Dundee City Council News

Annual Consumer Survey 2011

2012-02-03T00:00:00+01:00

Results from the Annual Consumer Survey 2011 show across the board improvements to the city council’s customer care and public image profile.

A record number of people, some 97% of the sample, said they received enough information about the city council and the services it provides.

The average positive score for the city council's public image profile at 73% of the sample was the highest ever recorded in over a decade of consumer surveys.

Indicators for quality of life in local neighbourhoods were also the highest on record.

Ken Guild, Leader of the Administration said: "We are determined to provide the best service we possibly can to the citizens of Dundee and we are always trying to improve performance. Consequently, I am very pleased that this year's results from the annual consumer survey are particularly positive.

"Although our services are generally performing well, we need to keep a focus on making them more efficient and responsive. Our ongoing Changing for the Future programme is designed to achieve this."

The Annual Consumer Survey is carried out to help evaluate progress towards achieving the objectives set out in the Council Plan. The main purpose of the survey is to track over time a core set of questions related to customer care issues and the public's overall perception of the city council as an organisation.

The report on the Annual Consumer Survey will be considered at the Policy and Resources Committee on Monday 13 February 2012.

The survey is conducted by an independent market research company, currently Research Resource. The survey is based on a representative sample of 800 citizens.

Seymour House Opened

2012-01-31T00:00:00+01:00

Minister for Children and Young People Aileen Campbell MSP officially opened a new integrated Dundee child protection facility on Tuesday (January 31).

The £2.65 million Seymour House base has been built to strengthen ongoing partnership working between Dundee City Council, NHS Tayside and Tayside Police.

It has been designed to meet the needs of children and young people who may be in need of care and protection. Staff from the three organisations are located together in the purpose-built facility, containing technology for interviews which already surpasses national standards.

The minister was given a tour of facilities including offices, interview and family rooms as well as medical forensic facilities. She wasintroduced to staff from the agencies who described their approaches to joint working in the field of child protection.

Minister for Children and Young People Aileen Campbell MSP said: “Ensuring fast, effective protection is available to every child and young person at risk is a key priority for this Government. It’s therefore hugely encouraging to see this kind of facility being launched.

“We all want ‘healthy happy bairns.’ That is children who are safe, loved, enjoy their childhood and achieve their potential. By investing in facilities like Seymour House, Dundee is showing a clear commitment towards achieving this essential goal by ensuring vulnerable youngsters receive multi-agency support as and when they need it."

Dundee City Council leader of the administration Cllr Ken Guild said: "This new building is already bringing about ongoing improvements to the services we all provide to children and young people who need protection.

"I am very impressed by the efforts that all the partners are putting in at this new facility that will ultimately help and protect some of the most vulnerable people in society.

"This official opening highlights our clear message that we are working together for the children and young people of Dundee."

Sandy Watson, Chairman of NHS Tayside, said, “Over the past few years, all the agencies involved in protecting children here in Dundee have undergone a transformation, both in the way they work together and, of the utmost importance, in the way they work to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

“The opening of Seymour House is the culmination of the hard work demonstrated every day by staff of all agencies who work to protect our children. Their commitment to working more closely together will be so much easier now that we have all the expertise in the one place, making this not only a first class facility for the agencies but a safe place for vulnerable children and young people from across the city.”

Tayside Police Assistant Chief Constable Angela Wilson said: ''The opening of Seymour House today is evidence - in bricks and mortar - of the commitment that we all have to the protection of children in Tayside.

''Tayside Police, NHS Tayside, Dundee City Council and our other partners are all working more closely than ever before to ensure that we get it right for every child in trying to ensure that they are protected and have the best possible start in life.

"It is excellent that we will be able to be co-located at Seymour House and I am sure that this facility will be at the cornerstone of child protection in Dundee for years to come.''

The cost of the building has been shared between the partners.

More Boyle in the bag

2012-01-27T00:00:00+01:00

A SECOND show for comedian Frankie Boyle has been confirmed for the Caird Hall.

The additional gig will take place on Friday September 14 and tickets will be available from Monday (January 30) at 9 am from Dundee City Box Office and online at www.dundeebox.co.uk

The Caird Hall is operated by Leisure and Culture Dundee, working in partnership with Dundee City Council.

Draft Capital Plan 2012-2016

2012-01-24T00:00:00+01:00

A major investment totalling over £320 million in new and refurbished facilities from schools to housing, from community facilities to roads, is to be committed by the City Council in Dundee over the next four years.

The general services draft capital plan will be submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee for approval as part of the Council Tax setting meeting on Thursday 9 February 2012.

Ken Guild, Leader of the Administration said: "We are determined to take action to support the local economy and help protect people and jobs through this difficult period.

"This significant investment in our City's buildings and infrastructure is proof that we are working confidently and looking to the future to take the city forward and support families, businesses and communities.

"We will do everything possible to encourage local companies to bid for work on council contracts and provide jobs for local people."

Finance spokesman, Willie Sawers said: "Planned investment in a wide range of projects will deliver first class facilities throughout our local communities and will benefit young and old alike.

"In the four years to 2016, we will see the new Harris Academy, the completion of new primaries at Whitfield, West End and Balgarthno and in addition we will be building two new primary schools with community facilities at Coldside and Menzieshill.

"Our plan for schools also includes the extension of Barnhill Primary and the refurbishment of seven primaries at Glebelands, Clepington, Longhaugh, Ancrum Road, Blackness, St Mary's and Dens Road.

"In Social Work, we are replacing Craigie House and Elmgrove House as well as upgrading the MacKinnon and Whitetop Centres.

"Over the next four years, we are committed to an investment of over £27 million in the environment to help all road users including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

"Later this year we will see the completion of the new Olympia and in addition our citizens who use our parks and leisure centres across the city will see further investment in sporting facilities.

"We plan to invest over £4 million in existing and new communities facilities that will be at the very heart of our communities."

"The redevelopment of the Central Waterfront remains a key component in the council's drive to reshape the city and maximise opportunities for the future.

"At the heart of the Central Waterfront development is the V&A and we have also now included £1.5 million to help deliver the refurbishment of the Dundee railway station."

The general services draft capital plan can be viewed online at:

http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/dundeecity/uploaded_publications/publication_3064.pdf

Proposed Lochee redevelopment plan

2012-01-17T00:00:00+01:00

LOCHEE residents could have the chance to give their views on the need for a new health centre/community facility, similar to the Life Services building being built in Whitfield, if a proposed redevelopment plan goes ahead.

The plan, which also recommends the creation of a car park, public transport hub, new commercial retail buildings, housing and partial demolition of the Highgate Centre, will be the subject of public consultation if councillors back the move.

Will Dawson, convener of Dundee City Council's city development committee said: "The regeneration of Lochee has come a long way in recent years, but is still very much a work in progress.

"This next phase looks to put the heart back into the High Street by removing most of the Highgate and reopening links between the district centre and the by-pass to create more opportunities for business and a greater sense of activity."

A framework for the regeneration of Lochee was approved in 2008. It identified that negative perceptions of the area were a result of poor quality housing, the high number of vacant retail units and a lack of modern retail opportunities, as well as accessibility issues and transport connections.

Since then more than £2m has been invested in the infrastructure, clearing the Weaver's Village and buying the Highgate Centre.

The city development committee, which meets on Monday, (January 23) will be told that the redevelopment plan provides a basis on which to work with local businesses and community groups as well as attracting future investors to deliver quality redevelopment.

Any health services/community use building would be likely to be sited at the south end of the High Street in close proximity to other community buildings, including the library and swimming pool.

Getting Ready for Work

2012-01-17T00:00:00+01:00

A GROUP OF young people taking part in the Getting Ready for Work Scheme had a taste of life on a construction site yesterday (TUESDAY).

The new west end primary school, currently being built by the infrastructure, support services and construction group, Robertson in Glenagnes Road, hosted the visit.

Drawn from a range of different training providers including Hillcrest, Claverhouse and Barnardos the trainees had access to health and safety information, an overview of the programme, a practical session and an opportunity to put questions to project manager, Mike Illsley.

He said: "Events like this give young people considering a career in the construction industry a valuable insight into what it is like to work on a large site as well as helping to develop practical skills.

"We are delighted to be able to help to bring new recruits into the industry and give something back to the communities we work in."

The £9.6m school will bring together St Joseph's and Park Place primary schools, as well as Park Place Nursery, on a shared campus at the former Logie Secondary School site.

As well as the steel frame building, which is already taking shape, external works include car parking, playground, grassed and planted areas together with an artificial grass play area.

The visit was hosted as part of the Robertson commitment to the Discover Opportunities Employability Accord, which has included three work placement opportunities for young people on the Get Ready for Work programme with local subcontractors, a CV workshop for unemployed young people and health and safety talks to local primary schools.

A large quantity of building materials including pallets and a number of double glazing units have also been donated to Claverhouse training to support construction training programmes and social enterprise activity.

Consultation Result on 33 Period Week

2012-01-17T00:00:00+01:00

Dundee City Council's education committee will hear at its meeting on Monday (January 23) that plans for a 33 week period for secondary schools will not be introduced following consultation with parents, pupils and staff.

Councillors will hear that there is no clear consensus about the suggestion after consultation.

A report explains that schools will continue to implement the Curriculum for Excellence based on their current model of delivery.

Education convener Cllr Liz Fordyce said: "We have listened carefully to the views of parents, pupils and staff and we have responded to what people have said about this idea.

"The consultation process allowed us to gauge opinions and we have taken those views on board."

Kingspark Proposal

2012-01-17T00:00:00+01:00

A proposal worth more than £1 million is being recommended for a four classroom extension to Kingspark School.

A report to be considered by the education and policy & resources committees on Monday January 23 highlights the expanding roll of Kingspark. It also underlines the council's statutory obligation to meet the needs of pupils with a range of severe and complex additional support needs.

The committees will hear that the school was opened in August 2010 to cater for the needs of 125 pupils, including a number from Angus. Projected rolls for August 2012 based on the latest information shows 151 pupils would be on the roll for the next school year.

A partnering agreement with the council's environment department is being recommended for approval, as is the additional expenditure to be included in the next update of the council's financial plan for 2012-16. The cost of building a four classroom extension is estimated at £1,095,000.

The report explains that any building programme "requires to be carried out sensitively". It adds that if this proposal is approved at the meetings on Monday January 23, work could be started during the Easter holiday in April and finished during the summer for the start of the new term in August 2012.

Education convener Cllr Liz Fordyce said: "Kingspark is a unique facility in this area and we are all very proud of the tremendous work that goes on there.

"With the rising roll at Kingspark, a solution needed to be found which could provide an extension to accommodate pupils for August without causing major interruption to the running of the school during term time."

Policy and resources convener Cllr Ken Guild added: "Kingspark School provides state-of-the-art care and education for pupils with complex needs, and this report addresses the options to provide an extension to the facility."

Council house rents

2012-01-17T00:00:00+01:00

COUNCIL house tenants in Dundee have backed the idea of paying more rent to generate investment in energy efficiency measures and help continue improvements to homes across the city.

A report to the city council's housing committee on Monday (January 23) will be asked to approve a rise of 4.75% after more than 1100 tenants took part in a consultation process.

Jimmy Black, convener of the housing committee said: "The proposed increase is less than we could be levying and still have the agreement of the majority of tenants who responded to the consultation.

"Against a backdrop of steeply rising power costs they told us loud and clear that they want increased energy efficiency measures and are prepared to pay for them, knowing that these improvements will later save them money on their fuel bills and create warm comfortable homes for them to live in.

"With inflation calculated at 4.76% we feel that putting forward an increase of 4.75% strikes the right balance between the need to continue to invest in upgrading people's homes, being prudent with our limited resources and not charging any more than we have to.

"We want to provide better housing for people in Dundee and are working towards all our houses meeting the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by 2015.

"A big part of the SHQS is about greater energy efficiency, more efficient heating systems, insulation and special district heating schemes all of which are designed to save tenants money and make their homes more comfortable. To do this we need to bring in money to pay for improvements and to maintain a comprehensive repairs service.

"I am delighted that we have been able to propose a rise that is well under the agreement reached with tenants that we would aim to keep rent rises to no more than inflation plus one per cent and still be able to make improvements to people's homes.

"Changes in the way the housing department and other areas of the council work to improve efficiency have also helped us to keep the increase to tenants lower than it could have been."

In November and December last year more than 30 local events were set up to discuss the proposed rent increase with tenants and their representative bodies. Material was also available from housing offices and on the council's website.

The consultation took in the views of more than twice as many tenants as in previous years, encouraging feedback via an online survey, email and SMS.

If councillors back the proposed rent increase it will work out at an average of £2.86 more per council house per week for the year beginning on April 1, 2012.

Other charges have also been reviewed including a proposal that garage lock-ups, underground parking bays and garage sites remain at current levels.

Extra Kevin Bridges for Dundee

2012-01-16T00:00:00+01:00

Dundee's Caird Hall has secured a fourth date for Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges later this year - after his other three shows for the city venue sold out.

With seats for two dates and in September and another in November now full, promoter Off the Kerb has announced another appearance - Sunday November 18 2012.

Tickets for the new show go on sale from Wednesday January 18 at 9 am from Dundee City Box Office and online at www.dundeebox.co.uk

The Caird Hall is operated by Leisure & Culture Dundee, working in partnership with Dundee City Council.

Revenue Budget Proposals

2012-01-12T00:00:00+01:00

Dundee City Council will once again freeze the council tax, whilst bringing forward a £3.576 million package of savings to the council's revenue budget.

A report to the Changing for the Future Board on 12 January 2012 details the savings.

Corporate savings of £2.880 million is the largest element and this represents over 80 per cent of the total.

Commenting on the proposed savings, Finance spokesman Willie Sawers said: "Once again, we have been able to deliver a council tax freeze while protecting front-line services that people rely on.

"Within the overall budget we have increased the spending on social work services by £4.398 million in order to support the most vulnerable in our city.

"Throughout the last year, we have been working very hard to drive through a programme of efficiencies across the council as agreed by the Changing for the Future Board. This has helped limit the savings we now have to find to balance the budget."

The budget and council tax for the next financial year 2012/13 will be set on Thursday 9 February 2012.

To view the report please click: http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/dundeecity/uploaded_publications/publication_3037.pdf

Development of recycling schemes

2011-12-29T00:00:00+01:00

Dundee communities can look forward to more recycling schemes in their areas if a report is approved by councillors on Monday January 9.

The city council's environment committee will consider a �160,000 proposal to improve and expand current recycling routes.

In a drive to work towards compliance with the Scottish Government's Zero Waste plan, the committee will hear proposals for four city projects.

These are:

3,000 city properties taking part in a trial with larger wheeled containers for materials in an expanded range of recycling to include clean steel cans, aluminium cans, foil trays etc An increase in neighbourhood recycling points with 10 new facilities near high-density housing areas for the collection of paper and glass Providing glass recycling containers at various sheltered housing complexes and multi storey blocks Consolidation of storage and processing facilities

Costs of the projects totalling more than �160,000 would be met from Scottish Government Zero Waste funding.

Environment convener Cllr Bob Duncan said: "The people of Dundee have been hugely supportive of our range of recycling measures over the years, and these plans will open up new areas for participation.

"The proposal for facilities at sheltered housing complexes and multi storey blocks is to be particularly welcomed.

"I will be interested to learn how the trial progresses and I am sure all these projects will have a positive impact on recycling in Dundee for the future."

Green transport drives forward

2011-12-29T00:00:00+01:00

Dundee City Council's environment department could be set to accelerate its green transport agenda.

Councillors are being recommended to purchase electric vehicles - four cars to extend the existing 'car pool' and two small vans to replace diesel vehicles - as part of an ongoing initiative.

The environment committee on Monday January 9 will hear that introduction of two electric vans would mean fuel savings of around �3,300 a year, while further savings of �10,000 would result from the introduction of the new cars.

It is estimated that the 6 electric vehicles will show an approximate reduction of CO2 emissions of 21.5 tonnes over the lifetime of the vehicles.

The committee will hear that grant assistance has been won from Transport Scotland for nearly half of the �139,488 cost of the six new vehicles.

Environment convener Cllr Bob Duncan said: "Four electric cars are already being operated successfully by the department on a pool basis for site visits.

"This new proposal would help build on that experience by introducing a small car pool for council staff working within the city centre and bring about more financial and environmental benefits.

"We are keeping up to date with the developments in electric car technology and we are closely monitoring the use of the department's current pool of vehicles.

"The proposal for the vans would also open up new areas of use and I will be interested to see how this develops."

Camperdown Park improvement plan

2011-12-29T00:00:00+01:00

�73,000 plans to improve Camperdown Park facilities including the sensory garden, inclusive play area and duck pond are to go before the city council's environment committee on Monday January 9.

Councillors will also consider a recommendation to spend �15,000 to prepare a development plan and five year action plan for Dundee's largest public park.

Environment convener Cllr Bob Duncan said: "The people of Dundee and visitors to the city enjoy the park and its facilities. It is a major attraction for all the family.

"Camperdown is an important part of Dundee's history, a green oasis in the city and a popular sporting venue.

"We are keen that parts of the park including the inclusive play area and the duck pond can be improved as quickly as possible, as we realise that these have been needing work carried out on them for some time.

"A five year development plan for the park will allow us to look forward to the future and further develop Camperdown Park as an attraction.

"We want people to continue to use the park regularly and we need to keep up the momentum of the progress that has been achieved so far."

The report to the committee outlines for spending �25,000 on environmental improvements to the duck pond and �48,000 for refurbishment of the sensory garden and inclusive play area.

The committee will also be given an outline of improvements at the park over the last seven years including upgrading of paths, golf course improvements and developments at the wildlife centre.

Security fencing for Dundee Law allotments

2011-12-29T00:00:00+01:00

Security fencing costing over �60,000 could be erected in response to break-ins and fire raising incidents at Dundee Law allotments.

The city council's environment committee will hear on Monday January 9 that Tayside Police and Tayside Fire and Rescue has been called to the West Law and Stirling Park allotments on a number of occasions in recent years.

Following consultation with local allotment users and the Dundee Federation of allotment gardens association, it is proposed to replace the current chain link fence with 1.8 metre-high palisade fencing.

Councillors will be told this would provide a secure perimeter to Stirling Park and protection to the most vulnerable side of West Law allotments.

Environment convener Cllr Bob Duncan said: "We are aware that the allotment holders in the Law area have suffered due to a number of criminal acts.

"I condemn all the senseless acts of vandalism that have taken place in these areas.

"The proposals for a fence will help to safeguard these locations which give pleasure to so many people."

Property portfolio possible sale

2011-12-29T00:00:00+01:00

FORMER student flats in a quiet residential area of Dundee could be put up for sale as a single lot, if councillors back the move.

The 24 flats at 12-39 Clepington Street are no longer needed by Dundee College and would be uneconomical for the council to bring up to the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.

Jimmy Black, convener of Dundee City Council's housing committee said: "These are very small one bedroom flats with little kitchen space and while they are well maintained, are not suitable for mainstream letting.

"We have tried to offer the flats as supported accommodation in partnership with voluntary agencies, but there were no takers, so we are proposing to sell them as a single portfolio of 24."

The housing committee, which meets on Monday January 9 will be asked to approve the sale, which will then be subject to approval by the Scottish Government.

Money generated from the sale will be used to help bring properties across the city up to the Scottish Housing Quality Standard, as part of the council's on going programme of work.

Tay Road Bridge Information Wednesday December 28

2011-12-28T00:00:00+01:00

Wednesday December 28 - for the most up to date information on how the weather is affecting the operation of the Tay Road Bridge please click on the following link:http://www.tayroadbridge.co.uk

New phase of waterfront works on the way

2011-12-28T00:00:00+01:00

A NEW phase of works at Dundee Waterfront is set to get underway early in the New Year.

From Tuesday January 10 there will be off peak lane closures on the approaches to, and around, Riverside Roundabout up until the end of May 2012 so that roads can be realigned to create the new grid pattern.

The work, which will see lanes closed at various times between 9.30am and 3.30pm, will also enable work to go ahead on the bridge at Dundee Railway Station and for the demolition of Tayside House.

Later that month the Tay Road Bridge on ramp at Customs House will be closed occasionally between 7pm and 5am and 9.30am and 3.30pm as works begin on widening the ramp to accommodate two lanes of traffic.

Contractors Safedem will start removing the footbridge between Tayside House and Earl Grey Place car park, which will mean overnight closures of South Marketgait on January 17, 18 and 19. All traffic including drivers using the Tay Road Bridge will be diverted using the ring road.

Demolition work on the Podium Block and the footbridge connecting it to Tayside House, is scheduled for February. More details of how this will affect routes in the area will be available nearer the time.

Budget Savings

2011-12-21T00:00:00+01:00

Projected savings of £3.4 million will be needed in order to achieve a council tax freeze for the 2012/13 financial year.

A report to the Changing for the Future Board confirms that the city council has experienced a grant reduction in 2012/13 of £1.416 million or 0.45%, compared to 2011/12 in the Local Government Finance Settlement.

The settlement is better than had been anticipated in the council's financial modelling. Together with ongoing efficiencies delivered by the Changing for the Future programme during the year, the savings figure of £3.4 million is less than the £9.9 million that had been projected.

The council's senior management team will now work up proposals to make savings that can be brought before councillors.

The budget and council tax for the next financial year 2012/13 will be set on Thursday 9 February 2012.

To view the report please click:

http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/dundeecity/uploaded_publications/publication_3010.pdf

Citizen of the Year

2011-12-20T00:00:00+01:00

ANYONE thinking about nominating a deserving individual as Dundee's Citizen of the Year has only 10 days left.

Dundee City Council is still looking for nominations for the award for 2012 which will go to someone who has provided outstanding service to the community, normally on a voluntary basis.

Judges will be looking in particular for selfless service to a voluntary body or the community or someone whose service brings distinction and quality to everyday life in Dundee.

There is no age barrier, but nominees must live within Dundee City Council's area.
More information and an application form can be found at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/supportservs/citizenyear/

Nominations close on December 30.