We are pleased to be able to provide this introduction to the 2006 Performance Plan. This is a statutory plan, which sets out our achievements in 2005/06 and our ambitions and targets for the three years 2006/07 to 2008/09.

2005/06: What a Year!

2005/06 has been a very difficult year for everyone connected with the Council. The decision of the Government to cap our Council Tax has required us to make extensive savings on a budget, which was already one of the lowest among district councils.  The ensuing Transformation Project has also led to some uncertainty in the short term but will provide us with the capacity to deliver effectively and efficiently to our customers in the future.

Despite the difficulties we have made outstanding progress in some areas: -

• We have achieved Beacon Council status for recycling in recognition of our innovative approach and one of the best recycling rates in the country.
• 70% of our performance indicators have improved or stayed the same, providing an improved level of service in many areas.
• We have continued to develop the Contact Centre by extending the range of services covered and by improving the service provided to customers.
• We have achieved the government target of 100% electronic service delivery.
• We have agreed customer service standards, which will be publicly launched in September 2006.
• We have continued to make progress with the Local Development Framework (LDF) and the plans for the new town of Northstowe.

Looking Ahead

We have agreed the following priorities on which we want to make substantial progress in 2006/07: -

• To improve customer service.
• To achieve successful, sustainable new communities at Northstowe and other major new settlements.
• To increase the supply of affordable housing.

Given our financial position, we will also need to focus on achieving savings, controlling  spending, and planning to achieve  future challenging financial targets while maintaining essential services. We will also place emphasis on tackling climate change and work to ensure that the new settlements at Northstowe and other locations reflect our sustainability objective. We will consult local people about our existing housing provision and future housing needs.

At the same time we will need to tackle other challenges such as the completion of the Transformation Project; continued progress on developing efficient and more customer focused ways of working; responding to Government proposals for local government re-organisation; developing an approach to Travellers which resolves the needs of the travellers and the concerns of settled communities; and a range of other issues.

Above all we would like to encourage all employees and Members to continue their sterling efforts in improving the experience that service users have of the Council and to achieve the objectives and performance targets included in this plan.

Cllr Dr David Bard	Greg Harlock
Leader of the Council	Chief Executive