Best Value Performance & Efficiency Sub-committee Of The Policy & Resources Committee - 01/11/2000

At a MEETING of the BEST VALUE SUB-COMMITTEE of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 1st November, 2000.

Present:-

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Glen was substituting for Councillor Mervyn Rolfe and Councillor Beattie for Councillor Allan Petrie.

Councillor Julia STURROCK, Convener, in the Chair.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I BEST VALUE REVIEW OF HERITAGE SERVICES

There was submitted Report No. 676-2000 by the Chief Executive reporting on the outcome of a Best Value Review of Heritage Services, Arts and Heritage Department.

The Review accounted for 834,000 (22.03%) of the Department's revenue budget and was 100% of the total review expenditure planned in the Department for 1999/2000.

The Sub-Committee approved the following recommendations:-

(i) that the management of Arts and Heritage facilities should continue to be provided by the Arts and Heritage Department but that Trust status should be investigated for Broughty Castle and Mills Observatory (as previously agreed in the Arts and Heritage Service Plan);

(ii) that a voluntary donation entrance scheme be developed;

(iii) that development proposals be drawn up for McManus Galleries for discussion with the Heritage Lottery Fund;

(iv) that software be selected and purchased to computerise the collections with a view to digitisation and the Department will aim to continue participation in the Scottish Cultural Resource Access Network (SCRAN);

(v) that advertising leaflets be produced and dedicated advertising budgets set up for all facilities;

(vi) that opening hours at Broughty Castle be subject to review;

(vii) that minor improvements and repairs be carried out at Broughty Castle, Mills Observatory and Camperdown House as detailed in paragraphs 14.2.7 - 14.2.10 and 14.4.1;

(viii) that an education policy be written and an education strategy developed for curriculum based education;

(ix) that a technology plan be developed covering the use of Interactive Computer Technology (ICT), Audio, PA and lighting;

(x) that telephone booking for events be implemented at McManus Galleries;

(xi) that charges be introduced for enquiries from commercial organisations as outlined in paragraph 14.5, photographic charges be revised and a further review will look at the provision of the enquiry service in more detail;

(xii) that an annual visitor survey be carried out at all facilities open to the public. A survey of non-users should be carried out every five years and Evaluation Forms should be introduced to monitor satisfaction with events and for facility hires;

(xiii) that the catering provision be reviewed as part of the development plans at Mills Observatory and Broughty Castle and the cafe at McManus Galleries will be re-franchised.

II BEST VALUE REVIEW OF SPORTS CENTRES

There was submitted Report No. 682-2000 by the Chief Executive giving the result of a Best Value Review into Sports Centres conducted by the Leisure and Parks Department as part of the Council's Best Value Review process.

The Review accounted for 10.8% of the Department's gross revenue budget in financial year 1999/2000 and 100% of the total revenue expenditure reviewed by the Department this year.

The Sub-Committee agreed the outcome of the Review as contained in the report and noted the areas identified for continuous improvement in Section 13 of the report.

III SECURITY SERVICES BEST VALUE REVIEW 1998/99

There was submitted Report No. 680-2000 by the Chief Executive giving the result of a Best Value Review into the Security Services provided on behalf of the Economic Development Department as part of the Council's Best Value Review process.

The Review accounted for 12.78% of the Department's revenue budget at a budget cost examined of 411,833 for 1998/99.

The Sub-Committee approved the following recommendations:-

(i) to note the acceptance by the Economic Development Committee on 12th June, 2000 (Report No. 413-2000) of the tender for Security Services 2000/2003 submitted by Profile Security Services (as detailed in the audit file);

(ii) to note the acceptance by the Economic Development Committee on 12th June, 2000 (Report No. 179-2000) of the tender for Security Services at the Headquarters Complex 2000/2003 submitted by Securitay (as detailed in the audit file);

(iii) to agree the proposals for continuous improvement as outlined in Section 13 of the report.

JULIA STURROCK, Convener.