The measures will be regularly reviewed to ensure the factors most important to the council continue to be monitored.
3. Conclusions
3.1 The council has revised the suite of performance measures it reports on corporately. A new proposed suite of measures to monitor service performance has been developed. These will be reported on, by exception, on a quarterly basis in order to monitor achievement towards City Plan priorities, the performance of specific services and therefore the organisation.
Matt Jukes – Chief Operating Officer
Contact Officer: Melanie Boswell, Business Planning Officer Telephone No.: 613217
Officer Interests: None
Author: BPO for COO Page 59 of 78 Status: OSMC Report Date: 01/12/2014 Page 1 of 1
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Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee 2pm, Monday 1st December, 2014
Room 77, The Guildhall, Alfred Gelder Street, Hull, HU12AA
Present: Councillors P Allen, A Bell, S Chaytor, D Craker, M Ross, C Inglis, G Kennett, J Korczak Fields, E Mann, T McVie (Chair), L Petrini
In attendance: A Holgate - Committee Services and Scrutiny Manager, M Jukes (Minute 29) – Chief Operating Officer, M Boswell – Business Planning Officer, Integrated Business Centre (Minute 29)
Apologies: Councillors M Glew, J Fareham and D Brown
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Minute Number Action to be Taken by
25 Declarations of interest NA
No additional declarations of interest were made in respect of the items that follow.
Recommendations: Reasons for Recommendations:
No further action. Not applicable.
26 Call in requests NA
The Committee Services and Scrutiny Manager confirmed that there had been no call in requests.
Recommendations: Reasons for Recommendations:
No further action. Not applicable.
Minute Number Action to be Taken by
27 Minutes of the Meeting held on 6th October, 2014 NA
Agreed: Reasons for Recommendations:
The Committee confirmed that minutes were a true and correct N/A record.
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Minute Number Action to be Taken by
28 Briefing Paper – Sports, Leisure and Heritage Q2 (a) Committee and Scrutiny Manager (AH) The Committee were advised that there were no officers present due to availability to discuss the establishment the new leisure company any questions would be put to those responsible in writing.
The Committee discussed the following issues:
(a) That a full report discussing the new Leisure company would be considered by this Committee at its meeting in January.
(b) That the focus of the performance report was around customer satisfaction, there was no explanation of how the service is attempting to maximise income and delivering services which may have more appeal to residents.
(c) That there is no reference to the two task and Finish Panels which were conducted into these services and the subsequent recommendations which were made and if these were implemented.
(d) That there is disparity between the figures (reported at 3.4) an those contained within the next report on the agenda and clarity needs to be provided over which targets are correct.
(e) That the report notes that some of the customer satisfaction results were taken from a small sample size and the need for clarity around the size of the sample.
(f) That the paper lacked the detail and context to enable to Committee to undertake thorough scrutiny of the issues
(g) The commerciality of the service and the need to look at alternatives in order to secure a strong income stream, in particular franchising of restaurant/retail space, weekend and longer opening hours for café’s and shops during holidays and events, licensing for popular public spaces for the conduct of weddings etc.
Recommendations: Reasons for Recommendations:
(a) The Committee Services and Scrutiny Manager is to To enable the Committee to understand the service and undertake circulate the Committee’s comments to appropriate effective scrutiny. Page 63 of 78 Page 3
officers for a response to be provided by the January meeting of the Committee.
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Minute Number Action to be Taken by
29 Corporate Health Measures – New Measures Update (a), (d), (e) Chief Operating Officer (MJ) (b), (c) Committee and Scrutiny Manager (AH)/Scrutiny Officers (CW/FH) The Chief Operating Officer reported to the Committee progress made against identifying a new set of Corporate Performance Measures.
The Committee discussed the following:
(a) The need for an “actual” column against outputs.
(b) That in terms of 3.02 there does not appear to have been progress in terms of the time taken to assess benefits claims and the impact that this can have on residents.
(c) That the new measures could be allocated to different scrutiny commissions and enable them to drive progress forward on key issues.
(d) That the former measures would still be collected as many had to be statutorily reported on, these can be drilled down into and reported on where necessary.
(e) That City Managers had liaised with their respective Portfolio Holders in the development of the measures.
(f) That if a measure is collected on an annual basis this needs to be reflected within the document in order to ensure there is clarity and that all appropriate measures are reported on in accordance with the correct timeframes and that there are no blank reports (recommendation (d) refers).
(g) That in terms of 1.04 as the baseline is set at 50% the Committee expect that the target will be set to surpass this.
(h) The implications of some targets, specifically in relation to Adults, Children and Family services and whether these should be qualitative or quantitative targets and whether the targets which are set are the most appropriate to assure standards (recommendations (b) and (c) refer)
Recommendations: Reasons for Recommendations:
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(a) That an “actual” column is inserted to report on up to date progress against the baseline and targets.
(b) That the measures relating to Adults, Children and Family Services are referred to the this to the Early Support and Lifelong Learning Overview and Scrutiny Commission to enable them to consider the need for qualitative or quantitative targets and the most appropriate reporting mechanisms
(c) That the Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Commission consider the targets relating to the standard of the highway and whether spend is an appropriate measure or whether a measure such as the graded highway condition would be more appropriate.
(d) That the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all actuals are reported and a further full report is considered by this Committee in accordance with the relevant timeframes, but at the latest prior to the election in May 2015.
(e) That further consideration is given to the target reported under point 1.04 and increasing the target to reflect that the service has already achieved this at the baseline.
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Minute Number Action to be Taken by
30 Forward Plan Report (a) Strategic Development Manager (DG) (b) – (e) Committee and Scrutiny Manager (AH) & Scrutiny Officers (FH/AS)
The Committee Services and Scrutiny Manager advised that a further Notice of Key Decision was due to be published and asked the Commission to consider the approach to this entry (recommendation (a) refers).
The Committee Services and Scrutiny Manager presented a report outlining new Notice of Key Decisions and proposals on how these should progress through Overview and Scrutiny.
Recommendations: Reasons for Recommendations:
(a) Greenport Hull Investment: that a briefing note is circulated to all elected members at the point of application, and that the Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Commission keep a watching brief on the potential impact of this decision on similar rights of way issues.
(b) That Item 1 – Budget proposals is considered by the Finance and Value for Money Overview and Scrutiny Commission as outlined within the Notice.
(c) That Item 2 – Contract for the provision of Microsoft Office Enterprise Agreement not be subject to any further scrutiny.
(d) That Item 3 – That the Committee and Scrutiny Manager is asked to confirm the recent decisions taken around similar
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matters and that this item is considered by the Finance and Value for Money Overview and Scrutiny Commission at its meeting in December.
(e) That Item 4 - Visit Hull and East Yorkshire Tourism Strategy is considered by the Economy and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Commission at is meeting in December.
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New Measures 2014-15 Appendix A
Measure of Which Scrutiny quantity or Commission does quality or Definition of key terms in Measure Owner, the measure report Reporting effect/ 2014-15 Ref No. Performance Metric metric Job Title + Tel No. to? Aim Frequency outcome? Baseline Target Rationale for target (required by OSMC) 1.01 No. of jobs created for long Ian Anderson (Town Economy and Bigger is better Quarterly Quantity n/a n/a A key ambition within the City Plan is to create term unemployed or young Clerk) Regeneration 7,500 jobs for local jobseekers. The Council's people through procurement Tel. 613500 Social Value Policy Statement sets out how the activity Council will use the powers within the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 to secure social benefits, including local job opportunities, through its procurement activity. 1.02 % spend via SMEs SME = small and medium Ian Anderson (Town Economy and Bigger is better Quarterly Quantity 46% 2012/13 45% The majority of businesses in the UK are SME's enterprises. Defined as having Clerk) Regeneration and encouraging the growth and stability of these fewer than 250 employees. Tel. 613500 organisations contributes to the wider economic Spend is calculated on health of the country and the region. Lord Young procurement influenceable has proposed a number of reforms, which will spend. become legislation in 2015, to increase SME access to public sector contract opportunities.
1.03 % spend via local suppliers Local suppliers defined as Ian Anderson (Town Economy and Bigger is better Quarterly Quantity 52% 2012/13 55% A key ambition within the City Plan is to create those with a postcode in their Clerk) Regeneration 7,500 jobs for local jobseekers. Awarding contracts Oracle supplier record within Tel. 613500 to local companies contributes to this ambition by the Hull boundary. supporting local employers. 1.04 Waste tonnages % recycled Percentage of household Andy Burton (City Energy and Bigger is better Monthly Quantity 50.20% 50% The targets have been established as part of the waste sent for recycling, Streetscene Infrastructure waste strategy however, as commodities become composting or re-use’. This is Manager) Tel: more less or more desirable, there is a need to NI192. 614002 segregated from the target and adjusted appropriately 1.05 Employment infrastructure – Jobs permitted Mark Jones (City Energy and Bigger is better Quarterly Quantity 0 300 p a The City plan ambition is to create 7500 jobs over a office / industrial / Regeneration and Infrastructure 10 year period. Some of these jobs will be created warehousing jobs granted Policy Manager ) in existing premises but many will relate to new planning permission Tel: 615128 build proposals which will require planning permission. Planning Approvals demonstrate how the council is enabling jobs to be created.
1.06 Managed workspace unit Level of occupancy across all Mark Jones (City Economy and Bigger is better Quarterly Quantity 74% 76% Strong occupancy levels reflect a buoyant local factories – % occupancy rate sites based on units occupied Regeneration and Regeneration economy/start-up market. A modest increase on rather than sq ft occupied. Policy Manager ) current occupancy level is proposed but without a Tel: 615128 refurbishment/investment programme, the quality of the offer will continue to impact on occupancy.
1.08 Employment intervention – Job outcomes Mark Jones (City Economy and Bigger is better Quarterly Quantity 0 150 This target (for apprenticeship wage subsidies) is No. of people entering Regeneration and Regeneration already set in the Green Port Growth Programme employment supported by Policy Manager ) business plan the Employment and Skills Tel: 615128 strand of the Greenport Growth Programme.
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Page 1 New Measures 2014-15 Appendix A
Measure of Which Scrutiny quantity or Commission does quality or Definition of key terms in Measure Owner, the measure report Reporting effect/ 2014-15 Ref No. Performance Metric metric Job Title + Tel No. to? Aim Frequency outcome? Baseline Target Rationale for target (required by OSMC) 1.09 Employment enablement – Job outcomes - newly created Mark Jones (City Economy and Bigger is better Quarterly Quantity 250 350 The creation of new jobs is a key target in the City No. of jobs created / jobs within Hull businesses. Regeneration and Regeneration Plan (7500 new jobs over 10 years). safeguarded through the Jobs safeguarded refer to jobs Policy Manager) conversion of New / at risk without Council Tel: 615128 Established Inward intervention/support. Investment projects.
2.01 Visitor numbers to the Number of visitors Mitch Upfold (City Economy and Bigger is better Monthly Quantity 2,102, 509 1,931,700 The cumulative service target for 2014/15 has been council's cultural facilities Sports, Leisure and Regeneration (2013/14) revised down for the following reasons - The (Heritage, Leisure, City Hall Heritage Manager) handover of springhead Golf Course being handed and New Theatre) Tel: 613771 over to Ground works. The closure of Hull Ice Arena for essential maintenance works on the refrigeration plant the reductions in opening hours of Hands on History Museum, The Spurn Lightship and The Hull History Centre. The target reflects the best estimate of the impact these changes will have on the service performance, naturally exceptional events and exhibitions with both positive and negative impacts cannot be easily forecast and as such ongoing performance monitoring is important to fully understand the key drivers of performance.
2.03 Income per visit - Hull Total income divided by Mitch Upfold (City Economy and Bigger is better Quarterly Quantity £2.64 £2.80 Target adjusted to account for removal of Catering Leisure facilities number of visitors Sports, Leisure and Regeneration income. Heritage Manager) Tel: 613771
2.04 Cleanliness of the city – Inspection - The percentage of Andy Burton (City People and Smaller is Quarterly for Quantity / Inspection - 1.0% Inspection - This is a measure used and recognised within the actual inspection and public streets that fall below a Grade Streetscene Communities better inspection, annual Quality (13/14) (Litter) 6% (Litter) industry. The target has been set within Council perception B standard for Litter. Manager) Tel: for perception 57% satisfied The target is to decision relating to frequencies of cleaning. Perception - The percentage of 614002 with cleanliness reflect people satisfied with the street of their reduction in cleanliness of their area. neighbourhood resource for (Sept 2012) 14/15 onwards. Not available for perception
2.05 Amount of money required "Amount of money required" is Andy Burton (City Energy and Smaller is Annually Quantity £6,777.891 This will indicate the degradation or improvement in to maintain the highway to calculated as the annual Streetscene Infrastructure better million annually highways also able to demonstrate the impact of an acceptable standard depreciation of the carriageway Manager) Tel: (2013/14) preventive measures i.e. Highway Schemes. The over a 12 month period 614002 measure will need to account for inflation
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Page 2 New Measures 2014-15 Appendix A
Measure of Which Scrutiny quantity or Commission does quality or Definition of key terms in Measure Owner, the measure report Reporting effect/ 2014-15 Ref No. Performance Metric metric Job Title + Tel No. to? Aim Frequency outcome? Baseline Target Rationale for target (required by OSMC) 3.01 HRA services – % rent The numerator for the Laura Carr (City People and Bigger is better Monthly Quantity 97.70% 97.50% The target was revised due to impact of the welfare collected calculation is made up of the Neighbourhoods Communities (2013/14) reform act. The rationale was to set a target that total rent collected during and Housing was challenging but achievable. It was agreed with 2014/15 from current tenants Manager) Tel: the Tenancy Standard Performance Panel. (the gross rent collected). The 612645 denominator is the total rent available, made up of the rent available to be collected on all occupied dwellings during 2014/15 plus the rent arrears from current tenants at the start of the year.
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Page 3 New Measures 2014-15 Appendix A
Measure of Which Scrutiny quantity or Commission does quality or Definition of key terms in Measure Owner, the measure report Reporting effect/ 2014-15 Ref No. Performance Metric metric Job Title + Tel No. to? Aim Frequency outcome? Baseline Target Rationale for target (required by OSMC) 3.02 Speed of processing new The speed of processing is an Andy Brown (City People and Smaller is Monthly Quantity Change in CiC <14 days We achieved those outturns in previous years and benefit claims and change in aggregate figure based on the Customer Services Communities better circumstances NC <25 days therefore targets remain at those levels, albeit that circumstances total number days to process Manager) 11.7 days Welfare Reform changes are making them more divided by the no. of clams Tel: 613444 New claims 30.4 difficult to achieve. processed days (2013/14) 4.01 Homelessness – The number of households Laura Carr (City People and Smaller is Monthly Quantity 1.0 (Sep 14) 0.9 Performance on this metric is affected by a range of acceptances (standardised found to be eligible, Neighbourhoods Communities better external influences. The target is for effective to per 100,000 population) unintentionally homeless and and Housing management to reduce the figure from Sep 14. in priority need during 2014/15 Manager) Tel: per 100,000 population. 612645
4.02 Total volume of crime By definition, count of Tracy Harsley (City People and Smaller is Monthly Quantity 27,568 (2013/14) Reduction This is a basic indicator of the frequency of known incidences of reported crime Safe and Early Communities better criminal activity commonly used to gauge the Intervention volume and risk of crime Manager) Tel: 616039 4.03 Rate of reoffending of young Youth Offending Team Tracy Harsley (City People and Smaller is Quarterly Quantity 30.90% 25.90% This measure is concerned with young offenders, people caseload - in year repeat Safe and Early Communities better (2013/14) known to the service, who go on to reoffend. When offenders Intervention young peoples lives begin to go off course, efforts Manager) must be made to offer an alternative to criminal Tel: 616039 activity and help them to break free of damaging cycles of offending and reoffending
4.04 Priority families claimed as "turned around" defined Tracy Harsley (City People and Bigger is better Quarterly in Jan, Quantity 1080 1080 To meet standards set, target figure is prescribed turned around as…"work ready or have Safe and Early Communities May, Aug & Oct by DCLG entered work or structured Intervention work programmes, increased Manager) school attendance, or are no Tel: 616039 longer involved in crime or anti- social behaviour".
4.05 Number of people receiving The number of people the Andy Brown (City People and Bigger is better Monthly Quantity 450,892 475,000 More people accessing trusted and verified information or support to Library Service helps to find Customer Services Communities information indicates people are taking improve outcomes for information to support their Manager) opportunities to consider their choices and are health, employment, health, employment, business Tel: 613444 becoming more confident and self-resilient. business and education or educational needs using print or electronic library resources. 4.06 Referrals (to children’s By definition, the number of Jon Plant (City Early Support and Smaller is Monthly Quantity 4473 Reduction This measure tells us how many referrals about social care) front door referrals to Children Lifelong Learning better concerns regarding children have been made to Children's Social Care Safeguarding children’s social care Manager) Tel: 616004 4.07 The % of 2 year olds This measure is underpinned Vanessa Harvey- Early Support and Bigger is better Quarterly Quantity 68% all research shows the long term benefits of children accessing free nursery by the number of Samuel (City Lifelong Learning accessing early year’s provision and education – provision disadvantaged 2 year olds that Learning and Skills particularly those living in poor or disadvantaged the DfE deems are present in Manager) Tel: circumstances the city 616094
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Page 4 New Measures 2014-15 Appendix A
Measure of Which Scrutiny quantity or Commission does quality or Definition of key terms in Measure Owner, the measure report Reporting effect/ 2014-15 Ref No. Performance Metric metric Job Title + Tel No. to? Aim Frequency outcome? Baseline Target Rationale for target (required by OSMC) 4.08 The % of good or better By definition, the percentage of Vanessa Harvey- Early Support and Bigger is better Quarterly Quantity 70% (2013/14) 77.00% Every child should be able to go to at least a Good schools schools judged good or Samuel (City Lifelong Learning school. A good education, the acquisition of basic outstanding as a result of an Learning and Skills skills and social competency and confidence OfSTED inspection. Manager) Tel: enables young people opportunities for their future Inspections of schools are 616094 to access. unannounced. 4.09 Expected level of Pupils are assessed as having Vanessa Harvey- Early Support and Bigger is better Annually Quantity 42% (2012/13 Increase This is the national standard for measuring the development in the early achieved a good level of Samuel (City Lifelong Learning academic year) educational performance of young children aged 5 years foundation stage development if they achieve at Learning and Skills years old profile least the expected level in the Manager) Tel: prime areas of learning and in 616094 the specific areas of literacy and mathematics.
5.01 Numbers of vulnerable Disabled adaptations Laura Carr (City People and Bigger is better Monthly Quantity 1,885 3,700 Performance on this metric is affected by a range of households assisted to completed/homes made Neighbourhoods Communities (Apr - Sep 14) external influences, including the volume of people improve housing decent with vulnerable and Housing requiring our services. The target has been set circumstances household/cat 1 hazards Manager) Tel: according to activity in the first half of 2014/15 removed/homelessness cases 612645 prevented/tenants incentive scheme lettings/mutual exchanges 5.02 Stability of placements of This indicator is an important Jon Plant (City Early Support and Smaller is Monthly Quantity 10.10% Not set This indicator measures the number of disruptions looked after children measure of the stability of care Children Lifelong Learning better to placements – the lower the better that a child has experienced. Safeguarding On the whole stability is Manager) associated with better Tel: 616004 outcomes - placement instability has been highlighted by the Social Exclusion Unit as a key barrier to improving educational outcomes.
5.03 Adoption - length of time Local authorities are Jon Plant (City Early Support and Smaller is Monthly Average Average number 704 days 3 This tells us how long children and young people from care to adoption challenged by the DfE to Children Lifelong Learning better number of days of days year rolling wait between becoming looked after and placement improve chances of vulnerable Safeguarding average with an adoptive family. The shorter the time children. Progress is closely Manager) children and young people spend in the system monitored by the DfE with a Tel: 616004 waiting for permanence the better view to improving adoption services for Looked After Children
5.04 Proportion of repeat Number of repeat referrals Alison Barker (City Health and Social Smaller is Monthly Quantity None available No target set - Due to changes in recording requirements / new safeguarding referrals where (investigation outcome reports) Adults Social Care Well-being better this is a new database set up - 2014/15 will be the baseline year. the vulnerable adult involved during the year as a proportion Manager) local indicator / has been the subject of a of referrals during the year. Tel: 616308 measure. safeguarding referral within (Repeat is where the subject the previous 12 months. has had a referral within the (Local measure – ages 18+) previous 12 months.)
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Page 5 New Measures 2014-15 Appendix A
Measure of Which Scrutiny quantity or Commission does quality or Definition of key terms in Measure Owner, the measure report Reporting effect/ 2014-15 Ref No. Performance Metric metric Job Title + Tel No. to? Aim Frequency outcome? Baseline Target Rationale for target (required by OSMC) 5.05 Permanent admissions to Measure is number of new Alison Barker (City Health and Social Smaller is Monthly Quantity ASCOF 2013/14 18-64 17.5 65+ Target set as part of Better Care Fund metrics. residential and nursing care admissions where the Authority Adults Social Care Well-being better 18-64 19.3 Target to reduce admissions by 10% homes, per 100,000 has begun to financially Manager) ASCOF 2013/14 65 + BCF Equivalent target set for 18-64 admissions population support all or part of the cost of Tel: 616308 65+ 895.5 target 811.0 (ASCOF 2A Part 1 age 18-64 the placement. The admission and Part 2 ages 65+) is intended to be permanent. Calculation is admission rate per 100,000 age related population. 5.06 Proportion of older people Of the number of service Alison Barker (City Health and Social Bigger is better Annually Quantity ASCOF BCF Target Target set as part of Better Care Fund metrics. (65 and over) who were still users, aged 65+ that accessed Adults Social Care Well-being 91% Target to increase percentage at home by 3% at home 91 days after a re-ablement/rehabilitation Manager) discharge from hospital into service at discharge from Tel: 616308 re-ablement / rehabilitation hospital, what percentage are services (ASCOF 2B - ages still living at home 91 days 65+) after the start of the re- ablement/rehabilitation service. Calculation relates only to discharges between 1 October 2014 and 31 December 2014.
5.07 The outcome of short-term Of the number of new service Alison Barker (City Health and Social Bigger is better Monthly once set Effect None available No target set - No local or national baseline or outturn data will be services to maximise users that received a short Adults Social Care Well-being up is complete this is a new available until end 2014/15. independence: sequel to term service to maximise Manager) national service (ASCOF 2D - ages independence what Tel: 616308 ASCOF 65+) percentage did not go on to indicator / need a 'long term' service. measure for 2014/15.
6.01 Success in retaining IIP Standard Jacqui Blesic (City Finance and Value Same is better Annual Quality Pass Pass Quality Benchmark standard indicating to us we are Investors in People HR Manager) Tel: for Money performing well accreditation 613044
6.02 Total no. of learners Essential Training delivered Jacqui Blesic (City Finance and Value Bigger is better Monthly Quantity 20,000 yearly 25,000 yearly Maintaining the same levels of training on 70% less attending statutory, HR Manager) for Money resource mandatory, current need Tel: 613044 and development need learning (Priority 1,2,3,4) courses
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Page 6 New Measures 2014-15 Appendix A
Measure of Which Scrutiny quantity or Commission does quality or Definition of key terms in Measure Owner, the measure report Reporting effect/ 2014-15 Ref No. Performance Metric metric Job Title + Tel No. to? Aim Frequency outcome? Baseline Target Rationale for target (required by OSMC) 6.03 Overall total of RIDDOR Incidents costing over 7 days Jacqui Blesic (City Finance and Value Ultimately to Monthly Quantity 26 (2013/14) Not set - to be Legal Industry standard benchmark performance reportable incidents across absence HR Manager) for Money Health reduce set end Nov information. Full review by H&S committee and the council each year Tel: 613044 and Safety RIDDORs to once impact of Board to assess appropriate frequency. Committee new process of collecting data is understood
6.04 Generic customer The result of satisfaction Andy Brown (City People and Bigger is better Monthly Effect 90% (2013/14) 95.00% So we receive regular feedback from our customers satisfaction – based on surveys conducted at the Customer Services Communities about their experience to access council services. overall customer contact centre and CSCs Manager) experience, including effort Tel: 613444 of obtaining required service
6.05 Operational estate inc Nick Howbridge Finance and Value Smaller is Annual Quantity t.b.c 10% schools – % reduction in (City Property and for Money better space occupied by the Assets Manager) council Tel: 331038
6.06 Commercial estate – % Nick Howbridge Finance and Value Smaller is Quarterly Quantity n/a 10% vacancy of units (City Property and for Money better Assets Manager) Tel: 331038
6.07 Statutory – health & safety – Nick Howbridge Finance and Value Smaller is Quarterly Quantity n/a 5 number of building related (City Property and for Money better incidents/failures Assets Manager) Tel: 331038
6.08 % staff attendance All staff excluding schools, Jacqui Blesic (City Finance and Value Bigger is better Monthly Quantity 94.97% 96.00% 10% improvement for each service area sickness absence HR Manager) for Money (2013/14) Tel: 613044
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Page 76 of 78 OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY WORK PROGRAMME 2014-2015 Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Commission CHAIR: LEAD OFFICER: Andy Burton / SCRUTINY OFFICER: Cllr Allen Mark Jones Fiona Harbord
Commissio Responsible Officer (In Reason for submission and actions (the reason for submission should be specified Agenda Items Type of Scrutiny Key Lines of Enquiry/Other comments n Date attendance) in the level 1 cell, action in level 2 cells) To ensure the commission are up to date with all key/current issues in relation to the City Plan priorities and informed of any areas of concern and have the facility to raise items of concern and To update the Commission on current/key issues and for members to identify matters CYCLING THEMED MEETING 11/03/2015 Andy Burton CMP/Standing Item enable these to be dealt with quickly where appropriate. To include any matters being considered to be considered, and raise questions and issues on the presentation, that may lead City Manager Presentation by parliament that are relevant to their service area and are likely to impact on the City Council at to further work being undertaken. some time in the future. That the Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Commission recommends that the delivery mechanism for the Hull Cycling Action Plan, the improvements that are made year on year Update to City Cycling Issues - Andy Burton (Graham to the cycling infrastructure in the city, on and off road, the number of cycle route miles, the To monitor whether improvements are being made in cycling provision in the city and 11/03/2015 including City Plan project - Requested Item (03.12.13) Hall / Rachel Roberts) number of miles travelled by cyclists in the city etc, be compiled into an annual report, to enable the impact. Cycling Infrastructure Upgrade improvements in cycling provision to be monitored and recorded. To include City Plan project Cycling Infrastructure Upgrade
Andy Burton (Graham That the Cycling Strategy be added to the Commission’s Work Programme for consideration in the 11/03/2015 Cycling Strategy Requested Item (03.12.13) To review the strategy. Hall / Rachel Roberts) new municipal year
Agreed with the Commission at the October meeting that a discussion item would That the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee agree to establish a Task and Finish take the place of a Task and Finish. Graham Hall suggests a joint meeting with the Andy Burton (Graham 11/03/2015 City Centre Traffic Improvements OSMC (06.10.14) Panel to explore traffic improvement schemes to address the needs for safety in the city centre Transport and Logistics Forum as most of the major local stakeholders are members, Hall) based on research and a full investigation of all issues. and this would ensure all aspects of City centre traffic improvement are discussed with the relevant partners
Andy Burton (Graham Requested by Graham Hall To enable the Commission to make recommendations on the content of the draft Road Safety 11/03/2015 Road Safety Strategy Consultation To allow Members the opportunity to input. Hall) (29.05.14) Strategy. That the Energy and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Commission consider the targets To enable the Commission to decide whether or not it wishes to consider the Andy Burton (Andy 11/03/2015 Corporate Parenting Measures OSMC Referral (01.12.14) relating to the standard of the highway and whether spend is an appropriate measure or whether a appropriateness of "Amount of money required to maintain the highway to an Burton/Graham Hall) measure such as the graded highway condition would be more appropriate. acceptable standard" as a corporate measure, and suggest an alternative if not.
Mark Jones (Mike To update the Commission on the Transport for the North scheme and its plans for a region-wide 11/03/2015 Transport for the North Update Ibbotson) transport network.
11/03/2015 Outstanding Action List Fiona Harbord Standing Item (Monthly) To review the outstanding actions of the Commission. To ensure that actions are followed up in a timely manner. To ensure the commission are up to date with all key/current issues in relation to the City Plan Andy Burton (Andy priorities and informed of any areas of concern and have the facility to raise items of concern and To update the Commission on current/key issues and for members to identify matters REVIEW AND UPDATE MEETING 15/04/2015 Burton) / Mark Jones CMP/Standing Item enable these to be dealt with quickly where appropriate. To include any matters being considered to be considered, and raise questions and issues on the presentation, that may lead City Manager Presentation (Mark Jones) by parliament that are relevant to their service area and are likely to impact on the City Council at to further work being undertaken. some time in the future.
15/04/2015 Outstanding Action List Fiona Harbord Standing Item (Monthly) To review the outstanding actions of the Commission. To ensure that actions are followed up in a timely manner.
City Plan Project - LED Street Andy Burton (Graham Performance Monitoring To update the Commission on the progress of the installation of LED street lighting, and monitor 15/04/2015 Lighting Update Hall) (Requested 10.09.14) the early schemes
Andy Burton (Doug That the Commission receives an update on the Hull Card to its meeting of October 2014 with 15/04/2015 Monitoring of the Hull Card Sharp/ Richard Requested Item (04.02.14) details of the monitoring of the card, including take up numbers, problems encountered, barriers Townend) to usage, and where possible feedback from users
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