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Objective 1

To oversee and lead the Licensing Partnership to deliver efficiency savings and achieve performance targets

Responsible Officer

Sharon Bamborough

Performance Measure

Description

2019/20  Target or Outcome (to be achieved by 31.03.2020)

LPI LIC 001

Send out renewal invitations for all licences/permits etc. 2 months before the expiry date of the licence and if a valid renewal application is not received before the expiry of a licence send a failure to renew letter out within 1 week of the licence expiring and advise the appropriate Authorities accordingly. (Hub Team)

95%

LPI LIC 002

The percentage of valid personal licences processed within 2 weeks (Hub Team)

95%

LPI LIC 003

Percentage of unopposed applications for new and variation of premises licences processed within 2 calendar months (from date of validation to issue date) [All]

95%

LPI LIC 004

The percentage of valid temporary event notices served on Responsible Authorities within one working day of receipt (Hub Team)

95%

LPI LIC 005

The percentage of driver and operator licences issued within 10 days of validation (Hub team)

90%

MPI LIC 05a

Percentage of Hackney Carriage driver licences issued within 10 days of validation (Hub team)

90%

MPI LIC 05b

Percentage of Private Hire driver licences issued within 10 days of validations

90%

MPI LIC 05c

Percentage of Private Hire Operator licences issued within 10 days of validations

90%

MPI LIC 017

Taxi Compliance (licensing officers at Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone):-

·         start action/investigation on receipt of complaints/intelligence within 5 working days (includes visits/letters/interviews etc)

·         reactive/proactive enforcement investigations ongoing/completed

·         warnings / penalty points issued

·         vehicle compliance checks 

Non London partners only: 15 actions per month per authority

MPI LIC 018

Premises compliance (all licensing officers throughout partnership) :–

·         notice checks to be carried out within one week of initial display

·         start action/investigation on receipt of complaints/intelligence within 5 working days (includes visits/letters/interviews etc)

·         carry out proactive visits in accordance with risk rating system

·         attend enforcement meetings/briefings/collaborate with partners on multi-agency approach

Non London partners – 15 actions per month per authority

Bexley – 30 actions per month

MPI LIC 019

(for partners where Hub team arrange annual fee collection -does not apply to Bexley)

(i)                 Send out invoices for continuation fees for licences/permits issued under the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005 at least 1 month in advance of the fee being due

(ii)               Where those fees are not received by the due date, take action to suspend/revoke licence/permit within 1 month of the fee being due.

(Hub Team)

95%

MPI LIC 020

Action after suspension - Licensing officers to visit /establish status and resolve by 31 March each year

(all licensing officers throughout partnership)

95%

Link to Sevenoaks Corporate Plan

Providing value for money

Link to Sevenoaks Community Plan

Safe Communities

Link to Maidstone Stategic Plan

Keeping Maidstone an attractive place for all - Ensuring there are good leisure and cultural attractions

Link to Tunbridge Wells Key Objectives in the Vision

Providing Value

Link to Strategic Compass

To ensure we operate in a business–like way

Link to Bexley Corporate Plan (Shaping our Future Together)

Innovation and self sufficiency

Objective 2

Investigate further undertaking of licensing functions for other local authorities.

Responsible Officer

Licensing Partnership Board

Performance Measure

Description

2019/20  Target or Outcome

Action

Make enquiries with potential partners to undertake licensing functions for a 5^th partner.

Further functions carried out for other partners.

To be achieved by 31/03/2020

Action

Implement the required processes/changes to ensure an additional partner is integrated within the Licensing Partnership

A smooth integration of any additional partners

Link to Sevenoaks Corporate Plan

Providing value for money

Link to Sevenoaks Community Plan

Safe Communities

Link to Maidstone Corporate Priorities

Securing a successful economy for Maidstone Borough

Link to Bexley corporate plan

Innovation and self sufficiency – a commercial approach

Link to Tunbridge Wells Corporate Priorities

To support a prosperous borough

Link to Strategic Compass

Providing value

Objective 3

Seek further efficiency savings in processes and use of online facilities

Responsible Officer

Sharon Bamborough

Performance Measure

Description

2019/20  Target or Outcome

Action

Review (ongoing) processes and procedures of Hub team officers and streamline / change to save time on unnecessary record keeping

A reduction in time spent by Hub Team staff completing basic processing which should allow for better target achivement

To be achieved by 31/03/2020

Action

Consider current practices re face to face meetings (taxis) and pick up of plates – move over to sending by post where appropriate.

A reduction in the time spent by Hub Team staff attending reception and by admin staff at partner sites seeing applicants in person

To be achieved by 31/03/2020.

Action

Explore feasibility of online solutions for document checks for taxi applications to reduce face to face visits

If achievable, will lead to a reduction in time spent for Licensing Partnership staff in reception, Town Hall & Gateway.

To be achieved by 31/03/2020

Link to Sevenoaks Corporate Plan

Supporting and developing the local economy

Link to Sevenoaks Community Plan

Safe Communities

Link to Bexley corporate plan

Innovation and self sufficiency – a commercial approach

Link to Maidstone Corporate Priorities

Securing a successful economy for Maidstone Borough

Link to Tunbridge Wells Corporate Priorities

To support a prosperous borough

Link to Strategic Compass

Providing value

Objective 4

Ensure all online forms are implemented and in use by customers and explore other software solutions

Responsible Officer

Sharon Bamborough

Performance Measure

Description

2019/20  Target or Outcome

Action

The library of on line forms should implemented across the four partners – to include new forms for Bexley (Special Treatments) and any updates needed for existing ones (eg animal licensing)

Complete the introduction/update of all online forms.

To be achieved by 31/12/2019

Action

Arrange for purchase and installation of electronic record management system, Enterprise (from Idox)

Increased efficiency and monitoring tools, with enhanced reporting options

To be achieved by 31/12/2019

Action

Arrange for purchase and installation of electronic enforcement software for use out and about, called Mobile App (from Idox)

Increased efficiency and monitoring tools, with enhanced reporting options

To be achieved by 31/12/2019

Link to Sevenoaks Corporate Plan

Supporting and developing the local economy

Link to Sevenoaks Community Plan

Safe Communities

Link to Bexley corporate plan

Innovation and self sufficiency – a commercial approach

Link to Maidstone Corporate Priorities

Securing a successful economy for Maidstone Borough

Link to Tunbridge Wells Corporate Priorities

To support a prosperous borough

Link to Strategic Compass

Providing value

Objective 5

Undertake a programme of training for Members and officers. Ensure all new Members on each Licensing Committee receive appropriate training.

Responsible Officer

Sharon Bamborough

Performance Measure

Description

2019/20  Target or Outcome

Action

Deliver a programme of training to the Members and officers.

Train any new members to Licensing committee following local elections in May 2019 (Sevenoaks) and ad hoc training to any other new members appointed for all partners

To be achieved by 31/08/2019

Action

Hold morning/afternoon sessions where new Members can visit the Licensing Partnership’s Administration Team.

To be achieved by 30/09/2020

Link to Sevenoaks Corporate Plan

Keeping the district safe

Link to Sevenoaks Community Plan

Safe Communities

Link to Bexley corporate plan

Growth that benefits all – the right skills for jobs of today and tomorrow

Link to Maidstone Corporate Priorities

Securing a successful economy for Maidstone Borough – range of Employment Skills and opportunities across the Borough

Link to Tunbridge Wells Corporate Priorities

Our People

Link to Strategic Compass

To have relevant skills

Objective 6

Revision of Policies & Procedures

Responsible Officer

Sharon Bamborough/Lorraine Neale/Sharon Degiorgio/Samantha Laing/Janet Lockie

Performance Measure

Description

2019/20  Target or Outcome

Action

Start the review LA03 Policies across the Partnership in readiness for January 2021 when they must come into force

Achieve statutory obligations.

To be achieved by 31/03/2020

Action

Review Street trading policy at Maidstone regarding designation of street trading pitches

To reduce the cost burden of processing each request and/or reduce the number of requests

To be achieved by 31/03/2020

Action

Re-visit (with Legal Services) the approach to street trading in Sevenoaks with a view to assessing what would need to be done to implement such a policy, and report back to Chief Officer (this comes from a discussion at Health Board as to whether anything can be done to stop fast food vans etc parking up near schools, which contributes to childhood obesity)

A up to date view will be taken on feasibility and desire as to whether street trading should be controlled within Sevenoaks and whether it could be used to promote wider health benefits

To be achieved by 31/03/2020

Action

Implement, the charging for pre-application advice to licence applicants where not already introduced

To reduce the cost burden of processing each request and/or reduce the number of requests

To be achieved by 31/12/2019

Action

Review outcome of Street trading farmers market consultation at Tunbridge Wells regarding designation of a farmers market, and take to committee with appropriate recommendations

To deliver the political desire to accommodate this market To be achieved by 31/12/2019

Action

A review of the Hub Team Admin procedures and update where necessary

To improve efficiency, reduce mistakes and speed up processing

To be achieved by 31/03/2020

Action

To review taxi policies in Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks as needed.

To deliver the implementation of the ULEV taxi charging points in conjunction with Kent CC following successful bid for funding

To improve efficiency, reduce mistakes and speed up processing

To link into and support proactive action regarding air quality

To be achieved by 31/03/2020

Link to Sevenoaks Corporate Plan

Supporting and developing the local economy

Link to Sevenoaks Community Plan

Safe Communities

Link to Bexley corporate plan

Innovation and self sufficiency – a commercial approach

Link to Maidstone Corporate Priorities

Securing a successful economy for Maidstone Borough

Link to Tunbridge Wells Corporate Priorities

To support a prosperous borough

Link to Strategic Compass

Providing value

Objective 7

Health, Safety and Well Being of Staff

Responsible Officer

Sharon Bamborough

Performance Measure

Description

2019/20  Target or Outcome

Action

Ensure risk assessments are carried out and reviewed as appropriate and at least once a year.

Risk assessments are in place and are reviewed.

To be achieved by 31/03/2020

Action

Ensure 1:1 meetings are carried out on a regular basis.

All Senior Licensing Officers and Licensing Partnership Manager to ensure meetings take place and are documented.

Link to Sevenoaks Corporate Plan

Supporting and developing the local economy

Link to Sevenoaks Community Plan

Safe Communities

Link to Bexley corporate plan

Innovation and self sufficiency – a commercial approach

Link to Maidstone Corporate Priorities

Securing a successful economy for Maidstone Borough

Link to Tunbridge Wells Corporate Priorities

To support a prosperous borough

Link to Strategic Compass

Providing value