Decision details

Mr Neil McArdle, Network Planning Officer presented the ‘LEAN’ Efficiencies Review of the Highways Engineering Service. He explained that in 2014, the Department for Transport had reviewed the funding of local highways authorities’ maintenance budgets and required services to submit detailed self-assessments of performance. The Council had secured the highest score band for the most incentive-based funding from the Department.

He explained that one self-assessment question was whether a LEAN Review had been undertaken of services to identify duplication, cut out unnecessary process and deliver better value for money. The Review involved benchmarking of costs against comparable local authorities and also the private sector. The Council was better value than some benchmarked organisations but not all so there was room for improvement in order to achieve better value for money.

Mr McArdle reported that particular initiatives included working as part of a local authorities group to use collective buying power to secure materials at better prices. He added that there were some efficiencies proposed for work at the depot but the main efficiencies involved systems improvements.

He explained that Phase 1 of the improvement recommendations had nearly been completed and involved software improvements for mandatory reporting of maintenance and repair incidents. Phase 2 would develop the use of hand-held mobile devices to reduce paperwork and Phase 3 would lead to better stock control and better value with bulk purchase discounts.

Members queried how the self-assessment was independently verified. Mr McArdle explained that the Department for Transport had previously undertaken random audits and two internal audits had taken place, one of which recommended scrutiny by Members.

The Committee queried whether there was an effective approach to identifying and responding to essential repairs. Mr McArdle advised that inspectors were active and effective at identifying necessary repairs and works were prioritised before being completed.

It was noted that accident compensation claims due to falling over kerbs and other surfaces had fallen. Mr McArdle confirmed that this was the case and added that the internal fraud service would investigate claims and identify any issues especially people attempting to make more than one claim.

Members queried whether extra funding was available due to the 17 million visitors travelling through Blackpool. Mr McArdle advised that funding formulas were generally based on the number and types of roads and other associated surfaces.

The Committee enquired how staff had responded to the improvement recommendations and also whether the use and cost of consultants (10% of the Service’s resource) could be reduced. Mr McArdle confirmed that could be considered as a future recommendation.

The Committee agreed to request that Neil McArdle arrange for the use of consultants within the Highways Engineering Service to be reviewed and reduced to achieve cost savings.