Information Freedom of Information published requests
Content
Legend
Responded
Response in progress
Declined
Requests
Fly-tipping and illegal waste incidents on public land
Date submitted: 6 November 2024
Summary of request
The number of reported fly-tipping incidents in the past 12 months (12 months leading up to the most recent date for which data is available), and the number of fly-tipping incidents reported in the previous 12 months before that.
Summary of response
Below are the number of fly tips collected from EDDC land.
April 2024 – September 2024
217 fly tips collected
April 2023 – March 2024
327 fly tips collected
April 2022 – March 2023
399 fly tips collected
Date responded: 6 November 2024
Disposal of IT hardware
Date submitted: 28 October 2024
Summary of request
1. Does the Council currently have a contract for the disposal of IT hardware from corporate offices and schools?
2. If a contract is in place, which organisation(s) manages the contract?
3. When does the contract expire?
4. If no contract, what is done with the redundant IT equipment?
5. Does the organisation have a separate arrangement in place for the onsite shredding of data-bearing assets, such as hard disks, solid state drives, USB devices, CDs and data tapes, or is data-containing equipment erased/destroyed by your contracted IT hardware disposal provider?
6. Who within the organisation has overall responsibility for the disposal of IT hardware?
Summary of response
1. Does the Council currently have a contract for the disposal of IT hardware from corporate offices and schools? - No
2. If a contract is in place, which organisation(s) manages the contract? - N/A
3. When does the contract expire? - N/A
4. If no contract, what is done with the redundant IT equipment? - Arrange with charity organisations
5. Does the organisation have a separate arrangement in place for the onsite shredding of data-bearing assets, such as hard disks, solid state drives, USB devices, CDs and data tapes, or is data-containing equipment erased/destroyed by your contracted IT hardware disposal provider? - Yes
6. Who within the organisation has overall responsibility for the disposal of IT hardware? - Strata Service Solutions Ltd
Date responded: 6 November 2024
Planning applications are subject to mandatory BNG
Date submitted: 25 October 2024
Summary of request
1. How many full planning applications have been made in total since 2 April 2024?
2. How many of those applications are subject to mandatory BNG (i.e. not covered by the Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations 2024), and please could you provide the application reference numbers for those?
Summary of response
You have requested:
1. How many full planning applications have been made in total since 2 April 2024? - This information is published on our planning portal at https://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/online-applications/ You can search for this information yourself and compile the data. As such it is exempt under section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible by other means.
2. How many of those applications are subject to mandatory BNG (i.e. not covered by the Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations 2024), and please could you provide the application reference numbers for those? - We have investigated whether we can run reports to retrieve this information and this is not possible. It would require an officer to do this manually which would take longer that the permitted time and cost under FOI. Therefore we are refusing your request at this time under section 12 of the FOI Act 2000.
You can view all the planning applications on our website to see if this information is available within the planning applications themselves or supporting evidence. https://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/online-applications/
Date responded: 25 October 2024
UK Shared Prosperity Funding: People and Skills
Date submitted: 23 October 2024
Summary of request
1) Details of any schemes or programs operated directly by the local authority under the UKSPF People and Skills priority area. Include the budget and the number of staff allocated to the program or scheme and where appropriate the length of the program or scheme.
2) Details of any organisation which has been awarded contracts by the local authority to deliver services covered by the remit of the UKSPF People and Skills priority area, such as upskilling, employment support, and skills provision. Include the names of the organisations, the amounts awarded, and the length of the contract.
Summary of response
1) Details of any schemes or programs operated directly by the local authority under the UKSPF People and Skills priority area. Include the budget and the number of staff allocated to the program or scheme and where appropriate the length of the program or scheme - There are no schemes operated directly by the local authority under the UKSPF People and Skill priority.
2) Details of any organisation which has been awarded contracts by the local authority to deliver services covered by the remit of the UKSPF People and Skills priority area, such as upskilling, employment support, and skills provision. Include the names of the organisations, the amounts awarded, and the length of the contract - Details regarding third party delivery, amounts, and programme timescales are available publicly here - UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Projects - East Devon. https://eastdevon.gov.uk/business-and-investment/uk-shared-prosperity-fund/projects/#article-content
Date responded: 23 October 2024
PCs, laptops & tablets
Date submitted: 22 October 2024
Summary of request
1. Total number of desktops in your estate (i.e. PCs, laptops & tablets)
2. Who currently supplies the above (name of the incumbent)?
3. Do they include additional services such as technical support, maintenance, asset registration, imaging and disposal of existing device?
4. Who is your preferred manufacturer?
5. What is your current buying / refresh cycle?
6. Is this supplied under contract? If yes, when does the contract end?
7. How do you procure these devices through a framework? if yes, which one used (ie. SBS / CCS / NDNA)
8. What steps have you taken to tackle security risks in advance of 14th Oct 2025 when updates will no longer be available on Windows 10?
9. How do you access your applications (Citrix, VMWare, Microsoft 365, Cloud or Fat Client environment)?
10. Are you looking to move from On-Premises to Cloud?
11. Name of person responsible for purchasing IT equipment?
Summary of response
1. Total number of desktops in your estate (i.e. PCs, laptops & tablets) - 750
2. Who currently supplies the above (name of the incumbent)? - Dell
3. Do they include additional services such as technical support, maintenance, asset registration, imaging and disposal of existing device? - Yes
4. Who is your preferred manufacturer? - Dell
5. What is your current buying / refresh cycle? - N/A
6. Is this supplied under contract? If yes, when does the contract end? - N/A
7. How do you procure these devices through a framework? if yes, which one used (i.e. SBS / CCS / NDNA) - N/A
8. What steps have you taken to tackle security risks in advance of 14th Oct 2025 when updates will no longer be available on Windows 10? - Windows 11 devices are being rolled-out
9. How do you access your applications (Citrix, VMWare, Microsoft 365, Cloud or Fat Client environment)? - All mentioned
10. Are you looking to move from On-Premises to Cloud? - Yes
11. Name of person responsible for purchasing IT equipment? - Strata Service Solutions Ltd
Date responded: 6 November 2024
Employee survey provider
Date submitted: 21 October 2024
Summary of request
• The name of your employee survey provider and/or platform
• The date that your employee survey platform contract ends or renews
Summary of response
• The name of your employee survey provider and/or platform - EDDC does not have an employee survey provider - we use Microsoft Forms
• The date that your employee survey platform contract ends or renews - N/A
Date responded: 24 October 2024
Complaints about enforcement agencies
Date submitted: 18 October 2024
Summary of request
What debt enforcement agencies does your council currently use?
Broken down by each debt enforcement agency, please can you tell me -
1. How many complaints has your council received relating to the behaviour or conduct of the enforcement agencies/bailiffs/debt collectors who have been working on behalf of your council?
2. How many of the complaints has your council upheld?
3. If known, how many complaints were passed to the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman?
I would like this information regarding complaints received by the council since 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023.
Summary of response
1. How many complaints has your council received relating to the behaviour or conduct of the enforcement agencies/bailiffs/debt collectors who have been working on behalf of your council? - Zero
2. How many of the complaints has your council upheld? - N/A
3. If known, how many complaints were passed to the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman? - N/A
I would like this information regarding complaints received by the council since 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023.
Date responded: 22 October 2024
Housing management Data Archiving solution
Date submitted: 16 October 2024
Summary of request
I am interested in understanding more about the data archiving solutions used for Housing Management Data that your authority may use,
Please can you provide the following information:
1: Have you created a data archive for some or all of your housing management data –( properties, tenancies, tenants, rent transactions, court actions, repairs, servicing data, asset data)
No
Yes (some)
Yes (all)
2: Was this a bespoke solution or an “off-the-shelf” solution
3: If off the shelf, what is the product and vendor
4: How much did the solution cost to implement
5: What is the annual license fee for the solution
6: How long did it take to implement the solution
7: Please describe the technology used and the architecture of the solution.
Summary of response
1: Have you created a data archive for some or all of your housing management data –( properties, tenancies, tenants, rent transactions, court actions, repairs, servicing data, asset data) - Yes
2: Was this a bespoke solution or an “off-the-shelf” solution - Off the Shelf
3: If off the shelf, what is the product and vendor - Civica D360
4: How much did the solution cost to implement - Minimal as system already in place for other document requirements
5: What is the annual license fee for the solution - <£10,000/ per year for the entire DMS solution, of which housing is a small part
6: How long did it take to implement the solution - a few weeks
7: Please describe the technology used and the architecture of the solution. - Civica D360 – it’s broadly in line with supplier recommendations.
Date responded: 22 October 2024
National Planning Policy Framework
Date submitted: 16 October 2024
Summary of request
1. A copy of your authority’s response to the Government consultation on the “proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system”, which closed on September 24th 2024. Please include copies of all consultation response documents submitted by your authority.
2. Any statistical analysis carried out that informed this response
Summary of response
1. A copy of your authority’s response to the Government consultation on the “proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system”, which closed on September 24th 2024. Please include copies of all consultation response documents submitted by your authority - Our response was agreed by our Strategic Planning Committee and is available at: 3. New NPPF Consultation Response Report 2024.pdf (eastdevon.gov.uk) https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/documents/s24658/3.%20New%20NPPF%20Consultation%20Response%20Report%202024.pdf
2. Any statistical analysis carried out that informed this response - None carried out.
Date responded: 22 October 2024
Housing waiting lists
Date submitted: 16 October 2024
Summary of request
- The number of households on the local authority's housing waiting list as of September 2024
- The number of households on the local authority's housing waiting list as of September 2023
Summary of response
You requested the following information on Housing waiting lists:
- The number of households on the local authority's housing waiting list as of September 2024
Active applications on the East Devon register as at 02.09.2024 - 6059
- The number of households on the local authority's housing waiting list as of September 2023
Active applications on the East Devon register as at 01.09.2023 - 5666
Date responded: 5 November 2024
Mass graves of Stillborn Babies
Date submitted: 15 October 2024
Summary of request
In light of the discovery of a mass grave containing stillborn babies in Royton Cemetery, Oldham, and the discovery of mass graves containing stillborn babies in Landican, Wirral, please could you provide localised details for the following:
*Number of mass (unmarked) graves containing still born babies
*Number of still born babies buried in mass (unmarked) graves
*Date of earliest mass (unmarked) grave
*Date of last mass (unmarked) grave
In addition, please can you state whether or not burial records for these mass graves are available online.
Summary of response
*Number of mass (unmarked) graves containing still born babies - 0
*Number of still born babies buried in mass (unmarked) graves - 0
*Date of earliest mass (unmarked) grave - 0
*Date of last mass (unmarked) grave - 0
In addition, please can you state whether or not burial records for these mass graves are available online. - N/A
Date responded: 16 October 2024
Leisure Centres business rates
Date submitted: 15 October 2024
Summary of request
a) Whether your leisure centres are held by a charitable trust and
b) Whether you receive charitable or other business rate reliefs on your leisure assets?
Summary of response
a. Whether your leisure centres are held by a charitable trust - EDDC is not liable for Leisure centres. LED runs the leisure centres in East Devon.
b. Whether you receive charitable or other business rate reliefs on your leisure assets? - The information regarding any relief applicable is already published on our website at https://eastdevon.gov.uk/access-to-information/transparency-code/transparency-code-information/
As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
Date responded: 22 October 2024
Percentage of biodiversity net gain required as a condition for planning permission
Date submitted: 14 October 2024
Summary of request
I am requesting the following information related to biodiversity net gain:
• Any policies or papers published since 1 November 2023 which state the percentage of biodiversity net gain your council will require as a condition for planning permission (under the Environment Act 2021) (a) as part of an agreed Local Plan; or (b) as part of a draft Local Plan.
• How many hectares of land has been improved for biodiversity on-site as part of a development for the purposes of biodiversity net gain since 12 February 2024
• How many hectares of land has been improved for biodiversity off-site for the purposes of biodiversity net gain related to developments in your authority area since 12 February 2024
Summary of response
• Any policies or papers published since 1 November 2023 which state the percentage of biodiversity net gain your council will require as a condition for planning permission (under the Environment Act 2021) (a) as part of an agreed Local Plan; or (b) as part of a draft Local Plan. - Draft Policy 87 of the Draft Local Plan (Reg 18 stage) has a requirement for 20% BNG. commonplace-reg-18-final-071122.pdf (eastdevon.gov.uk) https://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/3724891/commonplace-reg-18-final-071122.pdf
• How many hectares of land has been improved for biodiversity on-site as part of a development for the purposes of biodiversity net gain since 12 February 2024 - N/A – no Biodiversity Gain Plans discharged.
• How many hectares of land has been improved for biodiversity off-site for the purposes of biodiversity net gain related to developments in your authority area since 12 February 2024 - N/A – no Biodiversity Gain Plans discharged.
Date responded: 16 October 2024
Animal activity licencing
Date submitted: 10 October 2024
Summary of request
1. Please provide information on whether an animal activities licence is required when providing animal assisted interventions to promote wellbeing to adults and children using horses/ponies. Please note that there is no riding involved.
2. Does East Devon District Council hold a register of equine assisted intervention providers who hold an animal activities licence?
3. Does East Devon District Council display the register of licenced providers on their website?
Summary of response
1. Please provide information on whether an animal activities licence is required when providing animal assisted interventions to promote wellbeing to adults and children using horses/ponies. Please note that there is no riding involve - Yes , you need a licence for keeping or training animals for exhibition.
2. Does East Devon District Council hold a register of equine assisted intervention providers who hold an animal activities licence? - Yes, https://eastdevon.gov.uk/environmental-health-and-wellbeing/licensing-and-registrations/animal-licensing/current-licensed-establishments/
3. Does East Devon District Council display the register of licenced providers on their website? - Yes, phttps://eastdevon.gov.uk/environmental-health-and-wellbeing/licensing-and-registrations/animal-licensing/current-licensed-establishments/
Date responded: 5 November 2024
Trade unions
Date submitted: 8 October 2024
Summary of request
1. The details of any office accommodation your organisation provides to staff to carry out trade union business. Please include details of:
• space measured in square feet
• how much of this space is contained within entirely separate buildings (i.e. occupied solely by staff carrying out trade union business)
• whether a professional valuation of the market rental value of the space has been sought either in-house or externally, and if so, what the valuation of the space was
• any charges the council levy for office space given to trade unions.
2. Do you deduct trade union subscriptions for any of your employees via payroll (sometimes known as the "check off" system)? If so, do you charge a fee to the trade unions concerned for providing this service?
3. With regard to trade union facility time, please provide the total cost of facility time from your pay bill for the financial year 2023/24 and the budget for the current financial year. Please also advise the current number of employees that you fund to be union officials, measured as full time equivalents? (For guidance on definitions please refer to the Government's Transparency Code for local government: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-government-transparency-code-2015/local-government-transparency-code-2015)
4. Please advise any estimates for other costs met for those staff on trade union facility time apart from salaries - including travel expenses, office supplies, telephone expenses and energy bills.
Summary of response
1. The details of any office accommodation your organisation provides to staff to carry out trade union business - None
2. Do you deduct trade union subscriptions for any of your employees via payroll (sometimes known as the "check off" system)? If so, do you charge a fee to the trade unions concerned for providing this service? - Yes, we deduct via check off. No, we do not charge a fee for this.
3. With regard to trade union facility time, please provide the total cost of facility time from your pay bill for the financial year 2023/24 and the budget for the current financial year. Please also advise the current number of employees that you fund to be union officials, measured as full time equivalents? (For guidance on definitions please refer to the Government's Transparency Code for local government: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-government-transparency-code-2015/local-government-transparency-code-2015) - This information is already published on our website at https://eastdevon.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-business/workforce/trade-union-information/
4. Please advise any estimates for other costs met for those staff on trade union facility time apart from salaries - including travel expenses, office supplies, telephone expenses and energy bills - Zero
Date responded: 24 October 2024
Design codes planning
Date submitted: 8 October 2024
Summary of request
1. Has your local authority adopted a design code? if so please provide a copy.
2. If you have adopted a Design Code, what measures (if any) you undertook to test its popular support locally? Specifically, was any market research conducted? Was the relative support of alternative types of architecture measured using illustrated examples?
3. If you have not adopted a Design Code, what plans (if any) do you have to do so?
Summary of response
1. Has your local authority adopted a design code? if so please provide a copy - No
2. If you have adopted a Design Code, what measures (if any) you undertook to test its popular support locally? Specifically, was any market research conducted? Was the relative support of alternative types of architecture measured using illustrated examples? - N/A
3. If you have not adopted a Design Code, what plans (if any) do you have to do so?
Some of our major applications (expansion area for Cranbrook) have planning conditions requiring Design Codes to be submitted and agreed, none have yet been submitted.
Resource and expertise are the main reasons for not creating Design Codes for the district as a whole.
Date responded: 23 October 2024
Any policies and objectives for biodiversity
Date submitted: 3 October 2024
Summary of request
• A record of your first considerations of what action to take for biodiversity, which was due to be completed by 1 January 2024.
• Any policies and objectives for biodiversity which were agreed as soon as possible after this
• How many hectares of priority habitat you have identified for restoration or creation in the next five years
Summary of response
• A record of your first considerations of what action to take for biodiversity, which was due to be completed by 1 January 2024.
• Any policies and objectives for biodiversity which were agreed as soon as possible after this
• How many hectares of priority habitat you have identified for restoration or creation in the next five years
In terms of the Environment Act Biodiversity Duty, in October 2023 the local planning authority adopted a Nature Recovery Declaration for East Devon (see links below).
12 October 2023 - Caring for nature is a priority for East Devon - East Devon https://eastdevon.gov.uk/news/2023/10/caring-for-nature-is-a-priority-for-east-devon/
Printed minutes 06th-Sep-2023 18.00 Cabinet.pdf (eastdevon.gov.uk) https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/documents/g2194/Printed%20minutes%2006th-Sep-2023%2018.00%20Cabinet.pdf?T=1
The Nature Recovery Declaration provides an overarching framework of how the LPA will meet its enhanced biodiversity duties required under the Environment Act. This includes several high-level aspirations that will drill down into polices and decisions. For example, creating an East Devon’s Local Nature Recovery Plan, implementing Biodiversity Net Gain, developing a tree strategy and influencing local plan policy.
Some of this work is underway including the tree strategy and local plan review with other elements a work in progress, e.g., setting up/registering habitat banks. Any policies etc. would be open consultation as/when they were ready for this.
https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/documents/s23240/Overview_Tree%20Strategy%20report%20210324.pdf
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/emerging-local-plan/
In terms of Q3 we have not had the resources to undertake this exercise.
Date responded: 4 October 2024
Interpreting services
Date submitted: 1 October 2024
Summary of request
In regards to the pay as you go usage I have a few follow up questions:
1. What supplier does the council use when needing interpreting services?
2. Do you have any statistics regarding the councils spend and booking volumes for interpreting services (last 2 years)?
3. The case by case basis, does the council preplan bookings or are all the bookings urgent?
Summary of response
In regards to the pay as you go usage I have a few follow up questions:
1. What supplier does the council use when needing interpreting services? - Language Line
2. Do you have any statistics regarding the councils spend and booking volumes for interpreting services (last 2 years)? - £3,643.20. This is the total for the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24
3. The case by case basis, does the council preplan bookings or are all the bookings urgent? - As they are all over the phone, we do not prebook.
Date responded: 4 October 2024
Facilities - External cleaning
Date submitted: 27 September 2024
Summary of request
1. Exterior building cleaning – service contract focussed around external cleaning of council owned/run commercial buildings and external spaces. To include gutter clearing, UPVC, fascia’s, soffits, windows, roofs, solar panels, playparks, building walls, paved public spaces.
2. Exterior building cleaning – service contract focussed around external cleaning of council housing. To include gutter clearing, UPVC, fascia’s, soffits, windows, roofs, solar panels, building walls, patio and driveways.
Is there a contract in place for each sector?
If you have contracts in place, when are they to be re tendered?
Do you advertise procurement opportunities through a portal e.g. Advantage Southwest?
Summary of response
1. Exterior building cleaning – service contract focussed around external cleaning of council owned/run commercial buildings and external spaces. To include gutter clearing, UPVC, fascia’s, soffits, windows, roofs, solar panels, playparks, building walls, paved public spaces - We do not have any contracts in place for exterior building cleaning and are not planning to have one either, therefore will not be tendering anything. If we were to tender a contract, we will try a direct appointment from a Public Sector Framework and if none is available, we will tender it via ProContract.
Is there a contract in place for each sector? - No
If you have contracts in place, when are they to be re tendered? - N/A
Do you advertise procurement opportunities through a portal e.g. Advantage Southwest? - Yes
2. Exterior building cleaning – service contract focussed around external cleaning of council housing. To include gutter clearing, UPVC, fascia’s, soffits, windows, roofs, solar panels, building walls, patio and driveways - Gutter clearing currently is carried out as and when it is reported to us by the resident by our contractor. Cleaning of UPVC, Fascia’s, Soffits, Windows, Solar Panels, and roofs will be via our contractor as and when required.
Is there a contract in place for each sector? - Ian Williams is our current contractor.
If you have contracts in place, when are they to be re tendered? - N/A
Do you advertise procurement opportunities through a portal e.g. Advantage Southwest? - Yes
Date responded: 24 October 2024
Biodiversity net gain
Date submitted: 26 September 2024
Summary of request
Please find below some questions about how the council is implementing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG):
1. Please can you indicate what, if any, software the council has obtained specifically to help with implementing the following aspects of BNG?
a. Validation of applications, including checking that the correct version of the Biodiversity Metric has been submitted.
b. Determination of applications subject to BNG, including assessment of ecological considerations.
c. Determining if the biodiversity gain objective (biodiversity gain condition) is met.
d. Monitoring of planning obligations set out under S106 agreements or Conservation Covenants, analogous to other planning obligations.
e. Ecological monitoring of BNG habitats, a new statutory duty required by legislation, including ensuring that individual habitats on a given site are progressing in line with expectations set out in the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan.
f. Statutory reporting of BNG habitat progress under the NERC Act Biodiversity Duty.
2. Is the council generating income, or planning to generate income, by charging BNG monitoring fees? If so, how are you calculating this fee?
3. Please answer the questions below to indicate if the council has made use of the government’s new burdens funding for BNG in the financial year 23/24:
a. How much of the funding was spent by the council in this year?
b. What was the funding spent on?
4. Please answer the questions below to indicate if the council has made use of the government’s new burdens funding for BNG in the financial year 24/25:
a. How much of the funding was spent by the council in this year?
b. What was the funding spent on?
Summary of response
1. Please can you indicate what, if any, software the council has obtained specifically to help with implementing the following aspects of BNG? - Exacom
a. Validation of applications, including checking that the correct version of the Biodiversity Metric has been submitted
b. Determination of applications subject to BNG, including assessment of ecological considerations
c. Determining if the biodiversity gain objective (biodiversity gain condition) is met.
d. Monitoring of planning obligations set out under S106 agreements or Conservation Covenants, analogous to other planning obligations - Exacom
e. Ecological monitoring of BNG habitats, a new statutory duty required by legislation, including ensuring that individual habitats on a given site are progressing in line with expectations set out in the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan.
f. Statutory reporting of BNG habitat progress under the NERC Act Biodiversity Duty - Exacom
2. Is the council generating income, or planning to generate income, by charging BNG monitoring fees? If so, how are you calculating this fee? - EDDC is planning to apply monitoring fees and are currently assessing how to calculate this.
3. Please answer the questions below to indicate if the council has made use of the government’s new burdens funding for BNG in the financial year 23/24:
a. How much of the funding was spent by the council in this year? - The last burden payment received was £43,467.00 as we are a band 2 authority
b. What was the funding spent on? - this was allocated against staff costs.
4. Please answer the questions below to indicate if the council has made use of the government’s new burdens funding for BNG in the financial year 24/25: The last burden payment received was £43,467.00 as we are a band 2 authority.
a. How much of the funding was spent by the council in this year? - N/A
b. What was the funding spent on? - N/A
Date responded: 1 October 2024
Number of people placed into County Durham -
Date submitted: 26 September 2024
Summary of request
Please could we have information on the number of people placed into County Durham from East Devon district council in the last five years while fulfilling their housing duties.
Summary of response
You requested to know the number of people placed into County Durham from East Devon district council in the last five years while fulfilling their housing duties - This information is not recorded
Date responded: 1 October 2024
HMOs
Date submitted: 26 September 2024
Summary of request
1. Please state the number of Civil Penalties your Local Authority has served under Section 249a of the Housing Act 2004
2. Please state the number of Civil Penalties your Local Authority has served specifically in relation to breaches of the HMO Management Regulations (Section 249a (2)(e)
3. Please state the number of Prosecutions pursued in relation to breaches of the HMO Management Regulations in the last 5 years
4. Please state the amount of money gained from all Civil Penalties served since their introduction
5. Please state the amount of money gained from all Civil Penalties served in relation to breaches of the HMO Management Regulations
6. Please state the number of Civil Penalties formally appealed by the recipient
7. Please state the number of fully qualified EHOs within your department
8. Please state the number of Technical Officers within your department
9. Please state the number of licensed HMOs within your district
10. Please state whether you have additional/selective licensing schemes within your district and the number of properties that fall under these schemes
Summary of response
1. Please state the number of Civil Penalties your Local Authority has served under Section 249a of the Housing Act 2004 - 0
2. Please state the number of Civil Penalties your Local Authority has served specifically in relation to breaches of the HMO Management Regulations (Section 249a (2)(e) - 0
3. Please state the number of Prosecutions pursued in relation to breaches of the HMO Management Regulations in the last 5 years - 0
4. Please state the amount of money gained from all Civil Penalties served since their introduction - £0
5. Please state the amount of money gained from all Civil Penalties served in relation to breaches of the HMO Management Regulations - £0
6. Please state the number of Civil Penalties formally appealed by the recipient - 0
7. Please state the number of fully qualified EHOs within your department - 2
8. Please state the number of Technical Officers within your department - 1.8
9. Please state the number of licensed HMOs within your district - 47
10. Please state whether you have additional/selective licensing schemes within your district and the number of properties that fall under these schemes – No/zero
Date responded: 1 October 2024
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Related Applications
Date submitted: 26 September 2024
Summary of request
I am writing to request the following information regarding Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) within your jurisdiction:
1. The number of trees currently registered with Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
2. The number of applications received from insurance companies to fell trees with TPOs, within the following timescales:
- 2024 to date
- Jan 2019 – Dec 2023
- Jan 2014 - Dec 2018
3. The number of successful applications from insurance companies to fell trees with TPOs, within the following timescales:
- 2024 to date
- Jan 2019 – Dec 2023
- Jan 2014 - Dec 2018
Summary of response
1. The number of trees currently registered with Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) - There are currently 474 Area TPOs, 539 Group TPOs, 5061 Individual TPOs and 129 Woodland TPOs.
2. The number of applications received from insurance companies to fell trees with TPOs, within the following timescales - Information not held. We don’t hold data that can be interrogated to be able identify tree applications that relate to subsidence cases since 2014.
- 2024 to date
- Jan 2019 – Dec 2023
- Jan 2014 - Dec 2018
3. The number of successful applications from insurance companies to fell trees with TPOs, within the following timescales - Information not held. We don’t hold data that can be interrogated to be able identify tree applications that relate to subsidence cases since 2014.
- 2024 to date
- Jan 2019 – Dec 2023
- Jan 2014 - Dec 2018
Date responded: 22 October 2024
Empty Properties
Date submitted: 10 September 2024
Summary of request
Please could you clarify the amount of empty properties that are owned by EDDC that are 2 bedroom houses or bungalows in the areas below;
-Exmouth
-Lympstone
-Budleigh Salterton
-East Budleigh
-Woodbury
-Woodbury Salterton
Summary of response
As at the end of August we had 3 empty dwellings and one dwelling which is out of management which are from the areas listed and are 2 bed.
Please could you clarify the amount of empty properties that are owned by EDDC that are 2 bedroom houses or bungalows in the areas below;
-Exmouth
-Lympstone
-Budleigh Salterton
-East Budleigh
-Woodbury
-Woodbury Salterton
Date responded: 1 October 2024
Big Wheel in Exmouth
Date submitted: 6 September 2024
Summary of request
Can you please tell me who pays the company who owns the Big Wheel and those operate it? If the company have submitted tender then some department of the EDDC or Devon County have made a payment!
Summary of response
You requested to know who pays the company who owns the Big Wheel and those operate it? If the company have submitted tender then some department of the EDDC or Devon County have made a payment! - There’s been no payment made to the company who owns the Big Wheel and those operate it.
Date responded: 1 October 2024
Legal team/research platform
Date submitted: 4 September 2024
Summary of request
1. How many employees are part of your legal team?
2. Do you use external sources for legal advice and if so, what is the average monthly spend on external resources?
3. Do you use a legal research platform and if so, how much do you spend per month on this platform?
4. Who is responsible for the legal costs associated with the above questions?
Summary of response
1. How many employees are part of your legal team? - 8 plus 1 locum
2. Do you use external sources for legal advice and if so, what is the average monthly spend on external resources? - £10,500
3. Do you use a legal research platform and if so, how much do you spend per month on this platform? - Yes – £1,865
4. Who is responsible for the legal costs associated with the above questions? - Most legal spend on external resources is the responsibility of the instructing department. Research platform costs are met from Legal Services budget.
Date responded: 1 October 2024
Mobile Telephony Services
Date submitted: 4 September 2024
Summary of request
Subject: Mobile Telephony Services
Please provide complete answers to the following questions:
Organisation details
1. What is your organisation's name?
2. How many full-time employees are at your organisation?
3. Who is your mobile phone network provider?
Renewal
4. Did you switch on last renewal?
5. When did you renew the last time?
6. What is the contract length?
7. Did you use a Framework, if so which one?
Contract and usage details
8. How many total connections do you currently have?
9. How many connections are Voice only?
10. How many connections are Voice and Data?
11. Do you use a shared data bundle, if so, what is the data allowance?
12. What is your average data usage of the last 3 months?
13. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for July 2023 (excluding purchase of handsets):
14. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for August 2023 (excluding purchase of handsets):
15. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for September 2023 (excluding purchase of handsets):
16. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for October 2023 (excluding purchase of handsets):
17. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for November 2023 (excluding purchase of handsets):
18. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for December 2023 (excluding purchase of handsets):
19. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for January 2024 (excluding purchase of handsets):
20. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for February 2024 (excluding purchase of handsets):
21. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for March 2024 (excluding purchase of handsets):
22. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for April 2024 (excluding purchase of handsets):
23. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for May 2024 (excluding purchase of handsets):
24. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for June 2024 (excluding purchase of handsets):
25. Is VAT included in the above figures?
26. Do you have a hardware fund, if so, how much and is it included in the monthly spend?
27. Do you host any mobile phone masts on your premises, if so, how many and who provides them?
28. Who is the primary contact for this contract?
Summary of response
Organisation details
1. What is your organisation's name? - STRATA Service Solutions Ltd, for East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council and Teignbridge District Council.
2. How many full-time employees are at your organisation? - 75
3. Who is your mobile phone network provider? - o2,EE and Vodafone
Renewal
4. Did you switch on last renewal? - NO
5. When did you renew the last time? - EE (BT) – 31/08/2023, O2 – 27/02/2023, Vodafone 22/04/2024
6. What is the contract length? - 2 years (some have 1 year extension option)
7. Did you use a Framework, if so which one? - Yes, the Crown Commercial Service RM6261
Contract and usage details
8. How many total connections do you currently have? - In total strata accommodate 1586 mobile connections
9. How many connections are Voice only? - 199
10. How many connections are Voice and Data? - 959
11. Do you use a shared data bundle, if so, what is the data allowance? - Yes, EE- 750Gb O2- 500Gb Vodafone – 500Gb
12. What is your average data usage of the last 3 months? - EE- 513Gb O2- 716Gb Vodafone – 151Gb
13. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for July 2023 (excluding purchase of handsets): - £6141.13
14. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for August 2023 (excluding purchase of handsets): - £8099.27
15. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for September 2023 (excluding purchase of handsets): - £9307.41
16. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for October 2023 (excluding purchase of handsets): - £12818.16
17. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for November 2023 (excluding purchase of handsets): - £17998.85
18. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for December 2023 (excluding purchase of handsets): - £13939.18
19. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for January 2024 (excluding purchase of handsets): - £4586.05
20. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for February 2024 (excluding purchase of handsets): - £4180.21
21. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for March 2024 (excluding purchase of handsets): - £3785.36
22. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for April 2024 (excluding purchase of handsets): - £3757.06
23. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for May 2024 (excluding purchase of handsets): - £6156.86
24. Please provide your total mobile phone contract costs for June 2024 (excluding purchase of handsets): - £2999.43
25. Is VAT included in the above figures? Yes
26. Do you have a hardware fund, if so, how much and is it included in the monthly spend? - NO
27. Do you host any mobile phone masts on your premises, if so, how many and who provides them? - NO
28. Who is the primary contact for this contract? - Andrew Woodhouse, Supplier Manager – andrew.woodhouse@strata.solutions
Date responded: 27 September 2024
Homeless Applications & Interim Accommodation
Date submitted: 4 September 2024
Summary of request
I request the council’s expenditure on interim temporary accommodation and related costs, as well as the measures being taken to reduce such expenditures.
Please provide the following information:
1. Homeless Applications and Interim Accommodation:
- Over the past twelve months, how many people have made a homeless application to the Council?
- Over the past twelve months, how many people have been provided with interim accommodation pursuant to Section 188(1) of the Housing Act 1996?
- Over the past twelve months, how many people have been provided with interim accommodation pursuant to Section 189(b) of the Housing Act 1996?
- Over the past twelve months, what was the total cost of providing interim accommodation?
a) What proportion of this cost was paid to Travelodge and/or any of its parent companies/subsidiaries?
b) What was the total amount paid to Travelodge and/or its related entities over the past twelve months?
2. Temporary Accommodation Expenditure and Associated Costs:
- What has been the total expenditure on interim temporary accommodation (e.g., Travelodge, B&Bs) for homeless individuals over the past three financial years?
- Please provide a breakdown of these costs by location, including the number of placements made outside the borough.
- What has been the total expenditure on affiliated costs such as storage, taxis, and other related services for individuals placed in temporary accommodation outside the borough over the past three financial years?
- Please provide details of these costs by category (e.g., storage, transportation, etc.) and location.
3. Protection of Personal Property for Homeless Applicants:
- Over the past twelve months, how many homeless applicants have had their personal property protected by the local authority?
- What is the average length of time that a homeless applicant’s personal property is stored by the local authority?
- What is the average cost of storing a homeless applicant’s personal property while they are in interim accommodation?
- Under what circumstances does the local authority protect the personal property of homeless applicants?
- As part of the homeless application process, does the local authority expressly ask the homeless applicant whether they need their personal property protected?
- If not, please state the reasons why this question is not asked.
- Please provide copies of the local authority’s policies regarding homeless applications.
- Please provide a copy of the local authority’s policy regarding the protection of the personal property of homeless applicants.
- Please disclose a copy of the council's homeless procedures manual or policy document followed by housing solutions officers at its homeless service centres/homeless persons offices.
- Over the past three years, how many complaints have been made by homeless applicants regarding the council’s failure to protect their personal property?
4. Proactive Measures to Reduce Temporary Accommodation Costs:
- What specific measures has the council taken to reduce the reliance on temporary accommodation outside the borough, such as Travelodge and B&Bs?
- Has the council developed or initiated any programs to increase the availability of local temporary accommodation, particularly through the use of empty properties or land within the borough? If so, please provide details.
5. Utilisation of Empty Properties and Land:
- How many empty properties and parcels of land are currently owned by the council that could potentially be used for temporary accommodation?
- Has the council considered or initiated any compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to acquire vacant properties for conversion into temporary accommodation? If so, please provide details, including the number of properties targeted, the outcome, and associated costs.
- What steps has the council taken to encourage community/ non-profit groups or social enterprises to make use of disused land or buildings via adverse possession for temporary accommodation or support services? Please provide examples, if any.
6. Comparative Models and Best Practices:
- Is the council aware of successful models such as Calderwood House in Cumbria, where an empty property (a former police station) was transformed into temporary accommodation and support services? If so, has the council explored similar initiatives within the borough? Please provide details of any discussions, plans, or actions taken.
- Has the council considered offering similar arrangements, such as a peppercorn rent, to community groups or social enterprises willing to repurpose empty properties for temporary accommodation or support services? If not, what are the reasons for not pursuing this option?
7. Support Services for Individuals in Temporary Accommodation:
What support services does the council currently provide for individuals placed in temporary accommodation outside the borough, particularly in terms of maintaining their connection to local support networks, healthcare providers, and other essential services?
Are there any programs in place to assist individuals in transitioning from temporary accommodation outside the borough to permanent housing within the borough? If so, please provide details on the nature of the support provided, outcomes, and costs.
8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Complaints:
How does the council monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of its temporary accommodation placements, particularly those made outside the borough? Please provide any available data on the impact of these placements on residents, including any assessments of detriment or distress caused.
Has the council conducted any cost-benefit analysis comparing the current expenditure on temporary accommodation outside the borough with potential savings from investing in local solutions (e.g., repurposing empty properties)? If so, please provide the findings.
Summary of response
1. Homeless Applications and Interim Accommodation:
- Over the past twelve months, how many people have made a homeless application to the Council? - 1190
- Over the past twelve months, how many people have been provided with interim accommodation pursuant to Section 188(1) of the Housing Act 1996? - 395
- Over the past twelve months, how many people have been provided with interim accommodation pursuant to Section 189(b) of the Housing Act 1996? - s188 is the duty when provided interim accommodation under s189b Relief Duty.
- Over the past twelve months, what was the total cost of providing interim accommodation? - £610,337 – Period 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 (last financial year)
a) What proportion of this cost was paid to Travelodge and/or any of its parent companies/subsidiaries? - £0 under purchase orders, there is £50k of the above where payment has been made via credit card which we are unable to breakdown
b) What was the total amount paid to Travelodge and/or its related entities over the past twelve months? - £0 under purchase orders, there is £50k of the above where payment has been made via credit card which we are unable to breakdown
2. Temporary Accommodation Expenditure and Associated Costs:
- What has been the total expenditure on interim temporary accommodation (e.g., Travelodge, B&Bs) for homeless individuals over the past three financial years? - 2023, see above, 2022: £629,595, 2021: 391,281
- Please provide a breakdown of these costs by location, including the number of placements made outside the borough. - Unable to breakdown by location
- What has been the total expenditure on affiliated costs such as storage, taxis, and other related services for individuals placed in temporary accommodation outside the borough over the past three financial years? - Unable to breakdown
- Please provide details of these costs by category (e.g., storage, transportation, etc.) and location. - Unable to breakdown
3. Protection of Personal Property for Homeless Applicants:
- Over the past twelve months, how many homeless applicants have had their personal property protected by the local authority? - 0
- What is the average length of time that a homeless applicant’s personal property is stored by the local authority? - N/A
- What is the average cost of storing a homeless applicant’s personal property while they are in interim accommodation? - N/A
- Under what circumstances does the local authority protect the personal property of homeless applicants? - If circumstances require protection of personal property as outlined in Code of Guidance
- As part of the homeless application process, does the local authority expressly ask the homeless applicant whether they need their personal property protected? - Yes
- If not, please state the reasons why this question is not asked.
- Please provide copies of the local authority’s policies regarding homeless applications. - No specific policy re this
- Please provide a copy of the local authority’s policy regarding the protection of the personal property of homeless applicants. - No policy
- Please disclose a copy of the council's homeless procedures manual or policy document followed by housing solutions officers at its homeless service centres/homeless persons offices. - No Policy document.
- Over the past three years, how many complaints have been made by homeless applicants regarding the council’s failure to protect their personal property? - 0
4. Proactive Measures to Reduce Temporary Accommodation Costs:
- What specific measures has the council taken to reduce the reliance on temporary accommodation outside the borough, such as Travelodge and B&Bs? - Use own stock more.
- Has the council developed or initiated any programs to increase the availability of local temporary accommodation, particularly through the use of empty properties or land within the borough? If so, please provide details. - Yes, purchased two HMOs. And two LAHF properties.
5. Utilisation of Empty Properties and Land:
- How many empty properties and parcels of land are currently owned by the council that could potentially be used for temporary accommodation? - As a stock holding authority with over 4,000 homes, a number of these become vacant each year. When a property becomes vacant, works are undertaken to as quickly as possible to return the property into use. This sometimes includes using the property for temporary accommodation.
The Council owns a number sites which have the potential for development. These are typically garage sites. We are currently developing a 5 year plan to invest in and develop these sites to provide additional affordable homes. This may include temporary accommodation. This plan will be published next year and will outline how many homes will be provided.
- Has the council considered or initiated any compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to acquire vacant properties for conversion into temporary accommodation? If so, please provide details, including the number of properties targeted, the outcome, and associated costs. - No
- What steps has the council taken to encourage community/ non-profit groups or social enterprises to make use of disused land or buildings via adverse possession for temporary accommodation or support services? Please provide examples, if any - None. We do however provide practical and financial support to community groups to deliver affordable housing across the district through Community Land Trusts.
6. Comparative Models and Best Practices:
- Is the council aware of successful models such as Calderwood House in Cumbria, where an empty property (a former police station) was transformed into temporary accommodation and support services? If so, has the council explored similar initiatives within the borough? Please provide details of any discussions, plans, or actions taken. - No
- Has the council considered offering similar arrangements, such as a peppercorn rent, to community groups or social enterprises willing to repurpose empty properties for temporary accommodation or support services? If not, what are the reasons for not pursuing this option? - Not required.
7. Support Services for Individuals in Temporary Accommodation:
What support services does the council currently provide for individuals placed in temporary accommodation outside the borough, particularly in terms of maintaining their connection to local support networks, healthcare providers, and other essential services? - Temporary Accommodation Officer
Are there any programs in place to assist individuals in transitioning from temporary accommodation outside the borough to permanent housing within the borough? If so, please provide details on the nature of the support provided, outcomes, and costs. - No
8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Complaints:
How does the council monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of its temporary accommodation placements, particularly those made outside the borough? Please provide any available data on the impact of these placements on residents, including any assessments of detriment or distress caused - We don’t monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the temporary accommodation placements
Has the council conducted any cost-benefit analysis comparing the current expenditure on temporary accommodation outside the borough with potential savings from investing in local solutions (e.g., repurposing empty properties)? If so, please provide the findings. - No.
Date responded: 1 October 2024
Land that is currently unoccupied and/or not being used in Exmouth
Date submitted: 4 September 2024
Summary of request
I would like details of all land owned by EDDC in exmouth only
1. Land that is currently unoccupied and/or not being used.
2. The address of the land.
3. The approximate size of the land
4.reasons why the land is not being used.
Thank you
Summary of response
I would like details of all land owned by EDDC in Exmouth only
1. Land that is currently unoccupied and/or not being used
2. The address of the land.
3. The approximate size of the land
4. Reasons why the land is not being used.
EDDC does not have any land assets in Exmouth that are unoccupied or unused that do not have a designated use and that are without planning constraints and/or subject to the outcome of the place making plan for Exmouth.
Date responded: 9 September 2024
Taxi licensing
Date submitted: 4 September 2024
Summary of request
1. Please can you provide me with the name, job title, contact number and email address of the person responsible for the management of Taxi Licensing.
2. Details of your current taxi licensing platform including expiry date, contract cost and duration of the contract. The licensing platform is the software that you use to manage customers applications, e.g., Idox, Civica, Jadu. Unless of course you use Word, Excel, PDF or Gov.uk.
Summary of response
1. Please can you provide me with the name, job title, contact number and email address of the person responsible for the management of Taxi Licensing. - Phillippa Norsworthy, Licensing Manager, licensing@eastdevon.gov.uk
2. Details of your current taxi licensing platform including expiry date, contract cost and duration of the contract. The licensing platform is the software that you use to manage customers applications, e.g., Idox, Civica, Jadu. Unless of course you use Word, Excel, PDF or Gov.uk. - IDOX (LALPAC). Expiry Date – 30 October 2027. 5-year contract. The cost is £886,000.
Date responded: 9 September 2024
Dog fouling prevalence over last 12 months
Date submitted: 4 September 2024
Summary of request
1. The number of complaints received for dog fouling in the last year (September 2023 - August 2024)
2. The number of fixed penalty notices issued for dog fouling / dog littering during the same period
3. The value in £ of those fines outlined in point 2
4. Specific locations of those FPNs outlined in point 2 [if possible] - by postcode or similar
Summary of response
1. The number of complaints received for dog fouling in the last year (September 2023 - August 2024) - 48 complaints
2. The number of fixed penalty notices issued for dog fouling / dog littering during the same period - None
3. The value in £ of those fines outlined in point 2 - £0
4. Specific locations of those FPNs outlined in point 2 [if possible] - by postcode or similar - NA
Date responded: 9 September 2024
Permitted Development 22/0886/AGE - Forestry
Date submitted: 23 August 2024
Summary of request
Could you please provide me with information on how many trees will be planted each year on application no 22/0886/AGE as you have said that the building is reasonable necessary to store machinery for this operation.
And why have the council refused to put time scales on the forestry operations for the planting of trees.
Summary of response
You requested to know how many trees will be planted each year on application no 22/0886/AGE as you have said that the building is reasonable necessary to store machinery for this operation - This information is not held
And why have the council refused to put time scales on the forestry operations for the planting of trees - We do not have to provide reasoning under FOI only information that is held. This part of your request falls outside the parameters of FOI and is therefore refused.
Date responded: 9 September 2024
Exmouth Big Wheel
Date submitted: 22 August 2024
Summary of request
Can the appropriate department please give information about the Big Wheel situated on Queen's Drive Exmouth.
Does the EDDC pay for this or give any subsidy for its operation during the summer season?
Has the company who owns the Big Wheel been invited by the EDDC?
To what extent is any of the Council Tax precept and Business Rates used for its installation and running?
Summary of response
1) Does the EDDC pay for this or give any subsidy for its operation during the summer season? - The owners of the Observation wheel pay land hire fees for the days they operate.
2) Has the company who owns the Big Wheel been invited by the EDDC? - They tendered in 2023.
3) To what extent is any of the Council Tax precept and Business Rates used for its installation and running? - The Observation wheel was rated for business rates for the period 22.06.2024 – 03.09.2024. No business rates discounts or reliefs have been awarded. Council tax is for residential properties so is not relevant.
Date responded: 22 August 2024
Climate awareness training for senior councillors and staff
Date submitted: 21 August 2024
Summary of request
I would like information about your council’s climate awareness training in relation to climate action for the Council Climate Action Scorecards. This information may be held by the HR department or other departments that organise staff training.
In particular, please supply me with information relating to the following questions:
a. Have all senior management received climate awareness training, including Carbon Literacy or equivalent, before 15th August 2024? Please state the type of training.
We are seeking information for senior managers who have had climate awareness training that has taken place since 1st January 2015 and up until 15th August 2024. We define senior management as including all Chief Executives, deputy Chief Executives and Directors or Heads of Departments, or equivalents, depending on what each council calls them.
b. Have all current councillors in the cabinet or committee chairs received climate awareness training, including Carbon Literacy or equivalent, since being elected from May 2023 or before? Please state the type of training.
We don’t expect councillors who were elected in May 2024, or since, to have already been trained. We are only seeking information for cabinet or committee chairs who have taken climate awareness training that has taken place since 1st January 2015 and up until 15th August 2024.
This could be training certified by the Carbon Literacy Project or another organisation, university or in-house. We want to know the number of people who have attended the training. We don’t need to know the number of staff that have received a certificate of completion or attendance.
Summary of response
a. Have all senior management received climate awareness training, including Carbon Literacy or equivalent, before 15th August 2024? Please state the type of training. - Carbon literacy training has been offered to all senior managers and has been taken up by the majority ( we have had some new starters and will be running more training this autumn) ; we have a new leadership team who have been signed up to external CL training in October. Our previous CEO and Strategic leaders all had CL training.
We are seeking information for senior managers who have had climate awareness training that has taken place since 1st January 2015 and up until 15th August 2024. We define senior management as including all Chief Executives, deputy Chief Executives and Directors or Heads of Departments, or equivalents, depending on what each council calls them. - All have had or will have CL training ( by end of October 2024)
b. Have all current councillors in the cabinet or committee chairs received climate awareness training, including Carbon Literacy or equivalent, since being elected from May 2023 or before? Please state the type of training. - We have run a variety of sessions for new and existing Cllrs from short 45 minute awareness sessions to longer 90 minute sessions to 8 hrs of CL literacy training. The majority of Cllrs have undertaken some form of training since they joined the council and Cllrs who were from the existing cohort had previously undergone CL training in Nov 2022
We don’t expect councillors who were elected in May 2024, or since, to have already been trained. We are only seeking information for cabinet or committee chairs who have taken climate awareness training that has taken place since 1st January 2015 and up until 15th August 2024. - We have already trained some of our new Cllrs and the majority of our previously elected Cllrs have undergone some training – 85% This year we set up an internal training team led by the climate emergency team who will offer a variety of training at various levels to all staff, they are certified to deliver the CL training.
Date responded: 9 September 2024
Staff engagement on climate
Date submitted: 21 August 2024
Summary of request
I am requesting information about employee representative bodies’ ability to inform and influence the development and delivery of the council’s Climate Action Plan.
By employee representative bodies we include the council’s recognised trade unions as well as other forms of non-union employee representation (ex. staff associations and employee forums).
In particular, please supply me with information relating to the following questions:
a. Does the council have any policies, procedures or agreements in place that enable employee representative bodies to influence the development and delivery of the council’s Climate Action Plan? If so, please share details of these policies, procedures or agreements.
b. Have employee representative bodies contributed to any recent consultations related to the delivery of the council’s Climate Action Plan?
If so, could you please share any relevant document, dated from 1 January 2023, including:
a) Meeting minutes; b) Reports; c) Invitations to events; d) Other relevant documents
Summary of response
a. Does the council have any policies, procedures or agreements in place that enable employee representative bodies to influence the development and delivery of the council’s Climate Action Plan? If so, please share details of these policies, procedures or agreements - We have a green team made up of representatives and senior leadership from each department, this is our internal delivery mechanism for carbon reduction work. We do not have as yet an employee representative board.
b. Have employee representative bodies contributed to any recent consultations related to the delivery of the council’s Climate Action Plan? - No
If so, could you please share any relevant document, dated from 1 January 2023, including:
a) Meeting minutes; b) Reports; c) Invitations to events; d) Other relevant documents
Date responded: 12 September 2024
Council electricity tariffs and renewable electricity generation
Date submitted: 21 August 2024
Summary of request
I would like information about your council’s electricity sources in relation to climate action for the Council Climate Action Scorecards. This information may be held by an estates department or similar.
In particular, please supply me with information relating to the following questions:
a. Does the council have a 100% renewable green electricity tariff for all of the electricity that the council is directly responsible for, and is this tariff with Green Energy UK plc, Good Energy Limited or Ecotricity?
This includes all electricity that the council is directly responsible for, in council offices and any other buildings leased and managed by the council where the council pays the electricity tariff. This does not include homes owned or managed by the council. If unsure, please state your provider and tariff.
b. Does the council generate and use energy from waste? And if so, what percentage of the council’s total electricity use is powered by this/these energy from waste electricity sources?
c. Does the council buy directly from a local renewable electricity source or have its own renewable electricity sources? And if so, what percentage of the council's total electricity use is powered by this/these renewable electricity sources?
This includes council owned renewable electricity sources that are located outside of the council area, such as solar farms located further south to maximise energy generation.
Summary of response
In particular, please supply me with information relating to the following questions:
a. Does the council have a 100% renewable green electricity tariff for all of the electricity that the council is directly responsible for, and is this tariff with Green Energy UK plc, Good Energy Limited or Ecotricity? - Yes, the energy supplier is Total Energies and it is a 100% green tariff.
This includes all electricity that the council is directly responsible for, in council offices and any other buildings leased and managed by the council where the council pays the electricity tariff. This does not include homes owned or managed by the council. If unsure, please state your provider and tariff.
b. Does the council generate and use energy from waste? And if so, what percentage of the council’s total electricity use is powered by this/these energy from waste electricity sources? - Our waste does go to an Energy from Waste Plant located on Marsh Barton, Exeter. However we do not benefit from the energy generated. Any further questions on this need to be referred to Devon County Council as the waste disposal authority.
c. Does the council buy directly from a local renewable electricity source or have its own renewable electricity sources? And if so, what percentage of the council's total electricity use is powered by this/these renewable electricity sources? - No.
This includes council owned renewable electricity sources that are located outside of the council area, such as solar farms located further south to maximise energy generation.
Date responded: 22 August 2024
High carbon transport infrastructure
Date submitted: 21 August 2024
Summary of request
Has the council approved any new or expanded airport runways, terminals, measures to increase passenger numbers or other planning proposals that expand airport capacity in its area since the 1st January 2020 until 15th August 2024? Please list which ones were accepted.
Summary of response
Has the council approved any new or expanded airport runways, terminals, measures to increase passenger numbers or other planning proposals that expand airport capacity in its area since the 1st January 2020 until 15th August 2024? - No
Please list which ones were accepted - N/A
Date responded: 22 August 2024
Planning staffing and agency staff
Date submitted: 21 August 2024
Summary of request
1. How many members of staff are in your planning department if at full capacity?
2. On average, during the year from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, what was the staff headcount of your planning department team? If not able to express as an average, perhaps you could confirm the headcount at a specific date or at year-end.
3. How many employees were directly employed by the authority during this period?
4. How many employees were employed through agencies during this period?
5. On average, during 2023/24, how many days were agency workers employed for to work in the planning department
6. How much was spent on employing agency workers in the planning department between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024?
7. What was your average department headcount in the financial years (a) 2017/18 (b) 2019/20 and (c) 2021/23?
8. How many members of the planning department left their role between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024?
Summary of response
1. How many members of staff are in your planning department if at full capacity? - 64
2. On average, during the year from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, what was the staff headcount of your planning department team? If not able to express as an average, perhaps you could confirm the headcount at a specific date or at year-end - 55.5
3. How many employees were directly employed by the authority during this period? - 543.5
4. How many employees were employed through agencies during this period? - 12
5. On average, during 2023/24, how many days were agency workers employed for to work in the planning department - information not available as not through our preferred supplier framework
6. How much was spent on employing agency workers in the planning department between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024? - £269,334.
7. What was your average department headcount in the financial years (a) 2017/18 - 47 (b) 2019/20 - 54.75 and (c) 2021/23? - 57.5
8. How many members of the planning department left their role between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024? - 3
Date responded: 12 September 2024
Equality impact assessment in respect of "re-wilding" policy
Date submitted: 21 August 2024
Summary of request
Can you please provide details of any equality impact assessment you have completed in respect of your "re-wilding" policy, particularly in respect of Exmouth and the embankment in Marine Way/Halsdon Rd. I am specifically interested in any consideration you have given to people with breathing problems/asthma and grass pollen.
If you have not completed an equality impact assessment or if you do not have a formal re-wilding policy, can you please explain why not?
Thank you
Summary of response
You requested to know details of any equality impact assessment you have completed in respect of our "re-wilding" policy, particularly in respect of Exmouth and the embankment in Marine Way/Halsdon Rd.
We do not have a formal re-wilding policy.
We are in the process of writing a policy for those areas maintained by EDDC.
As part of this process, we will be completing an Equalities Impact Assessment.
Date responded: 9 September 2024
Dog breeding licences
Date submitted: 21 August 2024
Summary of request
1. Number of licensed dog breeders between 1 Jan 2022 - 31 December 2022
2. Number of licensed dog breeders between 1 Jan 2023 - 31 December 2023
3. Please provide the postcode for each dog breeder holding a licence in the calendar year 2023.
4. The number of dog breeding licenses issued between 1 Jan 2023 - 31 December 2023, to those who have bred up to 2 litters in the calendar year (licensed under the business test).
5. The number of dog breeding licenses issued between 1 Jan 2023 – 31 December 23 to those who have bred 3 or 4 litters in the calendar year
6. The number of dog breeding licenses issued between 1 Jan 2023 – 31 December 23 to those who have bred 5 ore more litters in the calendar year
7. Number of licenses issued to those selling kittens in the course of a business between 1 Jan 2023 - 31 December 2023
8. Number of times licensing officers have taken action, in relation to dog breeding licensing condition ‘6.5’ – “No dog may be kept for breeding if it can reasonably be expected, on the basis of its genotype, phenotype or state of health that breeding from it could have a detrimental effect on its health or welfare or the health or welfare of its offspring.”
a. If practical, please provide a summary of action taken under clause 6.5
Summary of response
1. Number of licensed dog breeders between 1 Jan 2022 - 31 December 2022 - 7 licensed breeders
2. Number of licensed dog breeders between 1 Jan 2023 - 31 December 2023 - 13 licensed breeders
3. Please provide the postcode for each dog breeder holding a licence in the calendar year 2023.
This information can be found on the Councils webpage Current licensed establishments - East Devon
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/environmental-health-and-wellbeing/licensing-and-registrations/animal-licensing/current-licensed-establishments/
EX14 3NU
EX10 0QD
EX11 1PJ
EX14 1HW
EX8 3PT
EX13 8TB
EX13 7HR
EX14 3NU
EX14 4RH
EX10 0QD
EX14 9QP
EX11 1PJ
EX8 3PT
4. The number of dog breeding licenses issued between 1 Jan 2023 - 31 December 2023, to those who have bred up to 2 litters in the calendar year (licensed under the business test). - We do not hold this information
5. The number of dog breeding licenses issued between 1 Jan 2023 – 31 December 23 to those who have bred 3 or 4 litters in the calendar year - We do not hold this information
6. The number of dog breeding licenses issued between 1 Jan 2023 – 31 December 23 to those who have bred 5 ore more litters in the calendar year - We do not hold this information
7. Number of licenses issued to those selling kittens in the course of a business between 1 Jan 2023 - 31 December 2023 - One
8. Number of times licensing officers have taken action, in relation to dog breeding licensing condition ‘6.5’ – “No dog may be kept for breeding if it can reasonably be expected, on the basis of its genotype, phenotype or state of health that breeding from it could have a detrimental effect on its health or welfare or the health or welfare of its offspring.” - None
a. If practical, please provide a summary of action taken under clause 6.5
Date responded: 9 September 2024
Previous tenders and prices for interpretation services
Date submitted: 20 August 2024
Summary of request
Specifically, I would like to request the following information:
1. When the last tender was issued by your council related to interpretation services
2. The names of the companies or service providers who were awarded these tenders.
3. The contract values or spend details associated with each awarded tender (this includes booking volumes and price per booking type).
4. When the contract ends and if there is any option to extend (and when the council is planning for the next tender)
5. Any available documentation or reports that outline the evaluation criteria and decision-making process for these tenders.
Summary of response
1. When the last tender was issued by your council related to interpretation services - Purchases are on a pay-as-you-go basis. Services have never been tendered.
2. The names of the companies or service providers who were awarded these tenders - See reply in 1 above.
3. The contract values or spend details associated with each awarded tender (this includes booking volumes and price per booking type) - See reply in 1. above.
4. When the contract ends and if there is any option to extend (and when the council is planning for the next tender) - Not applicable.
5. Any available documentation or reports that outline the evaluation criteria and decision-making process for these tenders - Not applicable.
Date responded: 9 September 2024
Dog warden and stray dog services
Date submitted: 19 August 2024
Summary of request
1)How many stray dogs entered pounds for each year between 1st January 2019 and 31st December 2023, including by breed.
2) Broken down by year 2019,2020,2021,2022,2023 (calendar years)
2a)How many of these were reclaimed by their owners?
2b) How many were adopted from the pound?
2c)How many went to an animal rescue? Please provide a breakdown in numbers per year for each rescue used
2d)How many were euthanized?
2e)What happened to any remaining dogs that did not fall into above categories?
2f)How many dogs were chipped?
2g)How many were chipped with owners details up to date?
3a) For each year (2019-2023)could you please tell me the total number of w.t.e (whole time equivalent) dog wardens you employ?
3b) if the role of the dog warden has been dispersed to other staff could you please let me know how many staff undertake dog warden duties and what proportion of their time in whole time equivalents (w.t.e.) that they roughly spend on the dog warden's role.
3c)If you do not directly employ any dog wardens and manage this function via a contract with an external provider could you please confirm the provider.
4) Please provide the first part of the postcode of the pound holding kennels ( the details are for geographical spatial mapping and so exact address is not required)
Summary of response
1) How many stray dogs entered pounds for each year between 1st January 2019 and 31st December 2023, including by breed.
2019 - total 12 dogs: Chihuahua – 1 dog; Staffie – 2 dogs; Whippet – 1 dog; Lurcher – 2 dogs; Bichon Frise – 1 dog; Labrador – 1 dog; Jack Russel – 1 dog; Sprocker – 1 dog; Unknown breed – 1 dog
2020 - total 6 dogs, Unknown breed – 3 dogs; Akitax – 1 dog; Jack Russel – 1 dog; Shih Tzu – 1 dog
2021 - total 7 dogs, Collie – 1 dog; Pointer – 1 dog; Chihuahua – 1 dog; Staffie – 3 dogs; Greyhound – 1 dog
2022 - total 8 dogs – Collie – 2 dogs; Pug – 1 dog; Spaniel – 2 dogs; Patterdale Terrier – 1 dog; Cockapoo – 1 dog; Cross breed – 1 dog
2023 - total 19 dogs – Collie – 1 dog; Cross Breed – 1 dog; Staffie – 3 dogs; American Bulldog – 2 dogs; French Bulldog – 1 dog; Yorkshire Terrier – 1 dog; Shih Tzu – 1 dog; XL Bully – 2 dogs; Boxer – 3 dogs; Patterdale Terrier – 1 dog; Shar-Pei – 2 dogs; Spaniel – 1 dog
2) Broken down by year 2019,2020,2021,2022,2023 (calendar years)
2a) How many of these were reclaimed by their owners? - 2019 - 5 dogs; 2020 – 2 dogs; 2021 – 2 dogs; 2022 - 4 dogs; 2023 – 4 dogs
2b) How many were adopted from the pound? - 2019 – 6 dogs; 2020 – 2 dogs; 2021 – 4 dogs; 2022 - 3 dogs; 2023 – 11 dogs
2c) How many went to an animal rescue? Please provide a breakdown in numbers per year for each rescue used - 2019 - 1 dog; 2020 - 0 dogs; 2021 - 1 dog; 2022 - 1 dog; 2023 – 2 dogs
2d) How many were euthanized? - 2019 - 0 dogs; 2020 - 0 dogs; 2021 - 0 dogs; 2022 - 0 dogs; 2023 – 2 dogs
2e) What happened to any remaining dogs that did not fall into above categories? - Not Applicable – all dogs not reunited are rehomed by kennel
2f) How many dogs were chipped? - 2019 – 3 dogs; 2020 – 3 dogs; 2021 – 3 dogs; 2022 – 1 dog; 2023 – 4 dogs
2g) How many were chipped with owners details up to date? - 2019 – 2 dogs; 2020 – 2 dogs; 2021 - 3 dogs; 2022 – 1 dog; 2023 – 4 dogs
3a) For each year (2019-2023)could you please tell me the total number of w.t.e (whole time equivalent) dog wardens you employ? - 2019 – 0; 2020 – 0; 2021 – 0; 2022 – 0; 2023 - 0
3b) if the role of the dog warden has been dispersed to other staff could you please let me know how many staff undertake dog warden duties and what proportion of their time in whole time equivalents (w.t.e.) that they roughly spend on the dog warden's role - Not Applicable
3c) If you do not directly employ any dog wardens and manage this function via a contract with an external provider could you please confirm the provider. - Not Applicable
4) Please provide the first part of the postcode of the pound holding kennels ( the details are for geographical spatial mapping and so exact address is not required) - T12
Date responded: 20 August 2024
Spend on officers attending conferences
Date submitted: 16 August 2024
Summary of request
1. Over the course of financial year 2023-2024 how much did your authority spend on attending conferences?
2. Which conferences did you fund for people to attend?
3. What are the job titles of people who attended conferences?
Summary of response
1. Over the course of financial year 2023-2024 how much did your authority spend on attending conferences? - Information not recorded
2. Which conferences did you fund for people to attend? - Information not recorded
3. What are the job titles of people who attended conferences? - Information not recorded
Date responded: 9 September 2024
HR software
Date submitted: 16 August 2024
Summary of request
1. Total number of employees
2. Number of HR Staff
3. What is your current HR case management (HRCM) Solution?
4. Is the solution cloud-based or on-premise?
5. If on-premise, do you have a cloud migration strategy?
6. If yes, please share more details, including budget allocation.
7. Number of licenses
8. Length of contract
9. Contract expiry date
10. Contract review date
11. Annual cost of contract
12. Total cost of contract
13. Person responsible for the HRCM software and their contact details
14. Person responsible for any future projects on reviewing or replacing the HRCM software and their contact details
Summary of response
1. Total number of employees - 598
2. Number of HR Staff - 12
3. What is your current HR case management (HRCM) Solution? - iTrent
4. Is the solution cloud-based or on-premise? - Managed in-house.
5. If on-premise, do you have a cloud migration strategy? - No
6. If yes, please share more details, including budget allocation.
7. Number of licenses
8. Length of contract
9. Contract expiry date
10. Contract review date
11. Annual cost of contract
12. Total cost of contract
13. Person responsible for the HRCM software and their contact details
14. Person responsible for any future projects on reviewing or replacing the HRCM software and their contact details - Jo Fellows, jfellows@eastdevon.gov.uk
Date responded: 9 September 2024
Homelessness Judicial Reviews
Date submitted: 15 August 2024
Summary of request
• Since 01 January 2019, how much money in total has your council spent on facing homelessness judicial reviews in the High Court?
Summary of response
Since 01 January 2019, how much money in total has your council spent on facing homelessness judicial reviews in the High Court? - Zero
Date responded: 15 August 2024
Disabled bays in council car parks
Date submitted: 13 August 2024
Summary of request
Please provide any and all information related to the provision of disabled parking bays in public car parks operated by or on behalf of the Council.
In particular, I would like any information contained in Equality Impact Assessments that show that the provision of only 4 disabled parking bays in the Lime Kiln Long Stay Car Park meets the obligations of the council under the Equalities Act
Summary of response
The number of disabled bays contained within our car parks have not been subject to a specific EQI assessment and instead our approach to determining the number of disabled bays in each of our car parks is guided by the EDDC's Parking Strategy.
The relevant text is as follows;
4.1 Offer sufficient dedicated disabled spaces where they are needed most
There are currently 147 disabled bays in East Devon District Council car parks and these provide blue badge motorists with the convenience of larger spaces, and these are often located close to car park entry points to allow easy access out of the car park. In some locations these spaces are well used and are invaluable for blue badge holders, however Devon County Council also offer a blue badge scheme, allowing motorists to park in limited waiting bays without the time constraint, on single and double yellow lines for up to 3 hours (unless loading/waiting is prohibited) and also in resident permit scheme zones. As East Devon charge for use of disabled bays, the Devon County Council regulations ordinarily present the better option for blue badge holders, leaving some disabled bays within certain car parks underutilised. As part of this strategy, East Devon commit to providing the right number of disabled bays where they are most needed, as opposed to a rudimentary number in each car park, where the space may be better utilised for an alternative parking provision. This is a primary example where Devon County and East Devon parking restrictions can complement each other to the benefit of the entire parking ecosystem.
We are always happy to specifically review the number of disabled bays in any car park should user experience suggest that more are required.
Date responded: 20 August 2024
Parking violation PCNs
Date submitted: 13 August 2024
Summary of request
Please may you provide me with the following information about PCNs issued for parking violations in the area which is enforced by your council.
As a time frame, I would like to know answers for questions 2-7 for the last three years as a priority [2021, 2022, 2023]. I do not have a preference whether these are sorted by calendar or financial year but please may you specify which is used in your response.
Please could you tell me:
1. Please name the organisation which provides your parking enforcement services? (eg. NSL Ltd / APCOA) Has this organisation changed in the last ten years? If so, when and what was(/were) the previous organisation(s)?
2. What was the total number of parking violation PCNs issued in your region during each of the years specified above? [2021, 2022, 2023]
3. What was the total number of challenges/ representations* submitted against these PCNs during each of these years?
4. How many of these challenges/ representations were successful each year?
5. What was the total number of appeals submitted against these PCNs during each of these years?
6. How many of these appeals were successful each year?
7. What was the total amount of fines (in £) paid to the council for PCNs during each of these years? Please count the total amount paid and received by the council, not just the value of fines issued.
Summary of response
1. Please name the organisation which provides your parking enforcement services? (eg. NSL Ltd / APCOA) Has this organisation changed in the last ten years? If so, when and what was(/were) the previous organisation(s)? - In house, operated by East Devon District Council
2. What was the total number of parking violation PCNs issued in your region during each of the years specified above? [2021, 2022, 2023]
2021 - 1561
2022 - 1832
2023 - 2738
3. What was the total number of challenges/ representations* submitted against these PCNs during each of these years?
2021 - 408
2022 - 811
2023 - 724
4. How many of these challenges/ representations were successful each year?
2021 - 307
2022 - 469
2023 - 336
5. What was the total number of appeals submitted against these PCNs during each of these years? - Same Q as 3
6. How many of these appeals were successful each year? - N/A
7. What was the total amount of fines (in £) paid to the council for PCNs during each of these years? Please count the total amount paid and received by the council, not just the value of fines issued.
1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 - £30,427
1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 - £34,436
1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023 - £54,137
Date responded: 9 September 2024
Temporary accommodation
Date submitted: 9 August 2024
Summary of request
1. The average length of time households spent in temporary accommodation (including b&bs and hotels) after making a homelessness application to the council :
a). between April 1st 2023 and March 31st 2024
b). between April 1st 2024 and July 31st 2024
2. The average length of time households with children spent in temporary accommodation (including b&bs and hotels) after making a homelessness application to the council:
a). between April 1st 2023 and March 31st 2024
b). between April 1st 2024 and July 31st 2024
3. Whether the figures you provide take into account households being moved from one temporary accommodation – to another. Or whether it is reflective of the amount of time the same households are spending in temporary accommodation (even if it is 4 hotels etc, over time)
Summary of response
1.The average length of time households spent in temporary accommodation (including b&bs and hotels) after making a homelessness application to the council :
a). between April 1st 2023 and March 31st 2024 – 43.03 days
b). between April 1st 2024 and July 31st 2024 – 30.03 days
2.The average length of time households with children spent in temporary accommodation (including b&bs and hotels) after making a homelessness application to the council:
a). between April 1st 2023 and March 31st 2024 – 55.0 days
b). between April 1st 2024 and July 31st 2024 – 35.4 days.
3. Whether the figures you provide take into account households being moved from one temporary accommodation – to another. Or whether it is reflective of the amount of time the same households are spending in temporary accommodation (even if it is 4 hotels etc, over time) – the data counts all placements individually.
Date responded: 22 August 2024
Taxi licensing
Date submitted: 7 August 2024
Summary of request
Since the 1st of august 2022:
1. The number of new and renewed taxi (Hackney Carriage) driver licenses you have granted.
2. The number of new and renewed Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) driver licenses you have granted.
3. The number of taxi licences granted to drivers with criminal convictions.
4. The number of PHV licenses granted to drivers with criminal convictions.
5. In the cases of those with convictions in relation to Question 3 and Question 4:
i. The nature and date of conviction.
ii. Whether said driver’s conviction was known at the time of the licence being approved.
iii. In each case, the current licence status of the driver.
6. The criteria/policy that is applied when deciding on an application from a driver with a current/spent conviction.
7. How many times have you checked the national database on driver revocations/refusals?
8. How many have had licenses removed due to that?
Summary of response
1. The number of new and renewed taxi (Hackney Carriage) driver licenses you have granted. - 8 new licences and 92 renewals.
2. The number of new and renewed Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) driver licenses you have granted. - 8 new licences and 31 renewals.
3. The number of taxi licences granted to drivers with criminal convictions. - From 01 August 2022 there were no new hackney carriage driver licences, issued to applicants with criminal convictions or renewals issued with new information of criminal convictions.
4. The number of PHV licenses granted to drivers with criminal convictions. - From 01 August 2022 there were no new private hire driver licences, issued to applicants with criminal convictions or renewals issued with new information of criminal convictions.
5. In the cases of those with convictions in relation to Question 3 and Question 4:
i. The nature and date of conviction.
ii. Whether said driver’s conviction was known at the time of the licence being approved.
iii. In each case, the current licence status of the driver.
6. The criteria/policy that is applied when deciding on an application from a driver with a current/spent conviction. - We updated our policy with regard to the relevance of criminal convictions in 2023, to be aligned to the DfT Statutory Standards. https://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/tjvjpau3/east-devon-taxi-policy-1st-nov-2023.pdf
7. How many times have you checked the national database on driver revocations/refusals? - All existing drivers are checked at every renewal and all new applicants are checked.
8. How many have had licenses removed due to that? - None as a result of checking the national database.
Date responded: 13 August 2024
Water Cycle Study
Date submitted: 7 August 2024
Summary of request
We aware of a 'Water Cycle Study' which East Devon have commissioned in respect of foul water capacity in the local authority area. This report is likely to affect housing delivery in the area, including applications which we have under consideration now, and in the future.
This report is critical to delivery of our business plan being an SME, and the details of the report (whether this is draft or not) should be available to view so business' don't continue to waste money on sites which are potentially going to become undevelopable. The delivery of homes is in the public interest and issue which affect the delivery should be available to view and understand.
Summary of response
We are aware of a 'Water Cycle Study' which East Devon have commissioned in respect of foul water capacity in the local authority area. This report is likely to affect housing delivery in the area, including applications which we have under consideration now, and in the future.
This report is critical to delivery of our business plan being an SME, and the details of the report (whether this is draft or not) should be available to view so business' don't continue to waste money on sites which are potentially going to become undevelopable. The delivery of homes is in the public interest and issue which affect the delivery should be available to view and understand.
This is a piece of work commissioned for the Local Plan by our Planning Policy Team. The work is only draft at this stage and will be published once it is finalised but not before. As such this would be classed as material in the course of completion and is therefore exempt under Reg 12(4)(d) of EIR.
Draft documents, by definition, are “incomplete” and in this case the disclosure of information at this point in time, might serve as a distraction from meaningful public debate by focusing debate on secondary issues such as any deficiencies in the information in the draft versions. This could potentially harm, rather than inform, public debate on the important issues.
Date responded: 20 August 2024
Non-Domestic Completion Notices
Date submitted: 6 August 2024
Summary of request
Under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 please could I request a list of Non-Domestic Completion Notices served by the authority from 01/06/2024 to the present date. I would be grateful if the list could include;
• The property reference number (otherwise known as billing authority reference number).
• The address of the property to which the notice relates.
• The date the notice was served .
• The completion date recorded.
• The business or person to whom the notice was served.
• Address to where the Notice was sent.
• Whether the notice was issued by the billing authority or a third party.
Many Thanks
Summary of response
You requested a list of Non-Domestic Completion Notices served by the authority from 01/06/2024 to the present date - EDDC has served Zero Non-Domestic Completion Notices in the timeframes specified.
Date responded: 6 August 2024
Fly tipping data and fines
Date submitted: 5 August 2024
Summary of request
• How many incidents of fly tipping have been reported each year for 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 (to date). Please breakdown the number of incidents by month where possible to highlight which months are most common for fly tipping / have the highest number of fly tipping incidents?
• In total, how much has been paid to remove/clean up following fly tipping each year in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 (to date)
• How many fly tipping fines have been given out in the years of: 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 (to date)
• How much money has been paid in fly tipping fines in the years of: 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 (to date)
• Have you recently increased fly tipping fines? If yes, please can you tell us how much you fine for fly tipping now (current date) versus previously?
Summary of response
How many incidents of fly tipping have been reported each year for 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 (to date). Please breakdown the number of incidents by month where possible to highlight which months are most common for fly tipping / have the highest number of fly tipping incidents?
July – September 2021 123 fly tips collected
October – December 2021 138 fly tips collected
January – March 2022 161 fly tips collected
April – June 2022 73 fly tips collected
July – September 2022 123 fly tips collected
October – December 2022 74 fly tips collected
January – March 2023 129 fly tips collected
April – June 2023 71 fly tips collected
July – September 2023 71 fly tips collected
October – December 2023 102 fly tips collected
January – March 2024 83 fly tips collected
April – June 2024 129 fly tips collected
Up to now we have recorded the fly tips collected on a quarterly basis. Moving forward it will be done monthly. There does not appear to be any trend to a month that we have more fly tips.
In total, how much has been paid to remove/clean up following fly tipping each year in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 (to date)
2021 - £286.00
2022 - £313.00
2023 - £0
2024 - £116.00
How many fly tipping fines have been given out in the years of: 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 (to date)
2021 - 3
2022 - 4
2023 - 1
2024 - 9
How much money has been paid in fly tipping fines in the years of: 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 (to date)
2021 - £600
2022 - £600
2023 - £300
2024 - £800
Have you recently increased fly tipping fines? - There haven’t been any recent changes to fly tipping fines.
Date responded: 7 August 2024
Community asset closures
Date submitted: 5 August 2024
Summary of request
- the number of library closures in your local authority in the last 12 months
- the number of community centre closures in your local authority in the last 12 months
- the number of football club closures in your local authority in the last 12 months
In addition, could you please provide the number of Assets of Community Value (ACVs) that were a) nominated in the local authority area and b) acquired in the local authority area, both in the last 12 months.
Summary of response
-The number of library closures in your local authority in the last 12 months – Devon County Council Assets. You will need to refer this part of your request to DCC
-The number of community centre closures in your local authority in the last 12 months – Nil
-The number of football club closures in your local authority in the last 12 months – No information held
Date responded: 6 August 2024
Offsite biodiversity units
Date submitted: 5 August 2024
Summary of request
1. Are you bringing forward your own habitat bank for the purposes of offering offsite biodiversity units?
2. If so, at what stage of development is it?
3. Have you decided methodology for pricing units yet?
4. If the answer to Q3 is yes, what is it and is it expected to cover the long-term cost of habitat delivery?
5. Please supply a full, redacted or template version of any s106 agreement for such an LPA habitat bank, if it is exists.
6. Please supply copies of all completed section 106 agreements for other habitat banks in your LPA area.
7. What is the total value of biodiversity offsetting contributions paid to the authority over the previous two years?
8. Of the total value given in Q7, how much has been deployed into habitat creation, enhancement and management and how much remains unspent?
Summary of response
1. Are you bringing forward your own habitat bank for the purposes of offering offsite biodiversity units? - Not currently but we are considering all options, including setting up an LPA habitat bank to offer offsite units.
2. If so, at what stage of development is it? - No suitable land or options have come forward or been found.
3. Have you decided methodology for pricing units yet? - No – this is dependent on several factors, such as how the land is legally secured, e.g., section 106 with a two-tier authority, Conservation Covenant with a responsible body, or whether a special purpose vehicle (SPV) is setup.
4. If the answer to Q3 is yes, what is it and is it expected to cover the long-term cost of habitat delivery? - N/A
5. Please supply a full, redacted or template version of any s106 agreement for such an LPA habitat bank, if it is exists. - No EDDC template in place yet but PAS has provided some templates – PAS Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Legal Agreement and Planning Condition Templates | Local Government Association
6. Please supply copies of all completed section 106 agreements for other habitat banks in your LPA area. - N/A
7. What is the total value of biodiversity offsetting contributions paid to the authority over the previous two years? - N/A – no mechanism in place for this.
8. Of the total value given in Q7, how much has been deployed into habitat creation, enhancement and management and how much remains unspent? - N/A
Date responded: 13 August 2024
Household Support Fund
Date submitted: 2 August 2024
Summary of request
1. The number of applications to the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2024 – 31 July 2024.
2. The monetary amount of support provided to applicants to the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2024 – 31 July 2024.
3. The number of successful applicants to the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2024– 31 July 2024.
4. What is the outstanding monetary amount from the Household Support Fund that is available before the scheme ends on the 30 September 2024.
Summary of response
1. The number of applications to the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2024 – 31 July 2024. - This data is currently not available due to access issues with the data holder.
2. The monetary amount of support provided to applicants to the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2024 – 31 July 2024. - £195,363.71
3. The number of successful applicants to the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2024– 31 July 2024. - 1936
4. What is the outstanding monetary amount from the Household Support Fund that is available before the scheme ends on the 30 September 2024. - £89,579.83
Please note the above figures include households where we have allocated a payment of £100 as per our policy.
Date responded: 13 August 2024
Management of Rising Damp in Council Owned Property
Date submitted: 1 August 2024
Summary of request
1) How many properties have been diagnosed with rising damp.
2) How many properties has the council instructed a contractor to install an injected chemical damp proof course.
3) Of these properties, how many have had a re-occurrence of damp, whereby the council has made an application under the installers guarantee.
4) How many claims under the guarantee were successful and how many were unsuccessful.
Summary of response
You requested information regarding all council-owned properties, both commercial and residential, over the last ten years:
1) How many properties have been diagnosed with rising damp - Information not held
2) How many properties has the council instructed a contractor to install an injected chemical damp proof course - Information not held
3) Of these properties, how many have had a re-occurrence of damp, whereby the council has made an application under the installers guarantee - Information not held
4) How many claims under the guarantee were successful and how many were unsuccessful - Information not held
Date responded: 6 August 2024
Housing data
Date submitted: 1 August 2024
Summary of request
Name of tenant participation groups and Chairs of those groups. numbers in each group
5 years of annual reports
Current number of void properties.
How much rent is being lost from the empty properties.
Structure chart of housing with names of those in post
Summary of response
Name of tenant participation groups and Chairs of those groups. numbers in each group –
Resident involvement monitoring group – 5 members (currently no chair- awaiting election in August)
Tenant Conference working group – 8
Repairs and maintenance group – 17 members – Richard Jell is the chair.
Housing Complaint Support Panel – 6 members – Ron Taylor
Scrutiny Panel – 6 members – Lesley Mcaneny-Turner
Editorial Group – 6 members – No chair
Members of residents voice – 70
5 years of annual reports - https://eastdevon.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-business/
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-business/our-performance-reporting/
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-business/our-finance/
Current number of void properties - The current number of void properties (discounting garages) is 95 which are costing us £9,507.00 per week and the total rent loss for those properties to date is £226,154.49.
Including the Voids deemed “Out of Management” which are the properties that require extensive works to be considered habitable, the number rises to 105 properties, costing £10,511.79 per week with a total rent loss of £301,778.58.
How much rent is being lost from the empty properties - Please see the response to the above question
Structure chart of housing with names of those in post - https://eastdevon.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-business/workforce/senior-leadership-team/housing-and-health-directorate/#article-content
Date responded: 20 August 2024
Street Votes for planning purposes
Date submitted: 1 August 2024
Summary of request
1. Has your local authority stated an opinion on street votes? Specifically, did you respond to the official consultation on Street Vote Development Orders?https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/street-vote-development-orders-consultation/street-vote-development-orders
If so please send me a copy of your response.
2. I understand that regardless of Street Vote Development Orders legislation being implemented, individual local authorities could choose to introduce a similar arrangement of their own volition. This could be done by allowing a local poll under Section 116 of the Local Government Act 2003 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/26/section/116?timeline=false&view=plain and then issuing Local Development Orders to reflect what the residents voted for.
https://www.local.gov.uk/pas/topics/local-development-orders/local-development-orders. Have you held any such street votes? Do you have any plans to allow street votes in future?
Summary of response
1. No – we did not respond to this consultation
2. No – we have no plans to hold any street votes.
Date responded: 6 August 2024
BACs software
Date submitted: 1 August 2024
Summary of request
1. What software you are currently using to facilitate BACS payments & what is the date of the renewal for this contract?
2. How much you are paying annually for this contract, and where do you advertise for this tender?
Summary of response
1. What software you are currently using to facilitate BACS payments & what is the date of the renewal for this contract?
Answer - Smarterpay – Runs annually from the start of August.
2. How much you are paying annually for this contract, and where do you advertise for this tender?
Answer - Around £2,000 per Council, Annually. Due to the value we would work on a three quotes basis. If we went to the open market it would be via Proactis or a suitable framework
Date responded: 6 August 2024
Tenancy fraud
Date submitted: 30 July 2024
Summary of request
1. Please tell me what types of housing tenancy frauds do you investigate?
2. Please tell me how many full-time equivalent staff worked on counter housing fraud in each of the following three financial years?
a) 2021/22
b) 2022/23
c) 2023/24
3. Please tell me how much have you spent on counter housing fraud measures in each of the following three financial years, including staff and professional fees.
a) 2021/22
b) 2022/23
c) 2023/24
4. Please tell me how many housing frauds cases have you investigated in each of the following three financial years:
a) 2021/22
b) 2022/23
c) 2023/24
5. Please tell me how many of these investigated cases did you classified as ‘detected frauds’ in each of these three financial years?
a) 2021/22
b) 2022/23
c) 2023/24
6. Please tell me how many of these detected frauds resulted in some form of action being taken?
d) 2021/22
e) 2022/23
f) 2023/24
7. Please tell me how many social homes have you recovered as a result of your counter fraud work in each of the following three financial years:
a) 2021/22
b) 2022/23
c) 2023/24
8. What do you estimate to be the financial saving from your counter housing-fraud measures in each of the following three financial years
a) 2021/22
b) 2022//23
c) 2023/24
9. Please tell me how many homes cases have you investigated of suspected illegal sub-letting using on-line websites, such as AirBnB, Booking.Com, or Vrbo.
Summary of response
1. Please tell me what types of housing tenancy frauds do you investigate? - We investigate all allegations received through the various reporting channels directed to the Fraud, Error, and Compliance team. These channels include the Fraud Hotline, direct emails to fec@eastdevon.gov.uk, and internal referrals from staff or teams.
2. Please tell me how many full-time equivalent staff worked on counter housing fraud in each of the following three financial years?
a) 2021/22 - 1.5
b) 2022/23 - 1.5
c) 2023/24 - 1.5
We have a staff of 1.5 full-time equivalents: 1 full-time investigator and 1 part-time (0.5) administrative staff member. These employees do not solely focus on housing fraud; they are part of the Corporate Fraud team and handle all fraud investigations related to the Council.
Our internal audit team also provide support on fraud cases across multiple areas.
3. Please tell me how much have you spent on counter housing fraud measures in each of the following three financial years, including staff and professional fees.
a) 2021/22
b) 2022/23
c) 2023/24
As mentioned above, we have a staff of 1.5 full-time equivalents: 1 full-time investigator and 1 part-time (0.5) administrative staff member. These employees do not solely focus on housing fraud; they are part of the Corporate Fraud team and handle all fraud investigations related to the Council.
We do not disclose individual staff wages, as this information is confidential. Additionally, these figures would not accurately reflect the resources dedicated solely to countering housing fraud.
4. Please tell me how many housing frauds cases have you investigated in each of the following three financial years:
a) 2021/22 - 4
b) 2022/23 - 4
c) 2023/24 - 11
These are tenancy fraud and does not include Right to Buy, allocations and applications. Please note, these cases have been risk-assessed and forwarded for further investigation. They meet our established investigation thresholds and are therefore subject to thorough review.
5. Please tell me how many of these investigated cases did you classified as ‘detected frauds’ in each of these three financial years?
a) 2021/22
b) 2022/23
c) 2023/24
N/A as unsure what is meant by detected fraud.
6. Please tell me how many of these detected frauds resulted in some form of action being taken?
d) 2021/22
e) 2022/23
f) 2023/24
All cases undergo actions as part of the investigation process, this will result in different routes being taken depending on if the prevent, pursue or protect.
7. Please tell me how many social homes have you recovered as a result of your counter fraud work in each of the following three financial years:
a) 2021/22
b) 2022/23
c) 2023/24
While we have not yet recovered any council houses, we have been proactive in our preventative efforts to combat fraud within the system. Through this work, we have successfully stopped individuals from obtaining homes they were not entitled to and prevented ineligible applicants from taking advantage of the Right to Buy scheme.
8. What do you estimate to be the financial saving from your counter housing-fraud measures in each of the following three financial years
a) 2021/22 - £0
b) 2022//23 - £0
c) 2023/24 - See below
Counter housing fraud measures recorded show that in 2023/24 financial year we:
• Suggested 3 right to buy applications to be rejected and 3 cases returned for further information.
• 1 housing allocation suggested to not be approved (saves £43,000 from misallocation of Council House) and 7 cases returned for further information.
These measures mitigate the risk of Fraud from entering the system.
9. Please tell me how many homes cases have you investigated of suspected illegal sub-letting using on-line websites, such as AirBnB, Booking.Com, or Vrbo.
We use opensource desktop reviews for all investigations, this includes identifying discrepancies and information from websites such as AirBnB, Booking.com and Vrbo.
Date responded: 22 August 2024
Public rights of way - coastal paths
Date submitted: 30 July 2024
Summary of request
• How many miles/km of public rights of way do you cover?
• What is your annual budget for public rights of way maintenance?
• Please provide a breakdown of issues reported e.g. Way finding, Obstructions, Path Condition, Safety, Stiles/Fences, Other
• What percentage of reported issues are remedied within 6 weeks of receiving the report?
• What percentage of reported issues go unresolved/unattended in a 12month period?
• What is the average cost per resolution of reported issue? If no average available, please provide low/high range.
• Where you have a vegetation clearance programme in place, what is the criteria for selection of footpaths to be cleared in any given year?
• What software/tooling are you using to track these requests – please specify?
Summary of response
• How many miles/km of public rights of way do you cover? - EDDC manages 13 miles of the south west coast path in east Devon
• What is your annual budget for public rights of way maintenance? - £17,250
• Please provide a breakdown of issues reported e.g. Way finding, Obstructions, Path Condition, Safety, Stiles/Fences, Other
Cliff falls leading to rerouting
Surface condition
Fencing
Kissing gates
Waymarker replacement
Revetment maintenance
• What percentage of reported issues are remedied within 6 weeks of receiving the report? - 100% of issues raised by Devon County Council are remedied within 6 weeks. Cliff fall rerouting can lead to longer delays
• What percentage of reported issues go unresolved/unattended in a 12month period? - Zero
• What is the average cost per resolution of reported issue? If no average available, please provide low/high range - Range from £50 for replacing a single step, to £2,000 for contractors to resurface a stretch of footpath at the Lyme Regis end of the coast path.
• Where you have a vegetation clearance programme in place, what is the criteria for selection of footpaths to be cleared in any given year? - All sections are cleared through the growing season to maintain access.
• What software/tooling are you using to track these requests – please specify? - Outlook and personal notes of the ranger
Date responded: 15 August 2024
Correspondence between Highland Property Development & EDDC re land at St Johns Rd Exmouth
Date submitted: 30 July 2024
Summary of request
Please can you provide any correspondence since 01/01/2020 between Highland Property Development and EDDC relating to the larger of the two areas marked in red on the attached map. This includes any approaches or informal discussions made relating to the development of this land.
Summary of response
You requested correspondence between Highland Property Development & EDDC re land at St Johns Rd Exmouth. We have looked and can only find correspondence in relation to 21/0687/V106 which is a Deed of Variation to amend the mortgagee exclusion clause (MEC) to the Section 106 agreement and deed of variation pursuant to application 12/1016/MFUL.
This is already published on the planning portal and is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
Date responded: 13 August 2024
EV Charging at council depots
Date submitted: 26 July 2024
Summary of request
I am writing to request information with regards to the council’s current and future plans for Charging Infrastructure relating to Electric Vehicles, including street cleaning, drain cleaning and waste and recycling collection vehicles at council depots.
A. Can you please confirm if any of your council depots have the following charges in place at present from the below list?
a. Please can you provide the number of each you have access to.
B. If not, can you confirm if there are plans in place to have any of these fitted?
a. If so which number(s)?
b. If so, do you know when?
Charger List
1. AC Charging up to a 22 KW AC charger with Type 2 connection?
2. DC Charging up to 150 kw using a CCS2 Connector?
3. AC Charging using up to 43 KW with Type 2 connection?
4. DC charging up to 250 KW using CCS2 Connector?
5. AC charging using 22 kw charger with Type 2 connection?
6. 3 phase connection using either 32 amp or 63-amp power supply?
7. AC charging using standard Type 2 connection with a 7.5 kw or 22kw power supply?
8. 13-amp socket via an alternative cable
Summary of response
A. Can you please confirm if any of your council depots have the following charges in place at present from the below list? - Yes
a. Please can you provide the number of each you have access to. - 25 x AC charging using standard Type 2 connection with a 7.5 kw or 22kw power supply
B. If not, can you confirm if there are plans in place to have any of these fitted? - N/A
a. If so which number(s)? - N/A
b. If so, do you know when? - N/A
Date responded: 31 July 2024
Motorcycle parking spaces in car parks
Date submitted: 24 July 2024
Summary of request
The exact number of parking spaces you have in total across your car parks
How many motorcycle parking spaces there are in each car park
What the rules/charges are for motorcycles in the above areas
If you hold the data, specifying what spaces belong to supermarket/leisure centres would be great too
Summary of response
The exact number of parking spaces you have in total across your car parks - 4,569
How many motorcycle parking spaces there are in each car park - 0
What the rules/charges are for motorcycles in the above areas - Motorcycles can park for free in sensible areas outside of normal parking bays.
If you hold the data, specifying what spaces belong to supermarket/leisure centres would be great too - Information not held
Date responded: 20 August 2024
Survey Tools
Date submitted: 23 July 2024
Summary of request
1) Do you use a tool for Surveys? (a survey tool would help to create the survey, design the questions, distribute the survey, drive responses, and build out reports and insights into the data)
2) If so, which supplier do you use for this tool?
3) How much do you spend annually on Survey Tools?
4) Which month & year does your contract with your supplier end?
5) Who is the budget holder for this contract?
Summary of response
1) Do you use a tool for Surveys? - Yes
2) If so, which supplier do you use for this tool? - Commonplace, SNAP, Microsoft Forms
3) How much do you spend annually on Survey Tools? - Between £15 and £20K
4) Which month & year does your contract with your supplier end? - November
5) Who is the budget holder for this contract? - Strata
Date responded: 13 August 2024
Landlords facing formal action
Date submitted: 22 July 2024
Summary of request
1. The number of landlords who have been investigated and who have faced formal/disciplinary action (such as a warning, fine, license removal, etc) for failing to comply with legal requirements.
Summary of response
1. The number of landlords who have been investigated and who have faced formal/disciplinary action (such as a warning, fine, license removal, etc) for failing to comply with legal requirements.
• Our records indicate that over the past five years, 5 landlords have been investigated for failing to comply with legal requirements.
Date responded: 31 July 2024
Temporary Accommodation outside EDDC
Date submitted: 22 July 2024
Summary of request
1. How many individuals in family households (households with dependent children) have died in temporary accommodation? Please provide data for the following financial years and, where possible, distinguish between children and adults.
- 2024/2025 (So Far)
- 2023/2024
- 2022/2023
- 2021/2022
2. a.) How many families have been housed temporarily (temporary accommodation) outside of your local authority area?
Please provide data for the following financial years?
- 2024/2025 (So Far)
- 2023/2024
- 2022/2023
- 2021/2022
3. b.) What is the furthest away from the local authority area, someone has been housed temporarily?
4. How many families have or are currently living temporarily (temporary accommodation) in a studio flat?
Please provide data for the following financial years?
- 2024/2025 (So Far)
- 2023/2024
- 2022/2023
- 2021/2022
Summary of response
1. How many individuals in family households (households with dependent children) have died in temporary accommodation? Please provide data for the following financial years and, where possible, distinguish between children and adults.
- 2024/2025 (So Far) - 0
- 2023/2024 - 1; 1 adult
- 2022/2023 - 0
- 2021/2022 - 0
2. a.) How many families have been housed temporarily (temporary accommodation) outside of your local authority area?
Please provide data for the following financial years? - Information not held.
- 2024/2025 (So Far)
- 2023/2024
- 2022/2023
- 2021/2022
3. b.) What is the furthest away from the local authority area, someone has been housed temporarily? - Information not held.
4. How many families have or are currently living temporarily (temporary accommodation) in a studio flat?
Please provide data for the following financial years? - Unable to break this down to type of property
- 2024/2025 (So Far)
- 2023/2024
- 2022/2023
- 2021/2022
Date responded: 31 July 2024
Buildings with hollow block and beam construction
Date submitted: 19 July 2024
Summary of request
1) A list of instances, in the past 15 years, when East Devon has found structural issues with hollow block and beam/beam and pot structures on any buildings within the authority. The list should include: the address where the issue was found, what sort of building (i.e. school, office etc) it, and when the issue was found
2) A list of instances, in the past 15 years, when East Devon commissioned reports from structural engineers into structural issues with hollow block and beam/beam and pot structures on any buildings within the authority. The list should include: the address where the issue was found, what sort of building (i.e. school, office etc), and when the issue was found
3) Copies of those reports.
Summary of response
1) A list of instances, in the past 15 years, when East Devon has found structural issues with hollow block and beam/beam and pot structures on any buildings within the authority. The list should include: the address where the issue was found, what sort of building (i.e. school, office etc) it, and when the issue was found - Nil
2) A list of instances, in the past 15 years, when East Devon commissioned reports from structural engineers into structural issues with hollow block and beam/beam and pot structures on any buildings within the authority. The list should include: the address where the issue was found, what sort of building (i.e. school, office etc), and when the issue was found - Nil
3) Copies of those reports. - N/A
Date responded: 6 August 2024
Anti-poverty policy
Date submitted: 19 July 2024
Summary of request
1. Does your council have a written anti-poverty strategy (this may also be referred to as a ‘poverty strategy’)? This may be an all-age strategy, or one focussing on a specific group of the population, such as a child poverty strategy. If so, please provide a link to the strategy if it is available publicly, or a copy via email.
2. If your council does not have an anti-poverty strategy in place, does it plan to develop one within the next 12 months? If so, please provide a link to any public facing document detailing this commitment.
3. Has your council voluntarily adopted the socio-economic duty?
Summary of response
1. Does your council have a written anti-poverty strategy (this may also be referred to as a ‘poverty strategy’)? This may be an all-age strategy, or one focussing on a specific group of the population, such as a child poverty strategy. If so, please provide a link to the strategy if it is available publicly, or a copy via email. - We have the poverty reduction strategy, see the link below.
Poverty Reduction Strategy - East Devon https://eastdevon.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-business/poverty-reduction-strategy/
2. If your council does not have an anti-poverty strategy in place, does it plan to develop one within the next 12 months? If so, please provide a link to any public facing document detailing this commitment.
3. Has your council voluntarily adopted the socio-economic duty? - No
Date responded: 31 July 2024
Council protests Israel/Palestine conflict and war in Gaza
Date submitted: 19 July 2024
Summary of request
1. How much has the council spent on security - private security, police, and general management of protests around Palestine, Gaza and Israel - from October 7 2023 until June 2024?
2. What was the total council security expenditure October 2023 - June 2024? This includes staff costs, and/or equipment (such as alarms, monitoring, and maintenance), and/or third-party costs (such as private security costs).
3. What was the total council security expenditure October 2022 - June 2023?
4. How many council meetings have been disrupted by protests since October 7? How many of these protests were related to the Israel/Palestine conflict and/or the war in Gaza?
5. How many (if any) council meetings have been cancelled since October 7? How many of these protests were related to the Israel/Palestine conflict and/or the war in Gaza?
6. How many people do you understand have taken part in Gaza / anti-Israel / pro-Palestine protests in and around council buildings?
7. Have the police been involved in any protests at the council since October 7? If so, how many times and were any arrests made? If so, how many and why?
8. How many motions, questions, or resolutions about Israel/Palestine have been tabled to the council since October 7?
Summary of response
1. How much has the council spent on security - private security, police, and general management of protests around Palestine, Gaza and Israel - from October 7 2023 until June 2024? – Nil
2. What was the total council security expenditure October 2023 - June 2024? This includes staff costs, and/or equipment (such as alarms, monitoring, and maintenance), and/or third-party costs (such as private security costs). – Expenditure cost October 23 – June 24 £50,193.38 various sites East Devon Business Centre, Elmfield House, Blackdown House, Exmouth Town Hall and Seaton Visitor Centre.
3. What was the total council security expenditure October 2022 - June 2023? – Expenditure cost October 22 – June 24 £26,307.04 various sites East Devon Business Centre, Elmfield House, Blackdown House, Exmouth Town Hall and Seaton Visitor Centre.
4. How many council meetings have been disrupted by protests since October 7? – Nil. How many of these protests were related to the Israel/Palestine conflict and/or the war in Gaza? – N/A
5. How many (if any) council meetings have been cancelled since October 7? – Nil. How many of these protests were related to the Israel/Palestine conflict and/or the war in Gaza? – N/A
6. How many people do you understand have taken part in Gaza / anti-Israel / pro-Palestine protests in and around council buildings? – Nil
7. Have the police been involved in any protests at the council since October 7? – Nil. If so, how many times and were any arrests made? – Nil. If so, how many and why? – Nil
8. How many motions, questions, or resolutions about Israel/Palestine have been tabled to the council since October 7? – Nil
Date responded: 31 July 2024
Non-Disclosure Agreement
Date submitted: 15 July 2024
Summary of request
1. Has the Council asked a member of staff to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?
2. Has the Council asked a individual who is not a member of staff in the last three years to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?
3. Please can you attach a copy of any NDA’s used.
4. How many members of staff have signed NDAs?
All requests should be limited to the past 3 years.
Summary of response
1. Has the Council asked a member of staff to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)? – Yes, but only as part of a legally binding Settlement Agreement, in consultation with the employee’s legal advisor
2. Has the Council asked a individual who is not a member of staff in the last three years to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)? – No. We don’t do NDAs for non-employees
3. Please can you attach a copy of any NDA’s used –
Our standard template for Settlement Agreements includes the following clauses which would be subject to review and agreement in each case:
• Not divulge to any third party at any time any trade secrets or other confidential information belonging to the Council or any of its associated companies and not use such secrets or information for their own benefit or that of any third party
• Refrain from disclosing the existence and terms of this agreement, other than to their spouse, partner or immediate family members (provided they are also asked to keep this Agreement confidential), their trade union, a legal or tax advisor who is bound by an obligation of confidentiality, their professional advisors, the police, any relevant regulator, a medical professional or counsellor who is bound by an obligation of confidentiality, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, or a potential employer where and to the extent necessary to discuss the circumstances in which the Employee’s employment with the Council ended, and otherwise except as may be ordered by any court, government agency or as required by law. However, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the Employee from making a whistleblowing protected disclosure under the Employment Rights Act 1996, provided always that the disclosure is made in accordance with the provisions of that Act. In addition, nothing in this clause shall prevent the Employee from speaking about an act of discrimination, harassment or victimisation which contravenes the Equality Act 2010, reporting a criminal offence to a law enforcement agency, co-operating with a criminal investigation or prosecution, doing anything that they may be required to do by law or by an order of a court or tribunal or by reason of a regulatory duty, or reporting misconduct or a serious breach of regulatory requirements to a regulator who is responsible for supervising or regulating the matters in question, or co-operating unfettered with a regulatory or similar investigation or proceedings.
4. How many members of staff have signed NDAs? – Since July 2021 there have been 7 NDAs
Date responded: 31 July 2024
Decarbonisation and fire safety remediation costs for Council housing stock
Date submitted: 15 July 2024
Summary of request
1. Your estimate of the total cost of decarbonising your housing stock to meet net zero targets.
2. What, if any, is the annual spending schedule you have for decarbonising your housing stock to meet net zero targets. Please advise the amount you have budgeted to spend on this for each year.
3. Any breakdown you have of the estimated cost of different items - including for installing heat pumps and double glazing - of your programme for decarbonising your housing stock.
4. Your total estimate of the cost of fire safety remediation costs for your housing stock required by the Building Safety Act 2022 after the Grenfell Tower fire.
5. What, if any, is your annual spending schedule on this fire safety remediation for your housing stock. Please advise the amount you have budgeted to spend on this for each year.
Summary of response
1. Your estimate of the total cost of decarbonising your housing stock to meet net zero targets - This will be dependent on the outcome of the stock condition survey.
2. What, if any, is the annual spending schedule you have for decarbonising your housing stock to meet net zero targets. Please advise the amount you have budgeted to spend on this for each year. - This will be dependent on the outcome of the stock condition survey.
3. Any breakdown you have of the estimated cost of different items - including for installing heat pumps and double glazing - of your programme for decarbonising your housing stock - Please see attached
4. Your total estimate of the cost of fire safety remediation costs for your housing stock required by the Building Safety Act 2022 after the Grenfell Tower fire. - The figure for capital works is £1.5m over 2 years.
5. What, if any, is your annual spending schedule on this fire safety remediation for your housing stock. Please advise the amount you have budgeted to spend on this for each year. - The figure for capital works is £1.5m over 2 years.
Date responded: 31 July 2024
Consultee comments for 22/1910/MFUL
Date submitted: 11 July 2024
Summary of request
If the economic development officer will not respond then please simply provide a copy of the data used for basing the conclusions and consultee comments for 22/1910/MFUL.
What information has been considered? Could you please provide a copy of the information on which the consultee comments were based? As I would like to fact check these and be aware of exactly what data was considered?
Summary of response
What information has been considered? Could you please provide a copy of the information on which the consultee comments were based?
All information and data considered by the Economic Development Officer for the consultee comments for 22/1910/MFUL derives from the documents uploaded onto the planning portal (for this application) prior to the comments being submitted on 15th December 2023. This information and data remains publicly available on the planning portal.
As this information is already published it is exempt under section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
Date responded: 31 July 2024
Telephony and Enquiries data
Date submitted: 11 July 2024
Summary of request
Mobile phones
Who is your current mobile phone provider?
How many mobile connections?
When is the contract up for renewal?
How long do you contract for (24 or 36 months)?
The email address of the primary contact for this contract?
SIP Trunking
Have you implemented SIP?
If yes, when does the contract expire?
Who is your SIP provider?
The email address of the primary contact for this contract?
Team Licences
Which Microsoft 365 Licence do you have e.g. E3, E5
Have you voice enable your Teams Licences?
If not, is that something you are considering?
Telephony
What is your current telephony system?
How many users of the telephony system?
When is the contract up for renewal?
The email address of the primary contact for this contract?
Contact Centre
What contact centre solution is the council using?
How many agents does the contact centre employ?
How many agents are concurrently working?
What is the cost of the contract for the contact centre solution?
When is the contract for the contact centre ending?
How long do you usually contract for?
The name of the relevant contact?
Summary of response
Mobile phones
Who is your current mobile phone provider - o2,EE and Vodafone
How many mobile connections? - In total strata accommodate 1586 mobile connections
When is the contract up for renewal? - Renewed all 3 contracts this year (2024)
How long do you contract for (24 or 36 months) - 24 months?
The email address of the primary contact for this contract? - Andrew Woodhouse, Supplier Manager – andrew.woodhouse@strata.solutions
SIP Trunking
Have you implemented SIP? - Yes
If yes, when does the contract expire? - 14/6/2027
Who is your SIP provider? - Gamma
The email address of the primary contact for this contract? andrew.woodhouse@strata.solutions
Team licences
Which Microsoft 365 Licence do you have e.g. E3, E5 - E5
Have you voice enable your Teams Licences? - Project in progress to switch from Skype4Business to Teams for voice
If not, s that something you are considering? - As above
Telephony
What is your current telephony system? - Skype for Business
How many users of the telephony system? - 1800
When is the contract up for renewal? - Not currently under a contract
The email address of the primary contact for this contract? - andrew.woodhouse@strata.solutions
Contact Centre
What contact centre solution is the council using? - Anywhere 365 (Skype for business)
How many agents does the contact centre employ? - 10 – csc only
How many agents are concurrently working? - 10 – csc only
What is the cost of the contract for the contact centre solution? - N/A
When is the contract for the contact centre ending? - Not currently under a contract
How long do you usually contract for? - N/A
The name of the relevant contact? - andrew.woodhouse@strata.solutions
Date responded: 6 August 2024
KC’s brief and opinion - housing land supply challenge
Date submitted: 11 July 2024
Summary of request
We respectfully ask that we receive full copies of the KC’s brief and opinion referred to in the attached papers re current and future housing land supply challenge.
Summary of response
We apologise if you were previously advised that the information would be commercially sensitive.
KC’s Opinion is exempt from disclosure on the basis of Legal professional (advice) privilege under Section 42(1) of the FOIA.
It is our view that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure, as the KC’s Opinion contains very ‘recent’ advice, which would undermine the LPA’s position in dealing with ‘live’ planning applications, if it was disclosed at this time.
Date responded: 31 July 2024
Homelessness refugees evicted from asylum accommodation
Date submitted: 10 July 2024
Summary of request
1. How many homelessness applications from refugees who were being evicted from asylum support accommodation did you receive during the period 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021?
1.1. Of this number, how many were asking for help within 28 days of them receiving the decision on their asylum claim?
1.2. During this period, how many were housed; and
1.3. Of those who were housed, how many were recognised as being in priority need?
2. How many homelessness applications from refugees who were being evicted from asylum support accommodation did you receive during the period 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022?
2.1. Of this number, how many were asking for help within 28 days of them receiving the decision on their asylum claim?
2.2. During this period, how many were housed;
2.3. Of those who were housed, how many were recognised as being in priority need?
3. How many homelessness applications from refugees who were being evicted from asylum support accommodation did you receive during the period 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023?
3.1. Of this number, how many were asking for help within 28 days of them receiving the decision on their asylum claim?
3.2. During this period, how many were housed;
3.3. Of those who were housed, how many were recognised as being in priority need?
4. How many homelessness applications from refugees who were being evicted from asylum support accommodation did you receive during the period 01 January 2024 to 30 June 2024?
4.1. Of this number, how many were asking for help within 28 days of them receiving the decision on their asylum claim?
4.2. During this period, how many were housed;
4.3. Of those who were housed, how many were recognised as being in priority need?
5. How do you apply the priority need assessment to newly recognised refugees who are being evicted from asylum support accommodation.
5.1. Have you issued guidance to your housing officers on how to apply the priority need assessment?
6. Have you received any contact from the UK Home Office confirming how many asylum seekers will be recognised as refugees and who may therefore require support from your housing office when their asylum support is discontinued?
6.1. Please share any correspondence that is specific to the UK Home Office providing advance notice of pending claims about to receive positive decisions.
7. Are there any specific instances where you have had to write to the UK Home Office about the availability of housing for those newly recognised refugees who are being evicted from asylum support accommodation? Please share this correspondence.
8. If you have had cause to write to the UK Home Office about availability of housing for newly recognised refugees, and you have received a response, please share this response.
Summary of response
1. How many homelessness applications from refugees who were being evicted from asylum support accommodation did you receive during the period 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021? - 0
1.1. Of this number, how many were asking for help within 28 days of them receiving the decision on their asylum claim? - 0
1.2. During this period, how many were housed - 0
1.3. Of those who were housed, how many were recognised as being in priority need? - 0
2. How many homelessness applications from refugees who were being evicted from asylum support accommodation did you receive during the period 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022? - 0
2.1. Of this number, how many were asking for help within 28 days of them receiving the decision on their asylum claim? - 0
2.2. During this period, how many were housed - 0
2.3. Of those who were housed, how many were recognised as being in priority need? - 0
3. How many homelessness applications from refugees who were being evicted from asylum support accommodation did you receive during the period 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023? - 2
3.1. Of this number, how many were asking for help within 28 days of them receiving the decision on their asylum claim? - 2
3.2. During this period, how many were housed -2
3.3. Of those who were housed, how many were recognised as being in priority need? - 2
4. How many homelessness applications from refugees who were being evicted from asylum support accommodation did you receive during the period 01 January 2024 to 30 June 2024? - 13
4.1. Of this number, how many were asking for help within 28 days of them receiving the decision on their asylum claim? - 13
4.2. During this period, how many were housed - 10
4.3. Of those who were housed, how many were recognised as being in priority need? - 10
5. How do you apply the priority need assessment to newly recognised refugees who are being evicted from asylum support accommodation - As per Code of Guidance
5.1. Have you issued guidance to your housing officers on how to apply the priority need assessment? - Yes
6. Have you received any contact from the UK Home Office confirming how many asylum seekers will be recognised as refugees and who may therefore require support from your housing office when their asylum support is discontinued? - No
6.1. Please share any correspondence that is specific to the UK Home Office providing advance notice of pending claims about to receive positive decisions - N/A
7. Are there any specific instances where you have had to write to the UK Home Office about the availability of housing for those newly recognised refugees who are being evicted from asylum support accommodation? Please share this correspondence - None
8. If you have had cause to write to the UK Home Office about availability of housing for newly recognised refugees, and you have received a response, please share this response - N/A
Date responded: 29 July 2024
Newbuild Plans
Date submitted: 10 July 2024
Summary of request
1. Is East Devon District Council developing any new social housing? YES/NO
a. If yes.
i. How many units were built and completed in the financial year 2023/24?
1. How many of these units are for rent?
2. How many of these units are for sale?
b. How many units are predicted to be built and completed in the financial year 2024/25?
c. How many units are predicted to be built and completed in the financial years 2024/25 – 2029/30 (next five years)?
2. Does East Devon District Council have its own Development Company? YES/NO
a. If yes, what is its name, postal address, and phone number?
3. How many new social housing units are the development company (separate to any development East Devon District Council are building themselves) predicting to complete in the financial year 2024/25?
4. How many new social housing units are the development company (separate to any development East Devon District Council are building themselves) predicting to complete in the financial years 2024/25 to 2029/30 (next five years)?
5. Please can you provide the name, e-mail, and postal address of the person responsible for running the Development Company?
Summary of response
1. Is East Devon District Council developing any new social housing? - NO
a. If yes.
i. How many units were built and completed in the financial year 2023/24?
1. How many of these units are for rent?
2. How many of these units are for sale?
b. How many units are predicted to be built and completed in the financial year 2024/25?
c. How many units are predicted to be built and completed in the financial years 2024/25 – 2029/30 (next five years)?
2. Does East Devon District Council have its own Development Company? - NO
a. If yes, what is its name, postal address, and phone number?
3. How many new social housing units are the development company (separate to any development East Devon District Council are building themselves) predicting to complete in the financial year 2024/25? - N/A
4. How many new social housing units are the development company (separate to any development East Devon District Council are building themselves) predicting to complete in the financial years 2024/25 to 2029/30 (next five years)? - N/A
5. Please can you provide the name, e-mail, and postal address of the person responsible for running the Development Company? - N/A
Date responded: 17 July 2024
Printer company used in the recent elections
Date submitted: 10 July 2024
Summary of request
What was the name of the printing company that failed to post the polling cards in the July 4th General election in East Devon.
Summary of response
What was the name of the printing company that failed to post the polling cards in the July 4th General election in East Devon - Latchams
Date responded: 17 July 2024
The Energy Efficiency PSH
Date submitted: 10 July 2024
Summary of request
1. Are you able to keep the money received from issuing penalty notices?
2. If not, what is the minimum percentage of the fine you would require to cover costs and/or provide incentive?
1. 100%
2. 50%
3. 25%
4. 10%
5. Briefly, what is the process you take to find non-compliant properties?
6. If the Government was to implement an database which can flag to you when a let property in your area is non-compliant with current EPC standards without an exemption, assuming you could then simply send the penalty notice to the relevant address, would this help you to issue penalty notices?
7. Following from Q4, would this change your answer to Q2, and if so, how?
Summary of response
1. Are you able to keep the money received from issuing penalty notices?
• We are unable to comment, as we do not currently operate the MEES penalty scheme. The money is not ring fenced for enforcement activities.
2. If not, what is the minimum percentage of the fine you would require to cover costs and/or provide incentive?
• 100%
5. Briefly, what is the process you take to find non-compliant properties?
• We check EPCs on all requests for service (disrepair etc.).
6. If the Government were to implement a database which can flag to you when a let property in your area is non-compliant with current EPC standards without an exemption, assuming you could then simply send the penalty notice to the relevant address, would this help you to issue penalty notices?
• This is a good idea. But it may not work, because EPCs can be out of date. This is because the Regulations do not require a new EPC when there have been changes to the building’s performance (not all works improve the EPC).
• The Council must adhere to the enforcement concordat, which requires that we work informally before taking enforcement action.
7. Following from Q4, would this change your answer to Q2, and if so, how?
• No, we would still want 100%.
Date responded: 31 July 2024
Annual compliance for ITHC, PCI DSS and general data security
Date submitted: 3 July 2024
Summary of request
1.1) When did you conduct your last IT Health Check?
1.2) When is your next IT Health Check due?
1.3) Do you conduct other cybersecurity penetration testing?
1.4) Are you in a contract for your IT Health Check / other testing? If
so, when will this be up for renewal?
1.5) Who is the contact person at the Council for the annual IT Health
Check?
2.1) When is the next date to renew compliance validation for PCI DSS?
2.2) Will the Council be requiring consultancy to ensure they adhere to
the new PCI DSS 4.0?
2.3) Who is the contact person at the Council looking after PCI DSS
compliance?
3.1) Do the Council adhere to other data security standards, such as Cyber
Essentials Basic, Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO27001?
3.2) If no, do the Council plan on achieving any of these accreditations?
4.1) Does the Council currently utilise an in-house or outsourced Security
Operations Centre for solutions such as EDR, MDR, or XDR?
4.2) Do the Council have Windows Defender for EDR. If so, is this managed
in-house or externally?
5) What are the contact details for the Data Protection Officer?
Summary of response
1.1) When did you conduct your last IT Health Check?- August 2023
1.2) When is your next IT Health Check due? - January 2025
1.3) Do you conduct other cybersecurity penetration testing? - In house Testing
1.4) Are you in a contract for your IT Health Check / other testing? If so, when will this be up for renewal? - March 2025
1.5) Who is the contact person at the Council for the annual IT Health Check? - Strata Service Solutions Ltd, they can be contacted via their website https://strata.solutions/
2.1) When is the next date to renew compliance validation for PCI DSS? - No date
2.2) Will the Council be requiring consultancy to ensure they adhere to the new PCI DSS 4.0? - No
2.3) Who is the contact person at the Council looking after PCI DSS compliance? - EDDC contact will be Exchequer & Systems Manager.
3.1) Do the Council adhere to other data security standards, such as Cyber Essentials Basic, Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO27001? - No
3.2) If no, do the Council plan on achieving any of these accreditations? - Security accreditations are being investigated.
4.1) Does the Council currently utilise an in-house or outsourced Security Operations Centre for solutions such as EDR, MDR, or XDR?
Date responded: 29 July 2024
Empty council properties in Exmouth, East Devon
Date submitted: 1 July 2024
Summary of request
As of the date of my request, please could you inform me of how many empty properties there are within the Exmouth/Lympstone Parish belonging to East Devon District Council and Housing Associations?
Please could you post a breakdown to how many of these properties are 2 bedroom houses?
Summary of response
As of the date of my request, please could you inform me of how many empty properties there are within the Exmouth/Lympstone Parish belonging to East Devon District Council and Housing Associations?
Please could you post a breakdown to how many of these properties are 2 bedroom houses?
We don’t hold the void information for Housing Associations and this would need to come from them directly.
As of the 1st July 2024 there are 28 EDDC owned void properties in the Exmouth/Lympstone areas. 1 of these properties is a 2 bedroom house.
Date responded: 4 July 2024
Empty properties in Exmouth and Lympstone East Devon
Date submitted: 1 July 2024
Summary of request
As of the date of my request, please could you inform me of how many empty properties there are within the Exmouth/Lympstone Parish?
Please could you post a breakdown to how many of these properties are 2 bedroom houses?
Summary of response
Please see numbers below which fall under the following Council Tax discounts:
- Empty Unoccupied and Unfurnished
- Long term empty Class C
- Long term empty premium
- Empty, uninhabitable major works
Exmouth – 302
Lympstone – 15
We are not able to advise how many bedrooms the properties have as we don’t hold this information.
Date responded: 17 July 2024
Pests in council offices
Date submitted: 1 July 2024
Summary of request
Please include the following information:
• Total number of pest issues cases in the council building
• The specific pest issue encountered and the date it occurred
• Total spent to fix each problem
• The length of time the problem persisted
Summary of response
You requested to know:
• Total number of pest issues cases in the council building - None
• The specific pest issue encountered and the date it occurred - N/A
• Total spent to fix each problem - N/A
• The length of time the problem persisted - N/A
Date responded: 4 July 2024
Mobile contract
Date submitted: 28 June 2024
Summary of request
1. Who is your current mobile phone provider?
2. How many mobile connections?
3. When is the contract up for renewal?
4. The name and email address of the primary contact for this contract?
Summary of response
1. Who is your current mobile phone provider?
EE, Vodafone, 02, Gamma
2. How many mobile connections?
EE - 547 sims (Data only:130 / Voice only:19 / Voice & Data:398)
Vodafone - 258 sims (Data only:43 / Voice & Data:214)
02 - 876 sims (Data only:256 / Voice only:100 / Voice & Data:520)
Gamma - 46 sims (Data only:35/ Voice & Data:11)
3. When is the contract up for renewal?
EE – Q1 2025
Vodafone - Q1 2026
02 – Q2 2025
Gamma – Q3 - 2024
4. The name and email address of the primary contact for this contract?
Strata Service Solutions Ltd - https://strata.solutions/
Date responded: 23 July 2024
Dog Breeding/Selling
Date submitted: 24 June 2024
Summary of request
I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding a question I have about dog breeding licences.
1. Is it legal for someone who has a dog breeding licence to retain legal ownership of a dog and hold breeding rights over that dog, but for the dog to live in another location (not the address listed on the licence) with another family/person i.e. a proxy owner (also not listed on the licence)?
2. If this is allowed, would the number of dogs held at other locations with proxy owners be included in the number of dogs listed on the licence?
3. In this scenario would the licensee be able to sell puppies from this dog that is kept at a separate location?
4. Would a breeding licence be issued for any of the above scenarios? Would a different licence be needed to carry this out (e.g. a pet shop licence)?
5. What advice would the council give to someone who is seeking to do the above when applying for a dog breeding licence?
Summary of response
You requested information regarding dog breeding/selling. Please see our response below:
1. Is it legal for someone who has a dog breeding licence to retain legal ownership of a dog and hold breeding rights over that dog, but for the dog to live in another location (not the address listed on the licence) with another family/person i.e. a proxy owner (also not listed on the licence)?
It is possible for a dog breeder to place their dogs with foster families who will look after the animals they use within their activity. In such circumstances, it is a requirement of the breeder to produce the foster contracts outlining the arrangement between the fosterer and the breeder at the time of the application for a licence. The dogs used in the activity must be present on the day of the inspection so their health and condition can be assessed, and the breeding bitches must whelp and rear their puppies at the breeders premises. The breeding bitch will only be permitted to return to the fosterer when the puppies have reached 8 weeks old. Full disclosure of where each of the dogs normally resides must also be made to the Council by the breeder during the application process. The Council cannot comment as to whether or not the terms of the agreement between the breeder and the fosterer are legally binding/ lawful as each agreement differs and should be reviewed by appropriately qualified legal counsel.
2. If this is allowed, would the number of dogs held at other locations with proxy owners be included in the number of dogs listed on the licence?
Any dog used in the activity of breeding by the applicant will be included in the numbers on the licence, whether or not they permanently reside on the premises. In addition to this, any dogs which are not used by the breeder for the activity of breeding, but are still owned by the breeder, must be included on the numbers of ‘resident/non-breeding’ dogs. This number may include dogs which have not yet reached breeding age or who have retired from breeding.
There is no requirement under the regulations for the licence to list specific dogs, therefore the licence will stipulate the maximum number of dogs which can be used for the activity and these are defined under the following categories:
• Number of breeding bitches
• Number of stud dogs
• Numbers of litters at any one time
• Number of resident/ non-breeding dogs.
3. In this scenario would the licensee be able to sell puppies from this dog that is kept at a separate location?
No bitch may whelp at, and no puppy may be sold from any other premises than the premises listed on the licence. The facilities where a bitch whelps and where the puppies are raised and sold from must be inspected to ensure they meet the DEFRA welfare standards.
4. Would a breeding licence be issued for any of the above scenarios? Would a different licence be needed to carry this out (e.g. a pet shop licence)?
A breeding licence is issued for the sale of puppies and each application is considered on its own merit. The only time a Selling Animals as Pets licence would be recommended, is if the breeder sold any dogs over 6 months of age or bred and sold any other animal, where they are assessed as meeting the business test.
5. What advice would the council give to someone who is seeking to do the above when applying for a dog breeding licence?
The Council would advise the applicant to request pre-application advice from the Animal Health and Licensing Officer, before making an application. The breeder’s circumstances and scope of activity would be discussed, and direction given to the most suitable licence(s) for their activity. The breeder would be advised to consult legal counsel in relation to any agreements for fostering contracts on breeding terms.
Date responded: 25 June 2024
Contact details for the recruitment decision makers/hiring line managers for your IT and Technology
Date submitted: 24 June 2024
Summary of request
The contact details for the recruitment decision makers/hiring line managers for your IT and Technology departments.
Summary of response
You requested the contact details for the recruitment decision makers/hiring line managers for your IT and Technology departments.
There is no one hiring set of line managers, it completely depends on the requirement and area it is in.
All recruitment type requests should come through the Strata Website - https://strata.solutions/#careers so that these are properly co-ordinated. Suppliers/ contract agencies can use the same mechanism.
Date responded: 15 July 2024
Adoption of International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance of on the Working Definition of Antisemitis
Date submitted: 24 June 2024
Summary of request
Please confirm the following:
Q1a If the IHRA Definition has been adopted by the Council since 1 May 2022. If so, please provide the date that the motion/decision to do so was approved and provide a copy of the relevant motion/minutes/policy document or a working link if it is available on your website.
See antisemitism.org/definition for more information about the IHRA Definition and the IHRA statement on the integrality of the examples.
Q1b If the IHRA Definition has been adopted, was the IHRA Definition adopted in its entirety including all of the examples?
Q1c If all of the examples were not adopted, which ones were adopted?
Q1d If the IHRA Definition has not been adopted at all, was there a motion/decision to adopt the IHRA Definition which was defeated, and if so on what date was it defeated?
Q1e. If the IHRA Definition has not yet been adopted, has adoption been timetabled?
Summary of response
Q1a If the IHRA Definition has been adopted by the Council since 1 May 2022. If so, please provide the date that the motion/decision to do so was approved and provide a copy of the relevant motion/minutes/policy document or a working link if it is available on your website - The IHRA definition has not been adopted by the Council
Q1b If the IHRA Definition has been adopted, was the IHRA Definition adopted in its entirety including all of the examples? - N/A
Q1c If all of the examples were not adopted, which ones were adopted? - N/A
Q1d If the IHRA Definition has not been adopted at all, was there a motion/decision to adopt the IHRA Definition which was defeated, and if so on what date was it defeated? - There has been no motion or decision regarding the IHRA Definition
Q1e. If the IHRA Definition has not yet been adopted, has adoption been timetabled? - There are currently no plans to adopt the IHRA Definition
Date responded: 4 July 2024
Fixed penalties notices issued to dog owners on Exmouth Beach
Date submitted: 21 June 2024
Summary of request
Please provide the number of fixed penalties notices issued to dog owners on Exmouth Beach since May 2024. Please provide the number of fixed penalty notices issued to dog owners on Exmouth beach for the council year 2023-2024
Summary of response
You requested information regarding fixed penalties notices issued to dog owners on Exmouth Beach. Please see our response below:
Please provide the number of fixed penalties notices issued to dog owners on Exmouth Beach since May 2024. - Nil
Please provide the number of fixed penalty notices issued to dog owners on Exmouth beach for the council year 2023-2024 - Nil
Date responded: 24 June 2024
Dwellings granted planning consent in flood zones 2-3
Date submitted: 20 June 2024
Summary of request
• The total number of new dwellings granted planning consent within the boundaries of your council in the year 2024 in flood zones 2-3.
Summary of response
You requested the total number of new dwellings granted planning consent within the boundaries of this council in the year 2024 in flood zones 2-3. -information not held. We do not hold that specific information.
Date responded: 4 July 2024
Mandatory, Selective and Additional HMO licensing
Date submitted: 19 June 2024
Summary of request
1. How many administration staff members within the authority are responsible for HMO licensing in the 3 schemes - Mandatory, Selective and Additional licensing?
2. How many days per week are spent on admin for the above three licensing schemes?
Summary of response
You requested information regarding Mandatory, Selective and Additional HMO licensing. Please see our response below:
1. How many administration staff members within the authority are responsible for HMO licensing in the 3 schemes - Mandatory, Selective and Additional licensing? - 1 Business Support Officer, 1 Environmental Health Officer, 1 Technical Officer.
2. How many days per week are spent on admin for the above three licensing schemes? - Half a day a week.
Date responded: 28 June 2024
Cat Cafe Licensing Information
Date submitted: 13 June 2024
Summary of request
1. The total number of "cat cafe" premises which are licensed within your boundaries as of the latest available data.
a. A breakdown of licensed “cat cafes” within your boundary by star rating.
2. The total number of applications for new licences for cat cafes that have been received in the last financial year.
3. The total number of cat cafe licences that have been granted to date in the last financial year.
Summary of response
You requested to know:
1. The total number of "cat cafe" premises which are licensed within your boundaries as of the latest available data - Zero
a. A breakdown of licensed “cat cafes” within your boundary by star rating - N/A
2. The total number of applications for new licences for cat cafes that have been received in the last financial year - N/A
3. The total number of cat cafe licences that have been granted to date in the last financial year - N/A
Date responded: 13 June 2024
Money spent on Carillion Group projects
Date submitted: 11 June 2024
Summary of request
1) How much money has East Devon spent rectifying defects on buildings, which were built by Carillion Group (or any of its subsidiaries). This should be split into yearly figures for every year from January 2018 to the date of your reply.
2) Of the work mentioned in question 1, how many sites did East Devon need to fix? This should also be broken down into yearly figures, and should include the type of site (ie school building, leisure building etc)
3) How much money does East Devon still expect to spend remediating defects on buildings built by Carillion in the coming years?
Summary of response
1) How much money has East Devon spent rectifying defects on buildings, which were built by Carillion Group (or any of its subsidiaries). This should be split into yearly figures for every year from January 2018 to the date of your reply - Zero
2) Of the work mentioned in question 1, how many sites did East Devon need to fix? This should also be broken down into yearly figures, and should include the type of site (i.e. school building, leisure building etc) - N/A
3) How much money does East Devon still expect to spend remediating defects on buildings built by Carillion in the coming years? - N/A
Date responded: 19 June 2024
Data Centre
Date submitted: 11 June 2024
Summary of request
This is a request for information that relates to the organisation’s contracts around ICT contract(s) for Server Hardware Maintenance, Server Virtualisation Licenses and Maintenance and Storage Area Network (SAN) Maintenance/Support, which may include:
• Server Hardware Maintenance- contracts relating to the support and maintenance of the organisation’s physical servers.
• Virtualisation Maintenance/Support/ Licensing (VMware, Solaris, Unix, Linux, Windows Server)
• Storage Area Network Maintenance/Support (EMC, NetApp etc)
For each of the types of contract described above, please can you provide me with the following data. If there is more than one contract please split the information for each separate supplier this includes annual spend
1. Contract Title: Please provide me with the contract title.
2. Type of Contracts (ABOVE): Please can you provide me with one or more contract types the contract relates to: Server Hardware, Virtualisation, SAN (Storage Area Network)
3. Existing/Current Supplier: Please provide me with the supplier name for each contract.
4. Brand: Please state the brand of hardware or software
5. Operating System / Software (Platform): (Windows, Linux, Unix, Vsphere, AIX, Solaris etc.) Please state the operating system used by the organisation.
6. Annual Average Spend: Please provide me with the most recent annual spend for this contract?
7. Contract Duration: (Please can you also include notes if the contract includes any contract Extension periods.)
8. Contract Expiry Date: Please can you provide me with the date of when the contract expires.
9. Contract Review Date: (An approximate date of when the organisation is planning to review this particular contract.)
10. Purchase of Servers: Could you please provide me with the month and year in which most/bulk of servers were purchased.
11. Number of Physical Server: Please can you provide me with the number of physical servers.
12. Number of Virtual Servers: Please can you provide me with the number of Virtual servers
13. Brief Contract Description: I require a brief description of the service provided under this contract. Please do not just put maintenance. I need at least a sentence.
14.Contract Owner: (The person from within the organisation that is responsible for reviewing and renewing this particular contract. Please include their full name, job title, direct contact number and direct email address.)
Summary of response
1. Contract Title: 2 year extension to maintenance and support, 4 hour response time
2. Type of Contracts (ABOVE): maintenance and support
3. Existing/Current Supplier: HPE
4. Brand: HPE
5. Operating System / Software (Platform): VMWare vSphere ESXi
6. Annual Average Spend: N/A
7. Contract Duration: 2 year
8. Contract Expiry Date: 9 August 2025
9. Contract Review Date: 1 May 2025
10. Purchase of Servers: June 2020
11. Number of Physical Server: 14
12. Number of Virtual Servers: N/A, used for VDI desktops
13. Brief Contract Description: This is maintenance and support for the VDI hosts.
1. Contract Title: VMWare vSphere 8 production support
2. Type of Contracts (ABOVE): maintenance and support
3. Existing/Current Supplier: VMWare
4. Brand: VMWare
5. Operating System / Software (Platform): VMWare vSphere ESXi
6. Annual Average Spend: N/A
7. Contract Duration: 1 year
8. Contract Expiry Date: 06/01/25
9. Contract Review Date: Under review
10. Purchase of Servers: N/A
11. Number of Physical Server: 16
12. Number of Virtual Servers: 378
13. Brief Contract Description: This is maintenance and support for our VSI & VDI license
1. Contract Title: 3 year maintenance and support, 4 hour response time
2. Type of Contracts (ABOVE): Maintenance and support
3. Existing/Current Supplier: Dell
4. Brand: Dell
5. Operating System / Software (Platform): Linux, VMWare vSphere ESXi
6. Annual Average Spend: N/A
7. Contract Duration: 3 year
8. Contract Expiry Date: November 2025
9. Contract Review Date: April 2025
10. Purchase of Servers: October 2022
11. Number of Physical Server: 7
12. Number of Virtual Servers: 250
13. Brief Contract Description: This is maintenance and support for the VSI hosts
1. Contract Title: 4 hour pro support plus mission critical
2. Type of Contracts (ABOVE): Maintenance and support
3. Existing/Current Supplier: Dell
4. Brand: Dell
5. Operating System / Software (Platform): Dell OS
6. Annual Average Spend: N/A
7. Contract Duration: 5 year
8. Contract Expiry Date: 09/02/27
9. Contract Review Date: February 2026
10. Purchase of Servers: N/A
11. Number of Physical Server: 2
12. Number of Virtual Servers: N/A
13. Brief Contract Description: This is the support and maintenance for the SANs
14. Contract Owner: (The person from within the organisation that is responsible for reviewing and renewing this particular contract. Please include their full name, job title, direct contact number and direct email address.): The persons involved will change over time so our policy is to provide a contact route to our procurement team in our in-house IT company, Strata Service Solutions - Strata | Supporting government which includes the latest email address. https://strata.solutions/#procurement
Date responded: 4 July 2024
Article 4 Directive shape files in vector format
Date submitted: 10 June 2024
Summary of request
1. Most recent Article 4 Directive shape files in vector format. Currently, the mapped Article 4 Directive cannot be assessed in sufficient detail, and having access to them in vector format is crucial for our analysis for planning purposes. I am happy to receive map/shape files in any recognised vector format which contains the coordinates describing the shape of the Article 4 area and can be used in GIS software.
As Article 4 Directives are part of land designation, these shape files should be publicly accessible. Therefore, I kindly ask that you provide these shape files in a compatible vector format.
2. Additionally, I request the most up-to-date Article 4 Directive documentation in re-usable (computer readable) format (not as images or scanned documents). Having access to this documentation is essential for our comprehensive understanding and application of these directives.
3. Also, please provide information about any APIs that you may have relating to planning information such as shape files, planning applications (in machine readable pdf) or other information.
Summary of response
You requested Article 4 Directive shapes files in vector format. This information is not currently available. Article 4’s are always being updated so the data is out of date very quickly.
We are in the process of updating ours as they are currently out of date.
Date responded: 4 July 2024
Audit of the national fraud initative
Date submitted: 7 June 2024
Summary of request
1. When are you next going through an audit of the national fraud initiative?
2. What current procedures do you have in place such as confirmation of payee against fraud?
3. What is your current confirmation of payee software incumbent product & the renewal date of the contract.
Summary of response
1. When are you next going through an audit of the national fraud initiative? - The NFI is a bi-annual exercise and is next due to be started January 2025. We currently have an interim NFI exercise for single person discount but are using an external company so not doing it through the NFI.
2. What current procedures do you have in place such as confirmation of payee against fraud? - We have a process where the details supplied are independently verified to the received details.
3. What is your current confirmation of payee software incumbent product & the renewal date of the contract - Bank wizard which is on a yearly contract.
Date responded: 11 June 2024
Council Tax debt
Date submitted: 6 June 2024
Summary of request
1. Between 6th April 2023 and 5th April 2024, what guidelines did you follow when setting arrangements for constituents to pay Council Tax arrears? (YES/NO)
a. The Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992
b. The Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 1998
c. The National Standards for Enforcement Agents
d. Local Council Tax Support Schemes
e. Income and Expenditure Assessments
f. Flexible Payment Arrangements
2. Between 6th April 2023 and 5th April 2024, what industry standard tools did you use when assessing an individual’s ability to repay Council Tax arrears? (YES/NO)
a. Income and Expenditure Forms
b. Budgeting Software
c. Affordability Assessments
d. Credit Reference Agencies
e. Debt Advice Services
f. Legal Proceedings
3. Between 6th April 2023 and 5th April 2024, what % of Council Tax was:
a. Paid on time?
b. Paid after internal chase activities?
c. Collected by an enforcement agent?
4. How much did you spend on collecting Council Tax arrears between 6th April 2023 and 5th April 2024.
Can you also state the cost per method:
a. Internal chase activities
b. Enforcement agent
5. Do you have its own internal enforcement department? (YES/NO)
6. Between 6th April 2023 and 5th April 2024, did you use a benefits calculator to help residents in arrears maximise their income? If so, which tool?
7. Between 6th April 2023 and 5th April 2024, did you use attachment of earnings for constituents to pay Council Tax arrears?
Summary of response
1. Between 6th April 2023 and 5th April 2024, what guidelines did you follow when setting arrangements for constituents to pay Council Tax arrears? (YES/NO)
a. The Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992 - Yes
b. The Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 1998 - No
c. The National Standards for Enforcement Agents - Yes
d. Local Council Tax Support Schemes - Yes
e. Income and Expenditure Assessments - Yes
f. Flexible Payment Arrangements - Yes
2. Between 6th April 2023 and 5th April 2024, what industry standard tools did you use when assessing an individual’s ability to repay Council Tax arrears? (YES/NO)
a. Income and Expenditure Forms - Yes
b. Budgeting Software - NO
c. Affordability Assessments - Yes
d. Credit Reference Agencies - Yes
e. Debt Advice Services - No
f. Legal Proceedings - NO
3. Between 6th April 2023 and 5th April 2024, what % of Council Tax was:
a. Paid on time? - Information not available
b. Paid after internal chase activities? - Information not available
c. Collected by an enforcement agent? - Information not available
4. How much did you spend on collecting Council Tax arrears between 6th April 2023 and 5th April 2024.
Can you also state the cost per method: - Information not available
a. Internal chase activities - Information not available
b. Enforcement agent - There is no cost to ourselves for enforcement agent action
5. Do you have its own internal enforcement department? (NO) - we do not employ enforcement agents directly
6. Between 6th April 2023 and 5th April 2024, did you use a benefits calculator to help residents in arrears maximise their income? If so, which tool? - Information on the help we supply can be found on our website :
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/financial-support-and-advice/
7. Between 6th April 2023 and 5th April 2024, did you use attachment of earnings for constituents to pay Council Tax arrears? - Yes
Date responded: 3 July 2024
Fraudulent Business rate refund claims
Date submitted: 6 June 2024
Summary of request
1. Could you please confirm the number of instances in the last 10 years where a fraudulent claim for a business rates refund has been made?
2. Could you please confirm the number of instances where a refund has been paid to an incorrect entity due to a fraudulent claim?
3. Could you please confirm the total value (£) over the last 10 years where a Ratepayer has had to be compensated due to a fraudulent claim for a business rates refund?
4. The total value of credits held on business rates accounts within the billing authority as of today's date.
Summary of response
1. Could you please confirm the number of instances in the last 10 years where a fraudulent claim for a business rates refund has been made? - 1
2. Could you please confirm the number of instances where a refund has been paid to an incorrect entity due to a fraudulent claim? - 0
3. Could you please confirm the total value (£) over the last 10 years where a Ratepayer has had to be compensated due to a fraudulent claim for a business rates refund? - 0
4. The total value of credits held on business rates accounts within the billing authority as of today's date - £72,514.93
Date responded: 3 July 2024
Applications that claim exemption from mandatory biodiversity net gain
Date submitted: 4 June 2024
Summary of request
1. How many planning applications have you received since (and including) 2 April 2024?
2. Of those applications, how many have been validated?
3. (a) Of the validated applications, how many have claimed exemption from mandatory biodiversity net gain?
(b) Of those claiming exemptions, how many have relied on each exemption:
(i) Householder application
(ii) Self build or custom build application
(iii) Application for a biodiversity gain site
(iv) HS2-related application
(v) 'De minimis' exemption where less than 25sqm of area habitat, 5m of hedgerow, 5m of watercourse and no priority habitat are affected
(c) Of those claiming the de minimis exemption, how many have set out what habitats are within the red line boundary for the application?
4. Of the validated applications not claiming exemption from mandatory biodiversity net gain (i.e. answer to Q2 minus answer to Q3(a)):
(a) how many have been granted permission?
(b) of those granted permission under Q4(a), how many have submitted a biodiversity gain plan?
(c) of those submitting a biodiversity gain plan under Q4(b), how many have had it approved?
Summary of response
1. How many planning applications have you received since (and including) 2 April 2024? - The requested data can be searched via our planning portal on our website by using the search facility. I suggest that you visit the planning portal and search for the information you require. You will need to narrow down your search by selecting the application type and date parameters. You will then be able to collate the data yourself. Applications Search (https://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=advanced)
As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
2. Of those applications, how many have been validated? - The requested data can be searched via our planning portal on our website by using the search facility. I suggest that you visit the planning portal and search for the information you require. You will need to narrow down your search by selecting the application type and date parameters. You will then be able to collate the data yourself. Applications Search (https://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=advanced)
As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
3. (a) Of the validated applications, how many have claimed exemption from mandatory biodiversity net gain? - This information is not recorded
(b) Of those claiming exemptions, how many have relied on each exemption:
(i) Householder application
(ii) Self build or custom build application
(iii) Application for a biodiversity gain site
(iv) HS2-related application
(v) 'De minimis' exemption where less than 25sqm of area habitat, 5m of hedgerow, 5m of watercourse and no priority habitat are affected
(c) Of those claiming the de minimis exemption, how many have set out what habitats are within the red line boundary for the application?
4. Of the validated applications not claiming exemption from mandatory biodiversity net gain (i.e. answer to Q2 minus answer to Q3(a)): - This information is not recorded
(a) how many have been granted permission?
(b) of those granted permission under Q4(a), how many have submitted a biodiversity gain plan?
(c) of those submitting a biodiversity gain plan under Q4(b), how many have had it approved?
Date responded: 5 June 2024
Outstanding commuted sums for Open Space transfers
Date submitted: 3 June 2024
Summary of request
I would be grateful if you could provide me with the following information on all known cases whereby the Developer has yet to fulfil their obligation of paying a commuted sum and transferring the Open Space to the Council.
Site Name/Address of all Unadopted Areas of Public Open Space within the Council's
Jurisdiction.
Name of Developer associated with the corresponding site.
Date ofthe Section 106 Agreement to which the Open Space applies.
The Agreed Commuted Sum Value to be paid by the Developer.
Planning Application Reference(s).
Summary of response
You requested to know all known cases whereby the Developer has yet to fulfil their obligation of paying a commuted sum and transferring the Open Space to the Council. Please see our response below:
Site Name/Address of all Unadopted Areas of Public Open Space within the Council's
Jurisdiction. - Land opposite Buchanan Close, Honiton, EX14 2HB
Name of Developer associated with the corresponding site. - Persimmon Homes
Date ofthe Section 106 Agreement to which the Open Space applies. - 31 March 2006
The Agreed Commuted Sum Value to be paid by the Developer. - £13,000
Planning Application Reference(s). - 05/2551/MFUL
Date responded: 20 June 2024
Social housing rent arrears
Date submitted: 30 May 2024
Summary of request
- How many units of social housing stock do you currently have?
- How many units of social housing stock did you own in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023?
- How many of these social housing units are currently in rental arrears?
- How many of these social housing units were in rental arrears in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023?
- What is the total value of these rental arrears?
- What was the total value of these rental arrears in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023?
Summary of response
- How many units of social housing stock do you currently have? - 4175
- How many units of social housing stock did you own in the years:
2019 - 4197
2020 - 4204
2021 - 4202
2022 - 4178
2023 - 4179
- How many of these social housing units are currently in rental arrears? - 2655
- How many of these social housing units were in rental arrears in the years:
2019 no data available
2020 no data available
2021 no data available
2022 no data available
2023 - 1074
- What is the total value of these rental arrears? - Currently £320,172.18
- What was the total value of these rental arrears in the years:
2019 - £254,082.79
2020 - £396,913.87
2021 - £380,556.52
2022 - £373,958.63
2023 - £365,170.69
Date responded: 19 June 2024
Communications staff who work on housing at your organisation
Date submitted: 23 May 2024
Summary of request
• How many homes to let at a social rent package (including London Affordable Rent and London Living Rent where applicable) do you have in your housing stock, either directly or through an ALMO or a wholly owned housing company (please list them separately?
• How many comms people in your organisation work on housing communications? This includes anyone tasked with things like media relations, social media, marketing, web operations, public affairs, and so on. Please list the posts and what proportion of their time is spent on housing comms, as a proportion of a full time equivalent post.
• Are those staff members paid for from funds in your housing revenue account (ie your tenants rent) or by other means? Please explain how if it’s the latter.
Summary of response
• How many homes to let at a social rent package (including London Affordable Rent and London Living Rent where applicable) do you have in your housing stock, either directly or through an ALMO or a wholly owned housing company (please list them separately? – We have a total of 4167 council properties, 92 of these are let under the Affordable Rent scheme and we have none under the London Living Rent.
These are all let directly through EDDC and not an ALMO.
• How many comms people in your organisation work on housing communications? This includes anyone tasked with things like media relations, social media, marketing, web operations, public affairs, and so on. Please list the posts and what proportion of their time is spent on housing comms, as a proportion of a full time equivalent post – The corporate Communications Team is made up of 3FTE members of staff who carry out work on housing comms as part of their general day to day work. We do not hold records for the percentage of time spent on providing communications for individual departments of the council.
• Are those staff members paid for from funds in your housing revenue account (i.e. your tenants rent) or by other means? Please explain how if it’s the latter – The Corporate Communications Team is funded from the council’s General Fund rather than HRA.
Date responded: 11 June 2024
Tree felling
Date submitted: 23 May 2024
Summary of request
Can you tell me how many trees the council has ordered to be removed in the last 10 years? And how many have been replanted in that period?
Can you specify how many trees were cut down because they faced insurance claims? Can you specify how many trees were cut down to allow the construction of housing developments? If providing stats going back 10 years is not possible can you provide stats for tree felling for the past 5 or 3 years?
Summary of response
Can you tell me how many trees the council has ordered to be removed in the last 10 years? - Please see below
And how many have been replanted in that period? - Please see below
Can you specify how many trees were cut down because they faced insurance claims? - No
Can you specify how many trees were cut down to allow the construction of housing developments? - No
If providing stats going back 10 years is not possible can you provide stats for tree felling for the past 5 or 3 years? - See below
Trees felled.
2016 – no data
2017 – 2
2018 – 28
2019 – 49
2020 – 35
2021 – 46
2022 – 4
2023 – 1
Trees planted
2016 – no data
2017 – 1
2018 – 15
2019 – 11
2020 – 0
2021 – 777
2022 – 1240
2023 – 1094
Date responded: 17 June 2024
The use of online forms in Revenues & Benefits
Date submitted: 23 May 2024
Summary of request
1.What is the name of your Local Authority?
2.What type of Council are you? (e.g District Council, Unitary authority, etc)
3.How many properties are registered for Council Tax in your area?
4.Within your Revenues and Benefits service, what of the following can residents submit/apply for via a digital form? (Select all that apply)
Single Person Discount
Direct Debit
Change of Address
Payment arrangement
Student disregard/exemption
Severely mentally impaired disregard/exemption
Disabled Band reduction
Council Tax support
Online benefit calculators
Person in hospital or care home
Other disregard discounts (e.g carers)
Discretionary Housing Payment
Discretionary Council Tax discount (section 13a)
5.Do you have plans to introduce and/or improve your digital online forms within the next 2 - 3 years?
Yes
No
Summary of response
1.What is the name of your Local Authority? – East Devon District Council
2.What type of Council are you? (e.g District Council, Unitary authority, etc) - District
3.How many properties are registered for Council Tax in your area? - As at 01.05.2024 we had 74,461 properties
4.Within your Revenues and Benefits service, what of the following can residents submit/apply for via a digital form? (Select all that apply)
Single Person Discount - YES
Direct Debit - YES
Change of Address - CTAX YES
Payment arrangement - NO
Student disregard/exemption - YES
Severely mentally impaired disregard/exemption - YES
Disabled Band reduction - YES
Council Tax support - YES
Online benefit calculators - YES we direct to external calculators
Person in hospital or care home - YES
Other disregard discounts (e.g carers) - YES
Discretionary Housing Payment - YES
Discretionary Council Tax discount (section 13a) - YES we have a discretionary help form within which discretionary Council Tax discounts would be considered
5.Do you have plans to introduce and/or improve your digital online forms within the next 2 - 3 years? - Yes
Date responded: 5 June 2024
Residential heat networks
Date submitted: 23 May 2024
Summary of request
I am requesting the following information on any council-run residential heat networks you have.
1. What is the name of the energy supplier(s) for each of your residential heat networks?
2. How much has your energy supplier(s) charged you for your heat networks in the last five financial years (2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24)?
3. Did you apply for the government's Energy Bills Discount Scheme for your heat networks? If not, why not?
4. Have you applied for the government's Heat Network Efficiency Scheme? If not, why not?
5. Have you updated your business case for adding meters to heat network flats since energy bills went up in 2022? If not, why not?
Summary of response
1. What is the name of the energy supplier(s) for each of your residential heat networks? - Information not held. EDDC does not have any Residential heat networks that it maintains.
2. How much has your energy supplier(s) charged you for your heat networks in the last five financial years (2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24)? - Information not held
3. Did you apply for the government's Energy Bills Discount Scheme for your heat networks? If not, why not? - N/A
4. Have you applied for the government's Heat Network Efficiency Scheme? If not, why not? - N/A
5. Have you updated your business case for adding meters to heat network flats since energy bills went up in 2022? If not, why not? - No not at present
Date responded: 28 May 2024
Credits on incorporated company accounts, including charities
Date submitted: 23 May 2024
Summary of request
Could you please provide me with the most up-to-date list of all incorporated companies within the authorities billing area that have a council tax credit against their account.
Please note, I am not requesting business rates data but council tax accounts held by companies such as charities e.g housing associations and
property developers etc.
Could you please including the following data in the response:
(A) The company name to which the account in credit relates to.
(B). The value of overpayment.
(C). The years(s) the overpayment relates to.
(D) The property address the credit relates to.
(E) Whether the account is a live/open account or a closed account.
(F)The date that the data was generated.
Please can you provide the most up to date data held.
Summary of response
You requested information re: credits on accounts that we currently hold for incorporated companies, including charities.
The Council has made the decision to no longer publish the details of individual account credits. The Council considers that the continued publication of this data would be likely to prejudice the prevention and detection of crime and therefore the Council considers that this data is now exempt from disclosure under Section 31(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
When we engage section 31 of the FOIA, we must consider the public interest test and determine whether publishing this information outweighs withholding it.
We have considered this and we believe that by publishing this information we potentially put the council at risk of fraudulent activity as well as the individuals whose data we are responsible for. Therefore we are of the opinion preventing fraud outweighs disclosing information about credit balances and it is therefore not in the public's interest to disclose this information.
Date responded: 5 June 2024
Council E-Waste
Date submitted: 23 May 2024
Summary of request
I request to know the amount of E-Waste collected and recycled / disposed of over an annual period for the most recently available data.
Summary of response
You requested information about council e-waste, please see our response below:
Collection date: March 2023
144 x desktop/laptops
1 x projector
4 x monitors
The above data is in relation to all 3 councils, East Devon District Council, Teignbridge Council, and Exeter City Council, which are managed by Strata.
Date responded: 5 June 2024
Leaseholders and revenue from leaseholds
Date submitted: 20 May 2024
Summary of request
I request information pertaining to properties for which the Council holds the leasehold. Specifically, I seek the following data:
1. Total Number of Homes: The total number of residential properties for which the Council holds the leasehold from 2016 to the present.
2. Revenue from Leaseholds: A breakdown of the annual revenue received from these leaseholds, year by year, from 2016 to the current year.
Summary of response
You requested information on leaseholders and revenue from leaseholds. Please see our response below:
1. Total Number of Homes: The total number of residential properties for which the Council holds the leasehold from 2016 to the present - 27
2. Revenue from Leaseholds: A breakdown of the annual revenue received from these leaseholds, year by year, from 2016 to the current year - We are unable to provide a breakdown of annual revenue year by year.
Date responded: 17 June 2024
Debt collectors/bankruptcy petitions/charging orders
Date submitted: 16 May 2024
Summary of request
1. Has your local authority employed debt collection agencies to collect unpaid council tax debts or business rates over the last five years?
2. Has your local authority employed bailiffs to collect unpaid council tax debts or business rates over the last five years?
3. Has your local authority applied for any bankruptcy petitions against people with unpaid council tax debts or business rates over the last five years? If so, how many?
4. Has your local authority applied for any charging orders against people with unpaid council tax debts or business rates over the last five years? If so, how many?
5. Has your local authority “sold” any books of council tax or business rates debt over the last five years?
Summary of response
1. Has your local authority employed debt collection agencies to collect unpaid council tax debts or business rates over the last five years? - We do not use debt collection agencies to collect unpaid council tax or business rates.
2. Has your local authority employed bailiffs to collect unpaid council tax debts or business rates over the last five years? - We have employed enforcement agents to collect unpaid council tax and business rates in the last 5 years
3. Has your local authority applied for any bankruptcy petitions against people with unpaid council tax debts or business rates over the last five years? If so, how many? - We have not applied for any bankruptcy petitions against people with council tax or business rates debts in the last 5 years.
4. Has your local authority applied for any charging orders against people with unpaid council tax debts or business rates over the last five years? If so, how many? - We have applied for 7 Charging orders for council tax and none for business rates in the last 5 years.
5. Has your local authority “sold” any books of council tax or business rates debt over the last five years? - We have not “sold” any books of debt for council tax or business rates in the last 5 years.
Date responded: 11 June 2024
Noise complaints - pubs
Date submitted: 16 May 2024
Summary of request
I would be grateful if you could please provide the following information for the four time periods listed below:
(a) For 19th July 2022 - 19th July 2023
(b) For 19th July 2021 - 19th July 2022
(c) For 1st January 2019- 31st December 2019
(d) For 1st January 2018- 31st December 2018
1. The total number of noise complaints that have been filed against licensed premises/ A4 pubs in your area
2. The total number of noise abatement notices issued to licensed premises/ A4 pubs in your area
3. The total number of fines/fixed penalty notices issued to licensed premises/ A4 pubs in your area, and the amount in each instance
Summary of response
(a) For 19th July 2022 - 19th July 2023 - 43
(b) For 19th July 2021 - 19th July 2022 - 18
(c) For 1st January 2019- 31st December 2019 - 55
(d) For 1st January 2018- 31st December 2018 - 29
1. The total number of noise complaints that have been filed against licensed premises/ A4 pubs in your area - see above
2. The total number of noise abatement notices issued to licensed premises/ A4 pubs in your area - no noise abatement notices for licensed premises have been issued between 01 Jan 2018 - 19 July 2023
3. The total number of fines/fixed penalty notices issued to licensed premises/ A4 pubs in your area, and the amount in each instance - no fines for licensed premises have been issued between 01 Jan 2018 - 19 July 2023
Date responded: 13 June 2024
Correspondence between Ed Freeman & landowners/developers, re sites in a Green Wedge or Coastal Pres
Date submitted: 16 May 2024
Summary of request
To request copies of all meeting records and correspondence between Edward Freeman (EDDC Assistant Director for Planning Strategy & Development Management) and landowners and developers, regarding sites that currently sit within a Green Wedge or Coastal Preservation Area.
This request covers the time period 1st January 2022 to 15th May 2024.
Summary of response
You requested copies of all meeting records and correspondence between Ed Freeman (EDDC Assistant Director for Planning Strategy & Development Management) and landowners and developers, regarding sites that currently sit within a Green Wedge or Coastal Preservation Area.
There are no meeting records or correspondence that fall within the scope of your request.
Date responded: 28 May 2024
PSPO dogs on beaches
Date submitted: 15 May 2024
Summary of request
Dates of last consultation process for dates dogs not allowed on beaches.
Who was consultation carried out with and what was the publicity process?
When is next consultation due?
When was the last time someone was warned or fined for allowing dog on beach or allowing dog off lead on areas signposted dogs on lead area? When was last time someone was warned or fined for cycling in no cycling signposted area?
Summary of response
Dates of last consultation process for dates dogs not allowed on beaches - 10 October 2022 to 20 November 2022
Who was consultation carried out with and what was the publicity process? - The Council wrote to the Chief officer of police, Local policing body, Town and parish councils, Devon County Council, The National Trust, Community groups and representatives such as Exmouth Chamber of Commerce to make them aware of the consultation.
The Council produced a Press release to make people aware of the public consultation; this was picked up by local publications including Devon Live, Exmouth Journal and Sidmouth Journal. There was an article in the East Devon Residents newsletter.
All documents relating to the current and proposed Public Spaces Protection Orders were made available on the Councils website. Comments regarding the current and proposed changes to the Orders could be made to the Council by email.
When is next consultation due? - It is a legal requirement for PSPOs to be reviewed every three years. The next review is due to take place before March 2026. A public consultation will take place in 2025.
When was the last time someone was warned or fined for allowing dog on beach or allowing dog off lead on areas signposted dogs on lead area? - The Dog Enforcement Officer regularly patrols green spaces across the district, particularly where complaints have been received, and also on East Devon beaches where the seasonal dog exclusion controls apply.
Where there is a breach of the Public Spaces Protection Order, the Dog Enforcement Officer provides information and a warning to the member of the public. A fine will be issued to members of the public who have previously been issued with a warning.
When was last time someone was warned or fined for cycling signposted area? - EDDC have not warned or fined anyone for cycling in an no cycling area.
Date responded: 11 June 2024
Planning enforcement complaints
Date submitted: 13 May 2024
Summary of request
This request relates to the following financial years:
2020/2021
2021/2022
2022/2023
2023/2024
For each question below please provide the information separately for each financial period specified above.
1. How many planning enforcement complaints have you received?
2. How many planning enforcement complaints have you closed?
3. How many planning enforcement complaints remained open/active/unresolved (or similar) on the first day of the period; with that being 1st April?
4. What was the average (median) caseload for each investigating officer?
5. How many planning enforcement staff did you have on the team structure on the first day of the period; with that being 1st April?
6. Please split the information for question 5 into both professional and supporting/administrative roles as applicable.
7. Please indicate whether any of the roles identified for question 5 have been occupied by temporary staff/contractors and alike; providing the detail (number and role) of these as applicable.
8. Using the data provided within question 5 please indicate how many vacancies there were in each role and where these vacancies were for more than 3 months.
Summary of response
You requested to know information on Planning enforcement complaints for the following financial years:
2020/2021
Received: 477
Closed: 471
Outstanding: 123
2021/2022
Received: 407
Closed: 253
Open: 152
2022/2023
Received: 396
Closed: 246
Outstanding: 152
2023/2024
Received: 327
Closed: 197
Outstanding: 150
For each question below please provide the information separately for each financial period specified above.
1. How many planning enforcement complaints have you received? - See above.
2. How many planning enforcement complaints have you closed? - See above.
3. How many planning enforcement complaints remained open/active/unresolved (or similar) on the first day of the period; with that being 1st April? - See above.
4. What was the average (median) caseload for each investigating officer? - 133 per annum
5. How many planning enforcement staff did you have on the team structure on the first day of the period; with that being 1st April? - 3 officers.
6. Please split the information for question 5 into both professional and supporting/administrative roles as applicable. - All our officers are professional.
7. Please indicate whether any of the roles identified for question 5 have been occupied by temporary staff/contractors and alike; providing the detail (number and role) of these as applicable. - All permanent staff.
8. Using the data provided within question 5 please indicate how many vacancies there were in each role and where these vacancies were for more than 3 months. - None.
Date responded: 28 May 2024
Dog Wardens on Exmouth Beach
Date submitted: 10 May 2024
Summary of request
Exmouth beach dog ban:
1) Can you please list for the past 3 years (2021/2022/2023) how many days have dog wardens have patrolled Exmouth seafront/beach during the dog ban period?
2) How many fines over the past 3 years (2021/2022/2023) have been issued by dog wardens patrolling Exmouth seafront/beach for breach of the dog ban?
3) How many fines have been given by EDDC over the past 3 years (2021/2022/2023) for littering and anti-social behaviour on Exmouth seafront/beaches?
4) Does EDDC have the legal authority to fine users taking their dog on the foreshore within the dog ban period (area between the high tide line and low tide line) given that the crown owns almost all the foreshore land areas in England (not EDDC)?
Summary of response
You requested information regarding Dog Wardens on Exmouth Beach. Please see our response below:
Can you please list for the past 3 years (2021/2022/2023) how many days have dog wardens have patrolled Exmouth seafront/beach during the dog ban period? - We are unable to provide exact figures as the patrolling of Exmouth beach forms one part of the DEO’s post and they schedule in their patrolling themselves. However, we can confirm that during May to Sept, Exmouth beach will have been patrolled twice weekly for a minimum of 3 hours per patrol. The DEO post was created in 2022 and we cannot provide figures for 2021.
2) How many fines over the past 3 years (2021/2022/2023) have been issued by dog wardens patrolling Exmouth seafront/beach for breach of the dog ban? - Zero
3) How many fines have been given by EDDC over the past 3 years (2021/2022/2023) for littering and anti-social behaviour on Exmouth seafront/beaches? - Zero
4) Does EDDC have the legal authority to fine users taking their dog on the foreshore within the dog ban period (area between the high tide line and low tide line) given that the crown owns almost all the foreshore land areas in England (not EDDC)? - Yes
Date responded: 4 June 2024
Funding Shortfall
Date submitted: 10 May 2024
Summary of request
1. What is your current predicted funding gap by the end of the financial year 2025/26?
2. What is your current predicted net revenue budget for the financial year 2025/26?
3. What is your current predicted cumulative funding gap by the end of the financial year 2026/27? (the total combined predicted funding gap of the financial years 2025/26 and 2026/27)
4. What is your current predicted net revenue budget for the financial year 2026/27?
Summary of response
You requested information regarding funding shortfall. This information is already published on the EDDC website. As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=136&MId=2195&Ver=4
Date responded: 10 May 2024
HR, Payroll and Finance Management systems
Date submitted: 10 May 2024
Summary of request
Please could you provide the following information regarding your finance, HR and payroll solutions:
Which Hr and performance management system do you use, contract period and contract value / if sass or on-prem?
Which Finance system (or Enterprise Resource Management) do you use, contract period and contract value / if sass or on-prem?
Which Payroll software do you use, contract period and contract value / outsourced, sass or on-prem?
Are you planning to go to market for a different Finance/ERP, HR or Payroll system? If
so, when?
How many employees, users / licenses of the system do you have for each system, please?
Summary of response
Please see our response below on the information you requested re HR, Payroll and Finance Management systems:
Which Hr and performance management system do you use, contract period and contract value / if sass or on-prem? - iTrent, on-prem; £64k, joint contract for all 3 councils. On-prem
Which Finance system (or Enterprise Resource Management) do you use, contract period and contract value / if sass or on-prem? - ABS, eFinancials – rolling contract, contract value £42,300k. No ERM. On-prem
Which Payroll software do you use, contract period and contract value / outsourced, sass or on-prem? - See details for HR
Are you planning to go to market for a different Finance/ERP, HR or Payroll system? If so, when? - No. Current project to manage.
How many employees, users / licenses of the system do you have for each system, please?
Finance - 20 Efin Licenses and 225 Eprocurement licenses
Hr - EDDC we have 507 users and for Strata we have 72 users, mostly with Employee Self Service/Manager Self Service access to the system.
Date responded: 4 June 2024
Temporary Accommodation Suppliers
Date submitted: 8 May 2024
Summary of request
Please can you provide the following information relating to the Council’s provision of temporary accommodation:
1. The total spend on temporary accommodation by private sector supplier in the 2023/24 financial year (01/04/2023 to 31/03/2024), categorised as follows:
- Private sector accommodation leased by the local authority.
- Nightly paid, privately managed accommodation, self-contained.
- Bed and breakfast hotels (including shared annexes). I.e., not self-contained.
Note: If it is too time consuming and costly to break down the spend into these three categories, then please just provide the total for each private sector supplier. To be clear, I am asking for both the name of the supplier and the total spend. Ideally, the suppliers would be arranged according to which of the three categories of accommodation they provide.
2. Please can you provide the total number of current temporary accommodation placements in other local authority districts, broken down according to the name of the local authority district the placements have been made in.
Please provide the information in one excel spreadsheet (it may contain more than one tab if necessary). Please supply the information relating to part 1 of the request in two columns, one with the provider’s business name and one with the total spend over the period. Please supply the information relating to part 2 in two columns, one with the name of the relevant authority and one with the total temporary accommodation placements in that authority’s district.
Summary of response
Please can you provide the following information relating to the Council’s provision of temporary accommodation:
1. The total spend on temporary accommodation by private sector supplier in the 2023/24 financial year (01/04/2023 to 31/03/2024), categorised as follows:
- Private sector accommodation leased by the local authority.
- Nightly paid, privately managed accommodation, self-contained.
- Bed and breakfast hotels (including shared annexes). I.e., not self-contained.
Note: If it is too time consuming and costly to break down the spend into these three categories, then please just provide the total for each private sector supplier. To be clear, I am asking for both the name of the supplier and the total spend. Ideally, the suppliers would be arranged according to which of the three categories of accommodation they provide.
(01/04/2023 to 31/03/2024) - spend £148,137.21.
We don’t have the breakdown per sector type
We are unable to break it down by provider as releasing the providers names could potentially put the residents at risk if they are in temporary accommodation fleeing violence. Therefore this information is withheld under section 38(1)(a) - endangering the physical or mental health of any individual and section 38(1)(b) endangering the safety of any individual.
2. Please can you provide the total number of current temporary accommodation placements in other local authority districts, broken down according to the name of the local authority district the placements have been made in - 0
Please provide the information in one excel spreadsheet (it may contain more than one tab if necessary). Please supply the information relating to part 1 of the request in two columns, one with the provider’s business name and one with the total spend over the period. Please supply the information relating to part 2 in two columns, one with the name of the relevant authority and one with the total temporary accommodation placements in that authority’s district.
Date responded: 4 June 2024
Facilities Management
Date submitted: 8 May 2024
Summary of request
I would like the organisation to review my freedom of information request below, that’s focused around contract data for services around facilities management specifically around the services below:
1. Office and building cleaning – Service contract that is focused around office, commercial and building cleaning services.
2. Lift service and maintenance – Service contract for lift service and maintenance.
3. Food – Service contract that is focused around catering services.
4. General waste services contracts – The organisation’s primary general waste service contract.
5. Laundry services - where clothes and linen can be washed and ironed.
1. Contract profile questionnaire for each type of contract:
2. Supplier/Provider of the services
3. Total Annual Spend – The spend should only relate to each of the service contracts listed above.
4. A description of the services provided under this contract please includes information if other services are included under the same contract.
5. The number of sites the contract covers
6. [ONLY FOR LIFT CONTRACT] The Brand name of the type of lifts used by the organisation
7. The start date of the contract
8. The end date of the contract
9. The duration of the contract, please include information on any extensions period.
10. Who within the organisation is responsible for each of these contracts? name, Job Title, contact number and email address.
Summary of response
You requested information regarding Facilities Management. Please see our response below:
1. Office and building cleaning – Service contract that is focused around office, commercial and building cleaning services - Please see below
2. Lift service and maintenance – Service contract for lift service and maintenance - Please see below
3. Food – Service contract that is focused around catering services – Not EDDC
4. General waste services contracts – The organisation’s primary general waste service contract - Please see below
5. Laundry services - where clothes and linen can be washed and ironed – Not EDDC
1. Office and building cleaning – Service contract that is focus around office, commercial and building cleaning services:
1. Supplier/Provider of the services – The service agreement is with an external contractor
2. Total Annual Spend – The spend should only relate to each of the service contract listed above: circa £90k
3. A description of the services provided under this contract please includes information if other services are included under the same contract - Office Cleaning
4. The number of sites the contract covers - 4 sites
5. The start date of the contract - January 2019
6. The end date of the contract - Rolling annual contract
7. The duration of the contract, please include information on any extension period - Rolling annual contract
8. Who within the organisation is responsible for each of these contracts? Name, Job Title, contact number and email address - Principal Building Surveyor, propety@eastdevon.gov.uk
2. Lift service and maintenance – Service contract for lift service and maintenance:
1. Supplier/Provider of the services – The maintenance agreement is with an external provider
2. Total Annual Spend – The spend should only relate to each of the service contract listed above - For 2024/2025 for all sites circa £1600
3. A description of the services provided under this contract please includes information if other services are included under the same contract - Lift Maintenance and LOLER inspections
4. The number of sites the contract covers - 7 sites
5. Lift Types - Orona, Thyssen Krupp, Stannah, Kone, Terry, Concorde
6. The start date of the contract - April 2021
7. The end date of the contract - March 2024
8. The duration of the contract, please include information on any extensions period - 3 years with the option of a 1 year extension – extension option exercised.
9. Who within the organisation is responsible for each of these contracts? Name, Job Title, contact number and email address – Principal Building Surveyor, property@eastdevon.gov.uk
4. General waste services contracts – The organisation’s primary general waste service contract:
1. Supplier/Provider of the services - SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
2. Total Annual Spend - The spend should only relate to each of the service contract listed above – circa £ 8 million/year
3. A description of the services provided under this contract please includes information if other services are included under the same contract - Kerb side collection of domestic recyclables and general waste, separation of some recyclable materials, trading of some materials, servicing of dog bins
4. The number of sites the contract covers - circa 74,500 domestic households
5. The start date of the contract - 1st July 2016
6. The end date of the contract - 30th June 2026 (including extensions)
7. The duration of the contract, please include information on any extensions period - 7 years plus the option of 3 years of extension giving a total contract term of 10 years
8. Who within the organisation is responsible for each of these contracts? name, Job Title, contact number and email address - Gareth Bourton, Recycling & Waste Manager, gbourton@eastdevon.gov.uk
Date responded: 10 May 2024
Dog breeding licences
Date submitted: 7 May 2024
Summary of request
1. How many dog breeding businesses does your local authority currently licence that are licensed to keep:
a. 10 or less dogs for breeding purposes
b. 11 to 25 dogs for breeding purposes
c. 26 to 50 dogs for breeding purposes
d. 51 to 100 dogs for breeding purposes
e. 101 to 200 dogs for breeding purposes
f. 200 or more dogs for breeding purposes
2. How many of those businesses that keep 11 or more dogs have the following star rating:
i. One star
ii. Two star
iii. Three star
iv. Four star
v. Five star
3. What is the highest overall number of dogs currently registered on a valid dog breeding licence issued by your local authority?
NB For the purposes of this request ‘dogs’ includes females and males.
Summary of response
How many dog breeding businesses does your local authority currently licence that are licensed to keep:
a. 10 or less dogs for breeding purposes - 8 breeding businesses
b. 11 to 25 dogs for breeding purposes - 1 breeding business
c. 26 to 50 dogs for breeding purposes - 0 breeding businesses
d. 51 to 100 dogs for breeding purposes - 0 breeding businesses
e. 101 to 200 dogs for breeding purposes - 0 breeding businesses
f. 200 or more dogs for breeding purposes - 0 breeding businesses
How many of those businesses that keep 11 or more dogs have the following star rating:
i. One star - 0 breeding businesses
ii. Two star - 0 breeding businesses
iii. Three star - 0 breeding businesses
iv. Four star - 0 breeding businesses
v. Five star - 1 breeding business
What is the highest overall number of dogs currently registered on a valid dog breeding licence issued by your local authority? - 11 dogs
Date responded: 28 May 2024
Lease at Exmouth Town Football Club
Date submitted: 3 May 2024
Summary of request
When is the lease at Exmouth Town Football club ( Southern Road Ex83ee) due to expire . Ie date .
Summary of response
You requested information regarding the lease at Exmouth Town Football Club, please see our response below:
The current lease expires 4 September 2042.
Date responded: 8 May 2024
Building Control Information 1.1JKL - 62 Shareford Way
Date submitted: 1 May 2024
Summary of request
62 Shareford Way, Exeter, Devon, EX5 7EZ
Please let us have Building Control Information 1.1JKL in relation to the above property
Summary of response
You requested information on Building Control Information 1.1JKL - 62 Shareford Way. Please see our response below:
Information not held - The only notification that we have for this one is the original construction which was carried out by an Approved Inspector (The NHBC), not East Devon District Council.
Date responded: 10 May 2024
Stray Dog Project
Date submitted: 1 May 2024
Summary of request
For each of the last 3 years (2021, 2022, 2023), please provide the following information
1. The number of dog places that you have available at any one time in your shelter(s) or pound(s)
2. The number of dogs that have spent any time in your dog shelter(s) or pound(s).
3. The number of stray dogs that have entered a shelter/pound(s)
4. The number of dogs that have entered a shelter/pound(s) that were seized for welfare reasons
5. The number of dogs that have entered a shelter/pound(s) that were seized for human safety reasons
6. The number of dogs that have entered a shelter/pound(s) that were relinquished
7. The top 3 breeds of the dogs that entered the shelter/pound(s) plus amount of each breed
8. The number of dogs that were rehomed directly from your shelter
9. The number of dogs that were moved to another rehoming centre (e.g. run by a charity) in the UK/Ireland and abroad
10. The average length of stay of dogs in your shelter/pound(s)
11. The number of each type of breed of dog that were euthanased.
Currently:
1. Do you have any written policies on
a. Welfare of the dogs in your shelter/pound(s), including requirements for exercise, enrichment, formal behavioural assessment? Yes/ No (If yes, please provide)
b. Euthanasia of dogs in your shelter/pound(s)? Yes/ No (If yes, please provide)
2. Please provide your most recent inspection report including the recommendations for improvement
Summary of response
1. The number of dog places that you have available at any one time in your shelter(s) or pound(s) - Unknown – information held by kennels
2. The number of dogs that have spent any time in your dog shelter(s) or pound(s). - 2021 – 7 dogs; 2022 – 8 dogs; 2023 – 19 dogs
3. The number of stray dogs that have entered a shelter/pound(s) - Same as above
4. The number of dogs that have entered a shelter/pound(s) that were seized for welfare reasons - Only stray dogs have been taken to kennels
5. The number of dogs that have entered a shelter/pound(s) that were seized for human safety reasons - None – police deal with these matters and have own kennel procedure
6. The number of dogs that have entered a shelter/pound(s) that were relinquished - None - We only take strays
7. The top 3 breeds of the dogs that entered the shelter/pound(s) plus amount of each breed - Staffie – 5; Collie – 4; Boxer – 3
8. the number of dogs that were rehomed directly from your shelter - 2021 – 4 dogs; 2022 – 3 dogs; 2023 – 11 dogs
9. The number of dogs that were moved to another rehoming centre (e.g. run by a charity) in the UK/Ireland and abroad - 2021 – 1 dog; 2022 – 1 dog; 2023 – 2 dogs
10. The average length of stay of dogs in your shelter/pound(s) - 2021 – 8 days; 2022 – 5 days; 2023 – 8 days
11. The number of each type of breed of dog that were euthanized - XL Bully - 2
Currently:
1. Do you have any written policies on
a. Welfare of the dogs in your shelter/pound(s), including requirements for exercise, enrichment, formal behavioural assessment? Yes/ No (If yes, please provide) – Unknown. EDDC do not own any kennels
b. Euthanasia of dogs in your shelter/pound(s)? Yes/ No (If yes, please provide) – Unknown. EDDC do not own any kennels
2. Please provide your most recent inspection report including the recommendations for improvement – Unknown. EDDC do not own any kennels
3. Please provide the Full Time Equivalent staff and level of formal training of the staff that work in your shelter/pound(s) – Unknown. EDDC do not own any kennels
Date responded: 23 May 2024
Number of equality, diversity & inclusivity staff
Date submitted: 1 May 2024
Summary of request
Please could you provide details on the number of staff employed at the council in roles focused on equality, diversity or inclusivity and their salary band?
Summary of response
You requested information on the number of equality, diversity & inclusivity staff, and salary band. Please see our response below:
Please could you provide details on the number of staff employed at the council in roles focused on equality, diversity or inclusivity - We have one 0.6 FTE Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor
Their salary band? - Grade 4 with a salary band of £33 – 40k (pro rata).
Date responded: 7 May 2024
Cyber Attacks
Date submitted: 29 April 2024
Summary of request
1. The total number of cyberattacks detected or reported to you for each year (and month if possible) between and including 2019 and 2024
2. A breakdown of the types of cyberattacks experienced, including but not limited to:
o Phishing attacks
o Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks
o Malware infections
o Ransomware attacks
o Insider threats
o Other types of cyber threats, if applicable.
Summary of response
1. The total number of cyberattacks detected or reported to you for each year (and month if possible) between and including 2019 and 2024 - We can receive multiples daily for phishing etc. We only log successful attacks, which is zero for the timeframe given.
2. A breakdown of the types of cyberattacks experienced, including but not limited to - No Information recorded.
o Phishing attacks
o Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks
o Malware infections
o Ransomware attacks
o Insider threats
o Other types of cyber threats, if applicable.
Date responded: 2 May 2024
Use of shipping containers and caravan parks for temporary accommodation
Date submitted: 29 April 2024
Summary of request
1 Does your local authority use converted shipping containers, or similar structures, as 'temporary', 'interim' or 'emergency' accommodation
Please answer questions 2 to 5 if your authority does use shipping containers or similar structures as temporary accommodation:
2 (i) How many were in use in the past 12 months from April 2023?
(ii) Please provide the same figures for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, if available.
3 How many (i) individuals and (ii) families with children are currently being supported in this type of temporary accommodation?
4 What is your policy for the maximum length of time that anyone being assisted by your authority should be kept in this type of accommodation?
5 What is the longest amount of time an (i) individual or (ii) a family has been housed in this type of accommodation?
6 Please outline how many people being supported by your authority in this manner are care leavers, if that information is available
7 Does your local authority make use of caravan parks, either private or council owned, to house individuals or families, as a form of temporary housing?
If question 7 is applicable to your authority, please answer the questions 8 to 10
8 (i) How many sites are currently being used?
(ii) How many individual units is this?
9 How many (i) individuals or (ii) family groups are currently being supported in this way?
10 Please outline how many people being supported by your authority in this manner are care leavers, if that information is available.
Summary of response
1 Does your local authority use converted shipping containers, or similar structures, as 'temporary', 'interim' or 'emergency' accommodation - No
Please answer questions 2 to 5 if your authority does use shipping containers or similar structures as temporary accommodation - N/A
2 (i) How many were in use in the past 12 months from April 2023?
(ii) Please provide the same figures for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, if available.
3 How many (i) individuals and (ii) families with children are currently being supported in this type of temporary accommodation?
4 What is your policy for the maximum length of time that anyone being assisted by your authority should be kept in this type of accommodation?
5 What is the longest amount of time an (i) individual or (ii) a family has been housed in this type of accommodation?
6 Please outline how many people being supported by your authority in this manner are care leavers, if that information is available - 0
7 Does your local authority make use of caravan parks, either private or council owned, to house individuals or families, as a form of temporary housing? - No
If question 7 is applicable to your authority, please answer the questions 8 to 10 - N/A
8 (i) How many sites are currently being used?
(ii) How many individual units is this?
9 How many (i) individuals or (ii) family groups are currently being supported in this way?
10 Please outline how many people being supported by your authority in this manner are care leavers, if that information is available.
Date responded: 2 May 2024
Domestic abuse and temp accommodation
Date submitted: 29 April 2024
Summary of request
- The overall number of people staying in temporary accommodation due to domestic abuse in 2023.
- The number of women, men and children staying in temporary accommodation due to domestic abuse in 2023.
- The average length of stay in temporary accommodation overall and for women, men and children, during 2023.
- The longest stay in temporary accommodation due to domestic abuse during 2023.
Summary of response
- The overall number of people staying in temporary accommodation due to domestic abuse in 2023 - 20
- The number of women, men and children staying in temporary accommodation due to domestic abuse in 2023 -
Women - 15
Men - 5
Children - 27
- The average length of stay in temporary accommodation overall and for women, men and children, during 2023 - 60 days
- The longest stay in temporary accommodation due to domestic abuse during 2023 - 210 days
Date responded: 3 May 2024
5G Deployment, Covid vaccinations and Cllr Oaths
Date submitted: 29 April 2024
Summary of request
1) What has East Devon District Council agreed to in relation to the deployment of 5G infrastructure, including what locations have already been deployed, and which are still to be deployed?
2) Please provide your documentation and policy and any information in relation to insurance for public health in relation to this equipment.
3) What do you know in relation to weather modification, geo-engineering, and cloud seeding that is taking place over East Devon at this time? This is to include all information in relation to coast guard operations, especially those in connection with 2Excel Aviation Ltd.
4) What instructions were offered in relation to COVID vaccination to your staff?
5) What oaths have the various officers taken when taking office?
Summary of response
1) What has East Devon District Council agreed to in relation to the deployment of 5G infrastructure, including what locations have already been deployed, and which are still to be deployed? – No, we do not agree carte blanche and any infrastructure would need an application, which are all available on our website.
2) Please provide your documentation and policy and any information in relation to insurance for public health in relation to this equipment – Information not held. Applications often have tech details including risk assessments, but it is not a planning consideration.
3) What do you know in relation to weather modification, geo-engineering, and cloud seeding that is taking place over East Devon at this time? This is to include all information in relation to coast guard operations, especially those in connection with 2Excel Aviation Ltd – Information not held.
4) What instructions were offered in relation to COVID vaccination to your staff? – Covid vaccinations are mentioned on the staff intranet: Coronavirus (Covid-19) and management of other respiratory illnesses. During the pandemic we would have mentioned vaccination clinics in both staff and resident newsletters.
5) What oaths have the various officers taken when taking office? – Cllrs sign a declaration in front of the CEO when taking up office.
Date responded: 23 May 2024
Gas and electric usage 2023/24
Date submitted: 29 April 2024
Summary of request
We thank you for last year’s response and inclusion within our report and now look forward to seeing your inclusion again within our new report. For the period 1-April-23 to 31-March 2024, we please require disclosure of: -
• The grid Electricity kwh’s consumed & the £-value spent (excl-vat).
• The natural Gas kwh’s consumed & the £-value spent (excl-vat).
Summary of response
You requested to know the following:
• The grid Electricity kwh’s consumed & the £-value spent (excl-vat) - 1,206,351.80 / £488,253.60
• The natural Gas kwh’s consumed & the £-value spent (excl-vat) - 1,361,104 / £145,291.66
Date responded: 28 May 2024
Temporary Accommodation
Date submitted: 25 April 2024
Summary of request
1) The number of reviews into the suitability of temporary accommodation carried out in response to a request made in the period 01/04/2022 to 31/03/2024. For the avoidance of doubt, I refer to a review of suitability in response to the housing applicant’s request under s.202(1)(g) of the Housing Act 1996. This may also be referred to as a s202 review.
2) Can you please group the reviews by how long they took, in days, to be completed. This could be in a table showing the number of reviews which took 7 days to complete, 8 days to complete, etc. There is no need to provide blank rows (e.g. if no reviews took 9 days), just for the total number of reviews to match the figure provided in response to point 1 of this request.
3) Can you provide the totals of the various outcomes for these reviews. For example, how many placements were found to be unsuitable, how many suitable, and any other categories you use.
4) And please, unless this specific part of the request takes the work over the cost exemption, provide the number of suitability reviews that found the accommodation contained Category 1 hazards. If the cost exemption is breached by inclusion of this point (4), then please confine your response to points 1-3.
Summary of response
1) The number of reviews into the suitability of temporary accommodation carried out in response to a request made in the period 01/04/2022 to 31/03/2024. For the avoidance of doubt, I refer to a review of suitability in response to the housing applicant’s request under s.202(1)(g) of the Housing Act 1996. This may also be referred to as a s202 review - Zero
2) Can you please group the reviews by how long they took, in days, to be completed. This could be in a table showing the number of reviews which took 7 days to complete, 8 days to complete, etc. There is no need to provide blank rows (e.g. if no reviews took 9 days), just for the total number of reviews to match the figure provided in response to point 1 of this request - N/A
3) Can you provide the totals of the various outcomes for these reviews. For example, how many placements were found to be unsuitable, how many suitable, and any other categories you use - N/A
4) And please, unless this specific part of the request takes the work over the cost exemption, provide the number of suitability reviews that found the accommodation contained Category 1 hazards. If the cost exemption is breached by inclusion of this point (4), then please confine your response to points 1-3 - N/A
Date responded: 26 April 2024
Animal feed and welfare
Date submitted: 22 April 2024
Summary of request
Animal Feed
Animal Health & Welfare
Could you please provide response to the questions below:
Animal Feed
1. How many officers are in the inspections of animal feed establishments within your council?
2. How many feed establishments are in the council area?
3. How many of these establishments have been inspected within the last 3 years?
4. If these inspections are undertaken by an external agency or contractor, please provide the name of the Agency.
Animal Health & Welfare
5. How many officers are involved in the inspection of premises for the purposes of animal health and welfare?
6. How many premises within the council area require an inspection in relation to animal health and welfare?
7. Is there an animal market within the council area?
8. How many officers visit these animal markets, and what frequency?
9. If these inspections are undertaken by an external agency or contractor, please provide the name of the Agency.
Animal Related Licensing
Please provide a link to your licensing register for animal related activities. (If not available)
10. How many licenses has the council issued in relation to animal boarding establishments?
11. How many licences have been issued in relation to riding establishments?
12. How many licences have been issued for animal breeding establishments?
Summary of response
Animal Feed - Inspections fall under the remit of Devon County Council Trading Standards
1. How many officers are in the inspections of animal feed establishments within your council?
2. How many feed establishments are in the council area?
3. How many of these establishments have been inspected within the last 3 years?
4. If these inspections are undertaken by an external agency or contractor, please provide the name of the Agency.
Animal Health & Welfare - Current licensed establishments https://eastdevon.gov.uk/environmental-health-and-wellbeing/licensing-and-registrations/animal-licensing/current-licensed-establishments/
5. How many officers are involved in the inspection of premises for the purposes of animal health and welfare? - X3
6. How many premises within the council area require an inspection in relation to animal health and welfare? - see link above
7. Is there an animal market within the council area? - No
8. How many officers visit these animal markets, and what frequency? - N/A
9. If these inspections are undertaken by an external agency or contractor, please provide the name of the Agency - N/A
Animal Related Licensing - See Current licensed establishments https://eastdevon.gov.uk/environmental-health-and-wellbeing/licensing-and-registrations/animal-licensing/current-licensed-establishments/
Please provide a link to your licensing register for animal related activities. (If not available)
10. How many licenses has the council issued in relation to animal boarding establishments?
11. How many licences have been issued in relation to riding establishments?
12. How many licences have been issued for animal breeding establishments?
Date responded: 26 April 2024
Number of council flats and houses that were found to be illegally sublet
Date submitted: 19 April 2024
Summary of request
From the time period between 2021 and 2024 please provide the data for the number of council
flats and houses that were found to be illegally sublet for each year.
For each case, please provide a description as to what happened. i.e. outcome, prosecution, fines and please explain the platform or method used to rent out the property e.g. Airbnb or Zoopla and how it was discovered.
Summary of response
You requested to know the data for the number of council flats and houses that were found to be illegally sublet for each year. This information is not held.
Date responded: 9 May 2024
Mobile Voice and Data
Date submitted: 19 April 2024
Summary of request
1. Network Provider(s) - Please provide me with the network provider name e.g., EE, Telefonica, Vodafone, Three
2. Annual Average Spend for each Network Provider - If this is a new contract, can you please provide the estimated annual spend.
3. Number of Connections- Number of connections for each network provider. (Number of voices only devices, voice and data devices, data only devices) please provide me with the breakdown and not the overall total.
4. Duration of the contract- please state if the contract also includes contract extensions for each provider.
5. Contract Start Date- please can you provide me with the start date of the signed agreement. Please do not provide me with the framework contract date I require the contract dates of the signed agreement. (if there are multiple start dates, could you please provide me with the earliest date for each provider)
6. Contract Expiry Date- please can you provide me with the expiry date of the signed agreement. Please do not provide me with the framework contract date. I require the contract dates of the signed agreement. If the contract is rolling, please state.
7. Contract Review Date- Please can you provide me with a date when the organisation plans to review this contract.
8. The person in the organisation responsible for this particular contract. Can you send me the full contact details Contact Name, Job Title, Contact Number and direct email address for each network provider? If full contact details cannot be provided, please send me their actual job title.
9.If the mobile phone contract is provided by a managed contract, please provide me with the actual name of the network provider along with the number of connections and the internal contact from within the organisation responsible for this contract.
Please can you provide me with the latest information- If the organisations are currently out to tender, please can you also state the approx. date of the award along with the information above.
Also, if the contract in the response has expired/rolling please can you provide me with further information if available of the organisation's plans going forward with regards to mobiles and the contract status?
If this contract was awarded within the past three months, can you please provide me with a shortlist of suppliers that bid on the contract?
Summary of response
1.Network Provider(s) - Please provide me with the network provider name e.g. EE, Telefonica, Vodafone, Three -
EE, Vodafone, 02, Gamma
2.Annual Average Spend for each Network Provider - Can you please provide me with the average annual spend over the last 3 years. If this is a new contract can you please provide the estimated annual spend.
EE - £136,932 over three years to date
O2 - £64,679 over three years to date
Vodafone - £7,487.31 per year for 2 years – new contract
Gamma - £11,460 over three years
3.Number of Connections- Number of connections for each network provider. (number of voice only devices, voice and data devices, data only devices) please provide me with the breakdown and not the overall total.
EE - 547 sims (Data only:130 / Voice only:19 / Voice & Data:398)
Vodafone - 258 sims (Data only:43 / Voice & Data:214)
02 - 876 sims (Data only:256 / Voice only:100 / Voice & Data:520)
Gamma - 46 sims (Data only:35/ Voice & Data:11)
4.Duration of the contract- please state if the contract also includes contract extensions for each provider.
EE - 3 years
Vodafone - 2 years
02 - 3 years
Gamma - 1 year
5.Contract Start Date- please can you provide me with the start date of the signed agreement. Please do not provide me with the framework contract date I require the contract dates of the signed agreement. (if there are multiple start dates, could you please provide me with the earliest date for each provider)
EE – Q1 2023
Vodafone – April 2024
02 – Q3 2023
Gamma – Q3 2023
6.Contract Expiry Date- please can you provide me with the expiry date of the signed agreement. Please do not provide me with the framework contract date I require the contract dates of the signed agreement. If the contract is rolling please state.
EE – Q1 2025
Vodafone – April 2026
O2 – Q3 2025 …..Rolling monthly
Gamma – Q3 2024 …..Rolling monthly
7.Contract Review Date- Please can you provide me with a date when the organisation plans to review this contract.
EE – Q1 2025
Vodafone - Q1 2026
02 – Q2 2025
Gamma – Q3 - 2024
Date responded: 22 April 2024
Mickeys Restaurant
Date submitted: 17 April 2024
Summary of request
I would like to review the information provided to the Environmental Protection team in regards to the application for the systems to be used and approved by EDCC re Mickeys Restaurant.
Summary of response
You requested information provided to the Environmental Protection team in regards to the application for the systems to be used and approved by EDDC re Mickeys Restaurant.
Please see the extra ordinary council meeting report below where the piling works were approved:
democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/documents/s23214/Exmouth Sea Wall works for Council v2.pdf
This document was available to the public on release.
Date responded: 14 May 2024
Filming revenue
Date submitted: 12 April 2024
Summary of request
For the tax years 2014/15 to 2022/23 inclusive, please would you please fully disclose the following details, breaking the figures by year:
1. How much revenue has been received by your organisation for services rendered to film and television productions? This could include location rental, permits and all other services related to film productions using your personnel or resources.
2. Please outline the type of work or service rendered, in each case and disclose the revenue received for each type of service.
3. How much has your organisation spent on facilitating such arrangements between 2014/15 to 2022/23, inclusive, broken down by year?
Summary of response
You requested information on filming revenue. Please see our response below:
For the tax years 2014/15 to 2022/23 inclusive, please would you please fully disclose the following details, breaking the figures by year:
1. How much revenue has been received by your organisation for services rendered to film and television productions? This could include location rental, permits and all other services related to film productions using your personnel or resources.
An admin and filming fee was introduced at East Devon District Council in 2020/21 Portfolio Holder Report.
March 2020 - April 2021 income from filming permissions was £680
April 2021 - March 2022 income from filming permissions was £1260
April 2022 - March 2023 income from filming permissions was £1220
2. Please outline the type of work or service rendered, in each case and disclose the revenue received for each type of service - The fee is an admin fee and then filming permission fee.
3. How much has your organisation spent on facilitating such arrangements between 2014/15 to 2022/23, inclusive, broken down by year? - No cost apart from a small part of an Event Support Officer salary.
Date responded: 15 April 2024
Statistics and information about public health funerals
Date submitted: 12 April 2024
Summary of request
Can you please list how many public health funerals (or so called “pauper” funerals) your council has organised, in the following years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Do you carry out an attended or unattended funeral?
Do you return ashes to family or friends if wished and, if so, under what circumstances?
If you do return ashes do you charge for that and how much?
What evidence do you require to carry out a burial, if that isn’t the default funerary method?
Summary of response
Can you please list how many public health funerals (or so called "pauper" funerals) your council has organised, in the following years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 –
The requested information can be found on the Council’s website link here https://eastdevon.gov.uk/bereavement-services/
As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
Do you carry out an attended or unattended funeral? - Both
Do you return ashes to family or friends if wished and, if so, under what circumstances? - The Council will return ashes on request to NOK or friends if no known NOK at that time.
If you do return ashes do you charge for that and how much? - No charge
What evidence do you require to carry out a burial, if that isn't the default funerary method? - We do not provide a burial service unless it has been specifically requested in a will and the deceased has finances available to cover that cost.
Date responded: 2 May 2024
Properties in Beer that are second homes and holiday lets
Date submitted: 12 April 2024
Summary of request
How many homes in Beer are occupied all year around.
How many are second homes.
How many are holiday lets.
Summary of response
You requested to know the number of second homes and holiday lets there are in Beer. Please see our response below:
We have 608 live Council Tax accounts for properties that are occupied in Beer; there are 153 Council Tax accounts on a Second home discount and we have 48 Business Rates holiday let assessments.
Date responded: 17 April 2024
Section 202 reviews
Date submitted: 10 April 2024
Summary of request
How many section 202 reviews were successful in the annual year 2023? Please also give the number of section 202 reviews received.
How many section 202 reviews were successful in the annual year 2022? Please also give the number of section 202 reviews received.
How many section 202 reviews were successful in the annual year 2021? Please also give the number of section 202 reviews received.
How many section 202 reviews were successful in the annual year 2020? Please also give the number of section 202 reviews received.
How many section 202 reviews were successful in the annual year 2019? Please also give the number of section 202 reviews received.
Summary of response
How many section 202 reviews were successful in the annual year 2023? - 0; Please also give the number of section 202 reviews received - 9
How many section 202 reviews were successful in the annual year 2022? - 0; Please also give the number of section 202 reviews received - 5
How many section 202 reviews were successful in the annual year 2021? - 0; Please also give the number of section 202 reviews received - 4
How many section 202 reviews were successful in the annual year 2020? - 0; Please also give the number of section 202 reviews received - 2
How many section 202 reviews were successful in the annual year 2019? - 0; Please also give the number of section 202 reviews received - 0
Date responded: 11 April 2024
list of active/discontinued public sports facilities
Date submitted: 9 April 2024
Summary of request
1. List of active public sports/leisure facilities fully or partially funded by the local government from 2010, including:
1-a. Name of the facilities
1-b. Postcode of the facilities
1-c. Date of first service (i.e. date when it first started to service)
1-d. (If applicable) Name of the affiliated private entity (e.g. Better, Active etc)
1-e. Date of re-opening after the UK government's announcement to re-open indoor sports facilities
1-f. (If the facilities have ever intermittently suspended operation for some reason other than the Covid-19 lockdown law) Dates of intermittent closure and reopening
1-g. (If available) a brief reason for the intermittent suspension (e.g. financial reason, safety reason, renovation etc)
2. List of discontinued public sports/leisure facilities fully or partially funded by the local government from 2010, including:
2-a. Name of the facilities
2-b. Postcode of the facilities
2-c. Date of first service
2-d. Date of closure
2-e. (If applicable) Name of the affiliated private entity
2-f. (If available) a brief reason for closure (e.g. financial reason, safety reason, moving etc)
Summary of response
List of active public sports/leisure facilities fully or partially funded by the local government from 2010, including:
1-a. Name of the facilities - We have the following sites which are operated by LED –
Leisure Centres/Sports halls
Exmouth Leisure Centre - Exmouth Leisure Centre, The Royal Avenue, Devon, Exmouth EX8 1EN
Sidmouth Leisure Centre - Primley Road, Sidmouth, EX10 9LH
Ottery St Mary Leisure & All Weather Pitch - Cadhay Ln, Ottery Saint Mary EX11 1QZ
Exmouth Tennis Centre - Withycombe Village Road, Exmouth, EX8 3AE
Colyton Sports Centre - Stafford Ln, Colyford, Colyton EX24 6GB
Honiton Leisure Centre - School Ln, Honiton EX14 1QW
Broadclyst Sports Hall - 8 Station Rd, Broadclyst, Exeter EX5 3AH
Axminster Leisure Centre - Lyme Rd, Axminster EX13 5AZ
Stand alone pools
Honiton Pool - School Ln, Honiton EX14 1QW (NB part of Honiton Sports Centre)
Sidmouth Pool - Ham Lane, Sidmouth EX10 8XR
1-b. Postcode of the facilities – as above
1-c. Date of first service (i.e. date when it first started to service) – Operated by LED since January 2006 – we don’t have the information on when first opened
1-d. (If applicable) Name of the affiliated private entity (e.g. Better, Active etc) – LED Community Leisure Ltd
1-e. Date of re-opening after the UK government's announcement to re-open indoor sports facilities – Open other than during Covid19 lockdowns (dates available from www.instituteforgovernment.co.uk
1-f. (If the facilities have ever intermittently suspended operation for some reason other than the Covid-19 lockdown law) Dates of intermittent closure and reopening - None
1-g. (If available) a brief reason for the intermittent suspension (e.g. financial reason, safety reason, renovation etc) - None
2. List of discontinued public sports/leisure facilities fully or partially funded by the local government from 2010, including: None
2-a. Name of the facilities
2-b. Postcode of the facilities
2-c. Date of first service
2-d. Date of closure
2-e. (If applicable) Name of the affiliated private entity
2-f. (If available) a brief reason for closure (e.g. financial reason, safety reason, moving etc)
Date responded: 3 May 2024
Empty Council Housing
Date submitted: 9 April 2024
Summary of request
I am seeking information about the council housing stock of East Devon District Council.
The total number of council houses administered by EDDC
The number of council houses which have been empty for one month, or more.
The number of council houses which have been empty for two months or more
The number of council houses which have been empty for three months or more.
Summary of response
You requested information on empty Council Housing. Please see our response below:
The total number of council houses administered by EDDC - 4175 (does not include leasehold or freehold properties)
The number of council houses which have been empty for one month, or more - 22 (up to 28 days)
The number of council houses which have been empty for two months or more - 24 (29-56 days)
The number of council houses which have been empty for three months or more - 85 (57+ days)
Date responded: 15 April 2024
PFR and BRG grant applications
Date submitted: 9 April 2024
Summary of request
For each year from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, please tell me the following information for your local authority.
1) How many people applied to the council for the Property Flood Resilience (PFR) grant?
2) How many people successfully secured a Property Flood Resilience (PFR) grant?
3) How many people applied to the council for a Business Recovery Grant (BRG) after being involved in a flood?
4) How many people successfully secured a Business Recovery Grant (BRG) grant?
Summary of response
For each year from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, please tell me the following information for your local authority.
1) How many people applied to the council for the Property Flood Resilience (PFR) grant? - Zero
2) How many people successfully secured a Property Flood Resilience (PFR) grant? - N/A
3) How many people applied to the council for a Business Recovery Grant (BRG) after being involved in a flood? - Zero
4) How many people successfully secured a Business Recovery Grant (BRG) grant? - N/A
Date responded: 22 April 2024
Private hire Vehicle Licences
Date submitted: 9 April 2024
Summary of request
1. How many private hire Vehicle Licences are currently issued by the authority in the following categories:
Private hire
How many of these are classed as Wheelchair accessible vehicles?
Hackney carriage/Taxi
How many of these are classed as Wheelchair accessible vehicles?
Executive vehicle
How many of these are classed as Wheelchair accessible vehicles?
2. How many Private Hire Vehicle Operator Licences are currently issued by the authority?
3. How many Private Hire Vehicle Driver Licences are currently issued by the authority in the following categories:
Private hire
Hackney carriage/Taxi
Please state details of any other licence categories offered by the Authority (e.g. dual category licences).
4. Please provide names of all businesses that currently hold Private Vehicle Operator Licences issued by the authority.
5. How many vehicles does the Authority own and/or operate within each of the following categories and how many of these have a registered capacity to carry wheelchair passengers:
M1
Total Number:
Of which are wheelchair accessible:
M2
Total Number:
Of which are wheelchair accessible:
M3
Total Number:
Of which are wheelchair accessible:
Summary of response
1. How many private hire Vehicle Licences are currently issued by the authority in the following categories:
Private hire
How many of these are classed as Wheelchair accessible vehicles?
Hackney carriage/Taxi
How many of these are classed as Wheelchair accessible vehicles?
Executive vehicle
How many of these are classed as Wheelchair accessible vehicles? - Please go to our website for a Register of wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire vehicles https://eastdevon.gov.uk/licensing/taxi-licensing/register-of-wheelchair-accessible-taxis-and-private-hire-vehicles/
As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
2. How many Private Hire Vehicle Operator Licences are currently issued by the authority? - 27
3. How many Private Hire Vehicle Driver Licences are currently issued by the authority in the following categories:
Private hire - 51
Hackney carriage/Taxi - 144
Please state details of any other licence categories offered by the Authority (e.g. dual category licences). - N/A. We do not issue dual licences.
4. Please provide names of all businesses that currently hold Private Vehicle Operator Licences issued by the authority. - Please go to our website for a register of Private Vehicle Operator Licences - https://eastdevon.gov.uk/licensing/licensing-information/public-registers/
As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
5. How many vehicles does the Authority own and/or operate within each of the following categories and how many of these have a registered capacity to carry wheelchair passengers:
M1
Total Number: - 8
Of which are wheelchair accessible:
M2
Total Number: - These vehicle types are over 8 passengers and do not fall into the category for private hire licensing.
Of which are wheelchair accessible:
M3
Total Number: - These vehicle types are over 8 passengers and do not fall into the category for private hire licensing.
Of which are wheelchair accessible:
Date responded: 22 April 2024
Non Domestic Completion Notices
Date submitted: 9 April 2024
Summary of request
Could I request a list of Non-Domestic Completion Notices served by the authority from 01/01/2024 to the present date. I would be grateful if the list could include;
• The property reference number (otherwise known as billing authority reference number).
• The address of the property to which the notice relates.
• The date the notice was served .
• The completion date recorded.
• The business or person to whom the notice was served.
• Address to where the Notice was sent.
• Whether the notice was issued by the billing authority or a third party.
Summary of response
You requested information on Non Domestic Completion Notices. Please see our response below:
The council have received zero Non Domestic Completion Notice between 01/01/2024 to the present date.
Date responded: 15 April 2024
Void/empty properties and homeless figures
Date submitted: 9 April 2024
Summary of request
1.A - How many vacant council homes, including void properties do you currently have to date? (6th April 2024).
1.B - How many of these properties have been vacant for longer than 3 months?
1.C - How many of these properties have been vacant for longer than 6 months?
1.D - How many of these properties have been vacant for longer than 1 year?
2.A How many people do you currently have to date on your current council housing waiting list? (6th March 2024)
2.B How many homeless families and or individuals have you received from London boroughs (out of area rehousing) in the last 5 years (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
- Additionally how many homeless families and or individuals have you received from London boroughs (out of area rehousing) since the beginning of 2024 (Jan 2024, Feb, 2024, March, 2024)
2.C How many people that declared themselves homeless to your council in the last year, were not deemed a priority need and therefore were not accepted onto your council housing waiting list?
Summary of response
You requested information on void/empty properties and homeless figures. Please see our response below:
1.A - How many vacant council homes, including void properties do you currently have to date? (6th April 2024) - 131 void properties
1.B - How many of these properties have been vacant for longer than 3 months? - 69
1.C - How many of these properties have been vacant for longer than 6 months? - 39
1.D - How many of these properties have been vacant for longer than 1 year? - 13
2.A How many people do you currently have to date on your current council housing waiting list? (6th March 2024) - 6047 as at 31st March 2024
2.B How many homeless families and or individuals have you received from London boroughs (out of area rehousing) in the last 5 years (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) - 0
- Additionally how many homeless families and or individuals have you received from London boroughs (out of area rehousing) since the beginning of 2024 (Jan 2024, Feb, 2024, March, 2024) - 0
2.C How many people that declared themselves homeless to your council in the last year, were not deemed a priority need and therefore were not accepted onto your council housing waiting list? - Priority Need is not part of the qualifying or eligibility criteria when determining eligibility for Devon Home Choice (DHC) waiting list.
Date responded: 15 April 2024
software used for maintenance management systems
Date submitted: 8 April 2024
Summary of request
I would like to request the following information:
- The name(s) of the software used for maintenance management systems (Typically known as CMMS, EAM, Asset Management, Facilities Management) within the council.
- The number of users licensed to use the maintenance management system software.
- The annual cost associated with the maintenance management system software.
- The individual or department responsible for managing and overseeing the maintenance management system software.
- The expiration date of the current contract(s) for the maintenance management system software.
Additionally, I would also like to request information regarding the following:
- The software used to manage the allocation of equipment within the council, for example lawn mowers, road sweepers, waste collection vehicles.
- Additionally, to this, how are the above jobs allocated.
- The software used for maintaining buildings, homes, playgrounds, green spaces & grounds etc. within the local council.
- The software used for registering accidents or damages within all equipment or assets owned or leased within the facility.
- How failures of equipment, machinery, vehicles, damages to property and supplies are logged within the facility.
- Name of software used to ensure equipment, machinery and any other items are fit for use for example periodic testing and calibration, for example fire extinguishers.
- With property, how are they maintained, how is the data logged for example testing, alarm checks, inspections of homes and which software is used to support this if any?.
Summary of response
- The name(s) of the software used for maintenance management systems (Typically known as CMMS, EAM, Asset Management, Facilities Management) within the council –
Capita Open Housing; Idox
- The number of users licensed to use the maintenance management system software – Information not held
- The annual cost associated with the maintenance management system software –
Capita Open Housing - £36k approx.; rolling contract
Idox - £177k across all 3 councils; exp 10/2027
- The individual or department responsible for managing and overseeing the maintenance management system software - Strata
- The expiration date of the current contract(s) for the maintenance management system software - see above
- The software used to manage the allocation of equipment within the council, for example lawn mowers, road sweepers, waste collection vehicles
Recycling & Waste - Refuse vehicles are not recorded on our systems, although owned by us they are registered on a Suez internal system.
Streetscene - Mobile Worker (MW) and a machinery asset register excel spreadsheet.
- Additionally, to this, how are the above jobs allocated.
Streetscene - Mobile Worker (MW)
- The software used for maintaining buildings, homes, playgrounds, green spaces & grounds etc. within the local council.
Streetscene - Green spaces and grounds – no system in use. EZYtree is used to record and monitor data for trees.
Engineering - Play equipment, Park and gardens, play parks, cemeteries and car parks use PSS+ (Public Sector Software).
- The software used for registering accidents or damages within all equipment or assets owned or leased within the facility.
Streetscene - All accidents are firmstep / paperbased reporting forms. We also use MW and have recently started using Stihl connected and Husqavana back office that can monitor the equipment, but this isn’t available on all kit.
Engineering - Engineering - Play equipment/Parks and Gardens/Cemeteries/Car Parks: If the report of an accident/damage comes through CSC then it is logged using FirmStep, that includes Park and gardens, play parks, cemeteries and car parks. Then PSS+ is used to investigate the report, the asset/site is inspected and findings logged and repairs made if necessary.
- How failures of equipment, machinery, vehicles, damages to property and supplies are logged within the facility.
Streetscene - PSS (engineers system) and MW/Stihl connected/Husqavana back office as above.
Engineering - Engineering - Play equipment/Parks and Gardens/Cemeteries/Car Parks: If reported from the public then logged through FirmStep and the inspected using PSS+ and actioned as above
- Name of software used to ensure equipment, machinery and any other items are fit for use for example periodic testing and calibration, for example fire extinguishers.
Streetscene - Green spaces and grounds – no system in use. EZYtree is used to record and monitor data for trees.
Engineering - Engineering - Play equipment/Parks and Gardens/Cemeteries/Car Parks: PSS+; inspection regime is set up.
- With property, how are they maintained, how is the data logged for example testing, alarm checks, inspections of homes and which software is used to support this if any? – On Open Housing; manual input.
Date responded: 24 April 2024
Cost to dispose of Fly tipped rubbish
Date submitted: 4 April 2024
Summary of request
- How much the council has paid in landfill tax over the last five years, broken down per year from 2020 inclusive
- Including a breakdown of how much is paid for the disposal of rubbish fly-tipped on council land
Summary of response
You requested the following information:
- How much the council has paid in landfill tax over the last five years, broken down per year from 2020 inclusive – EDDC is a Waste Collection Authority so waste disposal costs do not fall to us but to Devon County Council (DCC) as the Waste Disposal Authority. You will need to refer this request to DCC.
- Including a breakdown of how much is paid for the disposal of rubbish fly-tipped on council land – There is no separate figure for the disposal of fly tipped waste. This is absorbed into the overall Streetscene costs.
Date responded: 24 April 2024
Business Rates
Date submitted: 4 April 2024
Summary of request
By what percentage have the business rates you have collected over the last three year's increased?
Summary of response
You requested the following:
By what percentage have the business rates you have collected over the last three year's increased? - 18.13% increase
Collection Rate Net Rates Payable
23/24 98.43% £32,505,206 £31,994,874
22/23 97.41% £33,806,306 £32,930,722
21/22 97.37% £27,815,333 £27,083,789
Date responded: 8 April 2024
Pregnant women in temporary accommodation
Date submitted: 3 April 2024
Summary of request
1. How many individuals were pregnant on the date they were placed in temporary accommodation between 1 January 2023 and 31st December 2023?
2. Please provide a breakdown by ethnicity of the number of pregnant individuals identified in question one.
3. How many children were 0-1 years old when they were placed in temporary accommodation between 1 January 2023 and 31st December 2023?
4. How many children were 1-2 years old when they were placed in temporary accommodation between 1 January 2023 and 31st December 2023?
5. Do you provide cots to households in temporary accommodation?
6. If yes to question five, are cots for households in temporary accommodation funded from VCSFE, commissioned housing providers, or the local authority?
7. Do you provide written or verbal safer sleep advice to families with children under the age of 2 moving into temporary accommodation?
8. Do you currently have any local policy on the space that must be provided in temporary accommodation to a family with a child under 2 who will need space for a cot?
9. If yes to question eight, please provide the relevant information.
10. Do you currently have any local policy concerning the specific needs of families with neurodiverse children living in temporary accommodation?
11. If yes to question ten, please provide the relevant information.
Summary of response
You requested information on pregnant women in temporary accommodation. Please see our response below:
1. How many individuals were pregnant on the date they were placed in temporary accommodation between 1 January 2023 and 31st December 2023? - 10
2. Please provide a breakdown by ethnicity of the number of pregnant individuals identified in question one. - White British
3. How many children were 0-1 years old when they were placed in temporary accommodation between 1 January 2023 and 31st December 2023? - 7
4. How many children were 1-2 years old when they were placed in temporary accommodation between 1 January 2023 and 31st December 2023? - 14
5. Do you provide cots to households in temporary accommodation? - If required
6. If yes to question five, are cots for households in temporary accommodation funded from VCSFE, commissioned housing providers, or the local authority? - Providers, and if not available the LA
7. Do you provide written or verbal safer sleep advice to families with children under the age of 2 moving into temporary accommodation? - No
8. Do you currently have any local policy on the space that must be provided in temporary accommodation to a family with a child under 2 who will need space for a cot? - No
9. If yes to question eight, please provide the relevant information. - Na
10. Do you currently have any local policy concerning the specific needs of families with neurodiverse children living in temporary accommodation? - No
11. If yes to question ten, please provide the relevant information. - Na
Date responded: 15 April 2024
Covid Marshalls/Enforcement
Date submitted: 2 April 2024
Summary of request
What is the total number of individuals employed as Covid Marshalls since 1st March 2020?
What was the average contract duration?
What is the total number of Covid Marshalls, currently employed?
What is the total cost spent on Covid Marshalls since 1st March 2020?
Summary of response
You requested information on Covid Marshalls. Please see our response below.
What is the total number of individuals employed as Covid Marshalls since 1st March 2020? - 2 Covid Compliance Officers and 1 Admin support
Any other costs relating to Covid measures undertaken by the Council - PPE costs for Council staff = £31,751.17
What was the average contract duration? - 6 months
What is the total number of Covid Marshalls, currently employed? - Zero
What is the total cost spent on Covid Marshalls since 1st March 2020? - 2 Covid Compliance Officers and 1 Admin support, costs = £39,349 – all grant aided so not paid for by Council.
Date responded: 25 April 2024
Working from home
Date submitted: 2 April 2024
Summary of request
How many cumulative working days did council staff spend working from home in 2022-23?
How much the council spent on work from home related costs for council workers (i.e. home desktop screens/office chairs etc) in 2022-23?
Summary of response
You requested the following:
How many cumulative working days did council staff spend working from home in 2022-23?
How much the council spent on work from home related costs for council workers (i.e. home desktop screens/office chairs etc) in 2022-23?
East Devon District Council operates a hybrid working arrangement, whereby teams can agree to work flexibly so long as it is in agreement with the Council’s Worksmart Principles, which include customer and operational service needs. No 100% homeworking arrangements are agreed. We do not keep a record of days worked from home. As the Council does not operate homeworking arrangements, other than the usual laptops, no other equipment is routinely provided for staff to work from home.
Date responded: 8 April 2024
Policies & Practices for issuing planning refunds
Date submitted: 2 April 2024
Summary of request
1. Please detail how the authority determine an applicant’s eligibility for a refund in accordance with the legislation.
2. Can you provide any official documentation, policies, or guidelines that outline the process and criteria for refund eligibility under the planning guarantee legislation? This would include any procedural steps that applicants must follow to initiate a refund request.
a) If the authority does not have any official documentation, policies or guidelines and has not sought to create this since the inception of the legislation can you provide an explanation why?
3. Are there circumstances, such as the statute of limitations, under which refunds would not be provided? If so, what are these circumstances? Any supporting written advice from your legal department would be of interest.
4. Has your authority been proactive in informing applicant’s that they are due a refund of their planning application fees paid when they become eligible?
a) If the answer to 4 is no, could you explain the rationale behind this approach?
5. Has your authority been proactive in refunding applicant’s fees when they become eligible?
a) If the answer to 5 is no, could you explain the rationale behind this approach?
b) If refunds are not proactively made, can you advise what happens to the funds from the unclaimed refunds, since the legislation was implemented.
c) Can you advise how much has the authority ‘earned’/received in funds for planning applications from applicants that was due to be returned but has not been.
6. Please provide the contact information for submitting refund requests i.e. the relevant person/team, contact telephone number and contact email address.
7. Please provide the contact information for the authority’s Monitoring Officer, as their oversight may be relevant to my inquiries.
Summary of response
1. Please detail how the authority determine an applicant’s eligibility for a refund in accordance with the legislation - When asked
2. Can you provide any official documentation, policies, or guidelines that outline the process and criteria for refund eligibility under the planning guarantee legislation? - Information not held.
This would include any procedural steps that applicants must follow to initiate a refund request - N/A
a) If the authority does not have any official documentation, policies or guidelines and has not sought to create this since the inception of the legislation can you provide an explanation why? - No. Under FOI we do not have to provide explanations or justification. Only information that we hold.
3. Are there circumstances, such as the statute of limitations, under which refunds would not be provided? - No
If so, what are these circumstances? Any supporting written advice from your legal department would be of interest - N/A
4. Has your authority been proactive in informing applicant’s that they are due a refund of their planning application fees paid when they become eligible? - No
a) If the answer to 4 is no, could you explain the rationale behind this approach? - No. Under FOI we do not have to provide explanations or justification. Only information that we hold.
5. Has your authority been proactive in refunding applicant’s fees when they become eligible? - Yes, when asked.
a) If the answer to 5 is no, could you explain the rationale behind this approach? - N/A
b) If refunds are not proactively made, can you advise what happens to the funds from the unclaimed refunds, since the legislation was implemented - Stays in the account.
c) Can you advise how much has the authority ‘earned’/received in funds for planning applications from applicants that was due to be returned but has not been - No as this has cannot been exactly calculated.
6. Please provide the contact information for submitting refund requests i.e. the relevant person/team, contact telephone number and contact email address - Requests are made via the relevant agent or applicant to the area team, whose details they will have been informed of.
7. Please provide the contact information for the authority’s Monitoring Officer, as their oversight may be relevant to my inquiries - All enquires to the monitoring officer should be submitted monitoringofficer@eastdevon.gov.uk
Date responded: 24 April 2024
Temporary accommodation and homelessness
Date submitted: 28 March 2024
Summary of request
1. The amount of money the council paid to providers of temporary accommodation in calendar year 2023, broken down by individual provider (i.e. showing how much was paid to each provider). If the information is not available by calendar year, please provide the figures for the 2023/24 financial year (year-to-date if necessary).
2. The number of households currently living in temporary accommodation. This includes households that the council has placed inside or outside the local authority area, but excludes households placed inside the local authority area by other councils
3. Of the placements referred to in response to question 2, how many placements have their rent fully covered by the government subsidy for temporary accommodation costs (i.e. up to 90 percent of January 2011 Local Housing Allowance rates)?
4. In calendar year 2023, how many households did the council assess as having made themselves “intentionally homeless” due to rent arrears?
5. In calendar year 2023, how many households did the council end its homelessness duty towards due to the household’s refusal to accept an offer of housing outside the local authority area?
Summary of response
1. The amount of money the council paid to providers of temporary accommodation in calendar year 2023, broken down by individual provider (i.e. showing how much was paid to each provider). If the information is not available by calendar year, please provide the figures for the 2023/24 financial year (year-to-date if necessary) – £610 337.39; We are unable to break it down by provider as releasing the providers names could potentially put the residents at risk if they are in temporary accommodation fleeing violence. Therefore this information is withheld under section 38(1)(a) - endangering the physical or mental health of any individual and section 38(1)(b) endangering the safety of any individual.
2. The number of households currently living in temporary accommodation. This includes households that the council has placed inside or outside the local authority area, but excludes households placed inside the local authority area by other councils – 51
3. Of the placements referred to in response to question 2, how many placements have their rent fully covered by the government subsidy for temporary accommodation costs (i.e. up to 90 percent of January 2011 Local Housing Allowance rates)? – 24
4. In calendar year 2023, how many households did the council assess as having made themselves “intentionally homeless” due to rent arrears? – We do not record this information
5. In calendar year 2023, how many households did the council end its homelessness duty towards due to the household’s refusal to accept an offer of housing outside the local authority area? – We do not record this information
Date responded: 26 April 2024
Finance, HR and Payroll Systems
Date submitted: 26 March 2024
Summary of request
1. What software do you use for your payroll, hr and finance solutions, how much annually do you spend on each, when does each contract expire?
2. Do you manage your payroll in-house or do you outsource it if so, who do you outsource it to?
3. How many people do you pay each month using your payroll solution?
4. How many pensioners do you pay using your payroll solution?
5. Do you use Microsoft power platform technologies such as Power Automate, Power Virtual Agents?
6. What is the employee count in your organisation?
7. Do you collaborate with other organisations in the delivery of HR & Payroll shared services? If so which organisation?
8. Do you work with any industry experts such as ATOS, KPMG, EY, Accenture etc?
9. Who in your organisation is the head of service for HR and Payroll software or services and what is their role?
Summary of response
1. What software do you use for your payroll, hr and finance solutions, how much annually do you spend on each, when does each contract expire?
HR - MHR iTrent - Contract duration 5 years; Contract end date Sept 2025; Cost £64K (3 councils) per annum
Payroll - MHR iTrent - Contract duration 5 years; Contract end date Sept 2025; Cost - inc. in above
Finance - ABS eFinancials - Rolling contract; Contract end date April 2024; Cost - £30K- 40K per annum
2. Do you manage your payroll in-house or do you outsource it if so, who do you outsource it to? - Managed in-house
3. How many people do you pay each month using your payroll solution? - 583 as at 23/04/2024
4. How many pensioners do you pay using your payroll solution?- 0
5. Do you use Microsoft power platform technologies such as Power Automate, Power Virtual Agents? - No
6. What is the employee count in your organisation? - 583 as at 23/04/2024
7. Do you collaborate with other organisations in the delivery of HR & Payroll shared services? If so which organisation? - We process the payroll for Strata IT Solutions
8. Do you work with any industry experts such as ATOS, KPMG, EY, Accenture etc? - No
9. Who in your organisation is the head of service for HR and Payroll software or services and what is their role? - Joanna Fellows, Corporate HR Manager
Date responded: 23 April 2024
Visits by the Dog Warden at Allhallows
Date submitted: 22 March 2024
Summary of request
Please confirm the number of visits the dog warden can recall visiting the Allhallows Public Open Space in the last 12 months.
Summary of response
- The number of visits (or hours) spent by the Dog Warden at Allhallows Public Open space in 2022-2023.
2022 - one visit
2023 - two visits
Date responded: 28 March 2024
Data Breaches
Date submitted: 22 March 2024
Summary of request
1. The number of data breach incidents the council has had between 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023- date (March 2024)
1a) Of these, how many were cyber-incidents?
2. How much has the council paid out in compensation for Data Breach claims between 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023-date (March 2024)?
Summary of response
1. The number of data breach incidents the council has had between 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023 - date (March 2024)
2021/22 – 16
2022/23 – 21
2023 – to Feb 2024 – 16
1a) Of these, how many were cyber-incidents? - 0
2. How much has the council paid out in compensation for Data Breach claims between 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023-date (March 2024)? - Zero
Date responded: 17 April 2024
Litter picking data
Date submitted: 22 March 2024
Summary of request
1. In the following dates, how many bags of litter, refuse and detritus was removed from the areas for which you are responsible.
2021
2022
1st Jan 2023 – 9th July 2023
10th July 2023 – 31st December 2023
2. In the following dates, how much money (or other resources) has been spent/used on litter picking in the area for which you are responsible.
2021
2022
1st Jan 2023 – 9th July 2023
10th July 2023 – 31st December 2023
3. In the following dates, how many FPN’s have been issued by your authority for littering in the areas for which you are responsible and how much money have they generated:
2021 - No of fines; Money generated
2022 - No of fines; Money generated
1st Jan 2023 – 9th July 2023 No of fines; Money generated
10th July 2023 – 31st December 2023 No of fines; Money generated
4. If the local authority that I am writing to uses littercam cameras or similar to catch motorists throwing litter from their cars, how many fines have been issued as a result of this and how much money has it generated (please break down by the following dates).
2021 - No of fines; Money generated
2022 - No of fines; Money generated
1st Jan 2023 – 9th July 2023 - No of fines; Money generated
10th July 2023 – 31st December 2023 - No of fines; Money generated
Summary of response
You requested information on litter picking. Please see our response below:
1. In the following dates, how many bags of litter, refuse and detritus was removed from the areas for which you are responsible – Information not recorded.
2. In the following dates, how much money (or other resources) has been spent/used on litter picking in the area for which you are responsible – This is not a separate cost. It forms part of the overall costs for Streetscene and its employees.
3. In the following dates, how many FPN’s have been issued by your authority for littering in the areas for which you are responsible and how much money have they generated:
2021 - 1 FPN; £80
2022 - 0
1st Jan 2023 – 9th July 2023 - 1 FPN; £100
10th July 2023 – 31st December 2023 = 0
4. If the local authority that I am writing to uses littercam cameras or similar to catch motorists throwing litter from their cars, how many fines have been issued as a result of this and how much money has it generated (please break down by the following dates) - Information not held. This information will be held by the Police or Devon County Council.
Date responded: 17 April 2024
Cyber Security
Date submitted: 22 March 2024
Summary of request
Number of Cyber attacks affecting East Devon. Where possible please provide data broken down by calendar year or failing that, by relevant 12-month period (e.g. 2021/22 2022/23 etc.) for which data is available.
1. How many times has your organisation experienced an attempted cyber-attack in the last two financial years?
2. Have you ever reported any cyber-related incidents to the NCSC and if so, how many in the last two financial years?
3. Thinking about cyber-attacks where the criminal was able to obtain data or disable systems, how much have these cost the organisation?
4. How much of the organisation’s total annual budget is spent on cyber support, protection and computer systems?
5. How many people are employed by the organisation to oversee cyber support and programmes?
Summary of response
1. How many times has your organisation experienced an attempted cyber-attack in the last two financial years? - Daily ‘attempts’
2. Have you ever reported any cyber-related incidents to the NCSC and if so, how many in the last two financial years? - No
3. Thinking about cyber-attacks where the criminal was able to obtain data or disable systems, how much have these cost the organisation? - N/A
4. How much of the organisation’s total annual budget is spent on cyber support, protection and computer systems? - Strata’s IT service is all about ensuring security; Strata is owned by three councils including EDDC and its share of the annual costs is 36.692%.
5. How many people are employed by the organisation to oversee cyber support and programmes? - 4
Date responded: 17 April 2024
Website, app and online services
Date submitted: 21 March 2024
Summary of request
1. How many citizens used the council’s website, app or online services that are designed for citizen use in the year between 1st January 2023 - 31st December 2023?
2. What was the total number of unresolved queries or tickets related to the council’s website, app and online services in this period?
3. What is the average waiting time for phone calls made to the council’s customer service in this period?
4. What was the average resolution time for queries received through the council’s website, app and online services during this time period?
5. What was the total cost of specifically maintaining the council’s website, app and online services in this time period?
6. How many downtime incidents to the council’s website, app or online services were recorded in the given timeframe, and what was the average downtime duration?
7. What is the average score for the council’s website, app and online services user satisfaction survey in this time period?
Summary of response
You requested information on the council's website, app and online services. Please see our response below.
1. How many citizens used the council’s website, app or online services that are designed for citizen use in the year between 1st January 2023 - 31st December 2023? - 1,468,786 visits to the website during these dates.
2. What was the total number of unresolved queries or tickets related to the council’s website, app and online services in this period? - Information not held.
3. What is the average waiting time for phone calls made to the council’s customer service in this period? - 31 seconds
4. What was the average resolution time for queries received through the council’s website, app and online services during this time period? - Information not held.
5. What was the total cost of specifically maintaining the council’s website, app and online services in this time period? - Staff time so no specific costs.
6. How many downtime incidents to the council’s website, app or online services were recorded in the given timeframe, and what was the average downtime duration? - Information not held.
7. What is the average score for the council’s website, app and online services user satisfaction survey in this time period? - Information not held.
Date responded: 15 April 2024
Acquisitions and Right to Buy
Date submitted: 21 March 2024
Summary of request
1. How many new council housing units did the council complete between 2011 and 2015 (calendar years, inclusive)?
2. Of the units referred to in response to question 1, how many have now been sold under the Right to Buy scheme?
3. Of the units referred to in response to question 1, how many are currently in the process of being sold under the Right to Buy scheme (i.e. the sale process has started but not been completed)?
4. How many new council housing units did the council complete between 2016 and 2020 (calendar years, inclusive)?
5. Of the units referred to in response to question 4, how many have now been sold under the Right to Buy scheme?
6. Of the units referred to in response to question 4, how many are currently in the process of being sold under the Right to Buy scheme (i.e. the sale process has started but not been completed)?
7. How many new council housing units did the council complete in 2021?
8. Of the units referred to in response to question 7, how many have now been sold under the Right to Buy scheme?
9. Of the units referred to in response to question 7, how many are currently in the process of being sold under the Right to Buy scheme (i.e. the sale process has started but not been completed)?
Summary of response
1. How many new council housing units did the council complete between 2011 and 2015 (calendar years, inclusive)? – 16
2. Of the units referred to in response to question 1, how many have now been sold under the Right to Buy scheme? – 2
3. Of the units referred to in response to question 1, how many are currently in the process of being sold under the Right to Buy scheme (i.e. the sale process has started but not been completed)? – 0
4. How many new council housing units did the council complete between 2016 and 2020 (calendar years, inclusive)? – 72
5. Of the units referred to in response to question 4, how many have now been sold under the Right to Buy scheme? – 0
6. Of the units referred to in response to question 4, how many are currently in the process of being sold under the Right to Buy scheme (i.e. the sale process has started but not been completed)? – 0
7. How many new council housing units did the council complete in 2021? – 13
8. Of the units referred to in response to question 7, how many have now been sold under the Right to Buy scheme? – 0
9. Of the units referred to in response to question 7, how many are currently in the process of being sold under the Right to Buy scheme (i.e. the sale process has started but not been completed)? – 0
Date responded: 11 April 2024
Dog fouling FPNs data
Date submitted: 14 March 2024
Summary of request
Please can you tell me how many fixed penalty notices you have issued to dog owners for dogs fouling since 2015 until the present day? Can you please provide the annual figures for each year and show how many fines were paid?
Summary of response
You requested the following:
Please can you tell me how many fixed penalty notices you have issued to dog owners for dogs fouling since 2015 until the present day? Can you please provide the annual figures for each year and show how many fines were paid?
2015 – 3(fines paid 3)
2016 – 6(6)
2017 – 4(4)
2018 – 8(5)
2019 – 2(2)
2020 – 4(2)
2021 – 2(0)
2022 – 0
2023 – 0
2024 – 0
Date responded: 8 April 2024
Information on shisha cafes
Date submitted: 14 March 2024
Summary of request
We would like to ask the following questions about your local authority area, where we define a "shisha cafe" as any premise where the sale and consumption of shisha tobacco occurs on site, and can include restaurants, clubs, lounges, cafes, and other venues. Please ensure these questions are answered jointly by Environmental Health and Trading Standards.
Q1. Please provide the estimated number or range of shisha cafes known as of January 2024.
Please reply "unknown" if this information is not held.
Q2. a) Please state the number of prosecutions made for violations of the smoke-free law in 2023.
b) How many of these violations were by shisha cafes?
Q3. a) Please state how many inspections were made to shisha cafes by Trading Standards, Environmental Health, or other officers in 2023.
b) Of these inspections, how many shisha cafes required intervention due to lack of compliance with policies (including tobacco, health and safety, and licensing laws).
c) Of these inspections, approximately how many kilograms of illicit shisha tobacco were seized in total?
d) Of these inspections, how many led to successful prosecutions and what was the total amount ordered to pay from the shisha cafe business?
Q4. Please state the number of reports of underage smoking at shisha cafes in 2023.
Q5. Please state the number of complaints made for noise and nuisance against shisha cafes in 2023.
Summary of response
Q1. Please provide the estimated number or range of shisha cafes known as of January 2024 - Zero
Please reply "unknown" if this information is not held.
Q2. a) Please state the number of prosecutions made for violations of the smoke-free law in 2023.
b) How many of these violations were by shisha cafes? - Zero
Q3. a) Please state how many inspections were made to shisha cafes by Trading Standards, Environmental Health, or other officers in 2023 - Zero
b) Of these inspections, how many shisha cafes required intervention due to lack of compliance with policies (including tobacco, health and safety, and licensing laws) - N/A
c) Of these inspections, approximately how many kilograms of illicit shisha tobacco were seized in total? - N/A
d) Of these inspections, how many led to successful prosecutions and what was the total amount ordered to pay from the shisha cafe business? - N/A
Q4. Please state the number of reports of underage smoking at shisha cafes in 2023 - Zero
Q5. Please state the number of complaints made for noise and nuisance against shisha cafes in 2023 - Zero
Date responded: 14 March 2024
Taxi accidents
Date submitted: 14 March 2024
Summary of request
I am seeking information on vehicle accidents involving licensed Taxis and Private Hire vehicles over the past 3 years (individually 2021/2022/2023).
Ideally I would like to know the number of accidents reported per year and the number (if any) of fatal accidents involving licensed vehicles.
Summary of response
I am seeking information on vehicle accidents involving licensed Taxis and Private Hire vehicles over the past 3 years (individually 2021/2022/2023). Ideally I would like to know the number of accidents reported per year and the number (if any) of fatal accidents involving licensed vehicles.
Please see our response below:
From our records, as follows:
2021 - 2
2022 - 4
2023 - 9
As part of the vehicle conditions applicable to hackney carriage and private hire, the driver must inform us of any accident within 72 hours and complete an accident report form. There may be cases where this has not happened and we have not been informed, so the figures may not be truly accurate. We can only record what is reported to us and this does rely on the driver reporting the accident to us. There has been no fatalities reported.
Date responded: 14 March 2024
Fly tipping data
Date submitted: 14 March 2024
Summary of request
1.How many incidents of illegal dumping of rubbish (also commonly known as fly dumping or fly tipping) occurred within the jurisdiction of your authority during the whole of last year (i.e.2023)?
2.How many incidents of illegal dumping of rubbish (also commonly known as fly dumping or fly tipping) occurred within the jurisdiction of your authority have occurred since the beginning of 2024?
3.How many incidents of illegal dumping of rubbish (also commonly known as fly dumping or fly tipping) were reported by the public to your jurisdiction during the whole of last year (i.e.2023)?
4.How many incidents of illegal dumping of rubbish (also commonly known as fly dumping or fly tipping) have been reported by the public to your jurisdiction since the beginning of 2024?
5.What was the cost of clearing illegal dumping (also commonly known as fly dumping or fly tipping) to your authority during the whole of last year (i.e. 2023)
6.What was the cost of clearing illegal dumping (also commonly known as fly dumping or fly tipping) to your authority since the beginning of 2024?
Summary of response
You requested the following:
1.How many incidents of illegal dumping of rubbish (also commonly known as fly dumping or fly tipping) occurred within the jurisdiction of your authority during the whole of last year (i.e.2023)? - The total number of fly tip reports and visits for 2023 were 399.
2.How many incidents of illegal dumping of rubbish (also commonly known as fly dumping or fly tipping) occurred within the jurisdiction of your authority have occurred since the beginning of 2024? - The first quarter of 2024 – Jan to March we have been out to 83 fly tip reports.
3.How many incidents of illegal dumping of rubbish (also commonly known as fly dumping or fly tipping) were reported by the public to your jurisdiction during the whole of last year (i.e.2023)? - Unfortunately, we do not have separate figures for fly tips reported by the public and those reported by other councils such as the town council or our own staff members.
4.How many incidents of illegal dumping of rubbish (also commonly known as fly dumping or fly tipping) have been reported by the public to your jurisdiction since the beginning of 2024? - As above.
5.What was the cost of clearing illegal dumping (also commonly known as fly dumping or fly tipping) to your authority during the whole of last year (i.e. 2023) - The cost of a visit (investigation) is £33 each.
6.What was the cost of clearing illegal dumping (also commonly known as fly dumping or fly tipping) to your authority since the beginning of 2024? - The cost of a visit (investigation) is £33 each.
Date responded: 8 April 2024
Levelling Up funding
Date submitted: 14 March 2024
Summary of request
How much has your council received in funding for Levelling Up to date in total?
Can you show the figures for 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24 separately?
How much of this funding has your council spent? Again, for 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24 separately.
If full data for 2023/24 is unavailable, please share as much information as possible up to the latest reporting period for this financial year.
How much do you expect to receive and spend in 2024/25?
Summary of response
EDDC has not received any Levelling Up funding
How much has your council received in funding for Levelling Up to date in total? - Zero
Can you show the figures for 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24 separately? - N/A
How much of this funding has your council spent? Again, for 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24 separately - N/A
If full data for 2023/24 is unavailable, please share as much information as possible up to the latest reporting period for this financial year.
How much do you expect to receive and spend in 2024/25? - Not known
Date responded: 18 March 2024
Alert of a serious safeguarding issue regarding a Homes for Ukraine host
Date submitted: 8 March 2024
Summary of request
1/Please can you provide a figure for the number of times your local authority has received a government alert of a serious safeguarding issue regarding a Homes for Ukraine sponsor/ host since March 2022 to present.
2/Please can you detail whether the Home Office shared the details of the reason for their alert in each case, and if so, what they were.
3/Please can you detail what action was taken following each alert. e.g. Ukrainian moved out of sponsor home. Ukrainian stayed at sponsor home.
Summary of response
You requested the following:
1/Please can you provide a figure for the number of times your local authority has received a government alert of a serious safeguarding issue regarding a Homes for Ukraine sponsor/ host since March 2022 to present - Information not held
2/Please can you detail whether the Home Office shared the details of the reason for their alert in each case, and if so, what they were - Information not held
3/Please can you detail what action was taken following each alert. e.g. Ukrainian moved out of sponsor home. Ukrainian stayed at sponsor home - Information not held
Date responded: 8 April 2024
Byelaws and Policies on Recreational Use of Drones
Date submitted: 8 March 2024
Summary of request
We seek information regarding your authority's regulations on the recreational use of drones from land under your jurisdiction.
1. Do you have any byelaws specifically relating to the recreational use of drones from your land? If yes, please provide:
a) The date(s) of these byelaws.
b) A digital copy of the byelaw(s) or a link to where these can be found on your website.
2. In the absence of specific byelaws, do you have any policies relating to the recreational use of drones from your land? If yes, please provide:
a) The date(s) of these policies.
b) A digital copy of the policy(i.e.) or a link to where these can be found on your website.
Summary of response
1. Do you have any byelaws specifically relating to the recreational use of drones from your land? - No byelaws specifically relating to the recreational use of drones
If yes, please provide:
a) The date(s) of these byelaws.
b) A digital copy of the byelaw(s) or a link to where these can be found on your website.
2. In the absence of specific byelaws, do you have any policies relating to the recreational use of drones from your land? - No policies relating to the recreational use of drones
If yes, please provide:
a) The date(s) of these policies.
b) A digital copy of the policy(i.e.) or a link to where these can be found on your website.
Date responded: 14 March 2024
Funding and grants available to small businesses in the UK
Date submitted: 8 March 2024
Summary of request
1. What funding (if any) do you offer to small businesses in the local area?
2. How many grants (if any) do you offer to small businesses in the local area?
3. If funding or grants are offered, please can you provide the specific monetary figures that are available to small businesses in the local area.
4. How many grants, or funding offers, were applied for and successfully granted to small businesses in the calendar years 2021, 2022 and 2023
Summary of response
1. What funding (if any) do you offer to small businesses in the local area?
2. How many grants (if any) do you offer to small businesses in the local area?
3. If funding or grants are offered, please can you provide the specific monetary figures that are available to small businesses in the local area.
4. How many grants, or funding offers, were applied for and successfully granted to small businesses in the calendar years 2021, 2022 and 2023.
We are about to go live with a new scheme funded using our UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation. A list of schemes can be found at https://eastdevon.gov.uk/business-and-investment/uk-shared-prosperity-fund/grant-schemes/#article-content
Once you click on the links to the IRF or CLTF, you will be able to find a link to those who have previously received funding under these schemes.
We do offer and apply rate relief to a number of small businesses but this is not what I would class as grants or funding as it is a reduction in the NDR bill as opposed to direct funds. Go to our website to see NDR datasets for this information at https://eastdevon.gov.uk/access-to-information/transparency-code/transparency-code-information/
Regarding question 4 the information we have is as follows:
• The information recorded as per the government guidance for the Covid Business grants was split by micro, small, medium and large businesses.
• 2021 Micro businesses 5389
• 2021 Small businesses 708
• 2022 Micro businesses 902
• 2022 Small businesses 157
Please note that the LRSG schemes started in 2020 (November and December) and finished in March 2021. We have included them but can’t determine if the businesses claimed the grant in 2020 or 2021.
Date responded: 28 March 2024
Translation and Interpretation Costs
Date submitted: 7 March 2024
Summary of request
What is the total cost for all translation and interpretation activities for each of the financial years 21/22 and 22/23. I would like a separate total for each financial year.
Summary of response
What is the total cost for all translation and interpretation activities for each of the financial years:
2021/22 - Zero
2022/23 - £2,000.54.
Date responded: 14 March 2024
Green Wedge Exmouth/Lympstone discussions
Date submitted: 22 February 2024
Summary of request
• Proposing the site be allocated to housing development would mean crossing the watershed that runs down Courtlands Lane and breaching the parish boundary – effectively moving the parish boundary. This suggests some political sleight of hand. Who initiated the proposal?
• When did discussions occur between Exmouth Town Council and EDDC to address changes to the green wedge?
• Were outcomes shared with Lympstone Parish Council?
• Was the Parish Council involved with any meeting between EDDC, and Exmouth Town Council?
• Minutes of meetings when a change to the green wedge were discussed.
• Minutes of meetings when the use of grade 1 agricultural land for housing was discussed.
• Minutes of meetings when the requirement to change the protections afforded to this landscape were discussed.
• Minutes of ad hoc meetings with Exmouth Town Council to discuss the above.
Summary of response
• Minutes of meetings when a change to the green wedge were discussed
- Internal officer discussions are not minuted, however the discussions of Strategic Planning Committee on this matter can be found on the council’s website at Browse meetings - Strategic Planning Committee - East Devon. https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=154 Green wedges were particularly discussed at meetings on the 11th January 2022, 3rd October 2023 and 13th February 2024 but may also have been mentioned in debate at other meetings.
• Minutes of meetings when the use of grade 1 agricultural land for housing was discussed
- There have not been any explicit reports just about agricultural land quality and which therefore resulted in minutes being taken. There will be many reports where agricultural land quality formed a component of discussion and minutes may refer. Strategic Planning Committee minutes and reports Committee details - Strategic Planning Committee - East Devon https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=154 will record some but also the issue will have been raised in terms of numerous planning applications discussed at Planning Committee the minutes of which can be found at: Browse meetings - Planning Committee - East Devon https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=308
• Minutes of meetings when the requirement to change the protections afforded to this landscape were discussed
- See links in previous responses.
• Minutes of ad hoc meetings with Exmouth Town Council to discuss the above
- There were no such meetings/minutes.
• Proposing the site be allocated to housing development would mean crossing the watershed that runs down Courtlands Lane and breaching the parish boundary – effectively moving the parish boundary. This suggests some political sleight of hand. Who initiated the proposal?
- There are no proposals to amend Parish boundaries. Consideration of allocation of the site for development in the Local Plan was initiated by the land owner/promoter putting the land forward in a call for sites.
• When did discussions occur between Exmouth Town Council and EDDC to address changes to the green wedge?
- No such discussions took place.
• Were outcomes shared with Lympstone Parish Council?
- Not applicable.
• Was the Parish Council involved with any meeting between EDDC, and Exmouth Town Council?
- Not applicable.
Date responded: 15 March 2024
Reports of dog fouling
Date submitted: 19 February 2024
Summary of request
Please can you tell me how many reports of dog fouling you have received from the start of 2019 to the end of 2023, breaking the data down by year?
Summary of response
You requested to know how many reports of dog fouling the council has received from the start of 2019 to the end of 2023, breaking the data down by year.
Please see our response below:
2019 157
2020 130
2021 112
2022 137
2023 96
Date responded: 11 March 2024
Planning apps approved ICNIRP self certification - 5G mast planning applications
Date submitted: 16 February 2024
Summary of request
Please would you let me know how many prior approval planning applications for your council have been approved on the basis of an ICNIRP self certification in the name of Three UK Ltd, since the end of 2015.
Summary of response
You requested to know how many prior approval planning applications have been approved on the basis of an ICNIRP self certification in the name of Three UK Ltd, since the end of 2015.
The requested data can be searched via our planning portal on our website by using the advanced search facility. You can visit the planning portal and search for the information you require and collate it yourself. You will need to use the drop down tabs to narrow down your search - Application Type - 'Telecommunications Notification' and include the date parameters you are interested in.
Applications Search (eastdevon.gov.uk)
https://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=advanced
As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
Date responded: 19 February 2024
Council housing
Date submitted: 16 February 2024
Summary of request
Specifically I would like to ask:
• How many council homes are currently owned by your local housing services
• How many council homes owned by your local housing services are occupied
• How many council homes owned by your local housing services are not occupied
• What the average length of time your council homes are unoccupied for
• What is the longest amount of time a currently unoccupied council home has been unoccupied for
• What reasons are given for why your council homes are not occupied
Summary of response
• How many council homes are currently owned by your local housing services - 4173
• How many council homes owned by your local housing services are occupied - 4045
• How many council homes owned by your local housing services are not occupied - 128
• What the average length of time your council homes are unoccupied for - 212.42
• What is the longest amount of time a currently unoccupied council home has been unoccupied for - 718 days
• What reasons are given for why your council homes are not occupied - see below
Reasons why properties are void:
o Preinspect
o Contractor Work
o Available to Let
o Evictions
o General property turnover work
o TORTS
o Long term void work eg subsidence
o Out Of Management
Date responded: 29 February 2024
Budget and percentage of spend on temporary accommodation
Date submitted: 15 February 2024
Summary of request
The total budget in pounds (£) and the percentage of your Local Authorities total budget spent on non-statutory obligations funding in each of the financial years a) 2019-20, b) 2020-21, c) 2021-22, d) 2022-23, e) 2023-24
The total budget in pounds (£) and the percentage of your Local Authorities total budget spent on social care funding in each of the financial years a) 2019-20, b) 2020-21, c) 2021-22, d) 2022-23, e) 2023-24
The total budget in pounds (£) and the percentage of your Local Authorities total budget spent on temporary accommodation funding in each of the financial years a) 2019-20, b) 2020-21, c) 2021-22, d) 2022-23, e) 2023-24
Summary of response
The total budget in pounds (£) and the percentage of your Local Authorities total budget spent on non-statutory obligations funding in each of the financial years a) 2019-20, b) 2020-21, c) 2021-22, d) 2022-23, e) 2023-24 - Information not held
The total budget in pounds (£) and the percentage of your Local Authorities total budget spent on social care funding in each of the financial years a) 2019-20, b) 2020-21, c) 2021-22, d) 2022-23, e) 2023-24 – Not EDDC
The total budget in pounds (£) and the percentage of your Local Authorities total budget spent on temporary accommodation funding in each of the financial years a) 2019-20, b) 2020-21, c) 2021-22, d) 2022-23, e) 2023-24 =
2019/20 £200,000 0.33%
2020/21 £250,000 0.44%
2021/22 £300,000 0.53%
2022/23 £350,000 0.46%
2023/24 £400,000 0.64%
Date responded: 11 March 2024
Contact Centre Solution
Date submitted: 14 February 2024
Summary of request
1. Contact Centre
a. Do you have a customer/ citizen facing contact centre?
b. Do you employ and manage your own agents, or do you outsource to a third party? If you outsource who to?
c. How many contact centre agents do you have?
d. Do agents work from home? Or just your offices?
e. Please confirm the manufacturer of your contact centre system(s) that are currently in place?
f. When is your contract renewal date?
g. Who maintains your contact centre system(s)?
2. CRM
a. Do you use a CRM in the contact centre? What platform is used?
b. Do you use the same CRM for the rest of the organisation? What platform is used?
c. Do you use a knowledge base / knowledge management platform? What platform is used?
3. AI & Automation
a. Does your organisation have a customer or citizen facing chatbot? If so, who provides this chatbot technology?
b. Does your organisation utilise RPA technology? If so which RPA technology provider do you use?
Summary of response
1. Contact Centre
a. Do you have a customer/ citizen facing contact centre? - Yes
b. Do you employ and manage your own agents, or do you outsource to a third party? If you outsource who to? - In-house
c. How many contact centre agents do you have? - 12
d. Do agents work from home? Or just your offices? - Office based & home
e. Please confirm the manufacturer of your contact centre system(s) that are currently in place? - Skype for Business & Anywhere 365
f. When is your contract renewal date? - for Skype for Business & Anywhere 365 Rolling
g. Who maintains your contact centre system(s)? - Strata
2. CRM
a. Do you use a CRM in the contact centre? What platform is used? - Firmstep
b. Do you use the same CRM for the rest of the organisation? What platform is used? - Firmstep
c. Do you use a knowledge base / knowledge management platform? What platform is used? - No
3. AI & Automation
a. Does your organisation have a customer or citizen facing chatbot? If so, who provides this chatbot technology? - Yes, Who’s on Chat
b. Does your organisation utilise RPA technology? If so which RPA technology provider do you use? - No
Date responded: 14 February 2024
Council Staff on Long Term Sick
Date submitted: 14 February 2024
Summary of request
I would also like to request the amount of staff that were on long term sick leave on the same day in 2023 and in 2019.
Summary of response
You requested to know the number of staff that were on long term sick leave as of 12th February 2024 and on the same day in 2023 and in 2019.
Please see our response below:
2019 – 4
2023 – 4
2024 – 8
Date responded: 29 February 2024
Offsite biodiversity gain site section 106 agreement
Date submitted: 13 February 2024
Summary of request
Does the council have a template for an offsite biodiversity gain site section 106 agreement and if so could a link to this be provided?
Which officer at the council is responsible for biodiversity net gain and should be contacted about such agreements?
Summary of response
You requested information on whether the council has a template for an offsite biodiversity gain site section 106 agreement.
Please go to our website at https://eastdevon.gov.uk/planning/planning-services/planning-development-management/biodiversity-net-gain/ BNG Biodiversity Net Gain - East Devon As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
Which officer at the council is responsible for biodiversity net gain and should be contacted about such agreements? - Please contact planning@eastdevon.gov.uk
Date responded: 13 February 2024
Length of time households in temporary accommodation
Date submitted: 13 February 2024
Summary of request
How many households in the local authority have spent under one year in temporary accommodation?
How many households in the local authority have spent between one to five years in temporary accommodation?
How many households in the local authority have spent between five to ten years in temporary accommodation?
How many households in the local authority have spent over ten years in temporary accommodation?
Can we this information for each year ending between 2013 to 2023.
Summary of response
How many households in the local authority have spent under one year in temporary accommodation? - 44
How many households in the local authority have spent between one to five years in temporary accommodation? - 0
How many households in the local authority have spent between five to ten years in temporary accommodation? - 1
How many households in the local authority have spent over ten years in temporary accommodation? - 0
Can we this information for each year ending between 2013 to 2023 - We can only provide current figures as above. We are unable to report each year for last 10 years.
Date responded: 19 February 2024
Copy of the covenant for Candy's Field
Date submitted: 13 February 2024
Summary of request
I wish to obtain a copy of the covenant for Candy's Field
Summary of response
You requested a copy of the covenant for Candy's Field - Information not held. Candy’s recreation ground isn’t owned by EDDC so I would suggest you approach the Land Registry to obtain any information regarding any covenants within the title.
Date responded: 19 February 2024
Leasehold Right to Buy and Subletting
Date submitted: 8 February 2024
Summary of request
1. The number of leasehold properties sold by the council under Right to Buy since 1981. To clarify, this is leasehold only, not the total of freehold and leasehold.
2. How many of those leasehold properties (related to the above) are registered with an away address, indicating that they may be sublet.
Summary of response
1. The number of leasehold properties sold by the council under Right to Buy since 1981. To clarify, this is leasehold only, not the total of freehold and leasehold - Since 01/01/1980 there were 71 leasehold properties sold.
2. How many of those leasehold properties (related to the above) are registered with an away address, indicating that they may be sublet - We do not hold this information.
Date responded: 13 February 2024
Shared heating system maintenance
Date submitted: 8 February 2024
Summary of request
1. How many times have the council arranged for a shared central heating system (i.e. one that heats multiple houses, such as on an estate) to undergo maintenance since September 2021? Please split this figure into the following periods: September 2021-August 2022 (inclusive), September 2022-August 2023, September 2023-present.
2. For each of these occasions, please provide a start date and end date. For works that have not yet finished, please provide a planned end date or estimated length of project where this is noted. Please provide this information in an Excel format.
Summary of response
1. How many times have the council arranged for a shared central heating system (i.e. one that heats multiple houses, such as on an estate) to undergo maintenance since September 2021? Please split this figure into the following periods: September 2021-August 2022 (inclusive), September 2022-August 2023, September 2023-present.
2. For each of these occasions, please provide a start date and end date. For works that have not yet finished, please provide a planned end date or estimated length of project where this is noted. Please provide this information in an Excel format.
Sep 21- Aug 22 Annual service to 5no communal systems
Sep 22- Aug 23 Annual service to 5no communal systems
Sep 23-present 1 communal boiler replacement (2 days 11-12 Jan 2024)
Date responded: 4 March 2024
Voluntary sector grants
Date submitted: 8 February 2024
Summary of request
1. A list of grants you have made to the voluntary sector (including to any charities, churches, social enterprises, community groups) in the financial year 2022/23. Please include the amount paid to each entity and, if recorded, a description of what each payment is for.
2. A list of grants you have made or are due to make to the voluntary sector (including to any charities, churches, social enterprises, community groups) in the current financial year. Please include the amount paid to each entity and, if recorded, a description of what each payment is for.
Summary of response
1. A list of grants you have made to the voluntary sector (including to any charities, churches, social enterprises, community groups) in the financial year 2022/23. Please include the amount paid to each entity and, if recorded, a description of what each payment is for - None
2. A list of grants you have made or are due to make to the voluntary sector (including to any charities, churches, social enterprises, community groups) in the current financial year. Please include the amount paid to each entity and, if recorded, a description of what each payment is for - None
Date responded: 4 March 2024
Building under 18 metres that have have flammable cladding
Date submitted: 8 February 2024
Summary of request
I would like to know how much money in contracts from the council has been given to the following companies since July 2017: Kingspan and Rydon .
Following the Grenfell fire how many council tower blocks (over 18 meters high) were identified as having flammable cladding (likely made from aluminium composite material).
How many of these high rises still have flammable cladding?
How many other council-owned buildings, under 18m, currently have flammable cladding? I would like this broken down into building type - school, hospital ect
Summary of response
I would like to know how much money in contracts from the council has been given to the following companies since July 2017: Kingspan and Rydon - Zero
Following the Grenfell fire how many council tower blocks (over 18 meters high) were identified as having flammable cladding (likely made from aluminium composite material) – Not Applicable. EDDC does not have any housing above 18 metres.
How many of these high rises still have flammable cladding? – Not Applicable.
How many other council-owned buildings, under 18m, currently have flammable cladding? I would like this broken down into building type - school, hospital etc. - None
Date responded: 29 February 2024
Affordable Rural Housing
Date submitted: 1 February 2024
Summary of request
Please can you name the parishes within EDDC that have a Housing Needs Survey that is less than two years old?
Please can you list the parishes within EDDC that qualify for a Rural Exception Site?
Summary of response
Please can you name the parishes within EDDC that have a Housing Needs Survey that is less than two years old?
Please can you list the parishes within EDDC that qualify for a Rural Exception Site?
The parishes within EDDC that have a Housing Needs Survey that is less than 2 years old are:
Woodbury
Colyton
Wilmington
The vast majority of East Devon is within a designated rural area, with only the parishes of Exmouth, Sidmouth, Seaton and Honiton excluded.
Date responded: 13 February 2024
Approaches made by victims of domestic abuse
Date submitted: 1 February 2024
Summary of request
Specifically I need, for the calendar year 2023 (1st January to 31st December inclusive):
1. Total number of approaches made to your authority (either through homelessness channels, specialist domestic abuse team or antisocial behaviour team) citing domestic abuse as the reason for need for support.
2. How many of these approaches were made by males.
3. A numerical breakdown of those approaches made by males by sexual orientation.
4. A numerical breakdown of those approaches where it was subsequently determined that the male was in fact the perpetrator of domestic abuse.
5. A numerical breakdown of those approaches where the male victim was assisted into either
a) refuge or
b) B&B or
c) refused safe accommodation.
Summary of response
1. Total number of approaches made to your authority (either through homelessness channels, specialist domestic abuse team or antisocial behaviour team) citing domestic abuse as the reason for need for support - 68
2. How many of these approaches were made by males - 6
3. A numerical breakdown of those approaches made by males by sexual orientation - 6 heterosexual
4. A numerical breakdown of those approaches where it was subsequently determined that the male was in fact the perpetrator of domestic abuse - 1
5. A numerical breakdown of those approaches where the male victim was assisted into b) B&B - 3
Date responded: 13 February 2024
Cllr discretionary allowance for training
Date submitted: 29 January 2024
Summary of request
1. Do your councillors get a discretionary allowance to spend on training individually as they choose?
2. How much is this amount annually?
3. How many councillors are on your council?
4. How many have used their discretionary allowance?
5. How much have they spent and on what service, training, activity or otherwise?
Summary of response
1. Do your councillors get a discretionary allowance to spend on training individually as they choose? - No
2. How much is this amount annually? - N/A
3. How many councillors are on your council? - 60
4. How many have used their discretionary allowance? - N/A
5. How much have they spent and on what service, training, activity or otherwise? - N/A
Date responded: 31 January 2024
Monitoring officer data
Date submitted: 29 January 2024
Summary of request
1. The name of each Monitoring Officer for the Authority since 1.1.2019. Kindly also provide the dates they were in post and any other roles they held within the Authority (before, during and after) -
2. The name of each Deputy Monitoring Officer for the Authority since 1.1.2019. Kindly also provide the dates they were in post and any other roles they held within the Authority (before, during and after).
3. Please provide the date of every report made by the Monitoring Officer under Section 5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
4. Please provide a copy of each report made by the Monitoring Officer under Section 5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
5. The name of each Director of Children’s Services for the Authority since 1.1.2019. Kindly also provide the dates they were in post and any other roles they held within the Authority (before, during and after).
6. The name of each Lead Member for Children’s Services for the Authority since 1.1.2019. Kindly also provide the dates they were in post and any other roles they held within the Authority (before, during and after).
Summary of response
1. The name of each Monitoring Officer for the Authority since 1.1.2019. Kindly also provide the dates they were in post and any other roles they held within the Authority (before, during and after):
Henry Gordon Lennox; Strategic Lead (Governance and Licensing), Returning and Electoral Registration officer, 2019 - 19.01.2023, previously Principal Solicitor and Deputy Monitoring Officer
Anita Williams Interim Director of Governance and Licensing & Monitoring Officer 19.01.2023-30.04.2023, previously Principal Solicitor and Deputy Monitoring Officer
Melanie Wellman Director of Governance & Licensing, Interim Chief Executive & Returning and Electoral Registration officer) 25th April 2023 to date
2. The name of each Deputy Monitoring Officer for the Authority since 1.1.2019. Kindly also provide the dates they were in post and any other roles they held within the Authority (before, during and after)
Anita Williams, Principal Solicitor, Interim Monitoring Officer as above then Principal Solicitor and Deputy Monitoring Officer after 30.04.2023.
3. Please provide the date of every report made by the Monitoring Officer under Section 5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 – Report taken 17th March 2021 Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 17th March, 2021, 6.00 pm - East Devon https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=136&MId=1680&Ver=4
4. Please provide a copy of each report made by the Monitoring Officer under Section 5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 – as per link above
5. The name of each Director of Children’s Services for the Authority since 1.1.2019. Kindly also provide the dates they were in post and any other roles they held within the Authority (before, during and after) - Not an EDDC function
6. The name of each Lead Member for Children’s Services for the Authority since 1.1.2019. Kindly also provide the dates they were in post and any other roles they held within the Authority (before, during and after) - Not an EDDC function
Date responded: 16 February 2024
Working definition of Antisemitism / Islamophobia
Date submitted: 29 January 2024
Summary of request
This is related to your council adopting any working definition of Islamophobia or Antisemitism.
Please note - there are several different definitions of both antisemitism and Islamophobia in use around the country - and this FoI request covers all of them.
1. Did your council adopt a working definition of antisemitism? If so
Which one?
When?
2. Did your council adopt a working definition of Islamophobia? If so
Which one?
When?
Summary of response
1. Did your council adopt a working definition of antisemitism? - No
2. Did your council adopt a working definition of Islamophobia? - No
Date responded: 22 February 2024
Car park parking bay sizes
Date submitted: 29 January 2024
Summary of request
I am after information relating to car park parking bay sizes.
1. Do you have a standard parking bay size which is in place across your car parks?
a. For Q1, Are there plans to enlarge the standard parking bay size in car parks?
2. Since 23rd January 2014, how many PCNs have been issued for parking outside of the lines in car parks?
a. For Q2, please provide a year-by-year breakdown of the figures
b. For Q2, please provide the value in (£) of the PCNs paid, also providing a year-by-year breakdown
3. Are cars exceeding a certain length banned from any of your car parks?
a. For Q3, if size rules are enforced, from what date did the council start doing so.
b. For Q3, if size rules aren’t enforced, are there plans to do so?
4. How many PCNs have been issued to people for parking these banned cars in car parks since 23rd January 2014?
a. For Q4, please provide a year-by-year breakdown of the figures
b. For Q4, please provide the value in (£) of the PCNs paid, also providing a year-by-year breakdown
5. What is the total number of PCNs issued in car parks from 23rd January 2014?
Summary of response
1. Do you have a standard parking bay size which is in place across your car parks? - Yes, 4.8m by 2.4m
Are there plans to enlarge the standard parking bay size in car parks? - Not at this time.
2. Since 23rd January 2014, how many PCNs have been issued for parking outside of the lines in car parks? - 695 since September 2019. We do not hold the data from before this date due to a system change.
Please provide a year-by-year breakdown of the figures. - Financial year breakdown as below.
2024 - 187
2023 - 134
2022 - 128
2021 - 151
2020 - 85
Please provide the value in (£) of the PCNs paid, also providing a year-by-year breakdown
2024 - £6,250
2023 - £5,100
2022 - £3,985
2021 - £5,125
2020 - £2,710
3. Are cars exceeding a certain length banned from any of your car parks? - No
If size rules are enforced, from what date did the council start doing so?
If size rules aren’t enforced, are there plans to do so?
4. How many PCNs have been issued to people for parking these banned cars in car parks since 23rd January 2014? - N/A
Please provide a year-by-year breakdown of the figures
Please provide the value in (£) of the PCNs paid, also providing a year-by-year breakdown
5. What is the total number of PCNs issued in car parks from 23rd January 2014? - Since September 2019 we have issued 9420
Date responded: 22 February 2024
Fly tipping data
Date submitted: 29 January 2024
Summary of request
Is historic fly-tipping data available for East Devon Council?
I'm interested in fly-tipping incidents along Stoke Hill and Church Lane (above Pinhoe). Land on the other side of Church Hill falls within the East Devon area. I would be using the data to identify local hotspots.
Summary of response
You requested information on historic fly-tipping data incidents along Stoke Hill and Church Lane (above Pinhoe).
We have gone back to July 2021 and can confirm that from then until now no fly tips have been reported or collected in the Stoke Hill to Church Lane area of Exeter.
Date responded: 31 January 2024
Working From Home/Abroad
Date submitted: 26 January 2024
Summary of request
Please could you provide me with details for the last three years (2023/2022/2021) of how many full-time staff:
1. work from home/remotely in a hybrid form (i.e. dividing their time between office and remote/home working)?
2. work from home permanently (i.e. work from home for the majority of their contractual hours)?
3. have been granted permission to work from abroad firstly, permanently (i.e. work from abroad for the majority of their contractual hours) and secondly, in a hybrid form (i.e. dividing their time between office and remote/home working abroad)? Please list the countries where they work from. If possible - particularly if the above numbers are low - please specify what departments they work in.
4. the council employed? In other words, what were the total numbers of all full-time staff employed by the council for 2023/2023 and 2021 (broken down per year)?
Summary of response
Please could you provide me with details for the last three years (2023/2022/2021) of how many full-time staff
- The Council does not engage employees on homeworker contracts, all contracts have a place of work as the Council’s designated offices. The Council operates a flexible working policy of allowing employees to work from home in agreement with their manager and their service needs with the offices always available.
1. work from home/remotely in a hybrid form (i.e. dividing their time between office and remote/home working)? - Information not captured
2. work from home permanently (i.e. work from home for the majority of their contractual hours)? - Information not captured
3. have been granted permission to work from abroad firstly, permanently (i.e. work from abroad for the majority of their contractual hours) and secondly, in a hybrid form (i.e. dividing their time between office and remote/home working abroad)? Please list the countries where they work from. If possible - particularly if the above numbers are low - please specify what departments they work in. - We have had one request and this was refused.
4. the council employed? In other words, what were the total numbers of all full-time staff employed by the council for 2023, 2022 and 2021 (broken down per year)? -
31 March 2023 - 414 Full Time
31 March 2022 - 380 Full Time
31 March 2021 - 367 Full Time
Date responded: 6 February 2024
Unpaid council tax
Date submitted: 26 January 2024
Summary of request
The figures for each of the following financial years 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2022-23, 2023-24 (to current date)
1) What is the total value of unpaid council tax debt owed to the council at the end of each financial year, To current date for 2023-24?
2) What is the total value of unpaid council tax debt owed to the council by a social housing provider at the end of each financial year, To current date for 2023-24?
3) Please list the total value of unpaid council tax debt owed to the council by each individual social housing provider at the end of each financial year, To current date for 2023-24?
4) For each year what was the total value of social housing provider council tax debt accrued in the 12 month period, To current date for 2023-24?
5) What is the council policy around court summons and bailiff action for social housing providers with outstanding debt?
6) What is the council policy around issuing class B exemption. Does the council automatically award a social housing provider, does the social housing provider have to request once per property or every account change?
Summary of response
1) What is the total value of unpaid council tax debt owed to the council at the end of each financial year, To current date for 2023-24?
The amounts of unpaid council tax as at 21.01.24 for the following years was;
17/18 - £115,844.87
18/19 - £206,320.62
19/20 - £347,571.15
20/21 - £381,614.28
21/22 - £529,440.01
22/23 - £746,900.12
23/24 - £7,021,238.92
2) What is the total value of unpaid council tax debt owed to the council by a social housing provider at the end of each financial year, To current date for 2023-24? - This information is not recorded.
3) Please list the total value of unpaid council tax debt owed to the council by each individual social housing provider at the end of each financial year, To current date for 2023-24? - This information is not recorded.
4) For each year what was the total value of social housing provider council tax debt accrued in the 12 month period, To current date for 2023-24? - This information is not recorded.
5) What is the council policy around court summons and bailiff action for social housing providers with outstanding debt? - We would follow the standard procedure for issuing summonses in line with legislation, and if the debt remained unpaid then we may consider Enforcement action if appropriate on a case by case basis.
6) What is the council policy around issuing class B exemption. Does the council automatically award a social housing provider, does the social housing provider have to request once per property or every account change? - We would not automatically apply the Class B exemption, as not all social housing providers would be entitled to this. We would expect them to apply if the exemption is relevant to the property in question.
Date responded: 21 February 2024
Right to Buy Properties
Date submitted: 24 January 2024
Summary of request
1. How many leasehold properties have been sold by the local authority under the Right to Buy scheme (1980) since its inception?
2. How many of these leaseholds are currently registered at an away address (an address which is not that of the property itself)?
3. How many properties initially sold under the Right to Buy act have been subsequently purchased by the local authority?
a. How many of these were purchased on or after January 1st 2020?
b. How much money has the local authority spent on purchasing these properties? (If any properties have been sold again after being re-purchased, please also specify this income)
Summary of response
• How many leasehold properties have been sold by the local authority under the Right to Buy scheme (1980) since its inception? - 71 leasehold properties
• How many of these leaseholds are currently registered at an away address (an address which is not that of the property itself)? - We do not record this information.
• How many properties initially sold under the Right to Buy act have been subsequently purchased by the local authority?
a. How many of these were purchased on or after January 1st 2020? - 17
b. How much money has the local authority spent on purchasing these properties? (If any properties have been sold again after being re-purchased, please also specify this income) - Total £4,274,652.27 on purchases; Income - N/A
Date responded: 20 February 2024
18+ Unstaffed Semi-Independent Accommodation
Date submitted: 24 January 2024
Summary of request
Please Note: The following questions are about care leavers (Aged 18 – 21) placed in supported accommodation who receiving floating support, these young people come under the Leaving Care Act 2000.
Who are the currently supported accommodation providers you use for 18+ floating support & accommodation?
What provider out of your current list of supported accommodation providers has the majority of your care leavers?
What is the minimum support hours L.A requirement for 18-21 care leavers in supported accommodation?
for example, a min of 2 hours.
What is the current minimum cost L.A. pays for 18+ floating accommodations? (Accommodation Only)
for example, £500PW per placement depending on support needs.
How many service users were placed with your L.A between the years 2022 - 2023?
What are the practical postcodes your L.A placements team require for 18+ service users?
What are the current issues your L. A’s placement team face when it comes to placing 18+ service users in supported accommodation?
What is the placements teams’ budget per week for 18+ placements?
for example, £620PW per placement including 3 support hours.
What is the procedure for your L.A if a provider wishes to join both on-tender & off-tender providers list?
What are the main KPI's (key performance indicators) your L.A placements team use to separate a good semi-independent service to a bad one specifically for 18+ service users?
What are the main factors your L.A Placements team use to ascertain whether a placement / provider is a good match for 18+ service users?
What is the L.A's budget for support hours specifically per hour for 18+ service users ?
for example £21.50 per additional support hour.
What type of accommodation is needed but in short supply for your L.A placements team ? I.e. studio's, shared, 2 bed flats etc.
What is the L.A placements team budget per week for the following accommodation: Studio, 1 bed Flat, 2 bed flat, Shared Accommodation.
When does the L.A plan to publish their next tender for 18+ placements ?
What is L.A's standard procedure before placing an 18+ service user with a provider for the first time ?Who are the current providers you use for 18+ unstaffed accommodation ?
Summary of response
You requested information about care leavers (Aged 18 – 21) placed in supported accommodation who are receiving floating support. The requested information is not held by the District Council. You will need to refer your request to Devon County Council.
Date responded: 31 January 2024
DFG equipment-based assessments
Date submitted: 23 January 2024
Summary of request
We are requesting this information under freedom of information requests and have tried to find this information through the public domain, but unable to do so.
1. How many equipment-based assessments did you carry out in the last FY?
2. What is the current average wait time for this type of assessment?
3. Is it your organisation’s current policy to use Trusted Assessors within your equipment assessments pathways?
4. How many staff do you employ as Trusted Assessors?
a. What percentage are accredited / unaccredited?
b. If accredited, how many are accredited at level three? At level four?
5. Which roles and services are they based in?
6. What is your policy on refreshing their training?
7. Is the number expected to grow?
8. What percentage of equipment assessments are carried out face to face / remotely?
a. What percentage of assessments that are remote are telephone based / video based?
9. Can people access a DFG funded home adaptation without the involvement of an OT?
10. Is any of your Trusted Assessor provision outsourced?
11. Do you accept prescriptions or recommendations for equipment from external organisations such as care and nursing homes, housing associations, supported living providers or domiciliary care providers if the case handler is an OT (Occupational Therapist) or Trusted Assessor?
a. How many cases were handled of this type in the last FY?
12. Is your community equipment service managed in-house or via an external contract?
Summary of response
You have requested information on DFG equipment-based assessments.
You will need to refer your request to Devon County Council. This is for Occupational Health to provide this information as EDDC doesn’t do this part of the grant process so we don’t have any data to return.
Date responded: 13 February 2024
Business Rates Revenue Raising Consultants
Date submitted: 23 January 2024
Summary of request
Freedom of Information Request – Business Rates Revenue Raising Consultants
Under the Freedom of Information Act, I would like to request the following information:
1) Have the Local Authority instructed an RICS accredited Property Advisory company to raise Council revenue from business rates by either identifying properties which have been undervalued in the Rating List or identifying properties which are not in the Rating List but are complete and have not been valued for business rates purposes?
Our request does not relate to Rating Advisors who have been appointed by the Council to review and Challenge Rateable Values on their own Local Authority assets.
We would be grateful for the information in the following format:
• Name of company;
• Date of contract award;
• Term of contract;
Summary of response
You requested information about Business Rates Revenue Raising Consultants.
1) Have the Local Authority instructed an RICS accredited Property Advisory company to raise Council revenue from business rates by either identifying properties which have been undervalued in the Rating List or identifying properties which are not in the Rating List but are complete and have not been valued for business rates purposes? - No. We undertake this in-house using our Revenues Inspector and Business Rates staff.
Date responded: 24 January 2024
Farmed animal welfare
Date submitted: 23 January 2024
Summary of request
I am writing to you under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (‘the Act’) to please request the following information in relation to farm animal species only during the years 2022 and 2023 (broken down by year):
1. Do you enforce farmed animal welfare legislation?
a. if not why? e.g. no farms, a different local authority does
b. if a different local authority enforces this legislation in your area, please inform us which one?
2. How many of each of the following are under your authority?
a. Farms;
b. Markets; and
c. Borders
3. How many of each of the following in your jurisdiction were inspected one or more times?
a. Farms;
b. Markets; and
c. Borders
For the avoidance of doubt, if the same farm/market/border was inspected more than once then it should only be recorded once.
4. How many of each of the following in your jurisdiction showed non-compliance with animal welfare law following an inspection:
a. Farms;
b. Markets; and
c. Borders
For the avoidance of doubt, if the same farm/market/border was inspected more than once and showed non-compliance each time, then it should only be recorded once, similarly if it showed compliance on one inspection and not the other, then it should also be recorded as one.
5. How many of each of the following were inspected more than once in your jurisdiction?
a. Farms;
b. Markets; and
c. Borders
6. What were the total number of inspections that were conducted in your jurisdiction at each of the following:
a. Farms;
b. Markets; and
c. Borders
7. What was the total number of inspections conducted in your jurisdiction at each of the following that found non-compliance with animal welfare law?
a. Farms;
b. Markets; and
c. Borders
8. What was your body’s budget for farmed animal welfare enforcement?
9. Please list whether an official improvement notice or a prosecution was issued or commenced by you on each of the occasion an inspection revealed non-compliance at each of the following:
a. Farms;
b. Markets; and
c. Borders
10. How many welfare complaints did you receive in relation to the following:
a. On-farm animal welfare;
b. Welfare at markets; and,
c. Welfare during transport
d. Welfare at a border post
11. How many welfare complaints did you investigate in relation to the following:
a. On-farm animal welfare;
b. Welfare at markets; and,
c. Welfare during transport
d. Welfare at a border post
12. How many prosecution proceedings did you commence for offences named in the Animal Welfare Act 2006?
a. Of those proceedings, how many resulted in a successful prosecution?
13. How many improvement notices did you serve under section 10 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for failures to comply with section 9(1) of that Act?
14. How many prosecution proceedings did you commence for offences named in Section 7 of the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007?
a. Of those proceedings, how many resulted in a successful prosecution?
15. How many compliance notices were issued by your inspectors for failures to comply with the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006?
16. How many prosecution proceedings did you commence for offences named in the Welfare of Animals at Markets Order 1990?
a. Of those proceedings, how many resulted in a successful prosecution?
17. How many individuals subject to any of the above enforcement action had previously committed an animal welfare offence?
18. How many people do you employ to carry out farm animal welfare inspections as part of their duties?
a. How many farm animal welfare inspections did they complete?
19. How many people do you employ to carry out enforcement of the Animal Health Act 1981 as part of their duties?
20. In handling future freedom of information requests, is your authority able to respond to questions through a Google Form as an alternative to email response to enhance accessibility and efficiency?
Summary of response
You requested information on farmed animals. EDDC do not investigate Farmed Animal Welfare matters.
Please refer your request to Devon County Council and or Trading Standards
Date responded: 24 January 2024
Contaminated land and Green Belt land
Date submitted: 22 January 2024
Summary of request
1. The total area of your local authority, measured in acres, that is designated as Green Belt.
2. The proportion of the total area of your local authority that is designated as Green Belt.
3. The total area of your local authority, measured in acres, that consists of contaminated land - under the official definition. https://www.gov.uk/contaminated-land. If you do not have an exact
figure please provide a minimum figure or approximate estimate if possible.
4. The total area of your local authority, measured in acres, that is both designated as Green Belt and is contaminated land, under the official definition. If you do not have an exact figure please provide a minimum figure or approximate estimate if possible.
Summary of response
1. The total area of your local authority, measured in acres, that is designated as Green Belt. - Zero
2. The proportion of the total area of your local authority that is designated as Green Belt - N/A
3. The total area of your local authority, measured in acres, that consists of contaminated land - under the official definition. https://www.gov.uk/contaminated-land. If you do not have an exact figure please provide a minimum figure or approximate estimate if possible - Zero
4. The total area of your local authority, measured in acres, that is both designated as Green Belt and is contaminated land, under the official definition. If you do not have an exact figure please provide a minimum figure or approximate estimate if possible - Zero
Date responded: 13 February 2024
Public toilets closures
Date submitted: 18 January 2024
Summary of request
- How many public toilets were maintained by your council in 2022/2023?
- How many public toilets were closed by your council between 2010/11 and 2022/23?
Summary of response
- How many public toilets were maintained by your council in 2022/2023? - 27
- How many public toilets were closed by your council between 2010/11 and 2022/23? - 9
Date responded: 13 February 2024
HR Management Solution
Date submitted: 18 January 2024
Summary of request
1. Does the council have its own HR and Payroll solution or use another authority or outsourced service?
2. If the council does have its own solution which solution provider is it?
3. When did the council procure the solution?
4. Does the council provide HR and Payroll services to any other councils or organisations? If so how many?
5. How many live payroll recipients are there in your system?
Summary of response
1. Does the council have its own HR and Payroll solution or use another authority or outsourced service? - Inhouse
2. If the council does have its own solution which solution provider is it? - MHR, iTrent
3. When did the council procure the solution? - Feb 2021
4. Does the council provide HR and Payroll services to any other councils or organisations? If so how many? - Yes, one limited Company and five Town Councils.
5. How many live payroll recipients are there in your system? - 588 (as at 23 January 2024)
Date responded: 24 January 2024
Net Zero Spending
Date submitted: 17 January 2024
Summary of request
How much has the council spent on developing a net zero strategy?
What steps is the council taking to reduce carbon emissions to reach net zero?
Summary of response
How much has the council spent on developing a net zero strategy? - The current strategy runs until 2025. We haven’t spent anything on ‘developing’ the strategy since 2020. We have brought forward the review date to this year and are going through the process at the moment.
What steps is the council taking to reduce carbon emissions to reach net zero? - Please go to our website where this information is available. https://eastdevon.gov.uk/climate-change/climate-change/ As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - information reasonably accessible to the requestor via other means
Date responded: 6 February 2024
Council housing, mould and unsafe
Date submitted: 17 January 2024
Summary of request
How many occupied council-owned residential properties are currently affected by internal mould? How many occupied council-owned residential properties are currently deemed unsafe?
How many occupied council-owned residential properties are currently waiting for repairs?
How many occupied council-owned residential properties are currently waiting for fire safety mitigations?
Summary of response
How many occupied council-owned residential properties are currently affected by internal mould? - 318
How many occupied council-owned residential properties are currently deemed unsafe? - 18
How many occupied council-owned residential properties are currently waiting for repairs? - 1118
How many occupied council-owned residential properties are currently waiting for fire safety mitigations? - 0
Date responded: 19 February 2024
Cost of training Unconscious Bias training
Date submitted: 17 January 2024
Summary of request
How much in total the council spent on unconscious bias training in the years 2022/23?
How much the council spent on their Stonewall subscription in the years 2022/23 (if applicable)?
Summary of response
How much in total the council spent on unconscious bias training in the years 2022/23? - No training specifically named ‘unconscious bias’ however this would be covered off in our Diversity and Equality Training.
How much the council spent on their Stonewall subscription in the years 2022/23 (if applicable)? - EDDC doesn't have a subscription to Stonewall. Our eLearning system Nexus Totara cost £9000 per annum which covers/provides all our mandatory training and for approximately 500 staff.
Date responded: 13 February 2024
Communications in relation to boycott or divestment policies
Date submitted: 17 January 2024
Summary of request
Details of any internal communications regarding the implementation of boycott or divestment policies by the council?
Summary of response
You requested details of any internal communications regarding the implementation of boycott or divestment policies by the council? - Information not held. EDDC do not have a boycott or divestment policy.
Date responded: 17 January 2024
Household waste collection data
Date submitted: 17 January 2024
Summary of request
What percentage of household waste bins were collected on time in 2022-3?
How many household waste bins were collected late in 2022-3?
How many different types of household waste bins (e.g. plastic recycling/general waste/paper recycling/garden waste) are collected by the council?
Summary of response
What percentage of household waste bins were collected on time in 2022-3? - We do not record this data
How many household waste bins were collected late in 2022-3? - We do not record this data
How many different types of household waste bins (e.g. plastic recycling/general waste/paper recycling/garden waste) are collected by the council?
Wheeled waste bins = 74,200 (collected three weekly)
Recycling boxes = 74,200 (collected weekly)
Recycling sacks = 74,200 (collected weekly)
Recycling caddies = 74,200 (collected weekly)
Wheeled green waste bins = 20,000 (collected fortnightly)
Date responded: 24 January 2024
Days lost to Strike Action
Date submitted: 17 January 2024
Summary of request
I would like to request the following information in the format provided below for the period 1 January 2023 to 1 January 2024.
The cumulative total of days of work lost due to strikes by council workers/employees
Days should be defined by the number of officials who took strike action times by the number of days those officials engaged in strike action.
If unable to provide days, please provide number of council officials took strike action in this period and the number of days that council staff engaged in strike action.
Number of council officials took strike action in this period
Number of days that council staff engaged in strike action
Summary of response
I would like to request the following information in the format provided below for the period 1 January 2023 to 1 January 2024.
The cumulative total of days of work lost due to strikes by council workers/employees - Nil
Days should be defined by the number of officials who took strike action times by the number of days those officials engaged in strike action.
If unable to provide days, please provide number of council officials took strike action in this period and the number of days that council staff engaged in strike action.
Number of council officials took strike action in this period - Nil
Number of days that council staff engaged in strike action - Nil
Date responded: 5 February 2024
Spend on private Car hire
Date submitted: 17 January 2024
Summary of request
Details of any spending on private car hire and chauffeur services and details of who received these services in the 2022-23 financial year.
Summary of response
You requested to know details of any spending on private car hire and chauffeur services and details of who received these services in the 2022-23 financial year - Nil spend.
Date responded: 31 January 2024
External spend on consultants
Date submitted: 17 January 2024
Summary of request
Total annual spend on external consultants
Breakdown of cost of external consultants listed by relevant project
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
Summary of response
You requested information on the total annual spend on external consultants.
Breakdown of cost of external consultants listed by relevant project
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
This information is covered by the Scrutiny Committee reports as published:
2020/21 = Agenda for Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, 2nd December, 2021, 6.00 pm - East Devon
https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=1767&Ver=4
2021/22 = Agenda for Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, 2nd March, 2023, 6.00 pm - East Devon
https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=1976&Ver=4
2022/23 = Agenda for Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday, 24th January, 2024, 6.00 pm - East Devon
https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=2254&Ver=4
As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
Date responded: 24 January 2024
Veterans and homelessness
Date submitted: 16 January 2024
Summary of request
The number of armed forces veterans residing in your local authority for each of the years a) 2018, b) 2019, c) 2020, d) 2021, e) 2022, f) 2023
The number of armed forces veterans who were identified as at risk of homelessness in your local authority for each of the years a) 2018, b) 2019, c) 2020, d) 2021, e) 2022, f) 2023
The number of armed forces veterans who were identified as at risk of homelessness due to a Section 21 notice in your local authority for each of the years a) 2018, b) 2019, c) 2020, d) 2021, e) 2022, f) 2023
Summary of response
We are unable to answer the first question.
The number of armed forces veterans who were identified as at risk of homelessness in your local authority for each of the years a) 2018, b) 2019, c) 2020, d) 2021, e) 2022, f) 2023:
2018 53
2019 85
2020 59
2021 49
2022 74
2023 67
The number of armed forces veterans who were identified as at risk of homelessness due to a Section 21 notice in your local authority for each of the years a) 2018, b) 2019, c) 2020, d) 2021, e) 2022, f) 2023:
2018 0
2019 22
2020 15
2021 14
2022 36
2023 25
Date responded: 6 February 2024
S106 Financial Contributions
Date submitted: 16 January 2024
Summary of request
Please can you help, I am focusing on S106 documents agreed and signed between 1st January 2012 and 31st December 2016, with particular attention to the following:
1. The current status of unallocated or unspent funds, focusing on the categories of Education Contribution, Open Spaces and Environmental Improvements Contribution, Health Facilities Contribution, and the Community Centre Contribution.
2. Any projects or initiatives that have been identified for the utilization of these unallocated funds.
3. The council's plans or considerations for allocating the remaining funds, ensuring they are utilized effectively for the benefit of the community.
Moreover, I would appreciate receiving any relevant documents or reports that outline the allocation and expenditure of these funds and the planning references for the corresponding sums.
Summary of response
I am focusing on S106 documents agreed and signed between 1st January 2012 and 31st December 2016, with particular attention to the following:
1. The current status of unallocated or unspent funds, focusing on the categories of Education Contribution, Open Spaces and Environmental Improvements Contribution, Health Facilities Contribution, and the Community Centre Contribution - This information is available through the Council’s planning obligations dashboard at: East Devon PFM - Home (exacom.co.uk) https://pfm.exacom.co.uk/eastdevon/ As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
2. Any projects or initiatives that have been identified for the utilization of these unallocated funds - By definition unallocated funds will not have an identified project or initiative.
3. The council's plans or considerations for allocating the remaining funds, ensuring they are utilized effectively for the benefit of the community - We are working to bolster our staff resources to aid the collection and spend of Section 106 monies. Please see report to Strategic Planning Committee of the 5th September 2023 at: 6. S106CILResourcesandProcesses2023.pdf (eastdevon.gov.uk). The recommendation referred to in the report were all agreed and the posts referred to are currently being advertised.
https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/documents/s21223/6.%20S106CILResourcesandProcesses2023.pdf
Date responded: 31 January 2024
Maternity leave
Date submitted: 16 January 2024
Summary of request
1. Total number of staff that went on maternity leave since 2012?
2. Average length of maternity leave mothers has taken since 2012? E.g. 9 months or 1 year
3. Total number of mothers that returned full time to work after maternity leave?
4. Total number of mothers that returned to work part time following maternity leave?
5. Total number of mothers that did not return to work at all following maternity leave?
6. Number of stress absences after turning to work post birth in the first 2 years?
7. How many management instructions or disciplinaries related to mothers returning to work post birth? E.g. off for too many periods of time
8. What is your policy for staff needing time off to take care of their children or take their children to doctors’ appointments?
9. Do staff have to take unpaid leave to take care of their sick children, or do they get paid?
10. Do you carry out a health and safety risk assessment for pregnant women?
11. What is your maternity pay policy?
12. Are women explained their pregnancy rights when they tell their employer/manager they are pregnant?
13. Total number of employment tribunal claims since 2012 taken by mothers against the Council for any case with ‘maternity’ or ‘pregnancy’ mentioned since 2012?
14. Reason for employment tribunal claims if stated.
15. Total number of successful tribunals claims against the Council for any case with ‘maternity’ or ‘pregnancy’ mentioned since 2012?
Summary of response
1. Total number of staff that went on maternity leave since 2012? - 48 (two of which are current)
2. Average length of maternity leave mothers has taken since 2012? E.g. 9 months or 1 year - 43.46 weeks.
3. Total number of mothers that returned full time to work after maternity leave? - 20
4. Total number of mothers that returned to work part time following maternity leave? - 25 (of which 18 were part time prior to absence)
5. Total number of mothers that did not return to work at all following maternity leave? - 1
6. Number of stress absences after turning to work post birth in the first 2 years? - 10
7. How many management instructions or disciplinaries related to mothers returning to work post birth? E.g. off for too many periods of time - None
8. What is your policy for staff needing time off to take care of their children or take their children to doctors’ appointments? - See attached policy.
9. Do staff have to take unpaid leave to take care of their sick children, or do they get paid? - See attached policy.
10. Do you carry out a health and safety risk assessment for pregnant women? - Receipt of written notification that an employee is pregnant will immediately trigger consideration of a risk assessment where the employee’s work involves risks from working arrangements or from legally specified physical, biological, or chemical agents that may pose a risk of harm or danger to the employee or their baby. This is regularly reviewed throughout up to commencement of maternity leave
11. What is your maternity pay policy? - 6 weeks @ 90% of average pay, 12 weeks at half pay plus SMP, 21 weeks at SMP only
12. Are women explained their pregnancy rights when they tell their employer/manager they are pregnant? - Yes. A letter is sent to employees to confirm receipt of notification of their pregnancy and this letter directs employees to the Maternity Leave Policy, which explains the employee’s rights.
13. Total number of employment tribunal claims since 2012 taken by mothers against the Council for any case with ‘maternity’ or ‘pregnancy’ mentioned since 2012? - None
14. Reason for employment tribunal claims if stated. - NA
15. Total number of successful tribunals claims against the Council for any case with ‘maternity’ or ‘pregnancy’ mentioned since 2012? - NA
Date responded: 2 February 2024
Pollution incident Exmouth
Date submitted: 12 January 2024
Summary of request
Following a burst to a rising sewer main there was a pollution incident declared in Exmouth by the Environment Agency over the period 1-4 January. SWW reported this to the Environment Agency.
As the discharge is into a designated shellfish water SWW is also required under regulations to notify yourselves as the Local Food Authority https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/water-companies-environmental-permits-for-storm-overflows-and-emergency-overflows/water-companies-environmental-permits-for-storm-overflows-and-emergency-overflows
Please can you confirm if and when SWW notified you of this incident?
Summary of response
You requested if and when SWW notified EDDC of a pollution incident declared in Exmouth by the Environment Agency over the period 1-4 January.
EDDC Environmental Health received the following notification from SWW which we believe may relevant to the request:
• 31/12/2023 00:39 – Small spill from Phear Park SPST, Withycombe, Exmouth.
Two other reports were received in/or around the time period specified but were not in Exmouth.
Date responded: 31 January 2024
Sport and leisure services and facilities
Date submitted: 10 January 2024
Summary of request
1) How much has the council spent on sport and leisure services and facilities between 2018 and 2023? This includes: Leisure centres, parks, grass pitches, all publicly accessible swimming pools, health and fitness facilities and sports halls.
Please provide a figure of how much was spent for each year in the five-year period by text on email, through an excel spreadsheet or a Microsoft Word document.
2) How many sport and leisure facilities operated by the council have closed between 2018 and 2023?
Please provide the number of closures for each year in the five-year period?
Summary of response
1) How much has the council spent on sport and leisure services and facilities between 2018 and 2023? This includes: Leisure centres, parks, grass pitches, all publicly accessible swimming pools, health and fitness facilities and sports halls -
2018/19 - 2,615,224
2019/20 - 2,677,966
2020/21 - 3,941,180
2021/22 - 3,205,803
2022/23 - 4,381,128
2023/24 - 3,694,100
Total - 20,515,401
2) How many sport and leisure facilities operated by the council have closed between 2018 and 2023? - None
Please provide the number of closures for each year in the five-year period? - N/A
Date responded: 2 February 2024
Council Tax Accounts banded schemes
Date submitted: 10 January 2024
Summary of request
1. What is the name of your Local Authority
2.What was your in year collection rate (%) for the year 2022/23?
3.Was your Council Tax Reduction delivered through a banded scheme in 2022/23
Yes
No
4.If yes, please provide the link to the application on your website
5.How many Council Tax Accounts did you have in the year 2022/23?
for this and the following questions, please assume 1 account per property, where there are in year changes in liability
6.How many accounts had an award of Council Tax Reduction in 2022/23?
7.Of the accounts in Q6, how many were issued with a final notice within the year 22/23?
8.Of the accounts in Q6, how many progressed to liability order within the year 22/23?
9.Of the remaining accounts without Council Tax Reduction, how many were issued with a final notice within the year 22/23
10.Of the remaining accounts without Council Tax Reduction, how many progressed to liability order within the year 22/23
Summary of response
1.What is the name of your Local Authority - East Devon District Council
2.What was your in year collection rate (%) for the year 2022/23? - 98.74%
3.Was your Council Tax Reduction delivered through a banded scheme in 2022/23 - Yes
4.If yes, please provide the link to the application on your website - Apply for Council Tax Reduction Working Age Only - East Devon
5.How many Council Tax Accounts did you have in the year 2022/23? For this and the following questions, please assume 1 account per property, where there are in year changes in liability - As At 26.03.23 there were 73,600 Properties
6.How many accounts had an award of Council Tax Reduction in 2022/23? - As at 27.03.2023 – 8117 CTR claims
7.Of the accounts in Q6, how many were issued with a final notice within the year 22/23? - Only hold details of total Finals notices issued, not split between CTR and Non CTR accounts
8.Of the accounts in Q6, how many progressed to liability order within the year 22/23? - Only hold details of total Liability orders issued, not split between CTR and Non CTR accounts
9.Of the remaining accounts without Council Tax Reduction, how many were issued with a final notice within the year 22/23 - As per Q7
10.Of the remaining accounts without Council Tax Reduction, how many progressed to liability order within the year 22/23 - As per Q8
Date responded: 31 January 2024
EV charge point accessibility
Date submitted: 10 January 2024
Summary of request
I am after information relating to electric charge point access for disabled/motability drivers.
If the request proves too broad, or exceeds the allocated time allowance for an FOI request, could you please focus on questions 2, 3, 4 and 5 as priority and inform me? In particular, I am after the following information:
Q1. How many electric vehicle public charging outlets or chargepoints have you installed in your local authority to date that are classed as on-street residential chargepoints, located in residential streets or areas? Please provide figures to the nearest possible date and include the month and the year the figures correspond to.
Q2. For Question 1, how many on-street residential charging outlets or chargepoints have you installed to date in your local authority that have been adapted specifically for disabled users? Please provide figures to the nearest possible date and include the month and year the figures correspond to.
Q3. For Question 1, how many on-street public charging outlets or chargepoints are positioned in disabled parking bays?
Q4. For Question 1, how many of the on-street residential chargepoints in your area adapted for disabled users conform to the BSI’s latest accessible charging specification (PAS 1899:2022)? Please provide figures to the nearest possible date and include the month and year the figures correspond to.
Q5. Does your electric vehicle charging infrastructure strategy include specific considerations for elderly and / or disabled users?
Q6. Do you provide any additional support for disabled or elderly users wanting to access public chargepoints for electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, such as charge-point assistants or roaming charging services?
Q7. Do you support or provide marketing tools to residents to make finding charge point services easier, such as charge point booking or journey planning technologies?
Summary of response
As a district authority we do not have jurisdiction for the highway and therefore have not installed any on-street charge points.
Questions 1-4 are therefore Information not held.
Q5 – Our Parking Strategy is currently in development, although we work closely with the County Council when planning our EV infrastructure
Q6 – Not at this time. Please note that we are not the Highway authority.
Q7 – Not at this time. Please note that we are not the Highway authority.
Date responded: 31 January 2024
Donkeys/ mules in licensed commercial operations
Date submitted: 10 January 2024
Summary of request
1.
• The number of operators using donkeys and mules registered under the Hiring of Horses licence.
• The number of donkeys/ mules these businesses own.
• The postcodes of these businesses.
• Please give data for the last three years
2.
• The number of businesses using donkeys and mules registered under the Keeping for Exhibition licence.
• The number of donkeys/ mules these businesses own.
• The postcodes of these businesses.
• Please give data for the last three years.
Summary of response
1.
• The number of operators using donkeys and mules registered under the Hiring of Horses licence - Zero
• The number of donkeys/ mules these businesses own - N/A
• The postcodes of these businesses - N/A
• Please give data for the last three years - N/A
2.
• The number of businesses using donkeys and mules registered under the Keeping for Exhibition licence - Zero
• The number of donkeys/ mules these businesses own - N/A
• The postcodes of these businesses - N/A
• Please give data for the last three years - N/A
Date responded: 2 February 2024
Construction of parklets
Date submitted: 10 January 2024
Summary of request
This is an information request relating to the construction of parklets.
Please include the following information for each of the following financial years; 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23:
• Total number of parklets
• Cost of installation of parklet
• Cost of maintenance of the parklet
• Reason for building parklet
• Location of parklet
Summary of response
You requested information on Parklets. You need to refer your request to Devon County Council as they manage applications for sidewalk extensions.
Please include the following information for each of the following financial years; 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23:
• Total number of parklets
• Cost of installation of parklet
• Cost of maintenance of the parklet
• Reason for building parklet
• Location of parklet
Date responded: 24 January 2024
Household Support Fund
Date submitted: 8 January 2024
Summary of request
1. The number of applications to the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2023 – 31 December 2023.
2. The monetary amount of support provided to applicants to the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2023 – 1 December 2023.
3. The number of successful applicants to the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2023 – 31 December 2023.
4. What is the outstanding monetary amount from the Household Support Fund that is available before the scheme ends on 31 March 2024.
Summary of response
1. The number of applications to the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2023 – 31 December 2023.
718 open applications (does not included targeted support)
2. The monetary amount of support provided to applicants to the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2023 – 1 December 2023.
£384,692.34 (includes targeted support and open applications)
3. The number of successful applicants to the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2023 – 31 December 2023.
316 (open applications only)
4. What is the outstanding monetary amount from the Household Support Fund that is available before the scheme ends on 31 March 2024.
£261,374 (note: we have another set of targeted support we are aiming to send out between the end of Jan to mid-February, currently working on the cohorts and amounts).
Date responded: 24 January 2024
Gender/Demographics gas engineers/tradespeople
Date submitted: 5 January 2024
Summary of request
- How many council-employed gas engineers do you have in your council at the moment in total?
- How many council-employed gas engineers do you have in your council at the moment who are males?
- How many council-employed gas engineers do you have in your council at the moment who are females?
- How many council-employed tradespeople do you have in your council in total at the moment?*
- How many council-employed tradespeople do you have in your council at the moment who are males?
- How many council-employed tradespeople do you have in your council at the moment who are females?
Summary of response
You requested to know how many gas engineers and tradespeople we employ and gender. The council does not directly employ any gas engineers or tradespeople.
- How many council-employed gas engineers do you have in your council at the moment in total?
- How many council-employed gas engineers do you have in your council at the moment who are males?
- How many council-employed gas engineers do you have in your council at the moment who are females?
- How many council-employed tradespeople do you have in your council in total at the moment?*
- How many council-employed tradespeople do you have in your council at the moment who are males?
- How many council-employed tradespeople do you have in your council at the moment who are females?
Date responded: 24 January 2024
Claims management software to manage insurance claims
Date submitted: 5 January 2024
Summary of request
1. Do you use claims management software to manage your insurance claims?
2. What is the name of the software system you currently use?
3. When is the contract for your current system up for renewal?
4. What is the total annual cost of the system on an annual basis, over the last 5 years?
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Summary of response
1. Do you use claims management software to manage your insurance claims? - Yes
2. What is the name of the software system you currently use? - JCAD Lachs
3. When is the contract for your current system up for renewal? - Aug 2024
4. What is the total annual cost of the system on an annual basis, over the last 5 years?
Year 1 £2,187 2022/23
Year 2 £2,400 2023/24
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Date responded: 24 January 2024
Equal pay claims
Date submitted: 3 January 2024
Summary of request
1.
How many equal pay claims have been made against your council in the time period between 31 December 2018 and 29 December 2023.
2.
Please share the cost of claims closed/settled with compensation paid for successful claims in the last five years (31 December 2018 and 29 December 2023) in relation to equal pay claims. Please include the following information in the table:
Compensation paid
Defence costs paid
Claimant Costs Paid
Total Paid
3.
What is your council's current estimated equal pay liability?
Summary of response
1. How many equal pay claims have been made against your council in the time period between 31 December 2018 and 29 December 2023 - None.
2. Please share the cost of claims closed/settled with compensation paid for successful claims in the last five years (31 December 2018 and 29 December 2023) in relation to equal pay claims - Not Applicable, as per Q1.
Please include the following information in the table:
Compensation paid
Defence costs paid
Claimant Costs Paid
Total Paid
3. What is your council's current estimated equal pay liability? - Nil.
Date responded: 12 January 2024
Climate Emergency Declaration
Date submitted: 3 January 2024
Summary of request
I would like to request the following information:
1. Do you have a full-time officer solely dedicated to managing your declared climate and/or nature emergency? Yes/No
2. Does your policy/strategy specify that some or all planning applications that could affect trees must include a tree canopy cover assessment as supporting information? Yes/No
3. Do you have a professional tree officer dedicated to advise on planning applications that could affect existing trees? Yes/No
4. Do you have standard planning conditions that specifically require that the supply, planting, and maintenance of new trees must be complaint with BS 8545 (2014) Trees: from nursery to independence in the landscape – Recommendations? Yes/No
Summary of response
1. Do you have a full-time officer solely dedicated to managing your declared climate and/or nature emergency? - Yes
2. Does your policy/strategy specify that some or all planning applications that could affect trees must include a tree canopy cover assessment as supporting information? - No
3. Do you have a professional tree officer dedicated to advise on planning applications that could affect existing trees? - Yes
4. Do you have standard planning conditions that specifically require that the supply, planting, and maintenance of new trees must be complaint with BS 8545 (2014) Trees: from nursery to independence in the landscape – Recommendations? - No
Date responded: 4 January 2024
Homeless Deaths 2023
Date submitted: 3 January 2024
Summary of request
Please can I request the number of deaths from 1st January 2023 – 31st December 2023 (inclusive) in each of the following housing situations in your local authority area:
• accommodation for homeless people commissioned by your council, including hostels and supported accommodation for people identified as rough sleeping or with a history of rough sleeping
• exempt accommodation
• temporary accommodation commissioned by your local authority
• supported accommodation for homeless young people commissioned by your council
• rough sleeping or with no fixed abode
Where you have access to any of the following information, please include the cause of death or suspected cause of death, date of death, the person’s gender, the person’s age when they died, their ethnicity, and their immigration status. If you cannot provide any of this additional information, then please just provide the number of deaths.
Please provide the information in the Excel document attached.
Summary of response
Please can I request the number of deaths from 1st January 2023 – 31st December 2023 (inclusive) in each of the following housing situations in your local authority area - Zero
• accommodation for homeless people commissioned by your council, including hostels and supported accommodation for people identified as rough sleeping or with a history of rough sleeping - 0
• exempt accommodation - 0
• temporary accommodation commissioned by your local authority - 0
• supported accommodation for homeless young people commissioned by your council - N/A
• rough sleeping or with no fixed abode - 0
Date responded: 4 January 2024
Jubilee play park cost of refurbishment
Date submitted: 3 January 2024
Summary of request
a, When were the public of Beer consulted about the changed to the Jubilee play park as per the Play Strategy 2022-2032?
b, What is the cost of the refurbishment project?
3, What are the time scales?
Summary of response
• When were the public of Beer consulted about the changed to the Jubilee play park as per the Play Strategy 2022-2032? - Here is the section of the play strategy relevant to your query:
Most refurbishment and renewal of play facilities in East Devon involves community consultation or the participatory budgeting process, with local children and parents providing ideas and requests for facilities in their community. This helps develop an increased feeling of community ownership, helping reduce the risk of vandalism and other anti-social behaviour.
It should be noted that the first word in the paragraph is ‘most’ and not ‘all’ or ‘every’ and therefore the process is subject to change in certain circumstances.
Prior to this procurement process, EDDC’s Public Engagement officer would often consult with the people who are likely to use the facility, such as children in primary schools, youth groups and children aged 11-14 in secondary schools. Unfortunately, EDDC didn’t have the resources to consult in this way for this procurement process. It was agreed that EDDC would consult with local Town and Parish Councils instead, with the knowledge that they would be aware of issues and requests raised by the local community. Beer PC were comprehensive in their challenge of the proposed design and tried very hard to meet the expectations of the local community, requesting swings and several other items of equipment. EDDC met with Beer PC to discuss the requests and agree how best to proceed.
• What is the cost of the refurbishment project? - Jubilee play area renewal is part of a much larger contract to upgrade 5 sites across the District. The total contract sum is £400k and our preferred supplier is Kompan.
• What are the time scales? - The equipment is currently being manufactured for all 5 sites and installation is expected to take place throughout the Spring. We are striving to complete the contract prior to the start of the school summer holidays 2024.
Date responded: 24 January 2024
Rent algorithms
Date submitted: 3 January 2024
Summary of request
I'm requesting information on any rent-prediction or rent-gathering algorithms used by the council. Please provide me a list of tools, either in-house or through a third-party agent, the council uses to:
• Analyse the cost of housing in the area
• Predict a tenant's ability to pay rent
• Facilitate a tenant paying their rent
I would also like a copy of the most recent risk assessment of any algorithms that are used.
Summary of response
You requested to know if the council uses any rent-prediction or rent-gathering algorithms. The council does not currently use rent-prediction or rent-gathering algorithms.
Date responded: 4 January 2024
Recreational impacts in Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
Date submitted: 19 December 2023
Summary of request
1. Have you received communication from Natural England, or consultants on behalf of Natural England, concerning recreational impacts in Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) as a result of new housing development?
2. Has Natural England designated any part of this local authority a Zone of Influence (ZOI)?
3. If yes, how much land (km) is currently designated a ZOI?
4. Have you been advised to implement an exclusion zone due to the impact of net increases in development?
5. If yes, how large is the boundary of the exclusion zone?
6. Have you been advised to implement a presumption against net increases of residential development in specified areas of the local authority due to a ZOI?
7. How many homes are currently help up as a result of the interim position?
8. Have you worked with any developers to agree a recreational impact mitigation scheme and allow home building to resume?
Summary of response
1. Have you received communication from Natural England, or consultants on behalf of Natural England, concerning recreational impacts in Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) as a result of new housing development? - Yes – in relation to the Exe Estuary SAC and East Devon Pebblebed Heaths SAC
2. Has Natural England designated any part of this local authority a Zone of Influence (ZOI)? - This is work we have done ourselves, but we have an agreed zone of influence around both sites.
3. If yes, how much land (km) is currently designated a ZOI? - 10km
4. Have you been advised to implement an exclusion zone due to the impact of net increases in development? - Again, this has arisen from work that we have commissioned rather than directly from advise from Natural England but there is an exclusion zone.
5. If yes, how large is the boundary of the exclusion zone? - 400m
6. Have you been advised to implement a presumption against net increases of residential development in specified areas of the local authority due to a ZOI? - No
7. How many homes are currently held up as a result of the interim position? - None – This is not an interim position. The issues were identified some years ago and we have a joint mitigation strategy in place with Exeter City Council and Teignbridge District Council to deliver mitigation to address recreational impacts of new residential developments on the protected habitats.
8. Have you worked with any developers to agree a recreational impact mitigation scheme and allow home building to resume?- See answer to 7 above. More information is available on our web-site at: Habitat Mitigation - East Devon
Date responded: 4 January 2024
The 'Exmouth Eye' big wheel
Date submitted: 15 December 2023
Summary of request
• How many people used the ‘Exmouth Eye’ big wheel in the summer of 2023?
• How many people used the big wheel in the summer of 2019?
• What was the busiest single day for the wheel in 2023 in terms of users?
• How much did the wheel cost EDDC to install?
• How much money did the wheel generate through admissions (and other sources of income if applicable)?
• How much of a profit/loss did EDDC make from the big wheel in 2023?
Summary of response
• How many people used the ‘Exmouth Eye’ big wheel in the summer of 2023? - Information not held
• How many people used the big wheel in the summer of 2019? - Information not held
• What was the busiest single day for the wheel in 2023 in terms of users? - Information not held
• How much did the wheel cost EDDC to install? - Planning application was the only cost incurred, which was £400.
• How much money did the wheel generate through admissions (and other sources of income if applicable)? - Information not held
• How much of a profit/loss did EDDC make from the big wheel in 2023? - EDDC charged the Operator £3400, so £3000 profit.
Date responded: 4 January 2024
Minutes of East Devon Safety Advisory Group held 11th October 2023
Date submitted: 15 December 2023
Summary of request
Copy of the Minutes of East Devon Safety Advisory Group held 11th October 2023.
Summary of response
You requested a copy of the Minutes of East Devon Safety Advisory Group held 11th October 2023. This is a closed meeting and what is discussed in the meeting is in confidence with the attendees. Publishing information regarding safety and security arrangements of events being held in East Devon could be utilised in the perpetration of a malicious act and, therefore, endanger the physical or mental health of the staff and spectators. The public interest in maintaining public safety and wellbeing and not putting it at potential risk by disclosing the withheld information outweighs the public interest in openness and transparency regarding health and safety measures. Therefore the information you have requested is withheld under section 38(1)(a) of the FOI Act 2000 – Information is exempt information if its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to – (a) Endanger the physical or mental health of any individual.
Date responded: 16 January 2024
Audit Committee Annual/External Reviews
Date submitted: 13 December 2023
Summary of request
CIPFA Guidance on Local Authority Audit Committees states that “Recommended practice is for audit committees to review and assess themselves annually or to seek an external review.”
We realise that the committee with audit related responsibilities are not always called ‘Audit Committee’. Please can you confirm what the title of this committee is within your local authority and answer the following questions in relation to that committee.
a) Internal Annual Review of Audit Committee
For each of the last five financial years please provide me with a copy of the audit committee’s annual review of its work. Please state the date the review was published and how it was made public at the time.
b) External Review of Audit Committee
Please confirm the most recent date that an external review of the audit committee was sought, who undertook that review, when and where it was published and provide a copy of the review.
Summary of response
The South West Audit Partnership have conducted an Internal Audit review and these were reported to the Audit and Governance Committee at EDDC on 25/07/2019: 24/09/2020; 29/07/2021; 28/07/2022; 27/07/2023 – details are available from the Council’s website: Committee details - Audit and Governance Committee - East Devon. https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=149
The Audit and Governance Committee terms of reference are available in the Council’s Constitution which is available on the Council’s website: part-3-section-2-terms-of-reference-and-delegated-powers-of-committees.pdf (eastdevon.gov.uk) https://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/kttpmhuk/part-3-section-2-terms-of-reference-and-delegated-powers-of-committees.pdf
In line with the 2018 CIPFA guidance and the 2022 updated position statement it is stated that an internal review is one of the ways the committee can demonstrate its effectiveness:
• Page 7 of the guidance: report regularly on its work to those charges with governance, and at least annually report an assessment of their performance. An annual public report should demonstrate how the committee has discharges its responsibilities. The guidance also includes a self-assessment of good practice (Appendix D) and evaluating the effectiveness of the audit committee (Appendix E)
A knowledgeable and experienced membership (page 43 Developing Audit Committee effectiveness) is also stated as an essential requirement for delivering effectiveness. We are currently in the process of assessing this based on the results of a questionnaire issued to members earlier this year.
External reviews are mentioned on page 47 of the CIPFA guidance, These are not mandatory and is generally ‘where the committee is struggling and an external assessment may be an appropriate way to evaluate the committee and develop an action plan for improvement’. The Committee is not in this position.
In terms of Internal audit we are required to have an external assessment at least every 5 years. Our last one was carried out in February 2020 and confirmed conformance with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards.
Date responded: 11 January 2024
Independence of Audit and/or Scrutiny Committee Chairs
Date submitted: 13 December 2023
Summary of request
The independence of scrutiny committees and audit committees has been identified in a number of Public Interest Reports as being an important factor in facilitating meaningful scrutiny and challenge within local authorities.
If your local authority doesn’t not have an overview and scrutiny system please answer the following in relation to the committee within your councils which has audit responsibilities.
If your local authority has an overview and scrutiny system please note that as audit committees are not formally treated as part of scrutiny it may be that they are treated differently in the council’s constitution and policies.
Please confirm whether you are responding to this request in relation to scrutiny committees and/or audit committees.
If your local authority has an overview and scrutiny committee system, please confirm how many committees (excluding audit) are part of that system?
Policy on Selection & Appointment of Committee Chairs: Please provide the council’s current policy on selection and appointment of scrutiny committee chairs and audit committee chairs. Please either copy and paste the section of council policy relating to the selection of scrutiny and audit committee chairs or provide a link and details of the section/sub-section within the document where we can locate this information.
Current Political Configuration of Committee Chairs/Conveners: Please provide a figure showing what percentage of current scrutiny and audit committee chairs (or conveners) are members of an opposition party to the main controlling party or controlling coalition.
Summary of response
You requested information regarding the council's Scrutiny Committee. Please see our response below:
• EDDC has an overview and scrutiny committee system, excluding audit, there are 2 committees: Scrutiny Committee and Overview Committee. There is also a 3rd committee with a scrutiny function, the Housing Review Board.
• The appointment of the Scrutiny Committee Chair is made under the terms of the Constitution (see page 59): https://eastdevon.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/constitution/
2.3. Scrutiny Committee
2.3.1. Membership: 15 Councillors (subject to the rules relating to political balance / proportionality). The Chair shall be a Councillor from the opposition party / group agreed at Annual Council but in the event that no Councillor is proposed by the opposition then the Leader shall retain the right to nominate the Chair.
• The current Chair of the Scrutiny Committee is a member of the opposition party (Conservative Group)
Date responded: 4 January 2024
Use of Scrutiny Call-In Mechanism
Date submitted: 13 December 2023
Summary of request
This request relates to uses of the call-in mechanism that forms part of the overview and scrutiny committee system.
If your authority has an overview and scrutiny system please answer the following:
For the past ten years, please confirm how many decisions taken by the council’s cabinet/executive were available for call-in.
Please provide a table showing a breakdown of the following for each year since 2013.
For each year please state how many call-ins there were.
For each call-in please show which committee called them in, what the response was, the topic and provide a link to the relevant committee where the call was discussed.
Summary of response
For the past ten years, please confirm how many decisions taken by the council’s cabinet/executive were available for call-in.
Please provide a table showing a breakdown of the following for each year since 2013.
For each year please state how many call-ins there were.
For each call-in please show which committee called them in, what the response was, the topic and provide a link to the relevant committee where the call was discussed.
Please note that minutes on the website and the system only go back to June 2015.
Scrutiny Committee minutes following call-ins:
7 February 2019 – Portfolio Holder decision regarding a discretionary Home Stay grant repayment Agenda for Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, 7th February, 2019, 6.00 pm - East Devon (minute 50) https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=144&Ver=4
24 October 2019 – Cabinet decision (minute 66) on car parking tariff review Agenda for Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, 24th October, 2019, 6.00 pm - East Devon (minute 33) https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=1300&Ver=4
5 March 2020 – Cabinet decision (minute 140) on Queens Drive Development project Agenda for Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, 5th March, 2020, 6.00 pm - East Devon (minute 66) https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=251&Ver=4
8 April 2021 – Portfolio Holder decision regarding proposed price increase for beach huts and beach hut sites for season/financial year 2021-22 Agenda for Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, 8th April, 2021, 6.00 pm - East Devon (minute 145) https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=1480&Ver=4
Date responded: 12 January 2024
HR, renewables, Riddor
Date submitted: 13 December 2023
Summary of request
We are currently conducting research analysing UK data about the following topics: mental health, careers & jobs and sustainability and I was wondering if you could help us by sending us the most updated data you have about the East Devon. It would be amazing if you could help!
We need the following information to complete our research:
• How many staff members are in your council
• How many mental health-trained staff members are in your council
• How many first aid-trained staff members are in your council
• How many council properties with solar panels installed this year
• How many total council properties with solar panels installed
• How many total council properties with renewables installed
• How many council properties with renewables installed this year
• How many RIDDOR reportable incidents in council properties
• How many gas-related incidents in council properties
Summary of response
We need the following information to complete our research:
How many staff members are in your council – 553
How many mental health-trained staff members are in your council – There are 11 mental health first aiders across the organisation and one post which deals specifically with mental health of sheltered housing tenants.
How many first aid-trained staff members are in your council – There are 43 employees designated as first aiders
How many council properties with solar panels installed this year – 92
How many total council properties with solar panels installed – 130
How many total council properties with renewables installed – 249
How many council properties with renewables installed this year – 95
How many RIDDOR reportable incidents in council properties – 3
How many gas-related incidents in council properties – 1
Date responded: 11 January 2024
ICT contracts
Date submitted: 13 December 2023
Summary of request
This is a request for information that relates to the organisation’s contracts around ICT contract(s) for Server Hardware Maintenance, Server Virtualisation Licenses and Maintenance and Storage Area Network (SAN) Maintenance/Support, which may include:
• Server Hardware Maintenance- contracts relating to the support and maintenance of the organisation’s physical servers.
• Virtualisation Maintenance/Support/ Licensing (VMware, Solaris, Unix, Linux, Windows Server)
• Storage Area Network Maintenance/Support (EMC, NetApp etc)
For each of the types of contract described above, please can you provide me with the following data. If there is more than one contract please split the information for each separate supplier this includes annual spend
1. Contract Title: Please provide me with the contract title.
2. Type of Contracts (ABOVE): Please can you provide me with one or more contract types the contract relates to: Server Hardware, Virtualisation, SAN (Storage Area Network)
3. Existing/Current Supplier: Please provide me with the supplier name for each contract.
4. Brand: Please state the brand of hardware or software
5. Operating System / Software (Platform): (Windows, Linux, Unix, Vsphere, AIX, Solaris etc.) Please state the operating system used by the organisation.
6. Annual Average Spend: Please provide me with the most recent annual spend for this contract?
7. Contract Duration: (Please can you also include notes if the contract includes any contract Extension periods.)
8. Contract Expiry Date: Please can you provide me with the date of when the contract expires.
9. Contract Review Date: (An approximate date of when the organisation is planning to review this particular contract.)
10. Purchase of Servers: Could you please provide me with the month and year in which most/bulk of servers were purchased.
11. Number of Physical Server: Please can you provide me with the number of physical servers.
12. Number of Virtual Servers: Please can you provide me with the number of Virtual servers
13. Brief Contract Description: I require a brief description of the service provided under this contract. Please do not just put maintenance. I need at least a sentence.
14.Contract Owner: (The person from within the organisation that is responsible for reviewing and renewing this particular contract. Please include their full name, job title, direct contact number and direct email address.)
Summary of response
Please see updated information below for the two contracts that were out of date. Information for the other contracts remain the same as previously advised.
1. Contract Title: 2 year extension to maintenance and support, 4 hour response time
2. Type of Contracts (ABOVE): maintenance and support
3. Existing/Current Supplier: HPE
4. Brand: HPE
5. Operating System / Software (Platform): VMWare vSphere ESXi
6. Annual Average Spend: N/A
7. Contract Duration: 2 year
8. Contract Expiry Date: 9 August 2025
9. Contract Review Date: 1 May 2025
10. Purchase of Servers: June 2020
11. Number of Physical Server: 14
12. Number of Virtual Servers: N/A, used for VDI desktops
13. Brief Contract Description: This is maintenance and support for the VDI hosts.
1. Contract Title: VMWare vSphere 7 production support
2. Type of Contracts (ABOVE): maintenance and support
3. Existing/Current Supplier: VMWare
4. Brand: VMWare
5. Operating System / Software (Platform): VMWare vSphere ESXi
6. Annual Average Spend: N/A
7. Contract Duration: 1 year
8. Contract Expiry Date: 06/01/24
9. Contract Review Date: Renewal review
10. Purchase of Servers: N/A
11. Number of Physical Server: N/A
12. Number of Virtual Servers: 340
13. Brief Contract Description: This is maintenance and support for our VSI & VDI license
Date responded: 8 January 2024
Enforcement Agency Services
Date submitted: 7 December 2023
Summary of request
The details required are:
Q1. Your current suppliers used to collect the following debts (please give names of all suppliers for each debt type):
• Parking Fines (PCNs)
• Council Tax
• Business Rates (NDR)
Q2. Number of cases issued to enforcement agents for each debt type, for the immediate past two financial years and year to date, e.g. 2021/22; 2022/23; 2023 Year to date:
• Parking Fines (PCNs)
• Council Tax
• Business Rates (NDR)
Q3. Enforcement/Debt Collection contract start and contract end date, and any contract extension dates for each of the following debt types:
• Parking Fines (PCNs)
• Council Tax
• Business Rates (NDR)
Q4. Are your Revenues and Benefits or Parking Services outsourced, and if they are, please state who is the supplier responsible for each or both service e.g. Capita, APCOA, Agilysis, Serco, Liberata etc.
• Parking (RTD)
• Revenues and Benefits
Q5. The name and/or job title of the Senior Office (outside of procurement) responsible for the above contract(s)?
Summary of response
Q1. Your current suppliers used to collect the following debts (please give names of all suppliers for each debt type):
• Parking Fines (PCNs) - Jacobs; Dukes; Bristow & Sutor
• Council Tax - Jacobs; Dukes; Bristow & Sutor
• Business Rates (NDR) - Jacobs; Dukes; Bristow & Sutor
Q2. Number of cases issued to enforcement agents for each debt type, for the immediate past two financial years and year to date, e.g. 2021/22; 2022/23; 2023 Year to date:
• Parking Fines (PCNs) - 0
• Council Tax - 21/22 1360; 22/23 689; 23/24 to date 1223
• Business Rates (NDR) - 21/22 67; 22/23 67; 23/24 75.
Q3. Enforcement/Debt Collection contract start and contract end date, and any contract extension dates for each of the following debt types:
• Parking Fines (PCNs) - The contract for all providers started on 1/2/20 and ends on 31/1/24.
• Council Tax - The contract for all providers started on 1/2/20 and ends on 31/1/24.
• Business Rates (NDR) - The contract for all providers started on 1/2/20 and ends on 31/1/24.
Q4. Are your Revenues and Benefits or Parking Services outsourced, and if they are, please state who is the supplier responsible for each or both service e.g. Capita, APCOA, Agilysis, Serco, Liberata etc.
• Parking (RTD) - No
• Revenues and Benefits - No
Q5. The name and/or job title of the Senior Office (outside of procurement) responsible for the above contract(s)? – Revenues and Benefits Council Tax Manager
Date responded: 8 January 2024
Council tenants in temp accommodation due to repairs
Date submitted: 7 December 2023
Summary of request
(1a) The number of social housing tenants currently living in temporary accommodation due to repairs being carried out on their social housing property
(1b) Of these, how many have been in temporary accommodation for 6 weeks or more, while repairs are undertaken?
(2a) The number of social housing tenants currently in a hotel/b&b (ie any temporary accommodation with shared facilities or no kitchen) due to repairs being carried out on their social housing property
(2b) Of these, how many have been in hotel/b&b for 6 weeks or more, while repairs are undertaken
Summary of response
(1a) The number of social housing tenants currently living in temporary accommodation due to repairs being carried out on their social housing property - 8 (including self-contained and hotel/B&B)
(1b) Of these, how many have been in temporary accommodation for 6 weeks or more, while repairs are undertaken? - 5
(2a) The number of social housing tenants currently in a hotel/b&b (ie any temporary accommodation with shared facilities or no kitchen) due to repairs being carried out on their social housing property - 1 (included in figure (1a))
(2b) Of these, how many have been in hotel/b&b for 6 weeks or more, while repairs are undertaken - 0
Date responded: 8 January 2024
Funding gap
Date submitted: 7 December 2023
Summary of request
1) What is your current predicted funding gap by the end of this financial year
2) What is your current predicted cumulative funding gap by the end of this financial year?
Summary of response
1) What is your current predicted funding gap by the end of this financial year - The information you have requested can be found on our website in the current year budget monitoring report:
Financial Monitoring Report 2023-24 - Month 6 update.pdf (eastdevon.gov.uk)
https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/documents/s21757/Financial%20Monitoring%20Report%202023-24%20-%20Month%206%20update.pdf
2) What is your current predicted cumulative funding gap by the end of this financial year? - The information you have requested can be found on our website. Financial Plan detailing future predicted funding gaps:
Financial Plan 2024 - 2034.pdf (eastdevon.gov.uk)
https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/documents/s21388/Financial%20Plan%202024%20-%202034.pdf
As the above information is already published it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
Date responded: 14 December 2023
Disrepair claims since 2020
Date submitted: 1 December 2023
Summary of request
Since 2020:
How many housing disrepair claims has the council received?
Of those, how many were successful?
How much money has the council paid out to those claims?
Please separate the data by individual year
Summary of response
Since 2020:
How many housing disrepair claims has the council received?
Of those, how many were successful?
How much money has the council paid out to those claims?
Please separate the data by individual year
2020
How many housing disrepair claims has the council received? - 4
Of those, how many were successful? - 2
How much money has the council paid out to those claims? - £8520.70
2021
How many housing disrepair claims has the council received? - 7
Of those, how many were successful? - 2
How much money has the council paid out to those claims? - £7000
2022
How many housing disrepair claims has the council received? - 18
Of those, how many were successful? - 10
How much money has the council paid out to those claims? - £53,620
2023
How many housing disrepair claims has the council received? - 32
Of those, how many were successful? - 5
How much money has the council paid out to those claims? - £13,455
Date responded: 14 December 2023
Local plan - percentage of biodiversity net gain
Date submitted: 29 November 2023
Summary of request
• Any policies and papers, from 1 Jan 2022 to 1 November 2023, stating the percentage of biodiversity net gain your council will require as a condition for planning permission (under the Environment Act 2021) (a) as part of an agreed Local Plan; or (b) as part of a draft Local Plan.
• Any polices and papers, from1 Jan 2019 to 1 November 2023, stating whether you have formally declared a nature/ecological emergency.
• Any policies and papers, from 1 Jan 2022 to 1 November 2023, containing a target for your area to contribute to protect and manage 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030.
• On what date your current Local Plan will be five years old and when you expect a new Local Plan to be agreed.
Summary of response
• Any policies and papers, from 1 Jan 2022 to 1 November 2023, stating the percentage of biodiversity net gain your council will require as a condition for planning permission (under the Environment Act 2021) (a) as part of an agreed Local Plan; or (b) as part of a draft Local Plan.
Please See: Emerging Local Plan - East Devon https://eastdevon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/emerging-local-plan/ Emerging Local Plan - East Devon and specifically Draft Local Plan Consultation - East Devon https://eastdevon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/emerging-local-plan/draft-local-plan-consultation/ plus committee papers that have informed local plan making work to date can be read at: Browse meetings - Strategic Planning Committee - East Devon https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=154
• Any polices and papers, from1 Jan 2019 to 1 November 2023, stating whether you have formally declared a nature/ecological emergency. – This is not referenced in local plan work.
• Any policies and papers, from 1 Jan 2022 to 1 November 2023, containing a target for your area to contribute to protect and manage 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. – This is not referenced in local plan work.
• On what date your current Local Plan will be five years old and when you expect a new Local Plan to be agreed.
Current plan was five years old on 28 January 2021. For next plan timetable see: Agenda for Strategic Planning Committee on Tuesday, 31st October, 2023, 10.00 am - East Devon https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=154&MId=2161&Ver=4
Date responded: 14 December 2023
Modern slavery training provision
Date submitted: 29 November 2023
Summary of request
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This request relates to the training offered to staff on modern slavery. Please share the details of training on modern slavery delivered to staff, including:
- The nature of training offered (e.g. e-learning or in-person, shared with housing staff or adult safeguarding etc) and whether themes of cultural intelligence, equality, diversity and inclusion are included as part of this training
- Where held, please share copies of training materials used to support council staff in identifying modern slavery (such as PDFs, guidance, or presentations)
Summary of response
- The nature of training offered (e.g. e-learning or in-person, shared with housing staff or adult safeguarding etc) and whether themes of cultural intelligence, equality, diversity and inclusion are included as part of this training
The council provides all it’s employees with guidance on modern slavery and safeguarding with further information on the council’s safeguarding policy published on the web site here: Devon District Councils Joint Safeguarding Policy - East Devon https://eastdevon.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-business/our-key-policies/devon-district-councils-joint-safeguarding-policy/
All staff are required to undertake safeguarding training as part of the council’s mandatory training program and this is provided via online e-learning.
- Where held, please share copies of training materials used to support council staff in identifying modern slavery (such as PDFs, guidance, or presentations)
Training is via online e-learning so training materials are not available.
Date responded: 15 December 2023
Number of tenants in council housing
Date submitted: 20 November 2023
Summary of request
What is the total number of people currently living in social and council housing?
What is the total number of people currently living in social and council housing that are non-British citizens?
What is the breakdown of non-British citizens living in social and council housing by nationality?
Summary of response
What is the total number of people currently living in social and council housing? - We currently have 4160 council tenant households and 14 rooms of which 8 are used for temporary accommodation.
What is the total number of people currently living in social and council housing that are non-British citizens? - Information not captured
What is the breakdown of non-British citizens living in social and council housing by nationality? - Information not captured
Date responded: 4 December 2023
Transit site and pitch provision
Date submitted: 17 November 2023
Summary of request
I am seeking information about the provision of transit sites for Gypsies and Travellers, and transit pitches on permanent sites, situated on land which is owned and/or managed by your public authority. Please find below a series of questions, submitted as a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
1. Does this local authority own and/or manage any transit sites OR transit pitches situated on permanent sites?
If ‘yes,’ please continue to answer the following questions below.
2. How many
a) transit sites, and/or
b) transit pitches are there in total in your local authority area?
3. Of these transit pitches, on the 16th November 2023, how many were:
a) occupied
b) vacant?
4. What is the name and full address of each transit site, and/or permanent site containing one or more transit pitch(es), within your jurisdiction?
5. What are the criteria which must be met to be allocated a pitch on a transit site, or a transit pitch on a permanent site (if you have an allocation policy for one or both types of site, please can you share copies via email)?
6. What is the process by which people can apply for a transit pitch, and what are the contact details for applying for a pitch (e.g., list telephone number of site warden, and/or online form, depending on specific site arrangements)? And;
a) What are the operational hours on site?
b) Are staff always on site?
c) Is there weekend cover?
7. What is the maximum length of time for which people are permitted to stay on the transit site(s)/pitch(es)?
8. Please indicate how each transit site the local authority owns/manages is managed day to day, e.g.:
• Managed in-house by your local authority which owns the site (please provide details)
• Managed by another local authority within your jurisdiction, e.g., a district or borough council on behalf of a county council (please provide details)
• Outsourced to a separate housing provider or similar (please provide details)
• Managed by a security company (please provide details)
• Leased to a named individual, who may themselves live on the site (please provide details)
• Named person who manages them and contact details (please provide details)
9. Have the police used Section 62a-e (Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994) to direct people to the site?
10. How much are the costs for:
a) rent for a pitch?
b) a deposit to secure a pitch?
11. Are there any additional utility costs not included in the nominal rent amount for which residents are liable? Please provide details (e.g., water, electricity, other utilities).
12. Is there a license agreement or another form of written contract for stays on the site, and if so, please can you share a copy?
13. What facilities and services operate on the site? Please list, for example:
• Traveller education
• Health visitor
• Support services
• Meeting room to hold interviews
• CCTV
• Height restrictor/gate
14. Does the local authority accept welfare benefit payments to cover rent for transit pitches, or transit sites?
15. Have there been any difficulties with setting up Universal Credit or Housing Benefit payments to cover rent for a transit pitch? If so, please outline these.
16. Following a stay on a transit site or transit pitch, is there a certain time period on each site before which those who have vacated are permitted to return to the transit site or pitch? If so, please specify.
17. Have there been changes made to individual site policies, with regard to the amount of time before which those who have vacated are permitted to return to the transit site or pitch, since the introduction of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (if applicable in your area)? If so, please provide details.
Summary of response
1. Does this local authority own and/or manage any transit sites OR transit pitches situated on permanent sites? - No
If ‘yes,’ please continue to answer the following questions below.
2. How many
a) transit sites, and/or
b) transit pitches are there in total in your local authority area? - There are 5 transit pitches on 1 privately owned site (Hawkwell Park at Hawkchurch)
3. Of these transit pitches, on the 16th November 2023, how many were - This is a privately owned and managed site, so we don’t hold these figures
a) occupied
b) vacant?
4. What is the name and full address of each transit site, and/or permanent site containing one or more transit pitch(es), within your jurisdiction? - Hawkwell Park, Hawkchurch, Nr Axminster
5. What are the criteria which must be met to be allocated a pitch on a transit site, or a transit pitch on a permanent site (if you have an allocation policy for one or both types of site, please can you share copies via email)? - N/A as the pitches are not operated by EDDC
6. What is the process by which people can apply for a transit pitch, and what are the contact details for applying for a pitch (e.g., list telephone number of site warden, and/or online form, depending on specific site arrangements)? And - N/A as the pitches are not operated by EDDC
a) What are the operational hours on site?
b) Are staff always on site?
c) Is there weekend cover?
7. What is the maximum length of time for which people are permitted to stay on the transit site(s)/pitch(es)? - N/A
8. lease indicate how each transit site the local authority owns/manages is managed day to day, e.g. - N/A as the pitches are not operated by EDDC
• Managed in-house by your local authority which owns the site (please provide details)
• Managed by another local authority within your jurisdiction, e.g., a district or borough council on behalf of a county council (please provide details)
• Outsourced to a separate housing provider or similar (please provide details)
• Managed by a security company (please provide details)
• Leased to a named individual, who may themselves live on the site (please provide details)
• Named person who manages them and contact details (please provide details)
9. Have the police used Section 62a-e (Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994) to direct people to the site? - Not known
10. How much are the costs for - Not known
a) rent for a pitch?
b) a deposit to secure a pitch?
11. Are there any additional utility costs not included in the nominal rent amount for which residents are liable? Please provide details (e.g., water, electricity, other utilities) - N/A as the pitches are not operated by EDDC
12. Is there a license agreement or another form of written contract for stays on the site, and if so, please can you share a copy? - N/A as the pitches are not operated by EDDC
13. What facilities and services operate on the site? Please list, for example - N/A as the pitches are not operated by EDDC
• Traveller education
• Health visitor
• Support services
• Meeting room to hold interviews
• CCTV
• Height restrictor/gate
14. Does the local authority accept welfare benefit payments to cover rent for transit pitches, or transit sites? - N/A as the pitches are not operated by EDDC
15. Have there been any difficulties with setting up Universal Credit or Housing Benefit payments to cover rent for a transit pitch? If so, please outline these - N/A as the pitches are not operated by EDDC
16. Following a stay on a transit site or transit pitch, is there a certain time period on each site before which those who have vacated are permitted to return to the transit site or pitch? If so, please specify - N/A as the pitches are not operated by EDDC
17. Have there been changes made to individual site policies, with regard to the amount of time before which those who have vacated are permitted to return to the transit site or pitch, since the introduction of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (if applicable in your area)? If so, please provide details - N/A as the pitches are not operated by EDDC
Date responded: 21 November 2023
Apprenticeship Levy
Date submitted: 16 November 2023
Summary of request
1. Is your organisation and apprenticeship levy payer? Yes or no is sufficient.
2. What was the value (£) of your organisation’s apprenticeship levy contributions in (a) 2019-20 (b) 2020-21 (c) 2021-22 and (d) 2022-23. Please provide an annual breakdown.
3. How much apprenticeship levy ‘expired’ – i.e. was not used - in (a) 2019-20 (b) 2020-21 (c) 2021-22 and (d) 2022-23. Please provide an annual breakdown.
4. How many apprenticeship starts did your organisation create in (a) 2019-20 (b) 2020-21 (c) 2021-22 and (d) 2022-23. Please provide an annual breakdown.
5. How many of those apprenticeship starts created were (a) male and (b) female in 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. Please provide an annual breakdown for each gender.
Summary of response
1. Is your organisation and apprenticeship levy payer? - Yes
2. What was the value (£) of your organisation’s apprenticeship levy contributions in (a) 2019-20 (b) 2020-21 (c) 2021-22 and (d) 2022-23. Please provide an annual breakdown - (a) £60,393; (b) £62,128; (c) £64,914; (d) £77,641
3. How much apprenticeship levy ‘expired’ – i.e. was not used - in (a) 2019-20 (b) 2020-21 (c) 2021-22 and (d) 2022-23. Please provide an annual breakdown. - (a) N/A; (b) £13,699.29; (c) £32,566.90; (d) £14,854.30
4. How many apprenticeship starts did your organisation create in (a) 2019-20 (b) 2020-21 (c) 2021-22 and (d) 2022-23. Please provide an annual breakdown - (a) 9 apprenticeships started; (b) 2 apprenticeship started; (c) 4 apprenticeship started; (d) 8 apprenticeship started
5. How many of those apprenticeship starts created were (a) male and (b) female in 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. Please provide an annual breakdown for each gender.
(a) 2019-20 - 5 male 4 Female (9)
b) 2020-21 - 2 male 0 Female (2)
c) 2021-22 - 0 Male 4 female (4)
d) 2022-23 - 3 Male 5 Female (8)
Date responded: 23 November 2023
Homes for Ukraine
Date submitted: 15 November 2023
Summary of request
1. How many households in your council area have acted as hosts in the Homes for Ukraine scheme since it was launched nationally on 14 March 2022?
2. How many hosts have been identified as charging Ukrainians rent?
3. a)How many hosts have been identified as charging excessive rent?
b) How many hosts have been identified as asking for excessive contributions to food or utilities?
4. How many cases of fraud – where hosts are both charging rent and receiving 'thank you' payments – has the council identified?
Summary of response
1. How many households in your council area have acted as hosts in the Homes for Ukraine scheme since it was launched nationally on 14 March 2022? - 354
2. How many hosts have been identified as charging Ukrainians rent? - 1
3. a) How many hosts have been identified as charging excessive rent? - 1
b) How many hosts have been identified as asking for excessive contributions to food or utilities? - 2
4. How many cases of fraud – where hosts are both charging rent and receiving 'thank you' payments – has the council identified? - 1
Date responded: 17 November 2023
Cost of temporary accommodation
Date submitted: 14 November 2023
Summary of request
1. In the financial year of 23/24, as of 13.11.23, how much has your council spent on providing temporary accommodation and, if the figure is known, how much is the council projected to spend by the end of the financial year?
2. In the financial year 22/23, how much did your council spend on providing temporary accommodation?
Summary of response
1. In the financial year of 23/24, as of 13.11.23, how much has your council spent on providing temporary accommodation and, if the figure is known, how much is the council projected to spend by the end of the financial year? - Up to end of October 2023 £376,515.98; estimated spend for 2023/2024 £550,000
2. In the financial year 22/23, how much did your council spend on providing temporary accommodation? - £629,594.55
Date responded: 17 November 2023
Cost to resurface Manstone workshops forecourt and parking area
Date submitted: 14 November 2023
Summary of request
How much money is it costing to resurface manstone workshops forecourt and parking area
Summary of response
How much money is it costing to resurface Manstone workshops forecourt and parking area - £32,000
Date responded: 17 November 2023
Time spent in temporary accommodation
Date submitted: 14 November 2023
Summary of request
1. The average length of time households spent in temporary accommodation after making a homelessness application to the council in each of the past 4 and a half years…
a). between April 1st 2019 and March 31st 2020
b). between April 1st 2020 and March 31st 2021
c). between April 1st 2021 and March 31st 2022
d). between April 1st 2022 and March 31st 2023
e). between April 1st 2023 and September 30th 2023
2. The average length of time households with children spent in temporary accommodation after making a homelessness application to the council in each of the past 4 and a half years…
a). between April 1st 2019 and March 31st 2020
b). between April 1st 2020 and March 31st 2021
c). between April 1st 2021 and March 31st 2022
d). between April 1st 2022 and March 31st 2023
e). between April 1st 2023 and September 30th 2023
3. What were the number of households in Temporary Accommodation:
a) On September 30th 2020
b) On September 30th 2021
c) On September 30th 2022
d) On September 30th 2023
4. Of the households living with children in temporary accommodation in each of the following financial years, how many were placed in accommodation outside of your local authority area?
a). between April 1st 2019 and March 31st 2020
b). between April 1st 2020 and March 31st 2021
c). between April 1st 2021 and March 31st 2022
d). between April 1st 2022 and March 31st 2023
e). between April 1st 2023 and September 30th 2023
Summary of response
1. The average length of time households spent in temporary accommodation after making a homelessness application to the council in each of the past 4 and a half years… - Information not held. We don’t record the data you have asked for.
a). between April 1st 2019 and March 31st 2020
b). between April 1st 2020 and March 31st 2021
c). between April 1st 2021 and March 31st 2022
d). between April 1st 2022 and March 31st 2023
e). between April 1st 2023 and September 30th 2023
2. The average length of time households with children spent in temporary accommodation after making a homelessness application to the council in each of the past 4 and a half years… - Information not held. We don’t record the data you have asked for.
a). between April 1st 2019 and March 31st 2020
b). between April 1st 2020 and March 31st 2021
c). between April 1st 2021 and March 31st 2022
d). between April 1st 2022 and March 31st 2023
e). between April 1st 2023 and September 30th 2023
3. What were the number of households in Temporary Accommodation:
a) On September 30th 2020 - 40
b) On September 30th 2021 - 36
c) On September 30th 2022 - 55
d) On September 30th 2023 - 44
4. Of the households living with children in temporary accommodation in each of the following financial years, how many were placed in accommodation outside of your local authority area? - Information not held. We don’t record the data you have asked for.
a). between April 1st 2019 and March 31st 2020
b). between April 1st 2020 and March 31st 2021
c). between April 1st 2021 and March 31st 2022
d). between April 1st 2022 and March 31st 2023
e). between April 1st 2023 and September 30th 2023
Date responded: 23 November 2023
Otter Mills - all correspondence and evidence relating to this listed building application
Date submitted: 7 November 2023
Summary of request
Under the FOI act I would like to see all correspondence and evidence relating to this listed building application.
Summary of response
You have requested to see all correspondence and evidence relating to this listed building application.
There are multiple applications relating to the overall development of the Mill so you will to list which applications you are referring to and provide the application numbers. However we believe that everything will already be available on-line but there is no way of checking unless we know which applications you are referring to.
Date responded: 4 December 2023
Gender neutral toilets
Date submitted: 6 November 2023
Summary of request
This is an information request relating to renovations made to facilitate gender neutral toilets in the main council office.
Please include the following information for each of the following financial years; 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23:
Please include the following information:
• A total number of new gender neutral toilets and a total number of conversions made.
• The sum of money spent on building new gender neutral toilets including the conversion of existing toilets.
• The number of complaints related to gender neutral toilets and copies of any complaints (with redactions made to ensure confidentiality is maintained)
By gender neutral toilets I am referring to those with shared facilities, that are not separated by sex or gender.
Summary of response
This is an information request relating to renovations made to facilitate gender neutral toilets in the main council office - EDDC have no gender neutral toilets in the main council office, nor planning to have them either.
Please include the following information for each of the following financial years; 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23:
Please include the following information:
• A total number of new gender neutral toilets and a total number of conversions made.
• The sum of money spent on building new gender neutral toilets including the conversion of existing toilets.
• The number of complaints related to gender neutral toilets and copies of any complaints (with redactions made to ensure confidentiality is maintained)
Date responded: 17 November 2023
Council Use of Bailiffs/Enforcement Agents
Date submitted: 6 November 2023
Summary of request
1. The number of times between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2023, or the nearest available twelve-month period, that private bailiffs/enforcement agents have been instructed to enforce debts to the local authority relating to each of the following;
a. Council Tax
b. Parking
c. Housing Benefit overpayments
d. Business Rates
e. Commercial Rents
f. Any other debt types, including any other overpayments.
By “private bailiffs/enforcement agents” we mean those who are self-employed or who work for private companies, including as high court enforcement officers. Please include cases where local authority employees have visited a property to enforce a warrant of control.
2. Before seeking a liability order for a resident for Council Tax arrears, do you take any of the following steps? Please indicate the steps you take.
• Assessment of their income and expenditure,
• Assessment of whether the resident (or anyone else) in their household is vulnerable,
• Referral to your Council Tax Reduction / Support scheme,
• Referral to income maximisation,
• Referral to a free debt advice organisation.
3. Do you signpost residents to one or more free debt advice agencies as part of your Council Tax collections process? (Yes/No) If so, which charities?
4. Have you adopted the Standard Financial Statement as a tool for objectively assessing income and expenditure as part of your Council Tax collections process? (Yes/No)
5. Do you have a formal policy in place for dealing with residents in vulnerable circumstances as part of your collections process for Council Tax arrears? (Yes/No)
If so, please may you provide a copy of the policy if it is for public consumption.
6. Do you currently have a policy of exempting recipients of Council Tax Support / Reduction from the use of bailiff action? (Yes/No)
7. Have you adopted the Citizens Advice/Local Government Association Council Tax Protocol? (Yes/No)
Summary of response
1. The number of times between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2023, or the nearest available twelve-month period, that private bailiffs/enforcement agents have been instructed to enforce debts to the local authority relating to each of the following;
a. Council Tax - 689
b. Parking - 0
c. Housing Benefit overpayments – 7 case referred to EA
d. Business Rates - 70
e. Commercial Rents - 0
f. Any other debt types, including any other overpayments – Any possession action for council rents is dealt with by the county court bailiffs.
2. If a resident for council tax actively engages with us at any point before the court hearing for the liability order to be granted then we may take some or all of the following steps dependant on a case by case basis;
Assessment of income and Expenditure
Vulnerability assessment
Referral to income maximisation
Referral for council tax reduction (If the information provided suggests they may qualify)
Referral to a free debt advice organisation.
3. Yes, we work closely with CAB to refer cases on an individual basis
4. In some cases we would ask residents to seek independent advice and provide us with a SFS as proof of income and expenditure, but this is not a part of our every day collection process at present, we are currently working towards adopting the SFS into our processes.
5. Not a specific policy but is part of corporate debt policy, which can be found at Corporate Debt policy - East Devon https://eastdevon.gov.uk/council-tax/find-out-about-our-policies-relating-to-council-tax/corporate-debt-policy/
6. No, we do not exempt recipients of council tax reduction from enforcement agent action.
7. No, we have not formally agreed to the council tax protocol.
Date responded: 1 December 2023
Double Gazing
Date submitted: 6 November 2023
Summary of request
1. Please tell if building control in your townhall carry out double glazing inspections to residential properties that are replacing windows
2. Please say what double glazing standards are used by you with regards to for example, installation methods, window positioning, bolting, washers, rain ingress prevention, shape, size, measurement, extrusion and glass quality, beading, silicon, foaming, sill, stays, locks, accessories, spacers / shims, tools etc
Summary of response
1. Please tell if building control in your townhall carry out double glazing inspections to residential properties that are replacing windows -
The replacement of a window, or windows and external doors, triggers the requirements of the Building Regulations. Where Building Regulations applications are submitted to the Local Authonrity for the replacement of windows, this work is checked which includes visiting the site address and inspecting the installation. Building Regulations approval can also be obtained by companies that are associated to the Registered Competent Person Scheme. The Council receives a CPS (competent person scheme) notification for this work which confirms that the windows have been installed and are compliant with the relevant requirements of the Building Regulations. The CPS is a scheme covering all Councils in England. Failure to submit a Building Regulations application to the Local Authority, or to use a company registered to the competent person scheme is a breach of the Building Regulations.
2. Please say what double glazing standards are used by you with regards to for example, installation methods, window positioning, bolting, washers, rain ingress prevention, shape, size, measurement, extrusion and glass quality, beading, silicon, foaming, sill, stays, locks, accessories, spacers / shims, tools etc -
The Building Control authority enforce that the minimum relevant requirements of the Building Regulations are met. The building control authority do not design work or specify work practices, This is the role of the Principal Designer. Building Control only ensure that the minimum performance standards of the Building Regulations are met. The performance standards will include several of the items raised, such as: -
• Window positioning (Part L1 – Cold bridging)
• Rain ingress (Part C2)
• Glass quality (Parts B, K, L and Part Q – Part Q applies to newly formed dwellings only)
• Window fittings (fixings, stays and locks) (Part Q – Newly formed Dwellings only including a material change of use.)
Guidance on how to meet the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations can be found in the Approved Documents which align to each Part of the Building Regulations.
Date responded: 8 November 2023
Cost of homelessness relief and prevention duties
Date submitted: 6 November 2023
Summary of request
- The total spent providing homelessness relief and prevention duties to residents within your authority area as a result of a section 21 eviction (please provide both totals);
- For each of the last 4 financial years (2019-2020, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23)
Summary of response
- The total spent providing homelessness relief and prevention duties to residents within your authority area as a result of a section 21 eviction (please provide both totals) - It is not possible for us to break this down. We could provide a total cost for prevention and relief duties, but not specific to reasons for homelessness.
- For each of the last 4 financial years (2019-2020, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23)
Date responded: 8 November 2023
Afghan citizens who entered the UK under ACRS or ARAP
Date submitted: 3 November 2023
Summary of request
(a) The number of Afghan citizens who entered the UK under ACRS or ARAP are living within your district within Government funded bridging accommodation.
(b) The number of Afghan citizens in your district who entered the UK under ACRS or ARAP have declared themselves as homeless.
I would be grateful if you could provide this information on a month-by-month basis from August 2020 to date. If this breakdown will incur too high costs, then please provide broken down by quarter.
In addition, please provide the following:
(c) What plans are in place to respond to homelessness amongst this cohort, including the use of bridging accommodation.
If there is anything I can do to narrow down my request or to assist, please do let me know and I would be happy to help.
Summary of response
(a) The number of Afghan citizens who entered the UK under ACRS or ARAP are living within your district within Government funded bridging accommodation - 0
(b) The number of Afghan citizens in your district who entered the UK under ACRS or ARAP have declared themselves as homeless.
I would be grateful if you could provide this information on a month-by-month basis from August 2020 to date. If this breakdown will incur too high costs, then please provide broken down by quarter.
06/2023 2
07/2023 7
In addition, please provide the following:
(c) What plans are in place to respond to homelessness amongst this cohort, including the use of bridging accommodation - Homeless applications taken and processed, emergency accommodation offered where there is a duty. There is no longer any bridging accommodation in East Devon.
Date responded: 8 November 2023
Networks Strategy
Date submitted: 3 November 2023
Summary of request
Please could you assist me by sending information regarding the following:
• Please can you direct me to the authority's current IT Network strategy?
• What does the council currently use for their Networks (Wifi/LAN/SD-WAN)?
• Who are you currently working with for your Networks?
• When does that contract come up to an end?
• What does the council consider most important when reviewing their Network Strategy?
• Who is the best contact around this area?
Summary of response
Please could you assist me by sending information regarding the following:
• Please can you direct me to the authority's current IT Network strategy? - N/A
• What does the council currently use for their Networks (Wi-Fi/LAN/SD-WAN)?
Wi-Fi – FortiAP’s
LAN – Dell – purchased via Bechtel
SD-WAN – N/A
• Who are you currently working with for your Networks? - Dell / Bechtel
• When does that contract come up to an end? - 2027 both
• What does the council consider most important when reviewing their Network Strategy? - N/A
• Who is the best contact around this area? - The persons involved will change over time so our policy is to provide a contact route to our procurement team in our in-house IT company, Strata Service Solutions via https://strata.solutions/
Date responded: 9 November 2023
Primate Licensing
Date submitted: 3 November 2023
Summary of request
This request is in 2 parts. We ask that you answer all of the questions in the first section whether or not you have any licences issued under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act (DWAA). If there are any current DWAA licences for primates in your area, please also complete all of the questions in the second section.
As of 25th February 2023:
PART 1
1) How many DWAA licences are currently issued in your area?
____________________________________________________________________
2) How many of these DWAA licences are issued for primates (monkeys, apes or prosimians such as lemurs)?
____________________________________________________________________
3) How many applications for licences to keep primates under the DWAA Act have been refused in your area in the last 12 months?
____________________________________________________________________
On what grounds were they refused?
____________________________________________________________________
4) What is the cost of obtaining a DWAA licence in your area (please indicate whether this includes any veterinary fees incurred)?
____________________________________________________________________
5) What is the cost of ‘renewing’ a DWAA licence in your area (please indicate whether this includes any veterinary fees incurred)?
____________________________________________________________________
6) Are you aware of any breeders or dealers of primates in your area?
____________________________________________________________________
If yes how many?
____________________________________________________________________
7) If a member of the public is aware of a breach of the Animal Welfare Act with regards to a primate, who do they contact in your area?
____________________________________________________________________
8) In order to be granted DWAA licences for primates, must applicants
demonstrate that they meet the conditions laid out in the Code of Practice for
the Welfare of Privately Kept Non-human Primates?
____________________________________________________________________
9) If a DWAA licence is not renewed, do you contact previous licence holders to establish why it has not been renewed?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
10) Would you investigate what has happened to primates that were licensed in your area but are no longer licensed?
____________________________________________________________________
PART 2
11) If there are primates licensed in your area, please provide copies of all licences, and the most recent relevant veterinary and inspection report(s) for each licence (on the understanding that for data protection purposes, certain information may be obscured). If no written reports are available, please indicate the date on which the most recent report was conducted, by whom, and the outcome of the visit. If not included in the report(s), please also provide the following information:
For each licence issued for primates:
a) How many individuals of each species are covered (please provide the scientific name: i.e. Sapajus apella)?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
b) What is the age and sex of each licensed primate? If this information is not kept by your council, please indicate so.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
c) Where was each primate obtained? If this information is not kept by your council, please indicate so.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
d) Are these primates considered to be pets? If not, how are they classified?
____________________________________________________________________
e) Please confirm whether any restriction is placed on the breeding of the licensed animals. If no restriction exists, please indicate whether the existing licence would automatically cover the offspring, and until what age this cover would last.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
f) Has a licence been issued to the licence holder previously?
____________________________________________________________________
g) If so, what was the last year a licence was issued, and what primates were licenced?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
12) Would you or someone in your department, be willing to share any further information about DWAA licensing?
____________________________________________________________________
And who can we contact for such information?
__________________________________________
Summary of response
FOI Request 2023
This request is in 2 parts. We ask that you answer all of the questions in the first section whether or not you have any licences issued under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act (DWAA). If there are any current DWAA licences for primates in your area, please also complete all of the questions in the second section.
As of 25th February 2023:
PART 1
1) How many DWAA licences are currently issued in your area?
x1
____________________________________________________________________
2) How many of these DWAA licences are issued for primates (monkeys, apes or prosimians such as lemurs)?
NONE
____________________________________________________________________
3) How many applications for licences to keep primates under the DWAA Act have been refused in your area in the last 12 months?
NONE
____________________________________________________________________
On what grounds were they refused?
N/A
____________________________________________________________________
4) What is the cost of obtaining a DWAA licence in your area (please indicate whether this includes any veterinary fees incurred)?
New/renewal licence: £100 plus vet’s fee.
____________________________________________________________________
5) What is the cost of ‘renewing’ a DWAA licence in your area (please indicate whether this includes any veterinary fees incurred)?
New/renewal licence: £100 plus vet’s fee.
____________________________________________________________________
6) Are you aware of any breeders or dealers of primates in your area?
NO
____________________________________________________________________
If yes how many?
N/A
____________________________________________________________________
7) If a member of the public is aware of a breach of the Animal Welfare Act with regards to a primate, who do they contact in your area?
RSPCA
____________________________________________________________________
8) In order to be granted DWAA licences for primates, must applicants
demonstrate that they meet the conditions laid out in the Code of Practice for
the Welfare of Privately Kept Non-human Primates?
The Council complies with current DEFRA guidelines for all Animal Licensing which includes using DEFRA nominated Vets who specialise in the conditions of animal welfare.
____________________________________________________________________
9) If a DWAA licence is not renewed, do you contact previous licence holders to establish why it has not been renewed?
NO
____________________________________________________________________
10) Would you investigate what has happened to primates that were licensed in your area but are no longer licensed?
We have no licensed primates in East Devon under DWAA
____________________________________________________________________
PART 2
11) If there are primates licensed in your area, please provide copies of all licences, and the most recent relevant veterinary and inspection report(s) for each licence (on the understanding that for data protection purposes, certain information may be obscured). If no written reports are available, please indicate the date on which the most recent report was conducted, by whom, and the outcome of the visit. If not included in the report(s), please also provide the following information:
For each licence issued for primates:
a) How many individuals of each species are covered (please provide the scientific name: i.e. Sapajus apella)?
N/A
____________________________________________________________________
b) What is the age and sex of each licensed primate? If this information is not kept by your council, please indicate so.
N/A
____________________________________________________________________
c) Where was each primate obtained? If this information is not kept by your council, please indicate so.
N/A
____________________________________________________________________
d) Are these primates considered to be pets? If not, how are they classified?
N/A
____________________________________________________________________
e) Please confirm whether any restriction is placed on the breeding of the licensed animals. If no restriction exists, please indicate whether the existing licence would automatically cover the offspring, and until what age this cover would last.
N/A
____________________________________________________________________
f) Has a licence been issued to the licence holder previously?
N/A
____________________________________________________________________
g) If so, what was the last year a licence was issued, and what primates were licenced?
N/A
____________________________________________________________________
12) Would you or someone in your department, be willing to share any further information about DWAA licensing?
YES via FOI requests for information
____________________________________________________________________
And who can we contact for such information?
FOI@eastdevon.gov.uk
___ _________________________________________________________________
Date responded: 30 November 2023
ASC Telecare
Date submitted: 2 November 2023
Summary of request
I am conducting some research on telecare/assistive technology and how it may benefit older people who live alone, what councils approaches are to address this issue as well as how this differs by geography so that this information can be published to help TEC companies better meet the growing needs of the country.
In order to do this I would please request the following information:
1. How many individuals did your council supply telecare to last year?
2. How many of those individuals were over the age of 65?
3. How many of those individuals lived alone?
4. What is the total population of your area?
5. Could you please provide a copy of your Better Care Fund Plan if it exists.
Summary of response
1. How many individuals did your council supply telecare to last year? - 4,400
2. How many of those individuals were over the age of 65? - 3,564
3. How many of those individuals lived alone? - 2,602
4. What is the total population of your area? - 144,317 (2018)
5. Could you please provide a copy of your Better Care Fund Plan if it exists. - Information not held. You need to refer this part of your request to Devon County Council.
Date responded: 7 November 2023
Tree management data
Date submitted: 30 October 2023
Summary of request
Since the 2020 financial year can you publish.
1. All documents related to where to plant trees?
2. Long term management plans for planted trees?
3. Survival rates of planted trees?
Summary of response
Since the 2020 financial year can you publish.
1. All documents related to where to plant trees? - Information not held
2. Long term management plans for planted trees? - We will keep the trees watered for the first year to help them get established and then they will just move over to our normal management for our tree stock. This is inspecting as needed and undertaking any maintenance work as required.
3. Survival rates of planted trees? - Information not held
Date responded: 16 November 2023
Performance Management Software
Date submitted: 30 October 2023
Summary of request
A) Does your organisation use specific performance management software?
A.2) If the answer to question A is no, how does your organisation record performance management information?
B) If applicable, what is the name of the performance management software used by your organisation?
C)If applicable, is your performance management software a bespoke package or an off the shelf application?
D) What is the job title of the person responsible for performance management within your organisation?
Summary of response
A) Does your organisation use specific performance management software? - Yes
A.2) If the answer to question A is no, how does your organisation record performance management information? - N/A
B) If applicable, what is the name of the performance management software used by your organisation? - SPAR
C) If applicable, is your performance management software a bespoke package or an off the shelf application? - Off shelf
D) What is the job title of the person responsible for performance management within your organisation? - There is no one person responsible for performance management within the council. Please see our structure chart https://eastdevon.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-business/pay-and-reward/our-structures/
Date responded: 7 November 2023
'New refugees' and housing
Date submitted: 30 October 2023
Summary of request
1. The number of ‘new refugees’ who applied to the Council for housing in 2022?
2. The number of ‘new refugees’ who presented as homeless to the Council in 2022?
3. The number of ‘new refugees who have applied to the Council for housing in 2023 (up until today’s date)?
4. The number of ‘new refugees’ who have presented as homeless to the Council in 2023 (up until today’s date)?
5. Does your Council have an estimate of the number of ‘new refugees’ who will approach you for housing behind today’s date and the end of 2023?
For the purposes of the FOI, ‘new refugees’ has been defined as asylum seekers who have recently received a positive decision on their asylum application, granting them refugee or humanitarian status to remain in the UK.
Summary of response
1. The number of ‘new refugees’ who applied to the Council for housing in 2022? - 0
2. The number of ‘new refugees’ who presented as homeless to the Council in 2022? - 0
3. The number of ‘new refugees who have applied to the Council for housing in 2023 (up until today’s date)? - 2
4. The number of ‘new refugees’ who have presented as homeless to the Council in 2023 (up until today’s date)? - 2
5. Does your Council have an estimate of the number of ‘new refugees’ who will approach you for housing behind today’s date and the end of 2023? - No – information not held
Date responded: 8 November 2023
Weekly housing eligible rent levels for all supported accommodation
Date submitted: 27 October 2023
Summary of request
Weekly housing eligible rent levels for all supported accommodation
Summary of response
You requested weekly housing eligible rent levels for all supported accommodation.
We are unable to provide this information.
Please provide weekly Housing Benefit eligible rent levels paid for all supported accommodation in the Borough (and clarify if these are supported but not exempt and supported exempt) - As each case is looked at on an individual basis the weekly eligible rent will vary from accommodation to accommodation. It could change throughout the year if there was a contractual increase. We therefore need further clarification on what information is required before we can provide this information.
If possible, please could you show the total/gross weekly rent split between the core rent, eligible and ineligible service charges - We don’t hold this information on our system
If you cannot provide this, could you give the highest rent paid in these categories - We don’t hold this information on our system.
Date responded: 2 November 2023
Equality Impact Assessment installation of EV charging points in Rolle Mews car park
Date submitted: 27 October 2023
Summary of request
Can I read the Equality Impact Assessment relating to the installation of electric vehicle charging points in Rolle Mews car park in Budleigh Salterton?
Summary of response
Can I read the Equality Impact Assessment relating to the installation of electric vehicle charging points in Rolle Mews car park in Budleigh Salterton? - Information not held. There is no Equality Impact Assessment relating to the installation of electric vehicle charging points in Rolle Mews car park in Budleigh Salterton
Date responded: 21 November 2023
Social Media Management and Listening
Date submitted: 25 October 2023
Summary of request
The details we require are:
1) Do you use a social media management platform?
2) If so, what tools do you use?
3) How much do you spend annually on a Social media management tool?
4) Which month & year does your contract with your supplier end?
5)Do you use a social listening / media monitoring platform?
6) If so, what tools do you use?
7) How much do you spend annually on a social listening / media monitoring tool?
8) Which month & year does your contract with your supplier end?
9) Who is the senior officer in charge of these contracts?
Summary of response
1) Do you use a social media management platform? - Yes
2) If so, what tools do you use? - Orlo
3) How much do you spend annually on a Social media management tool? - £3,000
4) Which month & year does your contract with your supplier end? - Contract is organised by Devon County Council
5)Do you use a social listening / media monitoring platform? - Yes
6) If so, what tools do you use? - Onclusive/PR Gloo
7) How much do you spend annually on a social listening / media monitoring tool? - £1,500
8) Which month & year does your contract with your supplier end? - Contract is organised by Devon County Council
9) Who is the senior officer in charge of these contracts? - Corporate Lead - Communications
Date responded: 9 November 2023
Website, Website Content Management System and Website Development, Maintenance and Support Costs
Date submitted: 20 October 2023
Summary of request
1. CRM Platform Information:
a. What CRM platform does your council currently use?
b. When is the contract end date for the CRM platform?
c. When was the CRM contract last re-tendered?
d. Could you please provide the contract value for the CRM platform? (Please note that invoices exceeding £5,000 are required to be accessible to the public.)
e. Is there an intent to release a tender for CRM platforms in the foreseeable future? If so, kindly provide an estimated timeline or relevant details.
2. CMS Platform Information:
a. What CMS platform does your council currently use?
b. When is the contract end date for the CMS platform?
c. When was the CMS contract last re-tendered?
d. Could you please provide the contract value for the CMS platform? (Please note that invoices exceeding £5,000 are required to be accessible to the public.)
e. Is there an intent to release a tender for CMS platforms in the foreseeable future? If so, kindly provide an estimated timeline or relevant details.
Summary of response
1. CRM Platform Information:
a. What CRM platform does your council currently use? - Firmstep
b. When is the contract end date for the CRM platform? - Rolling
c. When was the CRM contract last re-tendered? - 2020
d. Could you please provide the contract value for the CRM platform? (Please note that invoices exceeding £5,000 are required to be accessible to the public.) - £40-50k. For information, it’s transactions of value £500 and above have to be made available. Not the invoices.
e. Is there an intent to release a tender for CRM platforms in the foreseeable future? If so, kindly provide an estimated timeline or relevant details. - No intention to release a tender in the foreseeable future.
2. CMS Platform Information:
a. What CMS platform does your council currently use? - Umbraco, which is an open source product – it is free to use.
b. When is the contract end date for the CMS platform? - N/A
c. When was the CMS contract last re-tendered? - N/A
d. Could you please provide the contract value for the CMS platform? (Please note that invoices exceeding £5,000 are required to be accessible to the public.) - N/A
e. Is there an intent to release a tender for CMS platforms in the foreseeable future? If so, kindly provide an estimated timeline or relevant details. - No
Date responded: 3 November 2023
Housing Benefit eligible rent levels
Date submitted: 17 October 2023
Summary of request
Please provide weekly Housing Benefit eligible rent levels paid for all supported accommodation in
the Borough (and clarify if these are supported but not exempt and supported exempt). If possible,
please could you show the total/gross weekly rent split between the core rent, eligible and ineligible
service charges. If you cannot provide this, could you give the highest rent paid in these categories.
Summary of response
Please provide weekly Housing Benefit eligible rent levels paid for all supported accommodation in the Borough (and clarify if these are supported but not exempt and supported exempt).
As each case is looked at on an individual basis the weekly eligible rent will vary from accommodation to accommodation. It could change throughout the year if there was a contractual increase. We therefore need further clarification on what information is required before we can provide this information.
If possible, please could you show the total/gross weekly rent split between the core rent, eligible and ineligible service charges.
We don’t hold this information on our system
If you cannot provide this, could you give the highest rent paid in these categories
We don’t hold this information on our system
Date responded: 20 October 2023
Firewall, Anti-virus, and Enterprise Agreement
Date submitted: 17 October 2023
Summary of request
1. Standard Firewall (Network) - Firewall service protects your corporate Network from unauthorised access and other Internet security threats
2. Anti-virus Software Application - Anti-virus software is a program or set of programs that are designed to prevent, search for, detect, and remove software viruses, and other malicious software like worms, trojans, adware, and more.
3. Microsoft Enterprise Agreement - is a volume licensing package offered by Microsoft.
The information I require is around the procurement side and we do not require any specifics (serial numbers, models, location) that could bring threat/harm to the organisation.
For each of the different types of cyber security services can you please provide me with:
1. Who is the existing supplier for this contract?
2. What does the organisation annually spend for each of the contracts?
3. What is the description of the services provided for each contract?
4. Primary Brand (ONLY APPLIES TO CONTRACT 1&2)
5. What is the expiry date of each contract?
6. What is the start date of each contract?
7. What is the contract duration of contract?
8. The responsible contract officer for each of the contracts above? Full name, job title, contact number and direct email address.
9. Number of Licenses (ONLY APPLIES TO CONTRACT 3)
Summary of response
NETWORK - CONTRACT 1
1. Who is the existing supplier for this contract - Virgin
2. What does the organisation annually spend - £106,354
3. What is the description of the services provided - MPLS
4. Primary Brand - Virgin
5. What is the expiry date - 31st March 2024
6. What is the start date - 1st April 2023
7. What is the contract duration - 12 months
ANTI-VIRUS - CONTRACT 2
1. Who is the existing supplier for this contract? - Epic Network
2. What does the organisation annually spend - £21k
3. What is the description of the services provided - AV
4. Primary Brand - This information has been withheld under section 31 of the FOI Act 2000 where complying with the request would prejudice or would be likely to prejudice various law enforcement purposes including preventing crime.
5. What is the expiry date - Aug-24
6. What is the start date - Aug-23
7. What is the contract duration - Annual
MICROSOFT ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT - CONTRACT 3
1. Who is the existing supplier for this contract? - Softcat
2. What does the organisation annually spend - £1.2m - 3 year contract for all 3 councils & Strata
3. What is the description of the services provided - SCE & ESA licenses
4. What is the expiry date - Mar-24
5. What is the start date - 1st April 2021
6. What is the contract duration - 3 years
7. Number of Licenses - ESA approx 3200 / SCE approx 170
Contact details for all of the above contracts: The persons involved will change over time so our policy is to provide a contact route to our procurement team in our in-house IT company, Strata Service Solutions via https://strata.solutions/
Date responded: 8 November 2023
Recyclate & Residual Collection Contracts
Date submitted: 17 October 2023
Summary of request
We understand that the following contracts has expired:
• Service ~ Recyclate collection
• Contractor ~ SUEZ
• Expiry date ~ 01/07/2023
• Service ~ Residual Collection - Three-weekly collections commenced February 2017 in Exmouth area
• Contractor ~ SUEZ
• Expiry date ~ 01/07/2023
Can you advise if a new contract has been/will be awarded for this service and if so what the new contract details are (in the same format as below): -
• Service description
• Contractor
• Contract reference number
• Start data
• End date
• Duration and possible extension periods
• Annual or total (please specify)contract value
• Main waste facility/facilities used
• Tonnes collected
• Number of households collected from
• Frequency of collection
Summary of response
• Service description - Recycling & Waste Collections and associated services
• Contractor - SUEZ Recycling & Recovery Ltd
• Contract reference number - not known
• Start data - 1st July 2016
• End date - Initial term 30th June 2023 with three year extension period to 30th June 2026
• Duration and possible extension periods - 7 year initial term with 3 year extension period
• Annual or total (please specify) contract value - c. £ 7million/year
• Main waste facility/facilities used - Exeter EfW for waste; Greendale Business Park for dry recycling and food; Hill Barton Business Park for green waste composting
• Tonnes collected - 2022 full year tonnages – General waste = 17,994t; Green waste = 6389t; Recycling & food = 20,860t
• Number of households collected from - 74,000
• Frequency of collection - Dry recycling and food – weekly; green waste – two weekly; general waste – three weekly.
Date responded: 20 October 2023
Council tax enforcement
Date submitted: 12 October 2023
Summary of request
1. In relation to your collection of council tax for the 2022/2023 council tax period please provide the total number of referrals/debts passed to enforcement agents.
2. Please confirm the name of the enforcement company used by the council for the recovery of council tax debt.
3. Please confirm if accounts which are part of the council tax reduction/support scheme are passed to enforcement companies and if so how many such cases were passed on for the 2022/23 council tax period.
4. Please confirm if accounts of people on health/disability related benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Employment Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payment are passed to enforcement companies and if so how many such cases were passed on for the 2022/23 council tax period.
5. Please confirm if an assessment of vulnerability is done prior to a debt being passed to an enforcement company and if so provide a brief description of what the assessment involves. Please also confirm how many cases of people assessed as being vulnerable or potentially vulnerable were passed on to an enforcement company for the 2022/23 council tax period.
6. Please confirm what protocols are in place between the local authority and enforcement companies regarding the approach that should be taken when someone is assessed as being vulnerable as per the assessment referred to in Q5. Please also confirm the kinds of cases which should be raised with, or referred back to, local authorities for further consideration when encountered.
7. Please confirm A) how many requests the council received to bring a council tax debt back from an enforcement agent due to vulnerability reasons during the 2022/23 period and B) How many times the council agreed to bring an account back due to vulnerability reasons during the 2022/23 period.
Summary of response
1. In relation to your collection of council tax for the 2022/2023 council tax period please provide the total number of referrals/debts passed to enforcement agents - During the 22/23/ council tax period, a total of 689 Liability order cases were sent to enforcement agents for collection.
2. Please confirm the name of the enforcement company used by the council for the recovery of council tax debt - We currently use 3 Enforcement Agent companies, Bristow & Sutor, Jacobs Enforcement and Dukes.
3. Please confirm if accounts which are part of the council tax reduction/support scheme are passed to enforcement companies and if so how many such cases were passed on for the 2022/23 council tax period - I can confirm that cases which are part of the council tax reduction scheme do get sent to enforcement agents. In the 22/23 year the total number of cases was 86.
4. Please confirm if accounts of people on health/disability related benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Employment Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payment are passed to enforcement companies and if so how many such cases were passed on for the 2022/23 council tax period - I can confirm that people on health/disability related benefits do get sent to enforcement agents. We do not keep a record of the number of these.
5. Please confirm if an assessment of vulnerability is done prior to a debt being passed to an enforcement company and if so provide a brief description of what the assessment involves. Please also confirm how many cases of people assessed as being vulnerable or potentially vulnerable were passed on to an enforcement company for the 2022/23 council tax period - All cases are reviewed manually to assess suitability before being sent to an enforcement agent, any potential vulnerabilities that we are aware of are highlighted when we make the referral. We do not keep a record of the numbers of cases referred with a potential vulnerability.
6. Please confirm what protocols are in place between the local authority and enforcement companies regarding the approach that should be taken when someone is assessed as being vulnerable as per the assessment referred to in Q5. Please also confirm the kinds of cases which should be raised with, or referred back to, local authorities for further consideration when encountered - As part of our contract with the Enforcement Agents they are expected to identify cases where a vulnerability may exist and do a welfare visit prior to doing any enforcement action.
7. Please confirm A) how many requests the council received to bring a council tax debt back from an enforcement agent due to vulnerability reasons during the 2022/23 period and B) How many times the council agreed to bring an account back due to vulnerability reasons during the 2022/23 period - Information not held
Date responded: 25 October 2023
Garages
Date submitted: 12 October 2023
Summary of request
1. The total number of lock-up domestic garages owned by your council.
2. The total number of these garages that are currently empty.
3. The total number that are currently let to council estate residents.
4. The total number that are let to non council estate residents.
5. The estimated average total space in sq ft of all the council-owned garages.
Summary of response
1. The total number of lock-up domestic garages owned by your council - 727
2. The total number of these garages that are currently empty - 379
3. The total number that are currently let to council estate residents -158
4. The total number that are let to non council estate residents - 190
5. The estimated average total space in sq ft of all the council-owned garages - Based on average being 240 sq feet = 174,480
Date responded: 31 October 2023
Visiting officers employed for inspections of Domestic & Non domestic Properties
Date submitted: 12 October 2023
Summary of request
• The total number of Domestic Properties you have listed in your area
• The total number of Non-Domestic Properties you have listed in your area
• The total number of visiting officers employed for inspections of Domestic Properties
• The total number of visiting officers employed for inspections of Non-Domestic Properties
• The lowest salary of these visiting officers
• The highest salary of these visiting officers
• The average salary of all visiting officers
Summary of response
• The total number of Domestic Properties you have listed in your area - 74047 domestic properties banded within the East Devon Area
• The total number of Non-Domestic Properties you have listed in your area - In relation to NDR the current 2023 rating list is showing 7650 rateable hereditaments.
• The total number of visiting officers employed for inspections of Domestic Properties - In relation to inspections we only have 1 inspector who covers Ctax and NDR visits.
• The total number of visiting officers employed for inspections of Non-Domestic Properties - In relation to inspections we only have 1 inspector who covers Ctax and NDR visits.
• The lowest salary of these visiting officers - As there is only one officer this information is withheld. The officer could be identified from this information and as such is exempt under section 40(2) of the FOI Act 2000 where personal data which is not the personal data of the requester (i.e. third-party personal data) should not be disclosed if this would contravene the data protection principles.
• The highest salary of these visiting officers - As there is only one officer this information is withheld. The officer could be identified from this information and as such is exempt under section 40(2) of the FOI Act 2000 where personal data which is not the personal data of the requester (i.e. third-party personal data) should not be disclosed if this would contravene the data protection principles.
• The average salary of all visiting officers - As there is only one officer this information is withheld. The officer could be identified from this information and as such is exempt under section 40(2) of the FOI Act 2000 where personal data which is not the personal data of the requester (i.e. third-party personal data) should not be disclosed if this would contravene the data protection principles.
Date responded: 31 October 2023
Networking LAN, Core & Edge refresh
Date submitted: 11 October 2023
Summary of request
1. When was your last networking (LAN, Core & Edge refresh, and when is the next refresh planned?
1a. What would you like to improve upon in your next refresh?
1b. Could you please confirm the supplier for your current contract and the vendor that you are using ?
2. When was your last Wi-Fi refresh, and when is the next refresh planned?
2a. What would you like to improve upon in your next refresh?
2b. Could you please confirm the supplier for your current contract and the vendor that you are using ?
3. When was your last telephony or Unified Communications refresh, and when is the next refresh planned?
3a. What would you like to improve upon in your next refresh?
3b. Could you please confirm the supplier for your current contract and the vendor that you are using ?
4. Do you currently use SD-WAN or SASE, if not it this something that you are planning to do?
4a. If yes, could you please confirm the supplier for your current contract and the vendor that you are using ?
5. How many users do you currently have in your contact centre?
5a. What would you like to improve upon with your contact centre
5b. Could you please confirm the supplier for your current contract and the vendor that you are using?
Summary of response
1. When was your last networking (LAN, Core & Edge refresh, and when is the next refresh planned? - The last Core/Edge switch refresh was Sept 2023
1a. What would you like to improve upon in your next refresh? - N/A
1b. Could you please confirm the supplier for your current contract and the vendor that you are using ? - The switches were Dell, and procured through Bechtle Ltd.
2. When was your last Wi-Fi refresh, and when is the next refresh planned? - No plans for a refresh. Corporate Wi-Fi is based on FortiAPs
2a. What would you like to improve upon in your next refresh? - N/A
2b. Could you please confirm the supplier for your current contract and the vendor that you are using ? - Most recently APs were purchased from 'Switchshop'
3. When was your last telephony or Unified Communications refresh, and when is the next refresh planned? - Refresh planned for 2024. Currently Skype for Business on premise. Intention is to migrate to MS Teams.
3a. What would you like to improve upon in your next refresh? - N/A
3b. Could you please confirm the supplier for your current contract and the vendor that you are using ? - No contract currently. We support the system ourselves, but have a call-off arrangement for retained technical services with Nexus Open Systems Ltd, when required.
4. Do you currently use SD-WAN or SASE, if not it this something that you are planning to do? - Not currently
4a. If yes, could you please confirm the supplier for your current contract and the vendor that you are using ? - N/A
5. How many users do you currently have in your contact centre? ~ 700
5a. What would you like to improve upon with your contact centre - Looking to replace the contact centre in 2024. Minicomp run in October 23 through Proactis to identify potential suppliers
5b. Could you please confirm the supplier for your current contract and the vendor that you are using? - Anywhere365
Date responded: 8 November 2023
CRM and CMS Platform Information
Date submitted: 11 October 2023
Summary of request
I kindly request information regarding the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Content Management System (CMS) platforms used by your council.
1. CRM Platform Information:
a. What CRM platform does your council currently use?
b. When is the contract end date for the CRM platform?
c. When was the CRM contract last re-tendered?
d. Could you please provide the contract value for the CRM platform? (Please note that invoices exceeding £5,000 are required to be accessible to the public.)
e. Is there an intent to release a tender for CRM platforms in the foreseeable future? If so, kindly provide an estimated timeline or relevant details.
2. CMS Platform Information:
a. What CMS platform does your council currently use?
b. When is the contract end date for the CMS platform?
c. When was the CMS contract last re-tendered?
d. Could you please provide the contract value for the CMS platform? (Please note that invoices exceeding £5,000 are required to be accessible to the public.)
e. Is there an intent to release a tender for CMS platforms in the foreseeable future? If so, kindly provide an estimated timeline or relevant details.
Summary of response
1. CRM Platform Information:
a. What CRM platform does your council currently use? - Firmstep
b. When is the contract end date for the CRM platform? - Rolling
c. When was the CRM contract last re-tendered? - 2020
d. Could you please provide the contract value for the CRM platform? (Please note that invoices exceeding £5,000 are required to be accessible to the public.) - £40-50k. For information, it’s transactions of value £500 and above have to be made available. Not the invoices.
e. Is there an intent to release a tender for CRM platforms in the foreseeable future? If so, kindly provide an estimated timeline or relevant details. - No intention to release a tender in the foreseeable future.
2. CMS Platform Information:
a. What CMS platform does your council currently use? - Umbraco, which is an open source product – it is free to use.
b. When is the contract end date for the CMS platform? - N/A
c. When was the CMS contract last re-tendered? - N/A
d. Could you please provide the contract value for the CMS platform? (Please note that invoices exceeding £5,000 are required to be accessible to the public.) - N/A
e. Is there an intent to release a tender for CMS platforms in the foreseeable future? If so, kindly provide an estimated timeline or relevant details. - No
Date responded: 25 October 2023
Homelessness staff on-site
Date submitted: 10 October 2023
Summary of request
Does your council have homelessness staff on-site at a council building to assess people approaching as homeless? (i.e. can people who are homeless go to council offices in person and be assessed by a person face-to-face).
If so, are the staff full time or part time? How many full time staff are there?
If full time, what happens at the weekend?
If part time, how many are there and how many days a week are people working in person?
If the council has no staff available for in person approaches, how do people approach the council?
Summary of response
Council offices are open Mon – Thurs 9-1in Honiton, Mon – Thurs 9-4 (at present) in Exmouth and manned by a Duty Housing Officer during those hours.
People can approach the offices to speak with a Triage Officer via the phone initially, the Triage Officer will determine if a face to face meeting with the Duty Housing Officer is necessary.
Once triaged, a Housing Officer will be assigned, and people can request a face to face Full Housing Assessment if they wish.
Applications can also be made via the phone, or email.
Outside of office hours we have an out of hours phone service.
Date responded: 31 October 2023
Road names changes & removal/relocation of monuments/plaques
Date submitted: 9 October 2023
Summary of request
I would like to know whether the council has changed the names of any roads in the area between 1 May 2020 and 6 October 2023. If so, I would like to know:
• The former name of the road, and what it was changed to
• The date the change took place
• Which stakeholders were consulted regarding the change
• How many road names have been changed in total
I would also like to know whether the council has removed or relocated any monuments, statues or plaques in the area between 1 May 2020 and 6 October 2023. If so, I would like to know:
• What the monument/statue represents (e.g. who is it a statue of?) or what is written on the plaque
• Where it has been moved and where it was previously installed
• Which stakeholders were consulted regarding the change
• How many monuments, statues or plaques have been relocated or removed in total
Summary of response
I would like to know whether the council has changed the names of any roads in the area between 1 May 2020 and 6 October 2023 - No the council hasn't
If so, I would like to know:
• The former name of the road, and what it was changed to
• The date the change took place
• Which stakeholders were consulted regarding the change
• How many road names have been changed in total
I would also like to know whether the council has removed or relocated any monuments, statues or plaques in the area between 1 May 2020 and 6 October 2023 - No the council hasn't
If so, I would like to know:
• What the monument/statue represents (e.g. who is it a statue of?) or what is written on the plaque
• Where it has been moved and where it was previously installed
• Which stakeholders were consulted regarding the change
• How many monuments, statues or plaques have been relocated or removed in total
Date responded: 20 October 2023
Planning appeal cost awards
Date submitted: 6 October 2023
Summary of request
Please can you provide the following information about each planning appeal cost award or partial cost award made against your council (including information for any now-defunct councils that have been merged into your council) by planning inspectors between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2023:
• Date of cost award decision
• Date of appeal decision letter (if different to date of costs award decision)
• Has the amount of the cost award been determined (yes/no)?
• Amount of sum negotiated between the applicant and council for cost award (£)
• Was the decision that was the subject of the appeal made against officer recommendation (£)?
• PINS case reference number
Please could you also provide the following information about each planning appeal cost award or partial cost award made against an applicant in your council’s favour by planning inspectors between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2023 (please include information for any now-defunct councils that have been merged into your council):
• Date of cost award decision
• Date of appeal decision letter (if different to date of costs award decision)
• Has the amount of the cost award been determined (yes/no)?
• Amount of sum negotiated between the applicant and council for cost award (£)
• Was the decision that was the subject of the appeal made against officer recommendation (yes/no)?
• PINS case reference number
Summary of response
Planning appeal cost award or partial cost award made against the council –
Planning Inspectorate Ref. APP/U1105/W/19/3231349 decision dated 20 December 2019. Full award of costs amounting to £4425.66 + vat, decision made against Officer recommendation.
Planning Inspectorate Ref. APP/U1105/F/20/3258749 decision dated 18 May 2021. Partial award of costs which has not been submitted or settled.
Planning appeal cost award or partial cost award made against an applicant in council’s favour –
None.
Date responded: 20 October 2023
New council housing sold under Right to Buy
Date submitted: 5 October 2023
Summary of request
In this request, ‘council housing’ includes housing built/owned by ALMOs, and includes both new-builds and acquisitions, but not renovations/refurbishments of existing council housing units (unless it involved demolishing old units and replacing them with new-builds).
This request is not asking for ‘net’ figures – so for question 3, if the council added 50 new council housing units between 2011 and 2015 but lost (through whatever route) 45 council housing units during that period, the response to question 3 would be 50, not five.
1. How many new council housing units did the council complete between 2003 and 2010 (inclusive)?
2. Of the units referred to in response to question 1, how many have now been sold under the Right to Buy scheme?
3. How many new council housing units did the council complete between 2011 and 2015 (inclusive)?
4. Of the units referred to in response to question 3, how many have now been sold under the Right to Buy scheme?
5. How many new council housing units did the council complete between 2016 and 2020 (inclusive)?
6. Of the units referred to in response to question 5, how many have now been sold under the Right to Buy scheme?
Summary of response
In this request, ‘council housing’ includes housing built/owned by ALMOs, and includes both new-builds and acquisitions, but not renovations/refurbishments of existing council housing units (unless it involved demolishing old units and replacing them with new-builds).
This request is not asking for ‘net’ figures – so for question 3, if the council added 50 new council housing units between 2011 and 2015 but lost (through whatever route) 45 council housing units during that period, the response to question 3 would be 50, not five.
1. How many new council housing units did the council complete between 2003 and 2010 (inclusive)? - Zero
2. Of the units referred to in response to question 1, how many have now been sold under the Right to Buy scheme? - Zero
3. How many new council housing units did the council complete between 2011 and 2015 (inclusive)? - Zero
4. Of the units referred to in response to question 3, how many have now been sold under the Right to Buy scheme? - Zero
5. How many new council housing units did the council complete between 2016 and 2020 (inclusive)? - Zero
6. Of the units referred to in response to question 5, how many have now been sold under the Right to Buy scheme? - Zero
Date responded: 25 October 2023
Animal welfare enforcement visits and warrants
Date submitted: 5 October 2023
Summary of request
1. How many raids, welfare enforcement visits and warrants were executed under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 between 31st August 2019 and 31st August 2023 by the council with the assistance of the RSPCA on the day. Please indicate the RSPCA level of assistance if known, i.e transport only, assessment, physical handling of animals etc.
2. How many raids, welfare enforcement visits and warrants were executed under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 during the same period by the council without the presence and assistance of the RSPCA.
3. Please indicate which type of council officers were present during the above action and how many of each type if known Animal Welfare Officers, Animal Licensing Officers, Animal Health Officers, Other.
4. How many requests for information or assistance were made to the council in relation to Animal Welfare issues between 31st August 2019 and 31st August 2023 by the local police authority; by the RSPCA.
5. How many of the above actions were on domestic premises; rescues; boarding kennels, and Animal Welfare Establishments
(AWE’s) including sanctuaries, and how many were puppy farms?
6. How many animals were seized during the above actions and removed from the premises, please breakdown by type, ie, dogs, cats, horses - paying particular attention to dogs.
7. How many animals paying specific reference to dogs were euthanised ‘on site’ during the above actions.
8. How many of those animals euthanised on site during the above actions were euthanised due to welfare issues; deemed too dangerous/difficult to handle or to transport, with specific reference to dogs. Please state any other reasons for euthanasia with numbers, with specific reference to dogs.
9.. How many animals which were seized, specifically dogs were later euthanised due welfare issues; too difficult to handle/aggressive or any other reason.
10. Please provide a breakdown of dogs by breed of those euthanised if known i.e., German Shepherd, Jack Russell etc. Or by size, small, medium, large dogs if known.
11. If this information is not held by you, please indicate which council should be contacted for assistance.
12. Please provide the information in the form of an email.
Summary of response
1. How many raids, welfare enforcement visits and warrants were executed under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 between 31st August 2019 and 31st August 2023 by the council with the assistance of the RSPCA on the day. Please indicate the RSPCA level of assistance if known, i.e transport only, assessment, physical handling of animals etc. - NONE
2. How many raids, welfare enforcement visits and warrants were executed under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 during the same period by the council without the presence and assistance of the RSPCA. - NONE
3. Please indicate which type of council officers were present during the above action and how many of each type if known Animal Welfare Officers, Animal Licensing Officers, Animal Health Officers, Other. - N/A
4. How many requests for information or assistance were made to the council in relation to Animal Welfare issues between 31st August 2019 and 31st August 2023 by the local police authority; by the RSPCA. - NONE
5. How many of the above actions were on domestic premises; rescues; boarding kennels, and Animal Welfare Establishments
(AWE’s) including sanctuaries, and how many were puppy farms? - N/A
6. How many animals were seized during the above actions and removed from the premises, please breakdown by type, ie, dogs, cats, horses - paying particular attention to dogs. - N/A
7. How many animals paying specific reference to dogs were euthanised ‘on site’ during the above actions. - N/A
8. How many of those animals euthanised on site during the above actions were euthanised due to welfare issues; deemed too dangerous/difficult to handle or to transport, with specific reference to dogs. Please state any other reasons for euthanasia with numbers, with specific reference to dogs. - N/A
9.. How many animals which were seized, specifically dogs were later euthanised due welfare issues; too difficult to handle/aggressive or any other reason. - N/A
10. Please provide a breakdown of dogs by breed of those euthanised if known i.e., German Shepherd, Jack Russell etc. Or by size, small, medium, large dogs if known. - N/A
11. If this information is not held by you, please indicate which council should be contacted for assistance.
12. Please provide the information in the form of an email.
Date responded: 27 October 2023
Most common bulky waste items
Date submitted: 5 October 2023
Summary of request
1. The most common bulky waste items collected from outside of UK properties over the last 12 months?
1a. How many of each common item were disposed in the last 12 months? Please can this be broken down by month.
2. How many mattresses have you collected from outside of UK properties over the last 12 months? Please can this be broken down by month.
3. How much have UK residents paid for bulky waste collections in the last 12 months? Please can this be broken down by month.
Summary of response
1. The most common bulky waste items collected from outside of UK properties over the last 12 months? - We do not record the types of items that we collect other than white goods.
1a. How many of each common item were disposed in the last 12 months? Please can this be broken down by month - N/A. Please see answer to question 1 above
2. How many mattresses have you collected from outside of UK properties over the last 12 months? Please can this be broken down by month - N/A. Please see answer to question 1 above
3. How much have UK residents paid for bulky waste collections in the last 12 months? Please can this be broken down by month - Please see breakdown below:
• Oct 2022 - £350
• Nov 2022 - £140
• Dec 2022 - £275
• Jan 2023 - £340
• Feb 2023 - £315
• March 2023 - £225
• April 2023 - £47
• May 2023 - £193
• June 2023 - £235
• July 2023 - £94
• Aug 2023 - £735
• Sept 2023 - £329
Date responded: 31 October 2023
Dogs euthanised in EDDC area
Date submitted: 5 October 2023
Summary of request
Please may we have information on the number of dogs put to sleep in your area by your local authority in the following format:
• Monthly figures for the past three years to the most recent date available.
(e.g. if the most recent date is August 2023, please provide data for Sep 2020 to Aug 2021, Sep 2021 to Aug 2022 and Sep 2022 to Aug 2023.)
• If dog breed/type is recorded, monthly figures for the past three years for American Bullies, including XLs, put to sleep by your local authority.
Summary of response
You requested data on the number of dogs put to sleep by the local authority in EDDC area.
Within the date range specified one dog has been euthanised -
18.08.2023
The Police’s dog liaison officer typed the dog as a Pitbull Terrier while it was in LA’s kennels.
Date responded: 27 October 2023
Outsourced Printing
Date submitted: 3 October 2023
Summary of request
Do you outsource your annual and daily billing print and mail requirements? If so, who is your current provider and when does your contract(s) end?
Who provides your electoral print requirements including postal vote packs, poll cards, annual canvass, grass skirts etc? When does your current contract(s) end?
Summary of response
Do you outsource your annual and daily billing print and mail requirements? If so, who is your current provider and when does your contract(s) end?
Yes – Latchams for EDDC Annual Billing; Contract end date – Latchams – April 2024
Who provides your electoral print requirements including postal vote packs, poll cards, annual canvass, grass skirts etc? When does your current contract(s) end? - Yes – Latchams for electoral print requirements; Contract end date – Latchams – April 2024
Date responded: 25 October 2023
Frequency of the council's general waste collection.
Date submitted: 29 September 2023
Summary of request
What is the frequency of the council's general waste collection?
Summary of response
You requested to know the frequency of the council's general waste collection.
Household waste is collected every 3 weeks
Food waste is collected weekly
Recycling is collected weekly
Date responded: 29 September 2023
Local housing demand and supply
Date submitted: 29 September 2023
Summary of request
- The number of people on the local authority's housing waiting list as of September 2023
- The number of people on the local authority's housing waiting list as of September 2022
- The number of social/council homes completed in 2022/23
- The number of social/council homes "lost" (e.g. demolished, sold, etc.) in 2022/23
- The total social/council home stock as of September 2023
In essence, I am looking for the net gain/loss in public housing in the area and the local housing need.
Summary of response
- The number of people on the local authority's housing waiting list as of September 2023 - 5666
- The number of people on the local authority's housing waiting list as of September 2022 - 5076
- The number of social/council homes completed in 2022/23 - 4. These are all acquisitions not new builds
- The number of social/council homes "lost" (e.g. demolished, sold, etc.) in 2022/23 - 32 sales
- The total social/council home stock as of September 2023 - 4168 stock total (includes 6 rooms and 14 rooms used for temporary accommodation).
Date responded: 11 October 2023
Buildings with RAAC Concrete
Date submitted: 25 September 2023
Summary of request
Please provide details of all buildings in East Devon affected by RAAC Concrete and what remedial work is being undertaken.
Summary of response
You requested to know details of all buildings in East Devon affected by RAAC Concrete and what remedial work is being undertaken - We are not aware of any EDDC buildings that are affected by RAAC Concrete.
Date responded: 26 September 2023
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund
Date submitted: 5 September 2023
Summary of request
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund - Wave 1 Funding
1. Please confirm the amount of money spent in total of the Wave 1 SHDF Fund
2. Please confirm the total amount of properties retrofitted.
3. Please identify all measures (including product and supplier name) installed.
4. Please provide a breakdown of costs for each measure (including product and supplier name) installed
5. Please identify who was responsible for the SHDF Wave 1 Project
6. Please identify who is responsible for the SHDF Wave 2 Project
Summary of response
You requested information on the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. Please see our response below:
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund - Wave 1 Funding
1. Please confirm the amount of money spent in total of the Wave 1 SHDF Fund - £1.2m
2. Please confirm the total amount of properties retrofitted - 50
3. Please identify all measures (including product and supplier name) installed - Please clarify the information sought.
4. Please provide a breakdown of costs for each measure (including product and supplier name) installed - Please see above request for clarity
5. Please identify who was responsible for the SHDF Wave 1 Project - The Housing Service/Property & Asset Team of the council.
6. Please identify who is responsible for the SHDF Wave 2 Project - EDDC is not proceeding with Wave 2.
Date responded: 5 September 2023
Art owned and sold by the council
Date submitted: 30 August 2023
Summary of request
1. The total number of works of art owned by your local authority.
2. The estimated total value.
3. The number of works currently on display.
4. How many works of art have been donated by the local authority over the past five years?
5. How many works of art have been leased by the local authority over the past five years and the total revenue.
6. How many works of art have been sold by the local authority over the past five years and the total proceeds from any sales.
7. The cost to the local authority of maintaining your art collection for the financial year 2022/23. Please include any costs for security, conservation and insurance.
Summary of response
1. The total number of works of art owned by your local authority - Zero
2. The estimated total value - N/A
3. The number of works currently on display - Zero
4. How many works of art have been donated by the local authority over the past five years? - Zero
5. How many works of art have been leased by the local authority over the past five years and the total revenue - Zero
6. How many works of art have been sold by the local authority over the past five years and the total proceeds from any sales - Zero
7. The cost to the local authority of maintaining your art collection for the financial year 2022/23. Please include any costs for security, conservation and insurance - N/A
Date responded: 25 September 2023
People with disabilities living in temporary accommodation
Date submitted: 29 August 2023
Summary of request
Do you record people’s disabilities when placing them into temporary accommodation?
If so, how many people currently living in temporary accommodation (that you placed there) have disabilities?
What percentage is that of the total number of people currently living in temporary accommodation (that you placed there)?
How do you record their disabilities? (Please describe the recording system you have in place and how the data is stored)
How is the data used? (for example are residents with disabilities prioritised in any way when they need a repair/help)
Summary of response
Do you record people’s disabilities when placing them into temporary accommodation? - No
If so, how many people currently living in temporary accommodation (that you placed there) have disabilities? - N/A
What percentage is that of the total number of people currently living in temporary accommodation (that you placed there)? - N/A
How do you record their disabilities? (Please describe the recording system you have in place and how the data is stored) - N/A
How is the data used? (for example are residents with disabilities prioritised in any way when they need a repair/help) - N/A
Date responded: 31 August 2023
Number of Summons, Liability Orders & Hearings 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023
Date submitted: 29 August 2023
Summary of request
1. How many summons regarding non-payment of council tax were issued and served in 2021 and 2022 and, to date, in 2023?
2. Consequently, how many notice of liability orders were served in 2021, 2022 and, to date, in 2023?
3. How many non-payment of council tax hearings were adjourned after the first sitting in the Magistrates' Court in 2021, 2022 and, to date, in 2023
Summary of response
You requested to know data concerning summons, liability orders and adjournments. Please see our response below:
1. How many summons regarding non-payment of council tax were issued and served in 2021 and 2022 and, to date, in 2023?
2. Consequently, how many notice of liability orders were served in 2021, 2022 and, to date, in 2023?
3. How many non-payment of council tax hearings were adjourned after the first sitting in the Magistrates' Court in 2021, 2022 and, to date, in 2023
1 - Summons
2021 – 4371
2022 – 3116
2023 – 2644
2 – Liability orders
2021 – 2570
2022 – 2510
2023 – 1865
3 - Adjournments
2021 – 5
2022 – 2
2023 – 3
Date responded: 25 September 2023
Homelessness cases referred to Now Medical Ltd
Date submitted: 29 August 2023
Summary of request
From the 1st January to the 31st December 2022:
1.
a. How many homelessness cases were referred to Now Medical Ltd
b. Of those cases identified in 1a, how many cases concerned vulnerability in relation to priority need under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996
c. Of those from 1b, how many responses from Now Medical Ltd supported the conclusion that the individual was vulnerable?
d. Of those from 1b, how many cases were then found to be vulnerable in the s.184 decision letter and therefore in priority need?
2.
a. How many cases were referred to Housing Reviews Ltd
b. Of those identified, how many cases concerned vulnerability in relation to priority need under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996
c. Of those from 2b, how many supported the conclusion that the individual was vulnerable?
d. Of those from 2b, how many cases were found to be vulnerable and therefore in priority need?
Summary of response
From the 1st January to the 31st December 2022:
1.
a. How many homelessness cases were referred to Now Medical Ltd - Zero
b. Of those cases identified in 1a, how many cases concerned vulnerability in relation to priority need under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 - N/A
c. Of those from 1b, how many responses from Now Medical Ltd supported the conclusion that the individual was vulnerable? - N/A
d. Of those from 1b, how many cases were then found to be vulnerable in the s.184 decision letter and therefore in priority need? - N/A
2.
a. How many cases were referred to Housing Reviews Ltd - Zero
b. Of those identified, how many cases concerned vulnerability in relation to priority need under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 - N/A
c. Of those from 2b, how many supported the conclusion that the individual was vulnerable? - N/A
d. Of those from 2b, how many cases were found to be vulnerable and therefore in priority need? - N/A
Date responded: 31 August 2023
Facilities Management
Date submitted: 24 August 2023
Summary of request
1. Office and building cleaning – Service contract that is focused around office, commercial and building cleaning services.
2. Lift service and maintenance – Service contract for lift service and maintenance.
3. Food – Service contract that is focused around catering services.
4. General waste services contracts – The organisation’s primary general waste service contract.
5. Laundry services - where clothes and linen can be washed and ironed.
1. Contract profile questionnaire for each type of contract:
2. Supplier/Provider of the services
3. Total Annual Spend – The spend should only relate to each of the service contracts listed above.
4. A description of the services provided under this contract please includes information if other services are included under the same contract.
5. The number of sites the contract covers
6. [ONLY FOR LIFT CONTRACT] The Brand name of the type of lifts used by the organisation
7. The start date of the contract
8. The end date of the contract
9. The duration of the contract, please include information on any extensions period.
10. Who within the organisation is responsible for each of these contracts? name, Job Title, contact number and email address.
Summary of response
1. Office and building cleaning – Service contract that is focused around office, commercial and building cleaning services - Please see below
2. Lift service and maintenance – Service contract for lift service and maintenance - Please see below
3. Food – Service contract that is focused around catering services – Not EDDC
4. General waste services contracts – The organisation’s primary general waste service contract - Please see below
5. Laundry services - where clothes and linen can be washed and ironed – Not EDDC
1. Office and building cleaning – Service contract that is focus around office, commercial and building cleaning services:
1. Supplier/Provider of the services – The service agreement is with an external contractor
2. Total Annual Spend – The spend should only relate to each of the service contract listed above: circa £80k
3. A description of the services provided under this contract please includes information if other services are included under the same contract - Office Cleaning
4. The number of sites the contract covers - 4 sites
5. The start date of the contract - January 2019
6. The end date of the contract - Rolling annual contract
7. The duration of the contract, please include information on any extension period - Rolling annual contract
8. Who within the organisation is responsible for each of these contracts? Name, Job Title, contact number and email address - Principal Building Surveyor, propety@eastdevon.gov.uk
2. Lift service and maintenance – Service contract for lift service and maintenance:
1. Supplier/Provider of the services – The maintenance agreement is with an external provider
2. Total Annual Spend – The spend should only relate to each of the service contract listed above - For 2023/2024 for all sites circa £1600
3. A description of the services provided under this contract please includes information if other services are included under the same contract - Lift Maintenance and LOLER inspections
4. The number of sites the contract covers - 7 sites
5. Lift Types - Orona, Thyssen Krupp, Stannah, Kone, Terry, Concorde
6. The start date of the contract - April 2021
7. The end date of the contract - March 2024
8. The duration of the contract, please include information on any extensions period - 3 years with the option of a 1 year extension
9. Who within the organisation is responsible for each of these contracts? Name, Job Title, contact number and email address – Principal Building Surveyor, property@eastdevon.gov.uk
4. General waste services contracts – The organisation’s primary general waste service contract:
1. Supplier/Provider of the services - SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
2. Total Annual Spend - The spend should only relate to each of the service contract listed above – circa 7 million/year
3. A description of the services provided under this contract please includes information if other services are included under the same contract - Kerb side collection of domestic recyclables and general waste, separation of some recyclable materials, trading of some materials, servicing of dog bins
4. The number of sites the contract covers - circa 74,000 domestic households
5. The start date of the contract - 1st July 2016
6. The end date of the contract - 30th June 2026 (including extensions)
7. The duration of the contract, please include information on any extensions period - 7 years plus the option of 3 years of extension giving a total contract term of 10 years
8. Who within the organisation is responsible for each of these contracts? name, Job Title, contact number and email address - Gareth Bourton, Recycling & Waste Manager, gbourton@eastdevon.gov.uk
Date responded: 5 September 2023
Use of force in respect of antisocial behaviour
Date submitted: 23 August 2023
Summary of request
For the purposes of this request, I define “use of force” as force used on behalf of the Council to protect the public and themselves from harm. Use of force includes, but is not limited to, the following tactics: handcuffing people, unarmed skills (including pressure points, restraints and takedowns), limb/ body restraints, drawing or use of irritant spray, spit guards, batons, firing rubber bullets. Use of force includes both physical and mechanical restraint.
I am interested in roles that are both directly employed by the council or arranged by private sector providers (commercial partners) through contractual arrangements with the Council.
Q1. Are there roles within the Council regarding the management of anti-social behaviour? The role may be called ‘Security Officer’, ‘Security Manager’, “Ranger”, or another title. Please answer either “yes” or “no”. If the Council does not employ staff to manage anti-social behaviour, please ignore the remaining questions of this request.
Q2. Are any of these roles regarding the management of anti-social behaviour authorised to use physical intervention or force? Please answer either “yes” or “no”.
Q3. For the purposes of this request, I will refer to those employed by the Council regarding the management of anti-social behaviour as “Security Officers”. If the Security Officer role is authorised to use physical intervention or force, please share the following information:
Any forms, or written documents from employees after using force between 1 June 2022 and 1 June 2023. These may be called “incident forms” or “high profile notification forms”, or the Council may use a different terminology internally. Please indicate if the Council does not require employees to debrief in this way after use of force. I understand these may be redacted for personal information but I ask that you redact only exempted information and justify the use of those exemptions. I also kindly remind you that the time taken for redactions does not usually contribute towards the cost cap under FOI.
Copies of the minutes of all Council use of force governance meetings. Please indicate if the Council does not hold meetings to scrutinise use of force. I understand these may be redacted for personal information but I ask that you redact only exempted information and justify the use of those exemptions, as above.
Copies of any written documents that were distributed to those attending each use of force governance meetings. I understand these may be redacted for personal information but I ask that you redact only exempted information and justify the use of those exemptions, as above.
Copies of any presentations, such as PowerPoint slideshows, which were shown during each use of force governance meeting. I understand these may be redacted for personal information but I ask that you redact only exempted information and justify the use of those exemptions, as above.
Summary of response
Q1. Are there roles within the Council regarding the management of anti-social behaviour? The role may be called ‘Security Officer’, ‘Security Manager’, “Ranger”, or another title. Please answer either “yes” or “no”. If the Council does not employ staff to manage anti-social behaviour, please ignore the remaining questions of this request - Yes. The Council has several posts that manage ASB within their roles. These are; ASB officer, Environmental Protection Technical Officers and Housing Estate Management Officers
Q2. Are any of these roles regarding the management of anti-social behaviour authorised to use physical intervention or force? Please answer either “yes” or “no” - NO
Q3. For the purposes of this request, I will refer to those employed by the Council regarding the management of anti-social behaviour as “Security Officers”. If the Security Officer role is authorised to use physical intervention or force, please share the following information - Council Officers are not authorised to use force and we have no documentation to provide re the following:
Any forms, or written documents from employees after using force between 1 June 2022 and 1 June 2023. These may be called “incident forms” or “high profile notification forms”, or the Council may use a different terminology internally. Please indicate if the Council does not require employees to debrief in this way after use of force. I understand these may be redacted for personal information but I ask that you redact only exempted information and justify the use of those exemptions. I also kindly remind you that the time taken for redactions does not usually contribute towards the cost cap under FOI.
Copies of the minutes of all Council use of force governance meetings. Please indicate if the Council does not hold meetings to scrutinise use of force. I understand these may be redacted for personal information but I ask that you redact only exempted information and justify the use of those exemptions, as above.
Copies of any written documents that were distributed to those attending each use of force governance meetings. I understand these may be redacted for personal information but I ask that you redact only exempted information and justify the use of those exemptions, as above.
Copies of any presentations, such as PowerPoint slideshows, which were shown during each use of force governance meeting. I understand these may be redacted for personal information but I ask that you redact only exempted information and justify the use of those exemptions, as above.
Date responded: 25 August 2023
AED/Defibrillators
Date submitted: 23 August 2023
Summary of request
• Do you have an AED in place at the moment? If yes, how many?
• Is there an annual service contract for the AEDs? If so, with whom?
• How many of your locations/sites have AEDs and how many do not?
• What are the contractual performance KPI's for this contract?
• Suppliers who bid for this contract and were successful and not successful at the SQ & ITT stages
• Start date & duration of contract?
• Could you please provide a copy of the service/product specification given to all bidders for when this contract was last advertised?
• Is there an extension clause in the contract(s) and, if so, the duration of the extension?
• When is the current contract due to expire?
• Who is the key decision maker for the purchase of AEDs?
• Can you please provide the email contact details of the key decision maker for the purchase of AEDs?
• Do you intend to purchase or upgrade your AEDs in the next 3 to 5 years? If so, when?
• Which brand(s) of AED is currently used by your organisation?
• How much have you spent on a) purchasing AEDs and b) servicing AEDs?
• Is there an annual service contract for the AEDs? If so, with whom?
Summary of response
• Do you have an AED in place at the moment? If yes, how many? - 4 (1 each at 4 sites, Exmouth Town Hall, Blackdown House, Camperdown depot and Seaton Wetlands) plus12 in 12 out of 14 of the Council's Community centres
• Is there an annual service contract for the AEDs? If so, with whom? - The annual service contract is with South West Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT)
• How many of your locations/sites have AEDs and how many do not? - See above. 6 sites don't have Defibs
• What are the contractual performance KPI's for this contract? - Checked & reported to The Circuit, The National Defibrillator Network monthly
• Suppliers who bid for this contract and were successful and not successful at the SQ & ITT stages - Information not known
• Start date & duration of contract? - September 1st 2021 and continues for 4 years
• Could you please provide a copy of the service/product specification given to all bidders for when this contract was last advertised? - Information not known
• Is there an extension clause in the contract(s) and, if so, the duration of the extension? - No
• When is the current contract due to expire? - As above
• Who is the key decision maker for the purchase of AEDs? - Andrew Ennis (now left)
• Can you please provide the email contact details of the key decision maker for the purchase of AEDs? - Matthew Blythe, Assistant Director - Environmental Health environmentalhealth@eastdevon.gov.uk
• Do you intend to purchase or upgrade your AEDs in the next 3 to 5 years? If so, when? - Not decided
• Which brand(s) of AED is currently used by your organisation? - Cardiac Science G5; NF1200 AED
• How much have you spent on a) purchasing AEDs and b) servicing AEDs? - £1800 excluding VAT additional defib support package 1.1 1.2 1.3 and 1.4 at £1000 for 4 units only. The other units at the community centres were donated to EDDC following fund raising by a tenant
• Is there an annual service contract for the AEDs? If so, with whom? - South West Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT)
Date responded: 14 September 2023
Utility Expenses
Date submitted: 23 August 2023
Summary of request
This is an information request relating to payments made for utility expenses for councillors and council staff.
Please include the following information, broken down by the 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years:
• The number of payments made for home gas and electricity expenses for councillors and council staff
• The total value of payments made for home gas and electricity expenses for councillors and council staff
• The number of payments made for home water expenses for councillors and council staff
• The total value of payments made for home water expenses for councillors and council staff
Summary of response
East Devon District Council does not make any payments for employees' or Councillors' utilities expenses.
his is an information request relating to payments made for utility expenses for councillors and council staff.
Please include the following information, broken down by the 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years:
• The number of payments made for home gas and electricity expenses for councillors and council staff
• The total value of payments made for home gas and electricity expenses for councillors and council staff
• The number of payments made for home water expenses for councillors and council staff
• The total value of payments made for home water expenses for councillors and council staff
Date responded: 23 August 2023
Afghans owed a homelessness prevention duty
Date submitted: 23 August 2023
Summary of request
(1.) The total number of Afghans that were housed in temporary accommodation in your local authority as of April 2023 after being resettled under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy scheme or the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.
(2.) The total number of Afghans who were housed in temporary accommodation under either of the above schemes in your local authority who are now owed a homelessness prevention duty or relief by you.
(3.) If possible, please tell me how many of (2.) are children.
(4.) The total number of Afghans who were housed in temporary accommodation under either of the above schemes in your local authority who the council have prevented or relieved from homelessness.
Summary of response
(1.) The total number of Afghans that were housed in temporary accommodation in your local authority as of April 2023 after being resettled under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy scheme or the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme - 0
(2.) The total number of Afghans who were housed in temporary accommodation under either of the above schemes in your local authority who are now owed a homelessness prevention duty or relief by you - 0
(3.) If possible, please tell me how many of (2.) are children - 0
(4.) The total number of Afghans who were housed in temporary accommodation under either of the above schemes in your local authority who the council have prevented or relieved from homelessness - 0
Date responded: 24 August 2023
England flag and opening hours - during Women's football
Date submitted: 23 August 2023
Summary of request
Does the Council own an England flag (Flag of St George)?
Did the Council fly the England flag from their offices on Sunday 20th August 2023?
Did the Council extend alcohol licensing hours for licensed venues on Sunday 20th August 2023?
Summary of response
Does the Council own an England flag (Flag of St George)? - Yes
Did the Council fly the England flag from their offices on Sunday 20th August 2023? - No
Did the Council extend alcohol licensing hours for licensed venues on Sunday 20th August 2023? - East Devon District Council did not extend alcohol licensing hours on Sunday 20th August as only the Government has powers to do this on a blanket basis. Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003 makes provision for the government to issue an order to extend licensing hours for special occasions such as this, but the Government declined to do so in this instance. However, further to the letter sent by the Rt Hon Michael Gove (Secretary of State for Levelling up, Housing and Communities Minister for Intergovernmental Relations), to all Heads of Councils, we followed the direction outlined in the letter in applying flexibility and proportionality to enquiries about extension of licence hours. This approach was in common with the other Devon Local Authorities and in agreement with our Police colleagues.
Date responded: 25 August 2023
List of Dog Wardens & Rescue Centres
Date submitted: 21 August 2023
Summary of request
We are an Animal Microchip Database approved by DEFRA and we are looking for some contact information about your local Dog wardens & Rescue Centres so we have an accurate point of contact for stray needs and also to provide them with a welfare account with us .
Ideally we are wanting a list of all the dog wardens that operate under the Council and their contact details such as Name, Email address, Contact number & Address if applicable.
It would also be greatly appreciated if you could provide us with a list of postcodes or towns that fall under your Authority so we can better direct customers to the correct Warden/Approved persons
Summary of response
East Devon District Council have one Dog Warden Service - Foredowne Kennels and Cattery Newton Abbot
We occasionally use ARC Animal Rescue - Contact | ARC Animal rescue (arcrescue.co.uk).
Date responded: 23 August 2023
Animals confiscated under the Dangerous Wild Animal Act
Date submitted: 21 August 2023
Summary of request
1) Since 1st January 2018, how many times have you confiscated animals under the Dangerous Wild Animal Act? Which species of animal have been confiscated in these instances?
2) Since 1st January 2018, how many individuals in your local authority have been prosecuted and subsequently convicted under the Dangerous Wild Animal Act? Which species of animal were involved? What sentences were imposed?
3) Since 1st January 2018, how many individuals in your local authority have you instigated prosecution against under the Dangerous Wild Animal Act, but have not subsequently been convicted? Which species of animal were involved? Why were the individuals not convicted?
4) Since 1st January 2018, how many individuals in your local authority have you considered prosecuting under the Dangerous Wild Animal Act, but have subsequently chosen not to prosecute? Which species of animal were involved? Why were the individuals not prosecuted?
5) Since 1st January 2018, how many individuals have been granted a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence as an alternative to the confiscation of their animal/s? Which species of animal were involved?
Summary of response
You asked for information on how many times we have confiscated animals under the Dangerous Wild Animal Act.
We only have 1 licence currently and I can confirm that we haven’t confiscated any DWA Licences in the past.
Date responded: 22 August 2023
Attenuation system and the Management requirements - Ottery st Mary
Date submitted: 17 August 2023
Summary of request
We have some information requests linked to:
Permission application No 14/0462/NAR
Permission application No12/1622/MFUL
We ask for this information because due to the builders (Feniton Park Ltd - Mr David Cultler) being in receivership Managment on the Estate has been neglected. We are trying to remedy this but find ourselves without key information. We see from the planning application that an attenuation system was employed to avoid possible flooding in Ottery town centre, however we have no plans to clarify how it is a accessed, where it is or how often it should be flushed and the requirements given for good management.
Application No 12/1622/NAR Condition 3. States “Geotechnical investigation report, prepared by Clark Bond South West and Wales Ltd. And dated July 2009 or any subsequent report that may be prepared...
Later in Application No 14/0462/NAR condition 8. Management and maintenance of the drainage system shall be carried out in accordance with the letter of Mark Mabey dated 29th March 2013 and approved in association with application 12/1622/MFUL...
We would like to acquire plans and relevant detailed information showing the attenuation system and the Managment requirements.
Summary of response
Application No 12/1622/NAR Condition 3. States “Geotechnical investigation report, prepared by Clark Bond South West and Wales Ltd. And dated July 2009 or any subsequent report that may be prepared. Please provide a copy of the report.
Reply: The report is on the website under general correspondence. It has been renamed to: Geotechnical investigation under 12/1622/MFUL | Construction of 10 no. dwellings, two flats and a commercial building with associated parking and amenity facilities | Marist Convent 8 Broad Street Ottery St Mary EX11 1BZ
Later in Application No 14/0462/VAR condition 8. Management and maintenance of the drainage system shall be carried out in accordance with the letter of Mark Mabey dated 29th March 2013 and approved in association with application 12/1622/MFUL. Please provide a copy of this letter.
Reply: The letter is part of the Discharge of Condition dated 9 April 2013 under 12/1622/MFUL | Construction of 10 no. dwellings, two flats and a commercial building with associated parking and amenity facilities | Marist Convent 8 Broad Street Ottery St Mary EX11 1BZ
https://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=M7PCP5GH3A000
Date responded: 6 September 2023
LOBO Loan
Date submitted: 16 August 2023
Summary of request
Does East Devon District Council have a LOBO Loan, if so what are the details ie. amount of loan, term of loan, interest rates/payment dates.
Summary of response
Does East Devon District Council have a LOBO Loan, if so what are the details i.e. amount of loan, term of loan, interest rates/payment dates. - No, East Devon DD do not hold any LOBO loans.
Date responded: 17 August 2023
Private Rented Sector Enforcement
Date submitted: 15 August 2023
Summary of request
1. The total number of Civil Penalties relating to housing offences served to private landlords per year for the following years:
2021/2022
2022/2023
2. The number of Civil Penalties issued to private landlords each year (so 2021/2022 & 2022/2023) for each of the following offences:
a) Failure to comply with an Improvement Notice (section 30 of the Housing Act 2004)
b) Offences in relation to licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (section 72 of the Housing Act 2004)
c) Offences in relation to licensing of houses under Part 3 of the Act (section 95 of the Housing Act 2004)
d) Offences of contravention of an overcrowding notice (section 139 of the Housing Act 2004)
e) Failure to comply with management regulations in respect of Houses in Multiple Occupation (section 234 of the Housing Act 2004)
f) Banning Orders under the Housing and Planning Act 2016
g) Offences in relation to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations
3. The total amount of income (£) levied (so before appeals/negotiations/legal costs etc) in Civil Penalties relating to housing offences to private landlords per year for the following years:
2021/2022
2022/2023
4. The total amount of income (£) collected (after appeals/negotiations/legal costs etc) in Civil Penalties relating to housing offences to private landlords per year for the following years:
2021/2022
2022/2023
Summary of response
The Council has not issued any civil penalties to landlords in the time frames you have specified.
1. The total number of Civil Penalties relating to housing offences served to private landlords per year for the following years:
2021/2022
2022/2023
2. The number of Civil Penalties issued to private landlords each year (so 2021/2022 & 2022/2023) for each of the following offences:
a) Failure to comply with an Improvement Notice (section 30 of the Housing Act 2004)
b) Offences in relation to licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (section 72 of the Housing Act 2004)
c) Offences in relation to licensing of houses under Part 3 of the Act (section 95 of the Housing Act 2004)
d) Offences of contravention of an overcrowding notice (section 139 of the Housing Act 2004)
e) Failure to comply with management regulations in respect of Houses in Multiple Occupation (section 234 of the Housing Act 2004)
f) Banning Orders under the Housing and Planning Act 2016
g) Offences in relation to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations
3. The total amount of income (£) levied (so before appeals/negotiations/legal costs etc) in Civil Penalties relating to housing offences to private landlords per year for the following years:
2021/2022
2022/2023
4. The total amount of income (£) collected (after appeals/negotiations/legal costs etc) in Civil Penalties relating to housing offences to private landlords per year for the following years:
2021/2022
2022/2023
Date responded: 23 August 2023
EV charge points for any grade 2 listed buildings
Date submitted: 15 August 2023
Summary of request
Have you approved installation of EV (electrical vehicle) charge points for any grade 2 listed buildings and if so, how many in the last five years?
Did you require any of those approved to submit a listed building consent application, again if so, how many of them?
Of those approved EV charge points for grade 2 listed buildings was a planning application required, if so, how many?
Of those approved did you stipulate the kind of EV charger, size, made, model etc and if so, what were those stipulations.
How many EV charge points have you not approved, in the last five years, for grade 2 listed buildings?
Summary of response
Have you approved installation of EV (electrical vehicle) charge points for any grade 2 listed buildings and if so, how many in the last five years? - This information is not held in a way that can be reported on. You can search all the listed building planning applications on our planning portal to see if any are for EV connections. https://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=advanced ensure that in the 'Application Type' field you select 'listed building consent' then fill in the date ranges at the bottom of the form. You will then need to search for this information yourself. As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
Did you require any of those approved to submit a listed building consent application, again if so, how many of them? - N/A
Of those approved EV charge points for grade 2 listed buildings was a planning application required, if so, how many? - N/A
Of those approved did you stipulate the kind of EV charger, size, made, model etc and if so, what were those stipulations - N/A
How many EV charge points have you not approved, in the last five years, for grade 2 listed buildings? - N/A
Date responded: 17 August 2023
Swimming pools
Date submitted: 14 August 2023
Summary of request
How many libraries were run and staffed by your council in the last financial year (2022/2023)?
How many libraries, that were once part of your council’s statutory provision, were run exclusively by volunteers in the last financial year (2022/2023)?
How many swimming pools were operational and run directly by your council in the following financial years?
a) 2010/2011
b) 2022/2023
How many swimming pools were operational but run by another organisation under contract to your council in the following financial years?
a) 2010/2011
b) 2022/2023
If your council doesn’t have responsibility for providing library or leisure services then please just answer the questions that relate to the service you provide.
Summary of response
How many libraries were run and staffed by your council in the last financial year (2022/2023)? - Libraries are not manged/run by EDDC
How many libraries, that were once part of your council’s statutory provision, were run exclusively by volunteers in the last financial year (2022/2023)? - Libraries are not manged/run by EDDC
How many swimming pools were operational and run directly by your council in the following financial years?
a) 2010/2011 - None
b) 2022/2023 - None
How many swimming pools were operational but run by another organisation under contract to your council in the following financial years?
a) 2010/2011 - 3
b) 2022/2023 - 3
Date responded: 14 August 2023
Residency status Cranbrook
Date submitted: 14 August 2023
Summary of request
I kindly request that you provide me with the Cranbrook demographic data from 2019 to date. Specifically, I would like to familiarize myself with the statistics and wonder if you could direct me to the sources of the following:
- The number of East Devon residents with their residency status longer than 5 years who have applied for social housing in Cranbrook and the duration of their wait.
- The number of British residents with their residency status longer than 5 years from areas other than East Devon who have been waiting for social housing in Cranbrook and the duration of their wait.
- The number of non-British residents or British residents with residency status shorter than 5 years who have been waiting for social housing accommodation in Cranbrook, and the duration of their wait.
- The number of British residents who have been relocated from areas other than East Devon in the past 4 years and have already received social housing accommodation in Cranbrook.
- The number of non-British citizens and British residents with residency status shorter than 5 years who have been relocated to Cranbrook from other areas in the past 4 years and have already been accommodated under the social housing theme.
- The number of illegal immigrants who have been allocated and granted accommodation in Cranbrook, including temporary accommodation during the past 4 years.
Additionally, can I ask for a detailed breakdown of the council taxes, please?
Summary of response
- The number of East Devon residents with their residency status longer than 5 years who have applied for social housing in Cranbrook and the duration of their wait - Please clarify what you mean by residency status longer than 5 years? 5 years in the UK or East Devon? We can only report on the last/current address from the system.
- The number of British residents with their residency status longer than 5 years from areas other than East Devon who have been waiting for social housing in Cranbrook and the duration of their wait - We don’t ask for an area of preference so we can’t identify applicants who are waiting for Cranbrook specifically. Again we could only report based upon length of time in their current address.
- The number of non-British residents or British residents with residency status shorter than 5 years who have been waiting for social housing accommodation in Cranbrook, and the duration of their wait - We don’t ask for an area of preference so can’t identify applicants who are waiting for Cranbrook specifically. Again we could only report based upon length of time in their current address.
- The number of British residents who have been relocated from areas other than East Devon in the past 4 years and have already received social housing accommodation in Cranbrook - We can only report on people who have moved to Cranbrook from outside East Devon and their nationality so this would not give you the historic 4 year information you are after.
- The number of non-British citizens and British residents with residency status shorter than 5 years who have been relocated to Cranbrook from other areas in the past 4 years and have already been accommodated under the social housing theme - We can report on people who have moved to Cranbrook from outside East Devon and their nationality but could only include the date that they moved into their previous address so this would not give you the historic 4 year information you are after.
- The number of illegal immigrants who have been allocated and granted accommodation in Cranbrook, including temporary accommodation during the past 4 years - We do not hold this information.
Date responded: 25 August 2023
Average Council Tax
Date submitted: 14 August 2023
Summary of request
What is your Biggest town in your district.
Where is your office located?
Average council tax and age range of people in your biggest town.
Average council tax and age range of people in your town where your office is located. (if not the same as your biggest town).
Summary of response
What is your Biggest town in your district? - Exmouth
Where is your office located? - Honiton & Exmouth
Average council tax and age range of people in your biggest town? - The Band D charge for Exmouth for 2023/24 financial year is £2212.63 per year, Council tax data does not hold the age of the people in Honiton.
Average council tax and age range of people in your town where your office is located? - The band D charge for Honiton for 2023/24 financial year is £2267.07 per year, Council tax data does not hold the age of the people in Honiton.
Date responded: 17 August 2023
LAN information
Date submitted: 14 August 2023
Summary of request
I would like to request the following information about the organisation’s Local Area Network (LAN) environment.
You may have received the same request in the past and this information sent has now expired and I require an update as soon as possible for the following information
Please can you send me the organisation’s Local Area Network (LAN) contract, which may include the following:
• Support and Maintenance- e.g. switches, router, software etc
• Managed- If this includes services than just LAN.
1. Contract Type: Managed or Maintenance
2. Existing Supplier: Who is the current supplier?
3. Annual Spend for each supplier: What is the annual average spending on the supplier above? If there is more than one supplier, please split the annual averages spent for each supplier.
4. Number of Users: Please can you provide me with the number of users this contract covers. Approximate number of users will also be acceptable.
5. Number of Sites: The number of sites, where equipment is supported by each contract.
6. Hardware Brand: What is the hardware brand of the LAN equipment?
7. Contract Description: Please provide me with a brief description of the overall contract.
8. Contract Duration: What is the duration of the contract and can you please also include any extensions this may include.
9. Contract Expiry Date: When does the contract expire?
10. Contract Review Date: When will the organisation be planning to review the contract?
11. Responsible Officer: Contact details including name, job title, contact number and email address?
If the LAN maintenance is included in-house please include the following information:
1. Hardware Brand: What is the hardware brand of the LAN equipment?
2. Number of Users: Please can you provide me with the number of users this contract covers. Approximate number of users will also be acceptable.
3. Number of Sites: Estimated/Actual number of sites the LAN covers.
4. Responsible Officer: Who within the organisation is responsible for LAN please provide me with contact details including name, job title, contact number and email address?
If the contract is managed by a 3rd party e.g. Can you please provide me with
1. Existing Supplier: Who is the current supplier?
2. Number of Users: Please can you provide me with the number of users this contract covers. Approximate number of users will also be acceptable.
3. Number of Sites: Estimated/Actual number of sites the LAN covers.
4. Contract Type: Managed, Maintenance, Installation, Software
5. Hardware Brand: What is the hardware brand of the LAN equipment?
6. Contract Description: Please provide me with a brief description of the overall contract.
7. Contract Duration: What is the duration of the contract and can you please also include any extensions this may include.
8. Contract Expiry Date: When does the contract expire?
9. Contract Review Date: When will the organisation be planning to review the contract?
10. Responsible Officer: Who within the organisation is responsible for each of these contract(s) please provide me with contact details including name, job title, contact number and email address?
Summary of response
1. Contract Type: Managed or Maintenance - Maintenance
2. Existing Supplier: Who is the current supplier? - Dell
3. Annual Spend for each supplier: What is the annual average spending on the supplier above? If there is more than one supplier please split the annual averages spend for each supplier. - £0
4. Number of Users: Please can you provide me with the number of users this contract covers. Approximate number of users will also be acceptable. - 1800 (total users across all 3 councils and Strata. No breakdown available)
5. Number of Sites: The number of sites, where equipment is supported by each contract. - 25
6. Hardware Brand: What is the hardware brand of the LAN equipment? - Dell
7. Contract Description: Please provide me with a brief description of the overall contract. - Support is provided in house, maintenance is covered under the initial 5 year warranty purchased with the equipment
8. Contract Duration: What is the duration of the contract is and can you please also include any extensions this may include. - All hardware is purchased with a 5 year warranty.
9. Contract Expiry Date: When does the contract expire? - 2027
10. Contract Review Date: When will the organisation is planning to review the contract? – Q4 2026
11. Responsible Officer: Contact details including name, job title, contact number and email address?
The persons involved will change over time so our policy is to provide a contact route to our procurement team in our in-house IT company, Strata Service Solutions - Strata | Supporting government which includes the latest email address.
If the LAN maintenance is included in-house please include the following information:
1. Hardware Brand: What is the hardware brand of the LAN equipment? - Dell, Nortel & Avaya
2. Number of Users: Please can you provide me with the number of users this contract covers. Approximate number of users will also be acceptable. - 1800 (total users across all 3 councils and Strata. No breakdown available)
3. Number of Sites: Estimated/Actual number of sites the LAN covers. - 25
4. Responsible Officer: Who within the organisation is responsible for LAN please provide me with contact details including name, job title, contact number and email address? See 11 above.
Date responded: 17 August 2023
Housing and Asset Management Software
Date submitted: 3 August 2023
Summary of request
1. The Name of the housing management software used by the Local Authority (this software is what is used to manage tenants and rents etc..) - If the LA uses their own in-house software please state.
2. Could you please confirm the start and end date for the contract for this software?
3. The Name of the asset management software used by the Local Authority (this software is that used to manage properties) If the LA uses their own in-house or this is part of the housing management package software please state.
4. Could you please confirm the start and end date for the contract for this software?
Summary of response
1. The Name of the housing management software used by the Local Authority (this software is what is used to manage tenants and rents etc..) - If the LA uses their own in-house software please state – Capita – Open Housing
2. Could you please confirm the start and end date for the contract for this software? – Start date 7/7/2013; Rolling contract, Annual Renewal on contract anniversary.
3. The Name of the asset management software used by the Local Authority (this software is that used to manage properties) If the LA uses their own in-house or this is part of the housing management package software please state – Capita – Open Housing
4. Could you please confirm the start and end date for the contract for this software? – Start date 7/7/2013; Rolling contract, Annual Renewal on contract anniversary.
Date responded: 22 August 2023
Fly tipping incidents
Date submitted: 2 August 2023
Summary of request
1. How many incidents of ‘fly tipping’ (Environmental Protection Act 1990) were reported to you in each of the years 2021-22 and 2022-23?
2. How much did it cost in each year to collect and dispose of fly-tipped material?
3. How many prosecutions (including fixed penalty notices) in respect of ‘fly tipping’ (Environmental Protection Act 1990) were undertaken by you or on your behalf in each of the years 2021-22 and 2022-23?
Summary of response
1. How many incidents of ‘fly tipping’ (Environmental Protection Act 1990) were reported to you in each of the years 2021-22 and 2022-23?
From Apr 2021 – Mar 2022 there were 422 recorded fly tips.
From Apr 2022 – Mar 2023 there were 399 recorded fly tips.
From Apr 2023 to current date there were 112 recorded fly tips.
2. How much did it cost in each year to collect and dispose of fly-tipped material? - Information not available. There is no specific costs associated with the collection and disposal of fly tipped waste as this forms only part of the work carried our by the REACT team. Costs are not apportioned to different types of work.
3. How many prosecutions (including fixed penalty notices) in respect of ‘fly tipping’ (Environmental Protection Act 1990) were undertaken by you or on your behalf in each of the years 2021-22 and 2022-23?
In 2021, there was 1 Fixed Penalty Notice issued for fly tipping; the fine issued was for £400 but £200 was paid for early payment + £112 cost for clearing up.
In 2022, there were 2 Fixed Penalty Notices issued, the first was a £400 FPN, £200 was paid for early payment + £118 cost for clearing. The second FPN was for £400, again £200 paid for early payment + £177 costs for clearing up.
Date responded: 17 August 2023
Tree Planting/felling and Land Ownership
Date submitted: 2 August 2023
Summary of request
I am writing to formally request information regarding the total number of trees planted by your authority, either independently or in collaboration with community groups, charities, and/or businesses, for the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and the current year (2023).
Additionally, it would be greatly appreciated if you could provide the approximate number of trees felled by your authority for each of these years.
Furthermore, I kindly seek information on the total land area currently owned by your authority, ideally expressed in hectares.
In particular, I am interested to know what percentage of this land is covered by turf that is presently mown and maintained by your authority.
Summary of response
I am writing to formally request information regarding the total number of trees planted by your authority, either independently or in collaboration with community groups, charities, and/or businesses, for the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and the current year (2023) -
No data on previous years. In 2022, the total number of trees planted by Streetscene was 776, which included volunteer activities, schools, replacement trees and memorial trees.
So far in 2023, Streetscene has planted 1152 trees.
Additionally, it would be greatly appreciated if you could provide the approximate number of trees felled by your authority for each of these years.
The number of trees felled according to our records are as follows: (please note, the records for the last 2 years are not currently not up to date).
2018 - Info not held
2019 - Info not held
2020 - 35
2021 - 46
2022 - 4
2023 - 1
Furthermore, I kindly seek information on the total land area currently owned by your authority, ideally expressed in hectares - Information not held in hectares
In particular, I am interested to know what percentage of this land is covered by turf that is presently mown and maintained by your authority - Information not held
Date responded: 30 August 2023
Complaints about grassed areas where children have been unable to play football
Date submitted: 1 August 2023
Summary of request
Please can I have details of the complaints about grassed areas where children have been unable to play football discussed at the review committee as reported in the Sidmouth Herald. Which areas have been identified with reference to children's football in complaints and how many such complaints have been received?
Summary of response
Please can I have details of the complaints about grassed areas where children have been unable to play football discussed at the review committee as reported in the Sidmouth Herald.
Which areas have been identified with reference to children's football in complaints and how many such complaints have been received?
3 complaints; 2 x Gorfin Close Exmouth & 1 x Colleton Way Exmouth
Date responded: 2 August 2023
Lighting Controls Utilisation and Improvement
Date submitted: 27 July 2023
Summary of request
1. Documentation or reports detailing the existing lighting control systems deployed across various council-managed buildings and public areas.
2. Information on the extent to which the current lighting controls are fully utilized and optimized for energy efficiency.
3. Data on energy consumption patterns related to lighting across different council facilities and public spaces.
4. Any evaluations or assessments conducted to gauge the performance and effectiveness of the existing lighting controls.
5. Insights into the challenges or limitations faced with the current lighting controls and any associated maintenance or operational costs.
6. Any plans or strategies your council has in place to improve and enhance lighting controls for better energy efficiency and user experience.
7. Recommendations or proposed improvements to the existing lighting controls, including the incorporation of innovative technologies or best practices.
8. Any initiatives or projects undertaken to promote sustainability through lighting control optimization.
9. Contact information for any relevant personnel or departments involved in managing lighting controls within the council.
Summary of response
1. Documentation or reports detailing the existing lighting control systems deployed across various council-managed buildings and public areas - The Council has over 1000 buildings and does not readily hold this sort of detailed information. The current default position is for indoor spaces to have occupancy or motion sensors as appropriate, older properties will have some basic/manual on and off controls in some areas. External spaces will generally have dusk to dawn and motions sensors and/or timer lighting controls.
2. Information on the extent to which the current lighting controls are fully utilized and optimized for energy efficiency - Timer controls are changed according to the seasons
3. Data on energy consumption patterns related to lighting across different council facilities and public spaces - Information not available
4. Any evaluations or assessments conducted to gauge the performance and effectiveness of the existing lighting controls - None done
5. Insights into the challenges or limitations faced with the current lighting controls and any associated maintenance or operational costs - None
6. Any plans or strategies your council has in place to improve and enhance lighting controls for better energy efficiency and user experience - Decisions on new lighting controls will be primarily based on service requirements with consideration to energy savings
7. Recommendations or proposed improvements to the existing lighting controls, including the incorporation of innovative technologies or best practices - None
8. Any initiatives or projects undertaken to promote sustainability through lighting control optimization - None
9. Contact information for any relevant personnel or departments involved in managing lighting controls within the council - property@eastdevon.gov.uk
Date responded: 31 July 2023
Stamp duty land tax payments
Date submitted: 26 July 2023
Summary of request
Can you tell me how much SDLT has been paid by the council - on property or land - acquired with a public subsidy for the purposes of providing social housing in each of the last five financial years?
Summary of response
Can you tell me how much SDLT has been paid by the council - on property or land - acquired with a public subsidy for the purposes of providing social housing in each of the last five financial years? - Please see data below:
2022/23 £54,250
2021/22 £71,408
2020/21 £111,462
2019/20 £156,106
2018/19 £110,694
(Based on effective date/completion date)
The Council is currently obtaining tax and legal advice on the application of an SDLT relief which may be applicable to some of the amount paid in the last 5 years but we cannot release or comment on any advice the Council has received to date.
Date responded: 2 August 2023
Homes held up due to nutrient neutrality advice
Date submitted: 24 July 2023
Summary of request
- The number of residential homes which the council is currently unable to make a planning decision on as a result of Natural England's nutrient neutrality advice. To be clear, I'd like to know the number of homes awaiting approval, not the number of planning applications. E.g 1 planning application could be related to 200 homes.
- If applicable, how many homes does the council currently have mitigation for e.g via nature-based nutrient mitigation schemes?
Summary of response
- The number of residential homes which the council is currently unable to make a planning decision on as a result of Natural England's nutrient neutrality advice. To be clear, I'd like to know the number of homes awaiting approval, not the number of planning applications. E.g. 1 planning application could be related to 200 homes - Information not recorded
- If applicable, how many homes does the council currently have mitigation for e.g. via nature-based nutrient mitigation schemes? - Information not recorded
Date responded: 15 August 2023
Council owned football pitches
Date submitted: 24 July 2023
Summary of request
How many council owned, public football pitches do you currently operate (latest figures available)
How many council owned, public football pitches were sold, or closed, from the financial year 2017/2018 to the present date?
Summary of response
How many council owned, public football pitches do you currently operate (latest figures available) - 8
How many council owned, public football pitches were sold, or closed, from the financial year 2017/2018 to the present date? - None
Date responded: 15 August 2023
EH visits to asylum seekers housed under AASC or COMPASS
Date submitted: 24 July 2023
Summary of request
- How many times has your environmental health team visited a property that accommodates asylum seekers housed under AASC or COMPASS by Serco, Mears, G4S or Clearspring Ready Homes.
- Details of why the visit was carried out and any reports written about the visit.
- How many times has your environmental health team been contacted about a property that accommodates asylum seekers housed under AASC by Serco, Mears or Clearspring Ready Homes.
- The nature of the call (pests, mould, noise, disrepair, etc).
Summary of response
- How many times has your environmental health team visited a property that accommodates asylum seekers housed under AASC or COMPASS by Serco, Mears, G4S or Clearspring Ready Homes.
- Details of why the visit was carried out and any reports written about the visit.
- How many times has your environmental health team been contacted about a property that accommodates asylum seekers housed under AASC by Serco, Mears or Clearspring Ready Homes.
- The nature of the call (pests, mould, noise, disrepair, etc).
There have been no EH visits to AASC or COMPASS accommodation
Date responded: 31 July 2023
The Inspection of Accounts
Date submitted: 19 July 2023
Summary of request
I am interested in researching the issue of the Inspection of Accounts rights under the Audit Act 2014, to see if or how it is being used across local government in the UK.
I wanted to ask for data, between 2019/20 and 2022/23 for
1. If the accounts were published in those years.
2. Number of people who inspected the accounts in the time periods each year.
3. Number of requests/questions asked, and what they were/what areas they covered.
4. Number of objections raised, and what they were.
5. Any FOI requests relating to the accounts or finances (with the phrase ‘accounts’ of ‘inspection or statement of accounts’)
6. Any changes made to the accounts as a result.
Summary of response
1. If the accounts were published in those years - 2019/20 & 2020/21 accounts are available online. 2021/22 and 2022/23 will be available shortly following national issues/delay. https://eastdevon.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-business/our-finance/
2. Number of people who inspected the accounts in the time periods each year - None.
3. Number of requests/questions asked, and what they were/what areas they covered - None.
4. Number of objections raised, and what they were - None.
5. Any FOI requests relating to the accounts or finances (with the phrase ‘accounts’ of ‘inspection or statement of accounts’) - Information not held in a way where reports could be created to capture this data.
6. Any changes made to the accounts as a result - None.
Date responded: 24 July 2023
Information Governance Technology
Date submitted: 18 July 2023
Summary of request
1. Does your organisation use any applications or software to record Record of Processing Activity (ROPA)?
If so, please state the product name(s) and version numbers(s) (if known)
2. Does your organisation use any applications or software to support preparation for, or maintenance of ISO 27001 and/or ISO 27701 compliance?
If so, please state the product name(s) and version numbers(s) (if known)
3. Does your organisation use any applications or software associated with data breach management?
4. Does your organisation use any applications or software associated with Freedom of Information management?
If so, please state the product name(s) and version numbers(s) (if known)
5. Does your organisation use any applications or software for Policy Management?
If so, please state the product name(s) and version numbers(s) (if known)
6. Does your organisation use any eLearning for Data Protection and Security Awareness?
If so, please state the product name(s) and version numbers(s) (if known)
7. Has your organisation reviewed / explored the market regarding the provision of technology which supports the delivery of Information Governance functions?
If yes - please specify what actions have been taken?
If no - does your organisation have any plans to review / explore this market in the next 3 years?
8. Has your organisation allocated budget / financial resources regarding the commissioning / procurement of technology which supports the delivery of Information Governance functions?
If yes - please specify what actions have been taken?
If no - does your organisation have any plans to allocate budget / financial resources in the next 3 years?
9. Has your organisation developed a business case (outline or otherwise) regarding the commissioning / procurement of technology which supports the delivery of Information Governance functions?
If yes - please specify what actions have been taken?
If no - does your organisation have any plans to develop a business case in the next 3 years?
10. Will there be any opportunities to engage with your organisation regarding the commissioning / procurement of technology which supports the delivery of Information Governance function in the next three years?
Summary of response
1. Does your organisation use any applications or software to record Record of Processing Activity (ROPA)? - No
If so, please state the product name(s) and version numbers(s) (if known)
2. Does your organisation use any applications or software to support preparation for, or maintenance of ISO 27001 and/or ISO 27701 compliance? - No
If so, please state the product name(s) and version numbers(s) (if known)
3. Does your organisation use any applications or software associated with data breach management? - Iken
4. Does your organisation use any applications or software associated with Freedom of Information management? - Firmstep
If so, please state the product name(s) and version numbers(s) (if known)
5. Does your organisation use any applications or software for Policy Management? - None in use at the present time
If so, please state the product name(s) and version numbers(s) (if known)
6. Does your organisation use any eLearning for Data Protection and Security Awareness? - Yes
If so, please state the product name(s) and version numbers(s) (if known)
7. Has your organisation reviewed / explored the market regarding the provision of technology which supports the delivery of Information Governance functions? - Yes we are exploring a number of solutions to assist with Data Governance. Initial research and market exploration. A few discussions with Microsoft and a Microsoft Partner
If yes - please specify what actions have been taken?
If no - does your organisation have any plans to review / explore this market in the next 3 years?
8. Has your organisation allocated budget / financial resources regarding the commissioning / procurement of technology which supports the delivery of Information Governance functions? - Not yet but it will do depending on outcome of Business Case
If yes - please specify what actions have been taken?
If no - does your organisation have any plans to allocate budget / financial resources in the next 3 years?
9. Has your organisation developed a business case (outline or otherwise) regarding the commissioning / procurement of technology which supports the delivery of Information Governance functions? - Business Case is being written to support Data Governance function
If yes - please specify what actions have been taken?
If no - does your organisation have any plans to develop a business case in the next 3 years?
10. Will there be any opportunities to engage with your organisation regarding the commissioning / procurement of technology which supports the delivery of Information Governance function in the next three years? - Yes
Date responded: 18 July 2023
Funding received from central government under the Homes for Ukraine scheme between 1 April 2022 – 3
Date submitted: 18 July 2023
Summary of request
1. Please provide details on the amount of funding received from central government under the Homes for Ukraine scheme between 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023. Please also state how many individuals this funding supported. Please provide this data in .xls or .csv format.
2. Please provide details on the amount of funding received from central government under the Ukraine Family Scheme between 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023. Please also state how many individuals this funding supported. Please provide this data in .xls or .csv format.
Summary of response
East Devon District Council received £2,282,000 from Central Government (via Devon County Council) for Homes for Ukraine in between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2023
This money supported 328 guests who arrived in East Devon between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2023
Date responded: 31 July 2023
MP comments on planning applications
Date submitted: 17 July 2023
Summary of request
a. Submissions (comments etc) made by MPs in East Devon area to planning applications to develop land for housing developments between 6th April 2022 to 5th April 2023.
b. For each submission how many houses were to be included in the proposed development.
Summary of response
a. Submissions (comments etc) made by MPs in East Devon area to planning applications to develop land for housing developments between 6th April 2022 to 5th April 2023 - Only one from Simon Jupp: 23/0296/MFUL
b. For each submission how many houses were to be included in the proposed development - 40 Dwellings
Date responded: 24 July 2023
Internal Audit and Counter Fraud Service
Date submitted: 14 July 2023
Summary of request
Please provide the following information for your Council for 2022/23 (or
the current position)
1. The net Revenue Cost for the whole Council:
2. The total cost (Staff salaries, on-costs, system costs, supplies costs,
transport costs) of your Internal Audit and Counter Fraud Function:
3. Number of FTE staff in your Internal Audit and Counter Fraud service:
4. The number of Audit days undertaken by the Internal Audit and Counter
Fraud service:
5. The productive days per FTE Internal Audit and Counter Fraud staff
member:
6. Number of FTE Internal Audit and Counter Fraud staff members:
i. Qualified
ii. Part Qualified
iii. % of High/Medium Audit recommendations agreed and management actions
Implemented
7. When was Counter Fraud plan last updated:
8. Number of FTE staff dedicated to Counter Fraud promotion:
9. Number of FTE staff dedicated to Counter Fraud investigations:
10. Number of Fraud incidents reported:
11. Number of Fraud incidents investigated:
12. Number of Fraud prosecutions initiated:
13. Identified value of fraud savings/recovered:
Summary of response
Please provide the following information for your Council for 2022/23 (or the current position)
1. The net Revenue Cost for the whole Council - Please see page 3 of the 2023/24 EDDC budget book: eddc-budget-book-2023-24-final.pdf (eastdevon.gov.uk) Net budget expenditure for 2022/23 was £17,240,981 and for 2023/24 was £21,597,234
2. The total cost (Staff salaries, on-costs, system costs, supplies costs, transport costs) of your Internal Audit and Counter Fraud Function - The total net external cost (i.e. before internal recharges to/from other cost centres) for 22-23 was:
• Cost Centre 58213 Internal Audit and Corporate Governance = £126,715.
• Cost Centre 21404 Corporate Fraud and Compliance = £125,028
3. Number of FTE staff in your Internal Audit and Counter Fraud service - 2.5 in Fraud and Compliance; SWAP Internal Audit Services does provide the Head of Audit role and bespoke teams to work with our Partners. In addition, we bring in other members of SWAP staff to help with specialist audit delivery and to supplement team resources, this means that it is not possible to calculate the number of FTE staff for the Internal Audit service. The council therefore does not hold the information requested.
4. The number of Audit days undertaken by the Internal Audit and Counter Fraud service - SWAP Internal Audit Services has moved away from the concept of audit days. Please find a link to a copy of an Information/discussion paper that was presented to the Cheltenham Borough Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 28th November 2022. The Paper was in response to the Committee’s request for a review of the Performance of the Partnership and includes a range of performance metrics and demonstrates the value that we have added over the years.
5. The productive days per FTE Internal Audit and Counter Fraud staff member - Please see the response to question 3 above, the council does not hold the information requested.
6. Number of FTE Internal Audit and Counter Fraud staff members:
i. Qualified
ii. Part Qualified - 1
iii. % of High/Medium Audit recommendations agreed and management actions
Implemented - Recommendations are agreed where changes or improvements to systems/processes are required. Information about the number of recommendations agreed is publicly available as part of the Annual Audit Opinion report. Please see the https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/documents/g2170/Public%20reports%20pack%2027th-Jul-2023%2014.30%20Audit%20and%20Governance%20Committee.pdf?T=10 for further details. All management actions agreed are monitored through to implementation.
7. When was Counter Fraud plan last updated - Anti-Fraud, Theft and corruption policy 27.11.18; Corporate Counter Fraud and compliance strategy 13.07.2017
8. Number of FTE staff dedicated to Counter Fraud promotion - 1
9. Number of FTE staff dedicated to Counter Fraud investigations - 2.5
10. Number of Fraud incidents reported - 58 cases opened 22/23
11. Number of Fraud incidents investigated - 41 Cases closed 22/23
12. Number of Fraud prosecutions initiated - 0
13. Identified value of fraud savings/recovered - £33,613.42
Date responded: 31 July 2023
How many times has EDDC obtained 'communications data'
Date submitted: 14 July 2023
Summary of request
REQUEST:
1. Since 1 January 2018, on how many occasions has your council obtained the 'communications data' (e.g. Call Data Records, or CDRs) of individuals from mobile telecoms providers, either directly or indirectly through another agency (e.g. Met Police, Home Office, etc.)? Please break this down into:
a) number of separate occasions these were requested
b) number of individual phone numbers for which CDRs were requested
c) the legal basis for the requests (please specify the number of requests per legal basis. For example, “total requests: 3, Investigatory Powers Act – 2, Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 -- 1”)
d) the particular legislation used e.g. PACE, RIPA, IP Act (number of instances as a percentage of the total)
e) what percentage of requests for that data that were rejected, and the reasons for the rejection.
For guidance, CDRs are part of 'communications data' from a telecoms company. Please see this document, particularly page 13: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/426248/Acquisition_and_Disclosure_of_Communications_Data_Code_of_Practice_March_2015.pdf
2. Since 1 January 2018, has your council purchased or otherwise received (including free of charge) any anonymised mobile phone communications data sets (otherwise known as anonymised CDRs), be they of individuals or aggregate data. (For your information, an example of commercial 'big data' for mobile phones can be found here: https://thenextweb.com/uk/2012/10/09/telefonica-launches-big-data-analysis-service-for-business-and-local-authorities/)
a) If yes, please state on how many occasions and when
b) From which telecoms providers the communications data originated
c) If purchased via a third-party, please specify which company
d) The intended use of that data
e) The total amount spent, if anything
f) If not purchased but nonetheless shared, please state the name of the body that provided the data
Summary of response
Revenues, Benefits and Fraud team have not requested Communications data since the start of 2018. Therefore the answers to your FOI enquiry is not applicable.
1. Since 1 January 2018, on how many occasions has your council obtained the 'communications data' (e.g. Call Data Records, or CDRs) of individuals from mobile telecoms providers, either directly or indirectly through another agency (e.g. Met Police, Home Office, etc.)? Please break this down into:
a) number of separate occasions these were requested - N/A
b) number of individual phone numbers for which CDRs were requested - N/A
c) the legal basis for the requests (please specify the number of requests per legal basis. For example, “total requests: 3, Investigatory Powers Act – 2, Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 -- 1”) - N/A
d) the particular legislation used e.g. PACE, RIPA, IP Act (number of instances as a percentage of the total) - N/A
e) what percentage of requests for that data that were rejected, and the reasons for the rejection. - N/A
For guidance, CDRs are part of 'communications data' from a telecoms company. Please see this document, particularly page 13: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/426248/Acquisition_and_Disclosure_of_Communications_Data_Code_of_Practice_March_2015.pdf
2. Since 1 January 2018, has your council purchased or otherwise received (including free of charge) any anonymised mobile phone communications data sets (otherwise known as anonymised CDRs), be they of individuals or aggregate data. (For your information, an example of commercial 'big data' for mobile phones can be found here: https://thenextweb.com/uk/2012/10/09/telefonica-launches-big-data-analysis-service-for-business-and-local-authorities/)
a) If yes, please state on how many occasions and when - No
b) From which telecoms providers the communications data originated - N/A
c) If purchased via a third-party, please specify which company - N/A
d) The intended use of that data - N/A
e) The total amount spent, if anything - N/A
f) If not purchased but nonetheless shared, please state the name of the body that provided the data - N/A
Date responded: 18 July 2023
All communications between EDDC and Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club
Date submitted: 14 July 2023
Summary of request
I hereby request you to provide me with any correspondence and/or communication (by letter, email, telephone, or other electronic methods) with East Devon District Council by any persons including those associated with Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club, Clinton Devon Estates, local Councillors or Members of Parliament in relation to Conditions 10 and 11 (premises opening hours, and playing of amplified or other music) of Planning Applications numbered 19/1521/MFUL, 22/0492/VAR.
Summary of response
You requested copies of any correspondence and/or communication (by letter, email, telephone, or other electronic methods) with East Devon District Council by any persons including those associated with Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club, Clinton Devon Estates, local Councillors or Members of Parliament in relation to Conditions 10 and 11 (premises opening hours, and playing of amplified or other music) of Planning Applications numbered 19/1521/MFUL, 22/0492/VAR.
Our response - Planning application 19/1521/MFUL was dealt with by an officer who has now left the authority.
22/0492/VAR sought to vary condition 2 (plans condition) in order to provide for a different design – therefore the condition 10 and 11 of the original were not the focus of this s73 application. If a ‘VAR’ is approved, as in this case, this results in the creation of a brand new planning consent and therefore all other conditions are naturally re-imposed.
There is no specific correspondence focused on these two conditions, as they were not the focus of the ‘VAR’.
All other correspondence to do with this VAR is already in the public realm and scanned on our planning portal https://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/online-applications/
Date responded: 2 August 2023
Telecom - Networks
Date submitted: 10 July 2023
Summary of request
Contract 1 - Telephony/Voice Services (Analogue, ISDN VOIP, SIP etc)
1.Telephony/Voice Services Provider- Please can you provide me with the name of the supplier for each contract.
2.Telephony/Voice Services - Contract Renewal Date- please provide day, month and year (month and year are also acceptable). If this is a rolling contract, please provide me with the rolling date of the contract. If there is more than one supplier, please split the renewal dates up into however many suppliers
3.Telephony/Voice Services - Contract Duration- the number of years the contract is for each provider, please also include any contract extensions.
4.Telephony/Voice Services - Type of Lines - Please can you split the type of lines per each supplier? PSTN, Analogue, SIP, ISDN, VOIP
5.Telephony/Voice Services Number of Lines / Channels / SIP Trunks- Please can you split the number of lines per each supplier? SIP trunks/connections, PSTN, Analogue, ISDN
Contract 2 - Incoming and Outgoing of call services.
6.Minutes/Landline Provider- Supplier’s name (NOT Mobiles) if there is no information available, please can you provide further insight into why?
7.Minutes/Landline Contract Renewal Date- please provide day, month and year (month and year is also acceptable). If this is a rolling contract, please provide me with the rolling date of the contract.
8.Minutes Landline Monthly Spend- Monthly average spend on calls for each provider. An estimate or average is acceptable. If SIP services, please provide me with the cost of services per month.
9.Minute’s Landlines Contract Duration- the number of years the contract is for each provider, please also include any contract extensions.
10.Number of Extensions- Please state the number of telephone extensions the organisation currently has. An estimate or average is acceptable.
Contract 3 - The organisation's broadband provider.
11.Broadband Provider- Supplier’s name if there is not information available, please can you provide further insight into why?
12.Broadband expiry l Date- please provide day, month, and year (month and year is also acceptable). If this is a rolling contract, please provide me with the rolling date of the contract. If there is more than one supplier, please split the expiry dates up into however many suppliers
13.Broadband Annual Average Spend- Annual average spend for each broadband provider. An estimate or average is acceptable.
Contract 4 - Contracts relating to Wide Area Network [WAN] services, this could also include HSCN network services.
14. WAN Provider- please provide me with the main supplier(s) if there is no information available, please can you provide further insight into why?
15.WAN Contract expiry Date- please provide day, month, and year (month and year are also acceptable). If this is a rolling contract, please provide me with the rolling date of the contract. If there is more than one supplier, please split the expiry dates up into however many suppliers
16.Contract Description: Please can you provide me with a brief description for each contract
17.The number of sites: Please state the number of sites the WAN covers. Approx. will do.
18. WAN Annual Average Spend- Annual average spend for each WAN provider. An estimate or average is acceptable.
19.For each WAN contract can you please provide me with information on how this was procured, especially around those procurement that used frameworks, please provide me with the framework reference.
20.Internal Contact: please can you send me their full contact details including contact number and email and job title for all the contracts above.
Summary of response
Contract 1
1. Current Lines (Analogue, ISDN VOIP, SIP etc.) Provider- Please can you provide me with the name of the supplier for the contract.
Virgin Media
BT
KCOM
Daisy
Gamma
2. Fixed Line- Contract Renewal Date- please provide day, month and year (month and year are also acceptable). If this is a rolling contract please provide me with the rolling date of the contract. If there is more than one supplier please split the renewal dates up into however many suppliers
Virgin Media – ISDN – Rolling contract
MOVED TO GAMMA
Analogue – Rolling contract
Centrex – Rolling contract
BT – Rolling
KCOM (now called Nasstar) – Rolling
Daisy Corporate – Rolling
Gamma – Rolling / SIP July 2024
3. Fixed Line- Contract Duration- the number of years the contract is for each provider As above
4. Type of Lines- Please can you split the type of lines per each supplier? PTSN, Analogue, SIP
Virgin Media – Analogue, Centrex, ISDN
BT - Analogue
KCOM (now called Nasstar) - Analogue
Daisy - Analogue
Gamma – Analogue & SIP
5. Number of Lines- Please can you split the number of lines per each supplier? SIP trunks, PSN Lines, Analogue Lines
Analogue - 52
Centrex - 49
BT – 92
KCOM (now called Nasstar) – 10
Daisy – 49
Gamma – 123 / SIP 201
Contract 2
6. Minutes/Landline Provider- Supplier's name (NOT Mobiles) if there is no information available please can you provide further insight into why? - As above
7. Minutes/Landline Contract Renewal Date- please provide day, month and year (month and year is also acceptable). If this is a rolling contract please provide me with the rolling date of the contract. - As above
8. Minutes Landline Monthly Spend- Monthly average spend for each provider. An estimate or average is acceptable. - All outbound traffic with Gamma via the SIP trunks. Information not currently available
9. Minute's Landlines Contract Duration: the number of years the contract is with the supplier. - This information is not available.
10. Number of Extensions- Please state the number of telephone extensions the organisation currently has. An estimate or average is acceptable. - 1500
11. Broadband Provider- Supplier’s name if there is not information available, please can you provide further insight into why? - KCOM (now called Nasstar) , BT , Virgin Media
12. Fixed Broadband Renewal Date- please provide day, month and year (month and year is also
acceptable). If this is a rolling contract please provide me with the rolling date of the contract. If there is
more than one supplier please split the renewal dates up into however many suppliers
Nasstar – 12 months – October 2024
15. WAN Contract Renewal Date- please provide day, month and year (month and year are also acceptable). If this is a rolling contract please provide me with the rolling date of the contract. If there is more than one supplier please split the renewal dates up into however many suppliers. - Jan 2024
19.For each WAN contract can you please provide me with information on how this was procured, especially around those procurement that used frameworks, please provide me with the framework reference. - Contract extended through a procurement extension with existing provider - Virgin Media
20. Internal Contact: please can you send me there full contact details including contact number and email and job title for all the contract above. - The persons involved will change over time so our policy is to provide a contact route to our procurement team in our in-house IT company, Strata Service Solutions - Strata | Supporting government which includes the latest email address.
Nasstar – 12 months – October 2024
15. WAN Contract Renewal Date- please provide day, month and year (month and year are also acceptable). If this is a rolling contract please provide me with the rolling date of the contract. If there is more than one supplier please split the renewal dates up into however many suppliers. Jan 2024
19.For each WAN contract can you please provide me with information on how this was procured, especially around those procurement that used frameworks, please provide me with the framework reference. Contract extended through a procurement extension with existing provider - Virgin Media
20. Internal Contact: please can you send me there full contact details including contact number and email and job title for all the contract above. The persons involved will change over time so our policy is to provide a contact route to our procurement team in our in-house IT company, Strata Service Solutions - Strata | Supporting government which includes the latest email address.
Date responded: 4 August 2023
Affordable units s.106
Date submitted: 10 July 2023
Summary of request
1. What was your target for the number of affordable housing units fulfilled through section 106 planning obligations in the financial year April 2022 - April 2023?
2. How many housing units (all types of housing) were fulfilled in the financial year April 2022 - April 2023 from planning applications where a s106 obligation was in place?
3. How many affordable housing units were fulfilled through Section 106 planning obligations in the financial year from April 2022 - April 2023?
4. What were your targets for the number of affordable housing units fulfilled through section 106 planning obligations for each financial year from April 2017 - April 2022?
5. How many housing units (all types of housing) were fulfilled each financial year from April 2017 - April 2022 in planning applications where a s106 obligation was in place?
6. How many affordable housing units were fulfilled through Section 106 planning obligations each financial year from April 2017 - April 2022?
7. How many planning applications, that had Section 106 obligations to provide affordable housing, were fulfilled in the financial year from April 2022 - April 2023?
8. How many planning applications with Section 106 obligations to provide affordable housing, fulfilled in the financial year from April 2022 - April 2023, were impacted by viability assessments?
9. Of those Section 106 obliged planning applications that were impacted by viability assessments in the financial year from April 2022 - April 2023 (Answer to Question 8), how many affordable housing units were removed?
10. How many affordable housing units that were fulfilled through Section 106 planning obligations in the financial year April 2022 - April 2023 were fulfilled on-site?
11. How many affordable housing units that were fulfilled through Section 106 planning obligations in the financial year April 2022 - April 2023 were fulfilled off-site?
12. How many planning applications that included affordable housing and were fulfilled in the financial year between April 22 - April 23 under section 106 obligations resulted in a fine by the council?
Summary of response
1. What was your target for the number of affordable housing units fulfilled through section 106 planning obligations in the financial year April 2022 - April 2023? - We do not set targets for this.
2. How many housing units (all types of housing) were fulfilled in the financial year April 2022 - April 2023 from planning applications where a s106 obligation was in place? - A Housing Monitoring report for this period which will contain this information is currently being prepared and will be published in the Autumn. As this information is due for future publication it is exempt under Section 22 of the FOI Act 2000.
3. How many affordable housing units were fulfilled through Section 106 planning obligations in the financial year from April 2022 - April 2023? - A Housing Monitoring report for this period which will contain this information is currently being prepared and will be published in the Autumn. As this information is due for future publication it is exempt under Section 22 of the FOI Act 2000.
4. What were your targets for the number of affordable housing units fulfilled through section 106 planning obligations for each financial year from April 2017 - April 2022? - We do not set targets for this.
5. How many housing units (all types of housing) were fulfilled each financial year from April 2017 - April 2022 in planning applications where a s106 obligation was in place? - This information is available in the published Housing Monitoring Reports for these periods available at: Monitoring - East Devon https://eastdevon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/monitoring/ You will be able to obtain the information you have requested by filtering/sorting the data on the excel spreadsheets, which can be downloaded directly from the website. As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
6. How many affordable housing units were fulfilled through Section 106 planning obligations each financial year from April 2017 - April 2022? - This information is available in the published Housing Monitoring Reports for these periods available at: Monitoring - East Devon https://eastdevon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/monitoring/ You will be able to obtain the information you have requested by filtering/sorting the data on the excel spreadsheets, which can be downloaded directly from the website. As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
7. How many planning applications, that had Section 106 obligations to provide affordable housing, were fulfilled in the financial year from April 2022 - April 2023? - A Housing Monitoring report for this period which will contain this information is currently being prepared and will be published in the Autumn. As this information is due for future publication it is exempt under Section 22 of the FOI Act 2000.
8. How many planning applications with Section 106 obligations to provide affordable housing, fulfilled in the financial year from April 2022 - April 2023, were impacted by viability assessments? - We do not hold specific information on the numbers of applications affected by viability issues. All applications are available through our website at Simple Search (eastdevon.gov.uk) https://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/online-applications/ and details of any viability issues can be found by reviewing the relevant applications. Any viability appraisals that relate to them and the officers report will be available under the “documents” tab. You will be able to obtain the information you have requested by filtering/sorting the data on the excel spreadsheets, which can be downloaded directly from the website. As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
9. Of those Section 106 obliged planning applications that were impacted by viability assessments in the financial year from April 2022 - April 2023 (Answer to Question 8), how many affordable housing units were removed? - We do not record the number of affordable homes “removed” as a result of viability appraisals but this information will be noted in the relevant application documents which can be accessed through our website at Simple Search (eastdevon.gov.uk) https://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/online-applications/ Any viability appraisals that relate to them and the officers report where this information will be noted will be available under the “documents” tab. You will be able to obtain the information you have requested by filtering/sorting the data on the excel spreadsheets, which can be downloaded directly from the website. As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
10. How many affordable housing units that were fulfilled through Section 106 planning obligations in the financial year April 2022 - April 2023 were fulfilled on-site? - A Housing Monitoring report for this period which will contain this information is currently being prepared and will be published in the Autumn. As this information is due for future publication it is exempt under Section 22 of the FOI Act 2000.
11 How many affordable housing units that were fulfilled through Section 106 planning obligations in the financial year April 2022 - April 2023 were fulfilled off-site? - A Housing Monitoring report for this period which will contain this information is currently being prepared and will be published in the Autumn. As this information is due for future publication it is exempt under Section 22 of the FOI Act 2000.
12 How many planning applications that included affordable housing and were fulfilled in the financial year between April 22 - April 23 under section 106 obligations resulted in a fine by the council? - None
Date responded: 1 August 2023
Home internet expenses
Date submitted: 30 June 2023
Summary of request
Please include the following information, broken down by the 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years:
• The number of expense claims submitted, per year, for home internet costs
• The number of expense claims approved, per year, for home internet costs
• The total cost to the council of expenses for home internet costs
• The highest expense claim for internet costs approved, per year
Summary of response
This is an information request relating to expense claims for home internet approved - EDDC does not reimburse expenses related to home internet costs for it employees.
Date responded: 3 July 2023
Homes inspected by enforcement officers
Date submitted: 28 June 2023
Summary of request
The total number of housing enforcement officers or similarly titled officers employed by the council who are able to take enforcement action when a private or social landlord has breached housing law.
The number of homes inspected or visited in 2022 by the authority's housing enforcement team or equivalent officers
Summary of response
You requested to know the total number of housing enforcement officers or similarly titled officers employed by the council who are able to take enforcement action when a private or social landlord has breached housing law - 3
The number of homes inspected or visited in 2022 by the authority's housing enforcement team or equivalent officers - The number of homes inspected or visited in 2022 by the authority's housing enforcement team or equivalent officers - 275
Disrepair and Damp - 147
Disabled Facilities Grants - 128
Date responded: 24 July 2023
EV charge points
Date submitted: 27 June 2023
Summary of request
1. The total number of EV charging stations installed each year, from 2015-2022
2. The current number of installed EV charging stations in your authority area
3. The proposed number of EV charging stations to be installed in 2023
4. The average cost of installing an EV charging station
5. The total number of planning applications for private EV charging stations that have been approved for each year, from 2015-2022
6. The total number of planning applications that are in progress (to date) for private EV charging stations
Summary of response
1. The total number of EV charging stations installed each year, from 2015-2022
2015 - 2021 = 0
2022 = 42
2023 = 16
2. The current number of installed EV charging stations in your authority area - 50
3. The proposed number of EV charging stations to be installed in 2023 - 10
4. The average cost of installing an EV charging station – Funded by the relevant provider through long term lease agreements. East Devon have contributed £16,000 to date.
5. The total number of planning applications for private EV charging stations that have been approved for each year, from 2015-2022 – 0; not required under permitted development
6. The total number of planning applications that are in progress (to date) for private EV charging stations – 0; not required under permitted development.
Date responded: 24 July 2023
5-Year Housing Land Supply (5YHLS) target
Date submitted: 26 June 2023
Summary of request
Please provide details of:
1. The 5-Year Housing Land Supply (5YHLS) target for EDDC, expressed as numbers of dwellings required to be built out during the 5-year period, as at 31st March 2023 and covering the period April 1st 2023 through to March 31st 2028;
2. The actual number of dwellings expected to be built out during the 5-Year period, as at 31st March 2023 in the EDDC area for the period defined under Question 1;
3. The actual shortfall, or surplus, expressed as dwellings, that EDDC had versus the 5YHLS target referred to when answering question 1 above;
4. When supplying the data in answer to Questions 1 to 3 above, please express this as dwellings for each year of the 5-year period e.g. "x" dwellings in Year 1 (April 1st 2023 to March 31st 2024), "y" dwellings in Year 2 (April 1st 2024 to March 31st 2025), and so on through to Year 5 (April 1st 2027 to March 31st 2028).
Summary of response
You have requested data for the base year starting 1 April 2023. This information is still being processed so is currently not available. You can view the previous year assessment work at the following location:
hmu-to-year-end-31-march-2022-aug-2022.pdf (eastdevon.gov.uk)
The data for the base year starting 1 April 2023 should be available in the coming months, but we do not have a definitive date to advise on. You may want to resubmit your request in 3 months time.
1. The 5-Year Housing Land Supply (5YHLS) target for EDDC, expressed as numbers of dwellings required to be built out during the 5-year period, as at 31st March 2023 and covering the period April 1st 2023 through to March 31st 2028;
2. The actual number of dwellings expected to be built out during the 5-Year period, as at 31st March 2023 in the EDDC area for the period defined under Question 1;
3. The actual shortfall, or surplus, expressed as dwellings, that EDDC had versus the 5YHLS target referred to when answering question 1 above;
4. When supplying the data in answer to Questions 1 to 3 above, please express this as dwellings for each year of the 5-year period e.g. "x" dwellings in Year 1 (April 1st 2023 to March 31st 2024), "y" dwellings in Year 2 (April 1st 2024 to March 31st 2025), and so on through to Year 5 (April 1st 2027 to March 31st 2028).
Date responded: 29 June 2023
Online payment systems
Date submitted: 26 June 2023
Summary of request
Please could you advice me of:
1. What system do you use to take online payments from service users, and who supplies it?
2. When did you start using this system?
3. When does the contract end for this system?
4. What is the annual cost of the system?
5. Where is the system hosted? Please specify if it is hosted by the council in its own data centre, hosted by the council in its own cloud environment (such as AWS or Azure), hosted by the supplier as a discrete instance, or hosted by the supplier as a true software as a service
6. How does the system integrate with the other elements of your online service delivery platform?
If you use more than one solution for online payments, please could you answer the above questions for each of them.
Summary of response
1. What system do you use to take online payments from service users, and who supplies it? - Capita Pay360
2. When did you start using this system? - May 2022
3. When does the contract end for this system? - May 2027
4. What is the annual cost of the system? - £27k pa
5. Where is the system hosted? Please specify if it is hosted by the council in its own data centre, hosted by the council in its own cloud environment (such as AWS or Azure), hosted by the supplier as a discrete instance, or hosted by the supplier as a true software as a service - sCloud
6. How does the system integrate with the other elements of your online service delivery platform? - API
Date responded: 29 June 2023
Allotments
Date submitted: 23 June 2023
Summary of request
Section A
1. How many allotment sites are there in your area and what are the total number of plots?
2. How many of those allotment sites do you have access to waiting list data for and what is the total number of plots on these sites?
3. What is the total number of people on waiting lists for the sites you have data for?
4. Are any of these waiting lists closed to further applications? And if so, how long have they been closed and what was the total number of people on the list at the point of closure.
5. When applying for an allotment what information is required (ie. name, email, address etc) and how are applicants selected?
Section B
1. What is the total number of new tenancies signed for each full year (January to January) since 2012.
2. In addition, for each of the 10 individuals most recently awarded a plot (at the time of this FoI), please state the date at which there was first contact with the council (i.e. submitting an application) and the date at which they received their plot.
Section C
1. In the last ten full years (since 2012 - January to January) if possible, have any groups of residents made a representation in writing under Section 23(2) of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 concerning the duty of Councils to provide allotments?
•
o If so, how many requests have you received?
o and how many have been successful?
Summary of response
Section A
1. How many allotment sites are there in your area and what are the total number of plots? - 5 Sites 89 plots in total.
2. How many of those allotment sites do you have access to waiting list data for and what is the total number of plots on these sites? - Lawn Vista 21 plots, Lymebourne 19 plots, Peaslands 37 plots, Manstone 6 plots and Moorview Close 6 plots.
3. What is the total number of people on waiting lists for the sites you have data for? - 100 on waiting lists.
4. Are any of these waiting lists closed to further applications? And if so, how long have they been closed and what was the total number of people on the list at the point of closure - None are closed.
5. When applying for an allotment what information is required (i.e. name, email, address etc) and how are applicants selected? - Full contact details required on joining waiting list. When a plot is vacant it is offered to the person at the top of the relevant list, and working down in order of application date until someone takes the vacant plot.
Section B
1. What is the total number of new tenancies signed for each full year (January to January) since 2012 - See below:
Year New Tenancies
2012 3
2013 6
2014 1
2015 1
2016 6
2017 3
2018 6
2019 7
2020 7
2021 11
2022 10
2023 3 so far this year
2. In addition, for each of the 10 individuals most recently awarded a plot (at the time of this FOI), please state the date at which there was first contact with the council (i.e. submitting an application) and the date at which they received their plot. - Please see below the 10 most recent where we have relevant information available:
Date on WL Date Allocated
16.4.18 1.10.21
1.10.18 14.1.22
25.9.18 18.1.22
18.8.16 3.8.22
21.2.19 14.9.22
17.8.18 16.9.22
19.5.14 20.10.22
11.4.19 1.12.22
28.5.19 21.12.22
9.7.19 8.3.23
Section C
1. In the last ten full years (since 2012 - January to January) if possible, have any groups of residents made a representation in writing under Section 23(2) of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 concerning the duty of Councils to provide allotments?
o If so, how many requests have you received? - None
o and how many have been successful? - N/A
Date responded: 26 June 2023
Service & Maintenance of East Devon Council Warden Call System
Date submitted: 22 June 2023
Summary of request
I would be most grateful if you would provide me details in respect to the questions below surrounding delivery of warden call maintenance services for this authority.
The details we require are:
• What are the contractual performance KPI's for this contract?
• Suppliers who applied for inclusion on each framework/contract and were successful & not successful at the PQQ & ITT stages
• Actual spend on this contract/framework (and any sub lots), from the start of the contract to the current date
• Start date & duration of framework/contract?
• Could you please provide a copy of the service/product specification given to all bidders for when this contract was last advertised?
• Is there an extension clause in the framework(s)/contract(s) and, if so, the duration of the extension?
• Has a decision been made yet on whether the framework(s)/contract(s) are being either extended or renewed?
• Who is the senior officer (outside of procurement) responsible for this contract?
Summary of response
• What are the contractual performance KPI's for this contract? - 4 Hour response for all critical faults – scheme down, permanent call from scheme & permanent sounding smoke alarm; 24 hour response to any other fault, with effort made to repair the fault on first visit
• Suppliers who applied for inclusion on each framework/contract and were successful & not successful at the PQQ & ITT stages - We used the Northern Housing Consortium Framework
• Actual spend on this contract/framework (and any sub lots), from the start of the contract to the current date - Current annual contract £39,138, this has varied during the 5 years of the contract as schemes have been removed. Removed hardwired and installed dispersed where no maintenance contract is required.
• Start date & duration of framework/contract? - Contract commenced on October 2018, expiring on the 30th October 2023
• Could you please provide a copy of the service/product specification given to all bidders for when this contract was last advertised? – This part of your request has been refused under section 41 of the FOI Act 2000 – as the information was received from someone else and complying with the request would be a breach of confidence that is actionable.
• Is there an extension clause in the framework(s)/contract(s) and, if so, the duration of the extension? - Yes, currently in the extension period which expired as above 30th October 2023.
• Has a decision been made yet on whether the framework(s)/contract(s) are being either extended or renewed? - This is currently being reviewed.
• Who is the senior officer (outside of procurement) responsible for this contract? - Sue Hodges – Home safeguard Manager (Careline)
Date responded: 3 August 2023
BACS software product & the renewal date of the contract
Date submitted: 22 June 2023
Summary of request
East Devon District Council' current BACS software incumbent product & the renewal date of the contract. This is to identify tender opportunities.
Summary of response
You requested to know EDDC's current BACS software incumbent product & the renewal date of the contract.
EDDC's current BACS software incumbent product – SmarterPay
Renewal date of the contract – March 2023; Annual Rolling
Date responded: 29 June 2023
Licensed taxis & private hire vehicles
Date submitted: 20 June 2023
Summary of request
1. How many licensed taxis & private hire vehicles are there within your council district?
2. How many spot checks by licensing officers have been carried out on licensed vehicles in the past 12 months?
3. Out of the checked licensed vehicles, how many passed and failed
Summary of response
1. How many licensed taxis & private hire vehicles are there within your council district? - 129 Hackney carriage, 39 Private Hire Vehicles correct as of today (26th June 2023)
2. How many spot checks by licensing officers have been carried out on licensed vehicles in the past 12 months? - We estimate this to be between 10 and 15 vehicles checked, all by prior appointment (for example new vehicles checked when they attend to collect a Plate, or vehicles that have been called in in relation to complaints). We previously regularly undertook unannounced taxi rank inspections and inspected all ‘new’ vehicles applying for a Hackney/ private hire, but this was largely suspended during Covid, and we are shortly looking to restart this.
3. Out of the checked licensed vehicles, how many passed and failed? - All vehicles inspected passed the inspection.
Date responded: 29 June 2023
Planning appeals and cost of legal advice
Date submitted: 19 June 2023
Summary of request
1. How many appeals against decisions relating to residential-led planning applications were lodged in (a) 2020/21, (b) 2021/22, and (c) 2022/23 and how many residential units were involved in these appeals?
2. How much was spent by the authority on legal advice and action relating to planning appeals in (a) 2020/21, (b) 2021/22, and (c) 2022/23
3. How many planning applications were granted permission after appeal in (a) 2020/21, (b) 2021/22, and (c) 2022/23
4. How many new residential units were granted permission following an appeal in (a) 2020/21, (b) 2021/22, and (c) 2022/23
5. How much was spent by the authority on legal advice and action relating to planning appeals that were then granted permission in (a) 2020/21, (b) 2021/22, and (c) 2022/23
Summary of response
Q1 How many appeals against decisions relating to residential-led planning applications were lodged in (a) 2020/21, (b) 2021/22, and (c) 2022/23 and how many residential units were involved in these appeals? – 25 appeals, 32 units; (b) 18 appeals 139 units; (c) 18 appeals 38 units
Q2 How much was spent by the authority on legal advice and action relating to planning appeals in (a) 2020/21, (b) 2021/22, and (c) 2022/23 – (a) 2020/2021 = £5,043; (b) 2021/22 = £86,256; (c) 2022/23 = zero
Q3 How many planning applications were granted permission after appeal in (a) 2020/21, (b) 2021/22, and (c) 2022/23 – (a) 14; (b) 19; (c) 9
Q4 How many new residential units were granted permission following an appeal in (a) 2020/21, (b) 2021/22, and (c) 2022/23 – (a) 7; (b) 120; (c) 20
Q5 How much was spent by the authority on legal advice and action relating to planning appeals that were then granted permission in (a) 2020/21, (b) 2021/22, and (c) 2022/23 – (a) 2020/2021 = £5,043; (b) 2021/22 = £86,256; (c) 2022/23 = zero
Date responded: 11 July 2023
Unauthorised encampments
Date submitted: 19 June 2023
Summary of request
For the avoidance of doubt ‘the Authority’ means the local authority to whom this request is addressed. Where you are responsible for dealing with FOI requests for more than one authority, please provide the information from each of those authorities. If the Authority did not exist at any time for which information is requested, ‘the Authority’ should be read as ‘all predecessor authorities’. Where the information requested is for numbers of claims, orders, notices and etc. this should include claims and etc. against both named defendants and persons unknown/all occupants. Where a single claim or etc. is against multiple defendants it should be counted as one.
Please provide:
1. The number of directions to leave under section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 given by the Authority to persons residing on land belonging to the Authority
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
2. The number of directions to leave under section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 given by the Authority to persons residing on land not belonging to the Authority
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
3. The number of complaints made by the Authority to any magistrates’ court seeking orders under section 78 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 regarding persons residing on land belonging to the Authority
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
4. The number of complaints made by the Authority to any magistrates’ court seeking orders under section 78 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 regarding persons residing on land not belonging to the Authority
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
5. The number of orders under section 78 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 made by any magistrates’ court on complaint of the Authority regarding persons residing on land belonging to the Authority
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
6. The number of orders under section 78 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 made by any magistrates’ court on complaint of the Authority regarding persons residing on land not belonging to the Authority
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
7. The number of claims for possession brought by the Authority against occupants of unauthorised encampments on land owned by the Authority issued by the County Court or High Court
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
8. The number of interim orders for possession granted by County Court or High Court in favour of the Authority against occupants of unauthorised encampments on land owned by the Authority
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
9. The number of final orders for possession granted by County Court or High Court in favour of the Authority against occupants of unauthorised encampments on land owned by the Authority
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
10. The number of occasions on which the Authority used (or purported to use) common law rights to recover possession of land from occupants of unauthorised encampments
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
11. Copies of any policy or guidance adopted by the Authority regarding the management of unauthorised encampments in use
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
Summary of response
You have requested information on the number of directions to leave under section 77/78 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 given by the Authority to persons residing on land belonging to the Authority - Zero - EDDC use our common law rights to remove encampments from our car parks. This is encampments as opposed to single trespassers.
1. The number of directions to leave under section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 given by the Authority to persons residing on land belonging to the Authority - Zero
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
2. The number of directions to leave under section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 given by the Authority to persons residing on land not belonging to the Authority - Zero
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
3. The number of complaints made by the Authority to any magistrates’ court seeking orders under section 78 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 regarding persons residing on land belonging to the Authority - Zero
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
4. The number of complaints made by the Authority to any magistrates’ court seeking orders under section 78 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 regarding persons residing on land not belonging to the Authority - Zero
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
5. The number of orders under section 78 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 made by any magistrates’ court on complaint of the Authority regarding persons residing on land belonging to the Authority - Zero
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
6. The number of orders under section 78 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 made by any magistrates’ court on complaint of the Authority regarding persons residing on land not belonging to the Authority - Zero
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
7. The number of claims for possession brought by the Authority against occupants of unauthorised encampments on land owned by the Authority issued by the County Court or High Court - Zero
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
8. The number of interim orders for possession granted by County Court or High Court in favour of the Authority against occupants of unauthorised encampments on land owned by the Authority - Zero
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
9. The number of final orders for possession granted by County Court or High Court in favour of the Authority against occupants of unauthorised encampments on land owned by the Authority - Zero
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
10. The number of occasions on which the Authority used (or purported to use) common law rights to recover possession of land from occupants of unauthorised encampments -
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018 - 10
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019 - 5
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020 - 10
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 - 14
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 - 6
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023 - 2
11. Copies of any policy or guidance adopted by the Authority regarding the management of unauthorised encampments in use - No working policy/guidance at the present time. There is a draft policy/guidance but this has not been adopted.
a) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018,
b) between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019,
c) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020,
d) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021,
e) between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022,
f) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2023.
Date responded: 17 July 2023
Temporary accommodation
Date submitted: 15 June 2023
Summary of request
This request is about the use of temporary accommodation and referrals to PRS accommodation which is in a local authority area other than your own for households which have been accepted as homeless both under prevention and relief duties.
Unless otherwise specified the requests relate to the financial year 2022/2023.
Please provide a list of the locations (local authorities) where you have placed households for temporary accommodation.
Please confirm how many households were placed in temporary accommodation outside of your local authority area.
Please provide data on the ethnicity of those who were placed in temporary accommodation outside of your local authority area.
Please provide a list of the locations (local authorities) where you have assisted households into PRS accommodation.
Please confirm how many households were assisted into PRS accommodation outside of your local authority area.
Please provide data on the ethnicity of those who were assisted into PRS accommodation outside of your local authority area.
Please provide confirmation as to whether you hold stock of temporary accommodation within another local authority district. If yes, please confirm how many units and which local authority these are in.
Please provide confirmation as to whether you have specified PRS landlord contacts within another local authority district. If yes, please confirm how many landlords and which local authority these are in.
Summary of response
Unless otherwise specified the requests relate to the financial year 2022/2023.
Please provide a list of the locations (local authorities) where you have placed households for temporary accommodation. - East Devon/Mid Devon/
Please confirm how many households were placed in temporary accommodation outside of your local authority area. - 7
Please provide data on the ethnicity of those who were placed in temporary accommodation outside of your local authority area.- 6 x white british, 1 x white other
Please provide a list of the locations (local authorities) where you have assisted households into PRS accommodation. - East Devon/Barnsley/Plymouth/West Devon/Essex/Teignbridge/Exeter
Please confirm how many households were assisted into PRS accommodation outside of your local authority area. - 9
Please provide data on the ethnicity of those who were assisted into PRS accommodation outside of your local authority area. - All White - British
Please provide confirmation as to whether you hold stock of temporary accommodation within another local authority district. If yes, please confirm how many units and which local authority these are in. - None
Please provide confirmation as to whether you have specified PRS landlord contacts within another local authority district. If yes, please confirm how many landlords and which local authority these are in. - No
Date responded: 3 July 2023
Voter Registration Certificate
Date submitted: 14 June 2023
Summary of request
Under the terms of the Elections Act 2022 and the Amendments of RPA 1983, voters in your local authority were entitled to apply for a Voter Registration Certificate either online, by post or in person, in advance of the local elections held on May 4th, 2023.
My request is for the number of people in your local authority who applied for a Voter Registration Certificate before the election on May 4th 2023, and/or the number of Voter Registration Certificates which were issued ahead of May 4th 2023.
Summary of response
The number of people in your local authority who applied for a Voter Registration Certificate before the election on May 4th 2023 - 219 residents, which is 0.18% of East Devon’s electorate, applied for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) before the deadline for the local elections of 5pm on 24 April.
And/or the number of Voter Registration Certificates which were issued ahead of May 4th 2023 - 219. 26 of the applications for a VAC were received on the deadline day.
Date responded: 28 June 2023
Energy Efficiency - MEES- Non-Domestic Property - Compliance Notices and Penalties
Date submitted: 14 June 2023
Summary of request
I have updated the original request below with the time period corrected and please provide information for non-domestic properties only.
1. In respect of non-domestic properties only, how many tenant-reported breaches of the MEES Regulations did the LA receive in the following periods:
a. 01.04.2018 (when the MEES Regulations came into effect) to 31.03.2022
b. 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2023
c. Since 01.04.2023
2. In respect of non-domestic properties only, how many compliance notices in total have the LA issued during the following periods:
a. 01.04.2018 (when the MEES Regulations came into effect) to 31.03.2022
b. 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2023
c. Since 01.04.2023
3. In respect of non-domestic properties only, how many penalty notices in total have the LA issued during the following periods:
a. 01.04.2018 (when the MEES Regulations came into effect) to 31.03.2022
b. 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2023
c. Since 01.04.2023
4. In respect of non-domestic properties only, what is the total monetary value of the MEES-related penalty notices issued during the following periods:
a. 01.04.2018 (when the MEES Regulations came into effect) to 31.03.2022
b. 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2023
c. Since 01.04.2023
5. In respect of non-domestic properties only, how many publication penalties have been issued by the LA during the following periods:
a. 01.04.2018 (when the MEES Regulations came into effect) to 31.03.2022
b. 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2023
c. Since 01.04.2023
6. In respect of non-domestic properties only, how does the LA identify properties that are not compliant with the MEES Regulation?
7. Does the LA have one or more individuals with specific responsibility for the compliance of non-domestic properties with the MEES Regulations? If so, which team, function or department are they part of?
Summary of response
The enforcing authority is Trading Standards. Trading standards - Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay (devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk).
https://www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk/
EDDC are not the enforcing authority and we have no information on MEES non-domestic properties.
This is the Guidance
Non-domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard - landlord guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/non-domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance
Enforcement
These minimum energy efficiency standard regulations are enforced by Local Weights and Measures Authorities, who have a range of powers to check and ensure compliance.
If the enforcement authority believes a landlord has failed to fulfil their obligations under the Regulations, they can serve the landlord with a compliance notice. If a breach is confirmed, the landlord may receive a financial penalty.
Non-compliance with the Regulations
The enforcement authority may check for different forms of non-compliance, including one or more of the following:
• from 1 April 2018, you let your property in breach of the Regulations
• from 1 April 2023, you continue to let your property in breach of the Regulations
• you have registered any false or misleading information on the PRS Exemptions Register
Date responded: 19 June 2023
Disabled Facilities Grants
Date submitted: 12 June 2023
Summary of request
Please may you provide data on:
• The number of applications the council has received for Disabled Facilities Grants in the last five years
• The number of applications that have been accepted resulting in a Disabled Facilities Grant being awarded in this timeframe
• The average time, from the date an application is received, it takes the council to make a decision on the application
• The total amount the council has awarded on Disabled Facilities Grants in the last five years, split by year.
Summary of response
Please may you provide data on:
• The number of applications the council has received for Disabled Facilities Grants in the last five years
• The number of applications that have been accepted resulting in a Disabled Facilities Grant being awarded in this timeframe
• The average time, from the date an application is received, it takes the council to make a decision on the application
• The total amount the council has awarded on Disabled Facilities Grants in the last five years, split by year.
EDDC publishes the data you have requested at the following address:
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/housing-and-homelessness/housing-in-the-private-sector/private-sector-housing/grants-and-loans/housing-assistance-data/#article-content
As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
Date responded: 5 July 2023
Glyphosate-based herbicides
Date submitted: 12 June 2023
Summary of request
I would like to know which glyphosate-based herbicides are currently used by or on behalf of the council on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) that are owned by, managed by, or under the control of the council.
Please can you provide the data for the most recent 12-month period for which the information is available.
Please can you also specify the amount and brand of each glyphosate-based herbicide in question, as well as the size of the area over which they are used.
Summary of response
I would like to know which glyphosate-based herbicides are currently used by or on behalf of the council on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) that are owned by, managed by, or under the control of the council - EDDC Streetscene banned the use of glyphosate in the public realm from 1st September 2022 but the teams were instructed to stop using from April 2022.
Please can you provide the data for the most recent 12-month period for which the information is available - Please refer to link for previous usage 300322bpcabinetreportchemicalauditandreview.pdf (eastdevon.gov.uk)
Please can you also specify the amount and brand of each glyphosate-based herbicide in question, as well as the size of the area over which they are used - Please refer to link for brands used 300322bpcabinetreportchemicalauditandreview.pdf (eastdevon.gov.uk)
Date responded: 19 June 2023
Minimum energy efficiency standard
Date submitted: 12 June 2023
Summary of request
Questions for Private Sector Housing / Environmental Health
1) How many properties have had their EPC improved to an E or above as a direct result of the council engaging either formally or informally with landlords?
2) How many proactive enforcement investigations has the council undertaken into suspected breaches of The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, Regulation 23 from April 2018 to April 2023? Please note a proactive investigation means one whereby the council has proactively identified a suspected breach of the regulations prior to contact with the tenant or landlord.
3) How many reactive investigations has the council undertaken into suspected breaches of The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, Section 23 from April 2018 to April 2023? Please note reactive investigations includes investigations initiated in response to a complaint by a tenant or member of the public relating to any housing matter whereby the EPC is checked as part of the investigation and a suspected offense identified.
4) How many breeches of The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, Section 23 has the council identified between April 2018 to April 2023
5) How many penalty notices has the council served for breaches of Regulation 23 of The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 from April 2018 to April 2023?
6) When did the council last undertake a stock condition survey (private sector housing stock)?
7) Do you have access to Parity Projects data? (please note your council may have access to this for net zero or fuel poverty projects, the responsibility for which may sit outside the private sector housing service area)
8) Do you have access to any other datasets (excluding EPC and council tax data) currently utilised for MEES enforcement? If so what data is used
9) Does the council have access to any other data sets that detail the EPC rating and tenure of properties, currently utilised for net zero or fuel poverty projects? If so please give details
10) Has the council received any funding from BEIS for the purpose of improving landlord compliance with the regulations? If so please include the total monetary allocation
11) Has the council offered any financial incentives to landlords to assist them to comply with the regulations? If so please include the total amount paid by the council either directly to landlords or to 3rd party contractors between 2018 and 2023 and the number of properties directly improved as a result of the councils payments.
12) How many properties within the councils area are suspected to be let (or continued to be let) in breach of Regulation 23 of The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015?
13) Does the council have a dedicated MEES penalty matrix to determine penalty amounts?
14) How many private rented properties within the Council's area have EPC ratings of D or below?
15) How many officers have a delegated authority to investigate offenses committed under The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 and issue penalty notices?
16) How many new posts have been created within the department since 2016 to support enforcement of Private Sector Housing Standards?
17) Does your department have written procedures for officers to follow when investigating breaches of MEEs? If yes, Please include a copy of the procedure in your reply
Summary of response
1) How many properties have had their EPC improved to an E or above as a direct result of the council engaging either formally or informally with landlords? - No information held
2) How many proactive enforcement investigations has the council undertaken into suspected breaches of The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, Regulation 23 from April 2018 to April 2023? Please note a proactive investigation means one whereby the council has proactively identified a suspected breach of the regulations prior to contact with the tenant or landlord - No information held
3) How many reactive investigations has the council undertaken into suspected breaches of The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, Section 23 from April 2018 to April 2023? Please note reactive investigations includes investigations initiated in response to a complaint by a tenant or member of the public relating to any housing matter whereby the EPC is checked as part of the investigation and a suspected offense identified - No information held
4) How many breeches of The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, Section 23 has the council identified between April 2018 to April 2023 - No information held
5) How many penalty notices has the council served for breaches of Regulation 23 of The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 from April 2018 to April 2023? - None
6) When did the council last undertake a stock condition survey (private sector housing stock)? - 2015
7) Do you have access to Parity Projects data? (please note your council may have access to this for net zero or fuel poverty projects, the responsibility for which may sit outside the private sector housing service area) - Yes
8) Do you have access to any other datasets (excluding EPC and council tax data) currently utilised for MEES enforcement? - No
9) Does the council have access to any other data sets that detail the EPC rating and tenure of properties, currently utilised for net zero or fuel poverty projects? - No
10) Has the council received any funding from BEIS for the purpose of improving landlord compliance with the regulations? - No
11) Has the council offered any financial incentives to landlords to assist them to comply with the regulations? - No
12) How many properties within the councils area are suspected to be let (or continued to be let) in breach of Regulation 23 of The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015? - No information held
13) Does the council have a dedicated MEES penalty matrix to determine penalty amounts? - No
14) How many private rented properties within the Council's area have EPC ratings of D or below? - No information held
15) How many officers have a delegated authority to investigate offenses committed under The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 and issue penalty notices? - 2
16) How many new posts have been created within the department since 2016 to support enforcement of Private Sector Housing Standards? - None
17) Does your department have written procedures for officers to follow when investigating breaches of MEEs? - No
Date responded: 5 July 2023
All communications between EDDC and CBRE - 2022
Date submitted: 2 June 2023
Summary of request
To ensure commercial integrity and fairness in EDDCs development of the new local plan and proposals for a New Town, I would like to obtain copies of all correspondence between EDDC and CBRE (https://www.cbre.co.uk/) for 2022.
Summary of response
You have requested to obtain copies of all correspondence between EDDC and CBRE for 2022 with regard to the development of the new local plan and proposals for a New Town.
The initial search has revealed 229 emails that could potentially fall within the scope of your request, some of which will have attachments and further email chains embedded within. We have taken a sample of emails and calculated that the time it will take to read through each email to determine what is disclosable and falls within the scope of the request as well as seeking third party views will take approximately 5 minutes per email.
We estimate that based on the above calculation to read all the emails will take an officer beyond the reasonable time and cost limits and would be manifestly unreasonable under exception 12(4)(b) of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) - Requests may be manifestly unreasonable if dealing with a request would create unreasonable costs or an unreasonable diversion of resources. Therefore your request has been refused at this time.
Date responded: 29 June 2023
Existing and upcoming procurement projects
Date submitted: 1 June 2023
Summary of request
• Beyond those tenders currently in the public domain, what existing and forthcoming opportunities are currently in your procurement pipeline in relation to debt collection, recovery, and enforcement services, specifically in the following areas:
o Penalty Charge Notices issued for parking infringements
o Council tax arrears
o Non-domestic rates paid by local businesses
o Sundry debt arrears
o Low Emission Zone/Clean Air Zone/Congestion Zone non-compliance
o Bus lane violations
o Moving traffic offences
o Speed enforcement
o Free flow tolling
o Road pricing (including charges to enter bridges and tunnels)
• For those opportunities which are currently in the pipeline, what is the estimated contract value for each individual pipeline opportunity (given in £1000s of pounds)?
• For those opportunities currently in the pipeline, can you provide an expected timetable for the future tendering of those opportunities (please provide the timeline on a month-by-month basis or describe, in months, the estimated tender process length)?
• Regarding each opportunity please could you include:
o The current supplier/suppliers
o Key individuals/team involved in the procurement process.
Summary of response
• Beyond those tenders currently in the public domain, what existing and forthcoming opportunities are currently in your procurement pipeline in relation to debt collection, recovery, and enforcement services, specifically in the following areas:
Penalty Charge Notices issued for parking infringements
Council tax arrears
Non-domestic rates paid by local businesses
Sundry debt arrears
Low Emission Zone/Clean Air Zone/Congestion Zone non-compliance
Our Enforcement Agent contract is up for renewal and so we will be going out to tender this Autumn.
This covers the debt recovery and enforcement of:
Council Tax
Business Rates
Rent arrears
Sundry Debts
Parking Enforcement.
• For those opportunities which are currently in the pipeline, what is the estimated contract value for each individual pipeline opportunity (given in £1000s of pounds)? - It is not possible to work out a value as not all enforcement cases will be referred for action by an agent and then some will pay at first stage with one set of fees while others will progress to enforcement with other fees some of which are linked to the amount of debt owed. Agents also work for us in the collection of Sundry debts, car park fees and housing rental accounts but no fees are payable in these cases by either the resident or ourselves.
• For those opportunities currently in the pipeline, can you provide an expected timetable for the future tendering of those opportunities (please provide the timeline on a month-by-month basis or describe, in months, the estimated tender process length)? - Tendering will happen this Autumn and will be joint with other councils. Estimated tender process length is not known.
• Regarding each opportunity please could you include:
The current supplier/suppliers - Current suppliers are Dukes, Bristow and Sutor and Jacobs.
Key individuals/team involved in the procurement process - The officers involved from EDDC will be Andrew Driver and Andrew Staines.
Date responded: 26 June 2023
Equality impact assessment requirements for removal of public toilets
Date submitted: 30 May 2023
Summary of request
Please can you clearly tell me if every public toilet removal scheme or initiative in the past 5 years has had an equalities impact assessment completed for it?
Please do also tell me, what ratio of toilets per head you are working towards, and how you accommodate for the needs set out I'm the Equality Act??
Summary of response
Please can you clearly tell me if every public toilet removal scheme or initiative in the past 5 years has had an equalities impact assessment completed for it? - Yes. EQI was incorporated with the Cabinet report - https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/documents/g1703/Public%20reports%20pack%2001st-Dec-2021%2018.00%20Cabinet.pdf?T=10 Equalities Impact Assessment under background info, also Equalities response summary. The cabinet report also provides the rational for reducing toilet provision.
Please do also tell me, what ratio of toilets per head you are working towards, and how you accommodate for the needs set out in the Equality Act? - There is no set number with regards to ratio per head of toilets that we have in a policy or which is required through legislation.
Date responded: 16 June 2023
Council house building
Date submitted: 30 May 2023
Summary of request
These questions relate to new homes built by the council.
• 1) In the 2022/23 financial year (1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023) how many new homes of any tenure did the council complete?
• 1) a) Please can you provide a breakdown of those new build completions, by tenure (for example, how many were social rent, shared ownership, market sale, temporary accommodation, etc).
• 2) If the council has a council-owned housing company, in the 2022/23 financial year (1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023) how many new homes of any tenure did the company complete?
• 2) a) Please can you provide a breakdown of those completions, by tenure (for example, how many were social rent, shared ownership, market sale, temporary accommodation, etc).
• 3) How many homes does the council expect to build in the next five years (ie, from April 2023-March 2028)
• 4) If the council has a council-owned housing company, how many homes does it expect to build in the next five years (April 2023-March 2028)
Summary of response
These questions relate to new homes built by the council.
• 1) In the 2022/23 financial year (1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023) how many new homes of any tenure did the council complete? - Zero
• 1) a) Please can you provide a breakdown of those new build completions, by tenure (for example, how many were social rent, shared ownership, market sale, temporary accommodation, etc) - N/A
• 2) If the council has a council-owned housing company, in the 2022/23 financial year (1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023) how many new homes of any tenure did the company complete? - The Housing Task Force was set up in February 2022 and is developing a pipeline of schemes to be delivered over the coming years. None have been built yet.
• 2) a) Please can you provide a breakdown of those completions, by tenure (for example, how many were social rent, shared ownership, market sale, temporary accommodation, etc) - N/A
• 3) How many homes does the council expect to build in the next five years (i.e. from April 2023-March 2028) – This is dependant on many factors such as, planning , land availability, budgetary constraints etc but we hope to build 15-30 homes per year.
• 4) If the council has a council-owned housing company, how many homes does it expect to build in the next five years (April 2023-March 2028) – We do not have a council owned housing company.
Date responded: 30 May 2023
Alcohol licences ABV
Date submitted: 30 May 2023
Summary of request
We submit our request for the following information in respect of businesses and/or individuals licensed to sell or supply alcohol within your local authority:
1. The total number of licensed outlets within your local authority area.
2. The total number of outlets with a restriction applied to them for ABV on any alcohol product other than beer and cider.
3. The total number of outlets with a restriction applied to them for ABV on beer and cider products.
4. The names of the outlets with a restriction applied to them for ABV on beer and cider products.
5. The reasons for applying a restriction to these outlets.
6. The process for selection of products to apply a restriction to for ABV, on beer and cider ranges.
7. The strategy to review a license renewal application for incorporating future restrictions for ABV on beer and cider.
8. Any specific brands which have a restriction for ABV on beer and cider placed on them.
9. Any specific conditions placed on restricting sale of products of beer and cider:
- ABV %
- Number of cans/bottles in a pack for retail
- Packaging restrictions i.e. glass bottle / can
Summary of response
1. The total number of licensed outlets within your local authority area - 778 as of 30th May 2023
2. The total number of outlets with a restriction applied to them for ABV on any alcohol product other than beer and cider - Our licensing software does not allow us to search or filter for this information.
3. The total number of outlets with a restriction applied to them for ABV on beer and cider products - As above for question 2.
4. The names of the outlets with a restriction applied to them for ABV on beer and cider products.
- Moores Newsagent, 28 The Strand, Exmouth;
- Orcombe Point Pop-up Bar
5. The reasons for applying a restriction to these outlets - In both cases these conditions were volunteered by the licence applicant as part of a Licensing Hearing.
6. The process for selection of products to apply a restriction to for ABV, on beer and cider ranges - Our current Statement of Licensing Policy does not mention this specifically, but does state at point 6.6 “Following relevant representations the licensing authority may impose conditions where existing legislation does not provide adequately for the promotion of the four licensing objectives”
7. The strategy to review a license renewal application for incorporating future restrictions for ABV on beer and cider - This would be on a case by case basis via licence review usually only where voluntary measures such as a “reduce the strength” type campaign has failed.
8. Any specific brands which have a restriction for ABV on beer and cider placed on them - Nil
9. Any specific conditions placed on restricting sale of products of beer and cider:
- ABV %
- Number of cans/bottles in a pack for retail
- Packaging restrictions i.e. glass bottle / can
No super-strength beer, lagers, ciders or spirit mixtures of 6.0% ABV (alcohol by volume) or above shall be sold at the premises, except for premium beers and ciders supplied in glass bottles.
Our Published Pool of Licensing Conditions also contains the following relevant conditions:
Nature of Alcohol Sales
• No super-strength beer, lagers, ciders or spirit mixtures of 5.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) or above shall be sold at the premises, except for premium beers and ciders supplied in glass bottles.
• There shall be no self service of alcohol on the premises.
• There shall be no self service of spirits on the premises, save for spirit mixtures less than 5.5% ABV (alcohol by volume).
• No single cans or bottles of beer or cider or spirit mixtures shall be sold at the premises.
• No miniature bottles of spirits of 20cl or less shall be sold from the premises.
Date responded: 31 May 2023
Trees cut down/replaced
Date submitted: 30 May 2023
Summary of request
1. How many trees does the council currently plan to fell (recommended for removal) over the next 12 months so far and why does it plan to fell them?
2. Has the council carried out any public consultation on the removal of these trees or does it have plans to do so. If so, could you please provide any detail on the number of objections/votes of support this decision has had? Please provide examples of objections and support in document form if this is possible.
3. Does the council plan to replace any of the trees, if so how many?
4. If the cost limit has not yet been reached for this request, please provide the number of trees felled over the previous two financial years (2022/3) and (2021/2). If this will breach the cost limit, please ignore this question.
Summary of response
1. How many trees does the council currently plan to fell (recommended for removal) over the next 12 months so far and why does it plan to fell them? - There has been a recent pause in tree inspections and this information is not up to date.
2. Has the council carried out any public consultation on the removal of these trees or does it have plans to do so. If so, could you please provide any detail on the number of objections/votes of support this decision has had? Please provide examples of objections and support in document form if this is possible - We would only notify residents on removal / works to significant trees, not day to day general maintenance.
3. Does the council plan to replace any of the trees, if so how many? - Replacement planting takes place where significant trees have been removed and replanting is considered appropriate.
4. If the cost limit has not yet been reached for this request, please provide the number of trees felled over the previous two financial years (2022/3) and (2021/2). If this will breach the cost limit, please ignore this question.
The number of trees felled according to our records are as follows: (please note, the records for the last 2 years are not currently not up to date).
2020 - 35
2021 - 46
2022 - 4
2023 - 1
Date responded: 20 June 2023
Council's Funding Shortfall
Date submitted: 25 May 2023
Summary of request
We are carrying out a Freedom of Information request to try and ascertain the scale of the funding challenge that local councils are facing in the medium-term future. Please can you answer the following questions:
1. What is your current predicted funding gap by the end of the financial year 2024/25?
2. What is your current predicted cumulative funding gap by the end of the financial year 2025/26?
Summary of response
You requested information about the council's funding shortfall - This information is available as part of the 2023/24 budget reports, the first of which was January 2023 Cabinet here:
https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=136&MId=1957&Ver=4
As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
1. What is your current predicted funding gap by the end of the financial year 2024/25?
2. What is your current predicted cumulative funding gap by the end of the financial year 2025/26?
Date responded: 30 May 2023
Landlord warrants
Date submitted: 25 May 2023
Summary of request
Can you tell how many times, in each of the last five calendar years up to the date of this request, has the local authority sought a warrant to enter a tenant’s home after they have been unable to contact them?
For each of those cases, how long had passed without contact with the tenant before the warrant was sought?
For warrants that were served, how many resulted in the discovery of a deceased tenant or tenants inside the property?
Summary of response
Can you tell how many times, in each of the last five calendar years up to the date of this request, has the local authority sought a warrant to enter a tenant’s home after they have been unable to contact them? - None
For each of those cases, how long had passed without contact with the tenant before the warrant was sought? - N/A
For warrants that were served, how many resulted in the discovery of a deceased tenant or tenants inside the property? - N/A
Date responded: 14 June 2023
Waste reduction and climate crisis
Date submitted: 22 May 2023
Summary of request
1) Bio-diversity - Are all public grass areas being mowed less often ? With larger patches left to re-wild ? Are trees being planted there ?
Are all students, households encouraged to do the same ? Are all farmers leaving wider hedgerows / field edges
2) The WRAP soft / flexible plastic recycling scheme, with collection bins now appearing in supermarkets, means almost all plastic packaging can now be recycled. How quickly will kerb-side collections start ?
Does your own website have a page covering all this ? with locations of all collecting stores ?
Have you asked all supermarkets about this ? Are their collection bins clearly labelled with what they accept, and what they don't ?
What is happening about collecting the things not in the WRAP scheme but recycled by Terracycle ?
3) Have you ensured that zero plastic is entering your rivers, drains etc ?
4) Have you asked all supermarkets about getting all products clearly labelled with how to recycle the various components ?
5) Do all schools, hospitals, offices, cafes, restaurants etc now have meat-free mondays and thursdays ? and zero beef all week ? and zero soya ( or ? )-fed meat all week ? and a reduction in rice ? and a reduction in lamb ?
+ meat-free weeks ? and all cow's milk replaced with oat etc ?
6) This year's drought - Ban all non-essential uses of water - car washing, garden hoses etc. Issue advice on water-saving eg a displacement object in the toilet cistern, Turn off the tap when brushing teeth, Use bath-water for plant watering.
7) Lack of dentists - a) Raise the pay b) Promote the best advice - Clean teeth fully after every meal with gentle rotating strokes. Do not rinse after brushing. Avoid brushing for 1/2 hour after acidic food eg limes, blueberries, blackberries, pineapples, peaches, oranges, plums, apples, tomatoes, purple grapes, green grapes, citrus fruits, apricots + juices of all these. Floss regularly. Use a small amount of mouthwash before brushing.
8) Health + Climate crisis -
Are all students taught the following ? -
The expression global warming, GW, is now superceded by global over-heating, GOH. It must be reversed, now, not @ 1.5C.
Economic "growth" = Destruction. "growth" = Greed. Over-population = Poverty
"carbon neutral" must become "carbon and methane neutral" or better "CO2e neutral" - the crisis is now, not in 2050, 2040, 2030 ...
The burning Amazon - eat less meat ( eat less beef ) - E < M ( E < B ) - Switch the land to crops and therefore produce ten times more food. + biofuel to replace russian fuels. + use less fertiliser.
Eat 10% less meat per month. Eat 10% less beef per week - E.10 < M ( E.10 < B )
Eat less soya etc-fed meat ( E < SFM )
Eat less rice ( E < R ) - rice production releases large quantities of methane. Eat alternative grains eg lentils, peas, quinoa, buckwheat.
Consume less dairy - ( C < D )
Use less soya - ( U < S )
Eat less lamb - ( E < L )
Energy crisis -
Cook in the microwave. Never cook from frozen. Rethink all cooking "instructions". Car-sharing. Minimise all waste. Minimise all energy use - is the EU still requiring airlines to operate "ghost" flights ?
Stop all non-essential travel, Turn down the thermostat 1 degree, Wash clothes only when they need it, Wash up less often and with half a bowl of water, Wash car, vacuum home etc less often
9) Does your website, and all schools' ( and ? ) websites have an easy to find -
"top 20 ways to reduce global-warming / global-overheating" ? eg by lobbying your MP etc
"top 20 ways to reduce food waste" ? eg buy only what you actually need, how to use left-overs
"top 20 ways to reduce energy waste" ? eg don't drive when you can walk, always defrost in the fridge, never cook from frozen, always cook in the microwave, even when the product ( falsely ) claims "not suitable for microwave cooking", consider that many eg fruit, veg, pre-cooked products need no cooking at all and the times quoted on the packaging are often wildly excessive eg porridge, baked beans, tofu
"top 20 ways to reduce plastic pollution" ? eg use the new soft plastic collection points at supermarkets
"top 20 ways to reduce the risk of of fire" ? eg check your smoke alarms
"top 20 ways to increase road safety" ? eg avoid all distractions, drive more slowly, remove all road-side advertising
Summary of response
1) Bio-diversity - Are all public grass areas being mowed less often ? With larger patches left to re-wild ? Are trees being planted there ? – Our approach is set out in detail here https://eastdevon.gov.uk/parks-gardens-and-recreation/parks-and-gardens/nature-recovery/
Green Space Design and Management Proposals - Emergency Tree Fund Proposal - East Devon
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/parks-gardens-and-recreation/parks-and-gardens/green-space-design-and-management-proposals/emergency-tree-fund-proposal/
Are all students, households encouraged to do the same ? Are all farmers leaving wider hedgerows / field edges – Information not held
2) The WRAP soft / flexible plastic recycling scheme, with collection bins now appearing in supermarkets, means almost all plastic packaging can now be recycled. How quickly will kerb-side collections start ? – Many retailers have front of store take-back facilities including flexible plastics. The UK does not yet have the processing capacity and end user markets to handle the larger quantities of flexible plastics that would be captured by kerb-side collections from households. DEFRAs Consistency in Collections regulations, still to be published, will include the collection of flexible plastics from households. We anticipate the deadline for these collections to be set at 2027 by DEFRA. DEFRA are working with the recycling sector to stimulate the investment required in processing capacity and end user markets to make this viable.
Does your own website have a page covering all this ? with locations of all collecting stores ? – No
Have you asked all supermarkets about this ? – No Are their collection bins clearly labelled with what they accept, and what they don't ? – This is a matter for individual retailers to answer
What is happening about collecting the things not in the WRAP scheme but recycled by Terracycle ? – This should be addressed to Terracycle
3) Have you ensured that zero plastic is entering your rivers, drains etc ? – The source of plastics that enter water courses is so broad we are unable to answer this as a waste collection authority. Please refer this part of your request to South West Water
4) Have you asked all supermarkets about getting all products clearly labelled with how to recycle the various components ? – Not for EDDC to respond to; Trading standards
5) Do all schools, hospitals, offices, cafes, restaurants etc now have meat-free mondays and thursdays ? and zero beef all week ? and zero soya ( or ? )-fed meat all week ? and a reduction in rice ? and a reduction in lamb ?
+ meat-free weeks ? and all cow's milk replaced with oat etc ? – Not for EDDC to respond to; you need to forward this part of your request to Trading standards & Devon County Council
6) This year's drought - Ban all non-essential uses of water - car washing, garden hoses etc. Issue advice on water-saving eg a displacement object in the toilet cistern, Turn off the tap when brushing teeth, Use bath-water for plant watering – Not for EDDC to respond to; South West Water is the water company in this area
7) Lack of dentists - a) Raise the pay b) Promote the best advice - Clean teeth fully after every meal with gentle rotating strokes. Do not rinse after brushing. Avoid brushing for 1/2 hour after acidic food eg limes, blueberries, blackberries, pineapples, peaches, oranges, plums, apples, tomatoes, purple grapes, green grapes, citrus fruits, apricots + juices of all these. Floss regularly. Use a small amount of mouthwash before brushing – Not for EDDC to respond to; NHS is responsible for dentistry
8) Health + Climate crisis -
Are all students taught the following ? – Not for EDDC to respond to. Devon County Council is responsible for Education in this area
The expression global warming, GW, is now superceded by global over-heating, GOH. It must be reversed, now, not @ 1.5C.
Economic "growth" = Destruction. "growth" = Greed. Over-population = Poverty
"carbon neutral" must become "carbon and methane neutral" or better "CO2e neutral" - the crisis is now, not in 2050, 2040, 2030 ...
The burning Amazon - eat less meat ( eat less beef ) - E < M ( E < B ) - Switch the land to crops and therefore produce ten times more food. + biofuel to replace russian fuels. + use less fertiliser.
Eat 10% less meat per month. Eat 10% less beef per week - E.10 < M ( E.10 < B )
Eat less soya etc-fed meat ( E < SFM )
Eat less rice ( E < R ) - rice production releases large quantities of methane. Eat alternative grains eg lentils, peas, quinoa, buckwheat.
Consume less dairy - ( C < D )
Use less soya - ( U < S )
Eat less lamb - ( E < L )
Energy crisis -
Cook in the microwave. Never cook from frozen. Rethink all cooking "instructions". Car-sharing. Minimise all waste. Minimise all energy use - is the EU still requiring airlines to operate "ghost" flights ?
Stop all non-essential travel, Turn down the thermostat 1 degree, Wash clothes only when they need it, Wash up less often and with half a bowl of water, Wash car, vacuum home etc less often
9) Does your website, and all schools' ( and ? ) websites have an easy to find:
"top 20 ways to reduce global-warming / global-overheating" ? eg by lobbying your MP etc – No
"top 20 ways to reduce food waste" ? eg buy only what you actually need, how to use left-overs – No, but we do provide information on how to reduce, reuse and recycle. Reduce, reuse, recycle - East Devon Recycling, the environment and our responsibilities - East Devon
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/reduce-reuse-recycle/
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/recycling-the-environment-and-our-responsibilities/
"top 20 ways to reduce energy waste" ? eg don't drive when you can walk, always defrost in the fridge, never cook from frozen, always cook in the microwave, even when the product ( falsely ) claims "not suitable for microwave cooking", consider that many eg fruit, veg, pre-cooked products need no cooking at all and the times quoted on the packaging are often wildly excessive eg porridge, baked beans, tofu – No, but advice is provided Advice for energy savings - East Devon
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/housing-and-homelessness/housing-in-the-private-sector/advice-and-information/advice-for-energy-savings/
"top 20 ways to reduce plastic pollution" ? eg use the new soft plastic collection points at supermarkets – No, but we do provide information on how to reduce, reuse and recycle. Reduce, reuse, recycle - East Devon Recycling, the environment and our responsibilities - East Devon
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/reduce-reuse-recycle/
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/recycling-the-environment-and-our-responsibilities/
"top 20 ways to reduce the risk of of fire" ? eg check your smoke alarms – No, but advice is provided Information about the housing service - East Devon Fire safety - a matter of life or death - East Devon Safety in your home - East Devon
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/housing-and-homelessness/information-about-the-housing-service/
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/housing-and-homelessness/information-about-the-housing-service/fire-safety-a-matter-of-life-or-death/
"top 20 ways to increase road safety" ? eg avoid all distractions, drive more slowly, remove all road-side advertising – Not for EDDC to respond to; This is Devon County Council responsibility
Date responded: 16 June 2023
Homes For Ukraine scheme
Date submitted: 22 May 2023
Summary of request
Please note, the following requests pertain to the Homes For Ukraine scheme - requesting data dating back to the schemes' commencement in February 2022 to present.
With that in mind, please could you provide me with the following information:
• how many sponsors have contacted the council requesting to end their placements early?
• how many Ukrainian refugees have contacted the council requesting to end their placements early?
• How many times has the council been contacted about accommodation or arrangement having broken down, by either sponsors or Ukrainian refugees?
• what number of Homes for Ukraine sponsorships in the area for which you are responsible have ended before their intended finish date?
• what is the total number of sponsorships undertaken so far in the area for which the council is responsible?
• Please provide the number of refugees whose placement ended early who were then housed in hotel accommodation.
• Please provide the number of refugees whose placement ended early who were matched with another sponsor.
• Please provide the number of refugees whose placement ended early who were rendered homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Summary of response
Homes For Ukraine scheme - requesting data dating back to the schemes' commencement in February 2022 to present.
With that in mind, please could you provide me with the following information:
• how many sponsors have contacted the council requesting to end their placements early? – Information not held
• how many Ukrainian refugees have contacted the council requesting to end their placements early? – Information not held
• How many times has the council been contacted about accommodation or arrangement having broken down, by either sponsors or Ukrainian refugees? – Information not held
• what number of Homes for Ukraine sponsorships in the area for which you are responsible have ended before their intended finish date? – Information not held
• what is the total number of sponsorships undertaken so far in the area for which the council is responsible? - 321
• Please provide the number of refugees whose placement ended early who were then housed in hotel accommodation. – Information not held
• Please provide the number of refugees whose placement ended early who were matched with another sponsor. – Information not held
• Please provide the number of refugees whose placement ended early who were rendered homeless or at risk of homelessness. – Information not held
Date responded: 30 May 2023
Voter ID
Date submitted: 22 May 2023
Summary of request
-Can you tell me how many people in East Devon were initially denied the right to vote because they did not have ID or the right ID in May’s 2023 local elections?
-Can you tell me how many people initially refused the right to vote then returned to vote in the elections?
-Can you tell me how many people initially refused the right to vote because they did not have the right ID then did not return to vote?
Summary of response
You requested to know information concerning Voter ID.
Can you tell me how many people in East Devon were initially denied the right to vote because they did not have ID or the right ID in May’s 2023 local elections? - 95
Can you tell me how many people initially refused the right to vote then returned to vote in the elections? - 45
Can you tell me how many people initially refused the right to vote because they did not have the right ID then did not return to vote? - 50
Date responded: 22 May 2023
Undiscovered deaths in council properties
Date submitted: 22 May 2023
Summary of request
How many cases have there been in the last five years where people have been found dead in housing provided by the council where it is believed they have been undiscovered for more than two days? Please include the statistics for each year separately.
How many cases have there been in the last five years where people have been found dead in housing provided by the council where it is believed they have been undiscovered for more than five days? Please include the statistics for each year separately.
How many cases have there been in the last five years where people have been found dead in housing provided by the council where it is believed they have been undiscovered for more than ten days? Please include the statistics for each year separately.
Summary of response
How many cases have there been in the last five years where people have been found dead in housing provided by the council where it is believed they have been undiscovered for more than two days? Please include the statistics for each year separately - The council does not capture this information
How many cases have there been in the last five years where people have been found dead in housing provided by the council where it is believed they have been undiscovered for more than five days? Please include the statistics for each year separately - The council does not capture this information
How many cases have there been in the last five years where people have been found dead in housing provided by the council where it is believed they have been undiscovered for more than ten days? Please include the statistics for each year separately - The council does not capture this information
Date responded: 30 May 2023
PPE and workwear contract
Date submitted: 12 May 2023
Summary of request
Enquiring to see if the council is in contract with any supplier for its PPE and workwear ,and/if there is a plan to tender?
Summary of response
You requested to know if the council is in contract with any supplier for its PPE and workwear and/if there is a plan to tender? - We currently do not have a contract in place for PPE and Workwear supplies. We use a number of different suppliers based on best price and quality.
Date responded: 22 May 2023
Recycling of waste paper and cardboard contracts
Date submitted: 12 May 2023
Summary of request
I would be most grateful if you would provide me, under the Freedom of Information Act, details in respect to the recycling contract, namely card and paper.
• What are the contractual performance KPI's for this contract?
• Suppliers who applied for inclusion on each framework/contract and were successful & not successful at the PQQ & ITT stages
• Who is the current supplier?
• Actual spend on this contract/framework (and any sub lots), from the start of the contract to the current date
• Are there any processing facilities or MRFs utilised within the contract if so what the names and addresses?
• How is your fibre processed (baled or loose)?
• Where is the end destination of the fibre?
• What is your current collection method (dual stream, single source, kerbside sort or comingled)
• What tonnage per year do you produce by fibre grade?
• Start date & duration of framework/contract?
• Could you please provide a copy of the service/product specification given to all bidders for when this contract was last advertised?
• Is there an extension clause in the framework(s)/contract(s) and, if so, the duration of the extension?
• Has a decision been made yet on whether the framework(s)/contract(s) are being either extended or renewed?
• Who is the senior officer (outside of procurement) responsible for this contract?
• Are there any plans to change the existing service?
Summary of response
Paper
This a county wide contract procured and managed by Devo County Council (DCC). You will need to refer this FOI enquiry to DCC as our Waste Disposal Authority.
Cardboard
We do not have a term contract in place as this is one of the materials that we spot trade load by load by using the SUEZ trading team.
I would be most grateful if you would provide me, under the Freedom of Information Act, details in respect to the recycling contract, namely card and paper.
• What are the contractual performance KPI's for this contract? - N/A
• Suppliers who applied for inclusion on each framework/contract and were successful & not successful at the PQQ & ITT stages - N/A
• Who is the current supplier? - N/A
• Actual spend on this contract/framework (and any sub lots), from the start of the contract to the current date - N/A
• Are there any processing facilities or MRFs utilised within the contract if so what the names and addresses? - N/A
• How is your fibre processed (baled or loose)? - N/A
• Where is the end destination of the fibre? - N/A
• What is your current collection method (dual stream, single source, kerbside sort or comingled) - Paper and cardboard are kerb-side sorted
• What tonnage per year do you produce by fibre grade? - 2022 figures – Hard Mixed Paper Grade - 5728 tonne; Paper – 145 tonnes
• Start date & duration of framework/contract? - N/A
• Could you please provide a copy of the service/product specification given to all bidders for when this contract was last advertised? - N/A
• Is there an extension clause in the framework(s)/contract(s) and, if so, the duration of the extension? - N/A
• Has a decision been made yet on whether the framework(s)/contract(s) are being either extended or renewed? - N/A
• Who is the senior officer (outside of procurement) responsible for this contract? - N/A
• Are there any plans to change the existing service? - No
Date responded: 12 May 2023
Housing stock repainting
Date submitted: 3 May 2023
Summary of request
1. The average frequency with which you repaint the exterior of the homes that you own.
2. The number of homes that you own that you repainted the exterior of in the financial year 2022/23.
3. The number of homes that you own that you repainted the exterior of in the financial year 2022/23 using graphene paint.
4. The number of homes that you own that you repainted the exterior of in the financial year 2022/23 with fungicidal anti-damp paints other than graphene.
5. The number of homes that you own that you repainted the exterior of in the financial year 2022/23 using conventional paint.
6. The expenditure on repainting the exterior of the homes that you own in the financial year 2022/23 including (if recorded) a breakdown of the cost of paint, labour and scaffolding.
7. The expenditure on remedying or treating damp and/or mould in the homes that you own in the financial year 2022/23.
Summary of response
1. The average frequency with which you repaint the exterior of the homes that you own - No distinguishable frequency
2. The number of homes that you own that you repainted the exterior of in the financial year 2022/23 - 114
3. The number of homes that you own that you repainted the exterior of in the financial year 2022/23 using graphene paint - Zero
4. The number of homes that you own that you repainted the exterior of in the financial year 2022/23 with fungicidal anti-damp paints other than graphene - 114
5. The number of homes that you own that you repainted the exterior of in the financial year 2022/23 using conventional paint - 114
6. The expenditure on repainting the exterior of the homes that you own in the financial year 2022/23 including (if recorded) a breakdown of the cost of paint, labour and scaffolding - Information not available
7. The expenditure on remedying or treating damp and/or mould in the homes that you own in the financial year 2022/23 - Information not available
Date responded: 1 June 2023
Tree felling
Date submitted: 3 May 2023
Summary of request
Please can I have the raw data set of how many trees have been chopped down by the council since the start of 2017, broken down by year.
And after the council has received a request from an insurance company, how many trees have they chopped down because of this?
Summary of response
Please can I have the raw data set of how many trees have been chopped down by the council since the start of 2017, broken down by year.
The number of trees felled according to our records are as follows: (please note, the records for the last 2 years are not currently not up to date).
2016 – no data
2017 – 2
2018 – 39
2019 – 56
2020 – 35
2021 – 46
2022 – 4
2023 – 1
And after the council has received a request from an insurance company, how many trees have they chopped down because of this? - Zero
Date responded: 24 May 2023
ERP system is a software system
Date submitted: 2 May 2023
Summary of request
Please could you answer the following questions under the Freedom of Information act
The name of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system used to support the following areas to include the date of purchase
An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a software system that is designed to integrate and automate a wide range of business processes and operations across different functional areas of an organization.
Area Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) - Name
Date of purchase
Core financials (GL, AP, AR, FA)
Reporting and BI
Planning, Budgeting and
Forecasting, Financial Planning
and Analysis
Procurement
Operational Asset
Management/Enterprise Asset
Management
Strategic Asset Management
Payroll and timesheets
Human Resource
Management/Human Capital
Management/Talent Management
Rating, Revenue, Regulatory, and
Request Management,
Affordable/Social/Community
Housing, Social/Community
Services
Summary of response
You have requested to know the name of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system EDDC uses. EDDC has no ERP in place.
Date responded: 10 May 2023
Telephone waiting times
Date submitted: 26 April 2023
Summary of request
How many council office staff are given the option to work from their
own homes rather than work from the council building?
How do you record the time lengths that East Devon residents wait for a
telephone to be answered?
How do you monitor the work arrangements of any staff choosing to work
from home?
How much do you rely on the ability of your East Devon residents to cope
with always being expected to cope with doing everything on line?
What proportion of your customers are not internet savvy nor have access
to the internet?
What methods do you use to help such people and ensure that they are not
kept waiting for long periods on line.
Summary of response
How many council office staff are given the option to work from their own homes rather than work from the council building? - The Council does not engage employees on homeworker contracts, all contracts have a place of work as the Council’s designated offices. The Council operates a flexible working policy of allowing employees to work from home in agreement with their manager and their service needs with the offices always available.
How do you record the time lengths that East Devon residents wait for a telephone to be answered? - Anywhere 365 summary report, received every week with call stats and it also measures the average wait time.
How do you monitor the work arrangements of any staff choosing to work from home? - Monitored by managers
How much do you rely on the ability of your East Devon residents to cope with always being expected to cope with doing everything on line? - Information not held
What proportion of your customers are not internet savvy nor have access to the internet? - Information not held
What methods do you use to help such people and ensure that they are not kept waiting for long periods on line - All staff focus and prioritise calls to ensure calls are answered as quickly as possible. All other admin work is put on hold until all calls are picked up. On Skype/ Anywhere 365 Snapper it shows how long someone has been waiting and the call queue number, so all staff are aware of call wait times.
Date responded: 23 May 2023
Temporary Labour Usage within your Council
Date submitted: 25 April 2023
Summary of request
request information regarding temporary labour usage in your organisation, including contractors, temporary workers, and freelancers.
Please can you provide me with the following information for the most recent complete fiscal year:
• Total number of temporary workers engaged by your organisation, broken down by department or function, if possible.
• Total annual expenditure on temporary workers, including a breakdown of costs by department or function, if possible.
• Total number of agency suppliers (Preferred Suppliers/non-Preferred Suppliers) in your organisation’s labour supply chain
Details of any existing Managed Service Programme or Provider (MSP) and/or Vendor Management System (VMS) used to manage temporary workers:
• Name of the MSP and VMS.
• Date the contract was awarded.
• Date of contract expiration.
• Name of the government procurement framework through which the MSP and VMS were procured.
Details of any upcoming retendering or renewal processes related to your MSP and VMS contracts:
• Anticipated date for the retendering or renewal process to commence.
• Name and contact information of the person responsible for overseeing the retendering or renewal process.
Summary of response
Please can you provide me with the following information for the most recent complete fiscal year:
· Total number of temporary workers engaged by your organisation, broken down by department or function, if possible – We are unable to advise on numbers from other suppliers but through Commensura it was 8 and spend with Comensura was £199,664.04
Department areas agency spend has included: Housing, Estate management, Legal, Building Control, Environmental Protection, Mobile support officers, Planning, Streetscene Services, (Grounds and Cleansing) Growth Point Delivery Team & Exmouth Regeneration Project
· Total annual expenditure on temporary workers, including a breakdown of costs by department or function, if possible - £678,645.64
Building Control - £16,020
Streetscene - £152,039
Environment Protection - £4,408.
Estate Management - £84,468.
Growth Point Delivery Team and Exmouth Regeneration Team - £65,628
Housing - £236,841
Mobile Support Officers - £40,106.
Legal Services - £57,500
Development Management - £21,633.
· Total number of agency suppliers (Preferred Suppliers/non-Preferred Suppliers) in your organisation’s labour supply chain - 11
Details of any existing Managed Service Programme or Provider (MSP) and/or Vendor Management System (VMS) used to manage temporary workers:
· Name of the MSP and VMS - Neutral Vendor – Commensura if unable to supply we move out of the chain.
· Date the contract was awarded - January 2021
· Date of contract expiration - January 2024 +1 year option to extend
· Name of the government procurement framework through which the MSP and VMS were procured - MSTAR Framework
Details of any upcoming retendering or renewal processes related to your MSP and VMS contracts:
· Anticipated date for the retendering or renewal process to commence - 2024
· Name and contact information of the person responsible for overseeing the retendering or renewal process - Joanna Fellows; Corporate HR Manager; HR@eastdevon.gov.uk
Date responded: 22 May 2023
Liability orders
Date submitted: 25 April 2023
Summary of request
- How many liability orders has the council sought over council tax arrears between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2023?
- How many of these liability orders has resulted in bailiffs being sent to collect the debt?
Summary of response
How many liability orders has the council sought over council tax arrears between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2023?
2021-2022: 2546
2022-2023: 2467
How many of these liability orders has resulted in bailiffs being sent to collect the debt? - We are unable to provide this information as we do not record specific liability order years that are sent to Enforcement Agents.
Date responded: 22 May 2023
Companies that have breached their regulated emission limits
Date submitted: 25 April 2023
Summary of request
A list of all companies (Industrial/Processing/Manufacturing) within your borough, who have breached their regulated emission limits over the past three years and the first quarter of 2023.
Summary of response
A list of all companies (Industrial/Processing/Manufacturing) within your borough, who have breached their regulated emission limits over the past three years and the first quarter of 2023.
According to our records there have been no breaches of emission limits in processes with environmental permits in the last 3 years and there has been no enforcement action taken.
Date responded: 4 May 2023
Public Health Funerals
Date submitted: 24 April 2023
Summary of request
1. The number of Public Health funerals provided by the council in:
2019/20
2020/21
2021/22
2022/23
2. Does the council organise a ceremony or service prior to burial/cremation for Public Health funerals?
3. If so, how many ceremonies/services has the council arranged in each of these years:
2019/20
2020/21
2021/22
2022/23
4. Where a ceremony or service is arranged, does the council permit next of kin/family to attend?
5. What is the cost (actual or average) paid by the council for a Public Health funeral
6. Where the council owns a cemetery/cemeteries - does it insist on a Public Health burial rather than a cremation
7. For Public Health burials, does the council provide a headstone or other marker for the grave?
Summary of response
1. The number of Public Health funerals provided by the council in: Please go to our website where information can be located as to the number of National Assistance Burials/ Public Health Funerals that have taken place since 2020. As this information is published already it is exempt under Section 21 of the FOI Act 2000 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means.
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/bereavement-services/public-health-funerals-2020-2023/public-health-funerals-2021/
2019/20
2020/21
2021/22
2022/23
2. Does the council organise a ceremony or service prior to burial/cremation for Public Health funerals? - A 20 minute funeral service is provided at the Crematorium (no separate service is organized)
3. If so, how many ceremonies/services has the council arranged in each of these years: (Information available on website)
2019/20 – In 2019 - 11 Funerals were conducted
2020/21 – In 2020 - 5 Funerals were conducted
2021/22 – In 2021 - 6 Funerals were conducted
2022/23 – In 2022 - 11 Funerals were conducted
4. Where a ceremony or service is arranged, does the council permit next of kin/family to attend? - Yes
5. What is the cost (actual or average) paid by the council for a Public Health funeral - Information is available on our website. In 2022 – the cost of funerals were an average of £1323.00 per funeral.
6. Where the council owns a cemetery/cemeteries - does it insist on a Public Health burial rather than a cremation - Cremations are the preference, burials do not take place.
7. For Public Health burials, does the council provide a headstone or other marker for the grave? - No burials take place
Date responded: 12 May 2023
CARF Relief
Date submitted: 24 April 2023
Summary of request
List of commercial properties with CARF Relief (Covid 19 additional relief fund)
Summary of response
Please see attached our response to your FOI enquiry re a list of commercial properties with CARF Relief (Covid 19 additional relief fund).
Date responded: 24 April 2023
Council debt and asset sales
Date submitted: 20 April 2023
Summary of request
1. The current total of your General Fund debt.
2. The total interest payments on your General Fund debt paid in the financial year 2022/23.
3. The total revenue you obtained from the sale of General Fund assets, including buildings and land, in the financial year 2022/23.
4. The estimate (if any) you have on the number of new homes that have been built or are due to be built on the land and buildings that you sold from your General Fund assets in the financial year 2022/23.
Summary of response
1. The current total of your General Fund debt - £1,848,151
2. The total interest payments on your General Fund debt paid in the financial year 2022/23 - £54,059
3. The total revenue you obtained from the sale of General Fund assets, including buildings and land, in the financial year 2022/23 - Sales receipts of £199,000
4. The estimate (if any) you have on the number of new homes that have been built or are due to be built on the land and buildings that you sold from your General Fund assets in the financial year 2022/23 - Nil
Date responded: 10 May 2023
Personal Injury Claims against the Council
Date submitted: 20 April 2023
Summary of request
1. How many personal injury claims were made against the council during 17 April 2022 to 17 April 2023?
2. What were the causes of these claims, for example, potholes and slips, trips and falls?
3. How much did the council pay out in compensation in personal injury claims during this time?
Summary of response
1. How many personal injury claims were made against the council during 17 April 2022 to 17 April 2023? - 4 Public liability claims opened in between these dates.
2. What were the causes of these claims, for example, potholes and slips, trips and falls? - All were slips and trips.
3. How much did the council pay out in compensation in personal injury claims during this time? - No compensation paid out on claims opened between these dates.
Date responded: 4 May 2023
Complaints about uncut verges
Date submitted: 18 April 2023
Summary of request
Please can you tell me how many complaints about uncut grass verges the council received in 2022? I am not asking for any details of the complaints, just the number. If possible, the number that came from Sidmouth would be useful extra information.
Summary of response
You requested to know how many complaints we have received about uncut verges. The information you have requested is not held. The only information we have is requests for uncut grass. The data for these types of request shows that over a period of 6 months from July 2022 we had 65 requests to cut grass.
Devon County Council are responsible for most of the roadside verges and cut these for safety reasons (visibility splays).
Date responded: 18 April 2023
Reconnections & rough sleepers
Date submitted: 18 April 2023
Summary of request
Please can you send me Information on accommodating rough sleepers, and your policy of ‘reconnecting’ EU Nationals. For the purposes of this request ‘reconnection’ is defined as the process of supporting EU Citizens to return, in a planned way, to an area where they have family and social networks and/or where they can access accommodation if someone does not have access to benefits/public funds, has no or very limited employment prospects, cannot access private rented accommodation and is homeless/ in unsuitable accommodation.
Can you send me information on:
1. How many rough sleepers in your local authority area were accommodated in total between (a) 01 October 2020-30 June 2021 and then (b) 01 July 2021-01 April 2023?
2. How many of the rough sleepers accommodated at any time during these periods (a) 01 October 2020-30 June 2021 and (b) 01 July 2021-01 April 2023?) are/were considered to be No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)?
3. How many of the rough sleepers accommodated at any time during these periods (a) 01 October 2020-30 June 2021 and then (b) 01 July 2021-01 April 2023 are/were EU nationals?
4. Have any rough sleepers placed in accommodation during this time ((a) 01 October 2020-30 June 2021 and then (b) 01 July 2021-01 April 2023) been supported through a reconnection service to another part of the UK or to return to country of origin as well as information on the age, gender, nationality and marital status of those who have subsequently accessed a reconnection service.
5. Information (if any) more broadly on the number of people (excluding rough sleepers- as asked above) who have been supported through a reconnection service to another part of the UK or to return to country of origin as well as information on the age, gender, nationality and marital status of those who have accessed a reconnection service.
6. Information on the source of funding for reconnecting/ supporting people to another part of the UK/ return to their country of origin?
Summary of response
1. How many rough sleepers in your local authority area were accommodated in total between (a) 01 October 2020-30 June 2021 and then (b) 01 July 2021-01 April 2023? = A - 45; B - 70
2. How many of the rough sleepers accommodated at any time during these periods (a) 01 October 2020-30 June 2021 and (b) 01 July 2021-01 April 2023?) are/were considered to be No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)? = A - 0; B - 0
3. How many of the rough sleepers accommodated at any time during these periods (a) 01 October 2020-30 June 2021 and then (b) 01 July 2021-01 April 2023 are/were EU nationals? = A - 0; B - 1
4. Have any rough sleepers placed in accommodation during this time ((a) 01 October 2020-30 June 2021 and then (b) 01 July 2021-01 April 2023) been supported through a reconnection service to another part of the UK or to return to country of origin as well as information on the age, gender, nationality and marital status of those who have subsequently accessed a reconnection service = A - 0; B - O
5. Information (if any) more broadly on the number of people (excluding rough sleepers- as asked above) who have been supported through a reconnection service to another part of the UK or to return to country of origin as well as information on the age, gender, nationality and marital status of those who have accessed a reconnection service = A - 0; B - 0
6. Information on the source of funding for reconnecting/ supporting people to another part of the UK/ return to their country of origin? = None
Date responded: 3 May 2023
Active transport for staff
Date submitted: 17 April 2023
Summary of request
In consideration of the climate crisis, I would like to request the following information about how the organisation is enabling staff to reduce their emissions through sustainable transport, and more specifically, cycling.
1) over the past five years, broken down by year -
a) how many staff members used the Cycle to Work scheme?
b) what percentage of staff was this?
c) what was the average value of the vouchers claimed on the scheme?
d) what was the number of those who took up the scheme, who then failed to complete, leaving the organisation with costs?
2) what tools does the organisation use to encourage cycling for their staff -
a) on a work basis
b) on a leisure/health basis
3) with regards to staff, does the organisation -
a) have any monitoring for what modes of transport staff use -
i) for their journey to work
ii) for journeys during work time
b) and if this data is recorded, I request a copy of such data as detailed as it can be reasonably given, while still protecting personal data rights
4) how many of the following does the organisation have available for staff use
a) pedal cycles
b) electric bikes
c) motorbikes
d) internal combustion cars
e) electric or hybrid cars
f) internal combustion vans
g) electric or hybrid vans
h) heavy trucks
5) does the organisation mileage scheme clearly state the claim rate for cycling
6) how many cycling miles have been claimed by the organisation's staff in the past five years
7) Regarding your current cycle to work scheme -
a) what scheme is currently in place
b) what is the maximum limit on the cost of a bike, if a limit is currently in place
Summary of response
1) over the past five years, broken down by year -
a) how many staff members used the Cycle to Work scheme?
2018-19 – 13 (2.6%)
2019-20 – 14 (2.8%)
2020-21 – 14 (2.8%)
2021-22 – 17 (3.4%)
2022-23 – 17 (3.4%)
b) what percentage of staff was this? - Figure above - Based on an average headcount of 500 employees.
c) what was the average value of the vouchers claimed on the scheme? - Information not available
d) what was the number of those who took up the scheme, who then failed to complete, leaving the organisation with costs? - None
2) what tools does the organisation use to encourage cycling for their staff -
a) on a work basis
b) on a leisure/health basis - We promote the 2 cycle schemes we offer through our internal intranet and also via the portal with our partner organisations who offer the cycle scheme
3) with regards to staff, does the organisation -
a) have any monitoring for what modes of transport staff use - We do not monitor the transport staff use only mileage claims reimbursed for business mileage in employees private vehicle.
i) for their journey to work
ii) for journeys during work time
b) and if this data is recorded, I request a copy of such data as detailed as it can be reasonably given, while still protecting personal data rights
Total amount of business miles reimbursed for last 5 years, per year is as follows:
2018/19 = 375,316 miles
2019/20 = 559,711 miles
2020/21 = 240,177 miles
2021/22 = 325,464 miles
2022/23 = 313,186 miles
4) how many of the following does the organisation have available for staff use - Some services provide electric and combustion engine company vehicles, including vans as part of their service needs. We do not offer staff other types of transport other than the cycle schemes as a salary sacrifice scheme.
a) pedal cycles
b) electric bikes
c) motorbikes
d) internal combustion cars
e) electric or hybrid cars
f) internal combustion vans
g) electric or hybrid vans
h) heavy trucks
5) does the organisation mileage scheme clearly state the claim rate for cycling - Yes
6) how many cycling miles have been claimed by the organisation's staff in the past five years - None that have been claimed by employees.
7) Regarding your current cycle to work scheme -
a) what scheme is currently in place - We offer 2 cycle schemes as they provide different access and scheme limits for employees.
b) what is the maximum limit on the cost of a bike, if a limit is currently in place - One is Cyclescheme Ltd (limit of £2K) and one via Vivup (limit of £1500). Both scheme providers also offer electric bikes as an option.
Date responded: 4 May 2023
Recyclate & Residual Collection Contract
Date submitted: 17 April 2023
Summary of request
We understand that the following contracts has expired:
• Service ~ Recyclate collection
• Contractor ~ SUEZ
• Expiry date ~ 31/03/2023
• Service ~ Residual Collection -Three-weekly collections commenced February 2017 in Exmouth area
• Contractor ~ SUEZ
• Expiry date ~ 31/03/2023
Can you advise if a new contract has been/will be awarded for this service and if so what the new contract details are (in the same format as below): -
• Service description
• Contractor
• Contract reference number
• Start data
• End date
• Duration and possible extension periods
• Annual or total (please specify)contract value
• Main waste facility/facilities used
• Tonnes collected
• Number of households collected from
• Frequency of collection
Summary of response
We understand that the following contracts has expired:
• Service ~ Recyclate collection
• Contractor ~ SUEZ
• Expiry date ~ 31/03/2023
• Service ~ Residual Collection -Three-weekly collections commenced February 2017 in Exmouth area
• Contractor ~ SUEZ
• Expiry date ~ 31/03/2023
Can you advise if a new contract has been/will be awarded for this service and if so what the new contract details are (in the same format as below): - The initial contract term expires on 1st July 2023. EDDC have committed to an extension period and intend to grant the full three years that are available which will take us up to 1st July 2026. SUEZ have submitted a contract extension proposal which proposes some changes to the initial contract for the extension period. We are about to enter into negotiations on the proposal so we are unable to say under what terms the extension will be granted at this stage as it is very likely there will be some changes once we agree the final version.
• Service description - Recycling & waste collection and associated services
• Contractor - SUEZ Recycling & Recovery Ltd
• Contract reference number
• Start data - 1st July 2023
• End date - Proposed as 1st July 2026
• Duration and possible extension periods - 3 years in any format. EDDC intention is to award the full 3 years
• Annual or total (please specify)contract value - Annual value c. £ 6million
• Main waste facility/facilities used - Unit 42 Greendale Barton Business Park for recycling, Exeter EfW for waste disposal, Hill Barton Business Park for green waste composting,
• Tonnes collected - Total waste flow (all materials) estimated at 50,000 tonnes/year
• Number of households collected from - 73.600 at March 2023
• Frequency of collection - Recycling & food – weekly, General waste – three weekly, Green waste – two weekly
Date responded: 18 April 2023
ASB Community Trigger
Date submitted: 17 April 2023
Summary of request
IR1: HOW MANY COMMUNITY TRIGGER APPLICATIONS HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM APRIL 2018 – APRIL 2022?
IR2: OUT OF THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER APPLICATIONS THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED DURING THE PROPOSED TIME FRAME:
A. HOW MANY APPLICATIONS DID NOT MEET THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER THRESHOLD?
B. HOW MANY MET THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER THRESHOLD?
B1. DID ALL OF THOSE THAT MET THE THRESHOLD RESULT IN A PANEL HEARING/REVIEW MEETING? IF NOT, ARE YOU ABLE TO EXPAND ON THE REASONS WHY A REVIEW HEARING DID NOT OCCUR?
IR3: DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER ON YOUR WEBSITE? (SUCH AS, WHAT THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER IS AND HOW TO APPLY FOR THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER)? YES/NO
IR4: DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIED POINT OF CONTACT FOR THOSE SUBMITTING A COMMUNITY TRIGGER? YES/NO
IR5: WHAT IS YOUR THRESHOLD CRITERIA FOR A COMMUNITY TRIGGER APPLICATION TO BE MET? (PLEASE INCLUDE ANY CAVEATS, FOR EXAMPLE- THE CASE MUST BE CLOSED, ONE OF THE INCIDENTS NEEDS TO HAVE OCCURRED IN THE MONTH PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION BEING MADE, ETC.)
IR6: PLEASE SELECT HOW THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER CAN BE APPLIED FOR AT YOUR ORGANISATION:
Online form Via telephone In writing Downloadable form
Other (please specify ______________________________________________)
IR7: DO YOU SHARE ALL OF THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER APPLICATIONS YOU RECEIVE WITH ALL THE RELEVANT BODIES? YES/NO
IR8(1): DO YOU PROVIDE AN INDEPENDENT CHAIR TO HOLD YOUR COMMUNITY TRIGGER PANEL HEARINGS? YES/NO
IR8(2): HOW DO YOU DEFINE INDEPENDENT?
The chair is from a different organisation/agency that is
NOT involved with the case, OR
The chair is from within your organisation but is not involved with
Or has had any previous involvement with the case.
IR9: ARE THE VICTIMS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
Attend the initial part of the Community Trigger Panel hearing/case review?
Have a representative attend on their behalf?
Provide a statement to be read aloud at the Community Trigger Panel hearing/case review?
IR10(1): ON WHAT GROUNDS ARE APPLICANTS ABLE TO APPEAL?
IR10(2): WHO CHAIRS YOUR APPEAL MEETINGS?
IR11: HOW MANY APPEALS HAVE YOU RECEIVED IN RELATION TO THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER APPLICATION NOT MEETING THE THRESHOLD? AND HOW MANY OF THESE APPEALS WERE UPHELD?
IR12: HOW MANY APPEALS HAVE BEEN MADE FOLLOWING THE OUTCOME OF A COMMUNITY TRIGGER PANEL HEARING/CASE REVIEW
Summary of response
IR1: HOW MANY COMMUNITY TRIGGER APPLICATIONS HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM APRIL 2018 – APRIL 2022? - 9
IR2: OUT OF THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER APPLICATIONS THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED DURING THE PROPOSED TIME FRAME:
A. HOW MANY APPLICATIONS DID NOT MEET THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER THRESHOLD? - 1
B. HOW MANY MET THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER THRESHOLD? - 8
B1. DID ALL OF THOSE THAT MET THE THRESHOLD RESULT IN A PANEL HEARING/REVIEW MEETING? IF NOT, ARE YOU ABLE TO EXPAND ON THE REASONS WHY A REVIEW HEARING DID NOT OCCUR? - YES
IR3: DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER ON YOUR WEBSITE? (SUCH AS, WHAT THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER IS AND HOW TO APPLY FOR THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER)? - YES
IR4: DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIED POINT OF CONTACT FOR THOSE SUBMITTING A COMMUNITY TRIGGER? - YES
IR5: WHAT IS YOUR THRESHOLD CRITERIA FOR A COMMUNITY TRIGGER APPLICATION TO BE MET? (PLEASE INCLUDE ANY CAVEATS, FOR EXAMPLE- THE CASE MUST BE CLOSED, ONE OF THE INCIDENTS NEEDS TO HAVE OCCURRED IN THE MONTH PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION BEING MADE, ETC.)
• The investigation into the anti-social behaviour has been completed.
• The first report of anti-social behaviour was made within one month of the alleged behaviour taking place.
• There have been 3 or more reports of anti-social behaviour to an agency in the last 6 months.
• The anti-social behaviour has caused Harassment, Alarm or Distress.
• The alleged incidents have all been reported to an agency, e.g.: Devon & Cornwall Police, East Devon District Council, Mid Devon District Council or a local Registered Social Landlord.
• The behaviour is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress (rather than nuisance and annoyance) to members or any members of the public.
IR6: PLEASE SELECT HOW THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER CAN BE APPLIED FOR AT YOUR ORGANISATION:
- Via telephone; In writing.
IR7: DO YOU SHARE ALL OF THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER APPLICATIONS YOU RECEIVE WITH ALL THE RELEVANT BODIES? - NO
IR8(1): DO YOU PROVIDE AN INDEPENDENT CHAIR TO HOLD YOUR COMMUNITY TRIGGER PANEL HEARINGS? - NO
IR8(2): HOW DO YOU DEFINE INDEPENDENT?
The chair is from within your organisation but is not involved with Or has had any previous involvement with the case.
IR9: ARE THE VICTIMS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
Attend the initial part of the Community Trigger Panel hearing/case review? - YES
Have a representative attend on their behalf? - YES
Provide a statement to be read aloud at the Community Trigger Panel hearing/case review? - YES
IR10(1): ON WHAT GROUNDS ARE APPLICANTS ABLE TO APPEAL?
Appeals of the Community Trigger can be made to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. Please refer to The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly website
• the relevant bodies have rejected an application to conduct an ASB Case Review on the basis that the threshold has not been met but the applicant considers that the threshold has been met
• the applicant believes that the ASB case review has failed to consider a relevant process, policy or protocol
• the applicant believes that the ASB case review has failed to consider relevant factual evidenced information
If an applicant wishes to escalate their case to the OPCC, they must do so within four weeks of notification of the outcome by contacting the Community Safety partnership to raise this appeal on their behalf. Individuals cannot self-refer their case directly to the OPCC
IR10(2): WHO CHAIRS YOUR APPEAL MEETINGS? - OPCC Officer
IR11: HOW MANY APPEALS HAVE YOU RECEIVED IN RELATION TO THE COMMUNITY TRIGGER APPLICATION NOT MEETING THE THRESHOLD? AND HOW MANY OF THESE APPEALS WERE UPHELD? - NONE
IR12: HOW MANY APPEALS HAVE BEEN MADE FOLLOWING THE OUTCOME OF A COMMUNITY TRIGGER PANEL HEARING/CASE REVIEW? - NONE
Date responded: 3 May 2023
Fines for energy performance certificates breaches
Date submitted: 17 April 2023
Summary of request
How many fines have you issued for breaches of duty to provide energy performance certificate (EPC) since 2018 and how much do these fines amount to?
Summary of response
You requested to know how many fines EDDC has issued for breaches of duty to provide energy performance certificate (EPC) since 2018 and how much these fines amount to?
There have been no fines issued for EPC breaches since 2018
Date responded: 18 April 2023
Public litter clean up costs
Date submitted: 17 April 2023
Summary of request
How much your council is currently spending on the cleaning up of public litter each month? Also, how much of that litter is a result of domestic recycle bins being interfered with by the wind on collection day?
Summary of response
You have asked how much the council is currently spending on the cleaning up of public litter each month? - Information not held. This cost is absorbed into general Streetscene costs.
Also, how much of that litter is a result of domestic recycle bins being interfered with by the wind on collection day? - Information not held.
Date responded: 3 May 2023
Systems/platforms for appointment bookings
Date submitted: 6 April 2023
Summary of request
1. What systems/platforms do you use for appointment bookings - this could be for taxi and private mot bookings, room bookings for corporate council rooms, desk/workspace bookings for internal staff, course bookings, sports and facility bookings, venue and facility bookings, open spaces and physical item resources
2. Who is responsible for the system/platform and their contact details - name, job title, email address, phone number?
3. What is the current contract value/expiry and renewal date of the system/platform?
Summary of response
1. What systems/platforms do you use for appointment bookings - this could be room bookings for corporate council rooms, desk/workspace bookings for internal staff, course bookings, venue and facility bookings - Microsoft Exchange - Office 365 - Outlook calendars
2. Who is responsible for the system/platform and their contact details - name, job title, email address, phone number? - Strata Service Solutions; sales enquiries via website
3. What is the current contract value/expiry and renewal date of the system/platform? - March/2024: £287,914 (2022-23)
Date responded: 2 May 2023
Number of 240ltrs wheelie bins in circulation
Date submitted: 6 April 2023
Summary of request
I’m currently undertaking some research related to domestic waste disposal within the UK and I’m looking to understand how many domestic wheelie bins are currently in use across the country. Would you be able to provide me with this information?
Specifically, I’m looking to understand how many 240 litre recycling and landfill wheelie bins are currently in circulation within your jurisdiction.
Summary of response
How many 240 litre recycling and landfill wheelie bins are currently in circulation within your jurisdiction - We do not hold data on how many 240 litre waste bins we have deployed.
We do use 240 litre bins for green waste and as of close of business yesterday we have 18,827 of them subscribed.
Date responded: 3 May 2023
Council housing service charges
Date submitted: 31 March 2023
Summary of request
1. What is the average percentage increase in service charges being imposed on council housing tenants in general needs housing (excluding those in temporary accommodation) in 2023/24 compared to 2022/23?
2. If different percentage increases are being implemented in different housing estates, please provide any details the council holds
3. What is the average service charge that the council charged for one-bedroom general needs council homes in 2022/23 and 2023/24 respectively (preferably excluding temporary accommodation units)?
4. What is the average service charge that the council charged for two-bedroom general needs council homes in 2022/23 and 2023/24 respectively (preferably excluding temporary accommodation units)?
5. What is the average service charge that the council charged for three-bedroom general needs council homes in 2022/23 and 2023/24 respectively (preferably excluding temporary accommodation units)?
Summary of response
1. What is the average percentage increase in service charges being imposed on council housing tenants in general needs housing (excluding those in temporary accommodation) in 2023/24 compared to 2022/23? - 3.4%
2. If different percentage increases are being implemented in different housing estates, please provide any details the council holds - No difference
3. What is the average service charge that the council charged for one-bedroom general needs council homes in 2022/23 and 2023/24 respectively (preferably excluding temporary accommodation units)?
4. What is the average service charge that the council charged for two-bedroom general needs council homes in 2022/23 and 2023/24 respectively (preferably excluding temporary accommodation units)?
5. What is the average service charge that the council charged for three-bedroom general needs council homes in 2022/23 and 2023/24 respectively (preferably excluding temporary accommodation units)?
The only properties we have which incur service charges are those in flats with communal areas, so are all charged the same no matter how many bedrooms they have. The charges were £16.26 per week in 2022/23 and £16.82 for 2023/24.
Date responded: 18 April 2023
Dogs seized and reunited/rehomed
Date submitted: 29 March 2023
Summary of request
For each of the calendar years (1) 2020, (2) 2021 and (3) 2022, please state:-
a. How many dogs were seized by the Council as strays
b. Of the number of dogs in (a), how many were (i) reunited with their owner (ii) rehomed iii) destroyed
Summary of response
For each of the calendar years
(1) 2020 – 6 strays seized; 4 reunited; 2 went to kennels
(2) 2021 – 7 strays seized; 2 reunited; 4 rehomed; 1 went to kennels
(3) 2022 – 6 strays seized; 3 reunited; 2 rehomed; 1 went to kennels
Date responded: 29 March 2023
FPNS & PSPOs
Date submitted: 29 March 2023
Summary of request
1. How many FPNS have been issued against homeless people in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023? If available, please break this down by year and restriction.
2. Do you record data about how warnings and breaches of the PSPO are broken down into the protected characteristics covered by the Equality Impact Assessments (EIA)? If so, please supply this data.
3. Please either attach copies of your current PSPOs or confirm that those on the PSPO section of your council website are up to date.
4. Were the street homeless community involved in consultations for PSPOs that might affect them – for example, those that restrict begging, obstruction of premises, public urination and defecation?
5. Do you have any specific guidelines or training for officers enforcing PSPOs that impact the homeless community - such as on mental health or signposting to services?
6. Are any measures in place to prevent PSPOs from having a disproportionate impact on the homeless community?
7. What steps does the council take to monitor PSPOs to ensure that the recommendations of the EIA are being followed? Please send over any documentation outlining this process.
8. Is there a process in place for handling complaints following warnings and breaches of the PSPO? If so, please send over any documentation outlining this process.
9. Do any of your PSPOs include dispersal powers?
10. Please provide the number of warnings issued for Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. If this data is available, please provide a breakdown of these warnings by restriction.
Summary of response
1. How many FPNS have been issued against homeless people in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023? If available, please break this down by year and restriction - None
2. Do you record data about how warnings and breaches of the PSPO are broken down into the protected characteristics covered by the Equality Impact Assessments (EIA)? If so, please supply this data - No
3. Please either attach copies of your current PSPOs or confirm that those on the PSPO section of your council website are up to date - Public Spaces Protection Orders - Public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) - East Devon https://eastdevon.gov.uk/environmental-health-and-wellbeing/environmental-health-information/public-spaces-protection-orders/public-spaces-protection-orders-pspos/
4. Were the street homeless community involved in consultations for PSPOs that might affect them – for example, those that restrict begging, obstruction of premises, public urination and defecation? - No
5. Do you have any specific guidelines or training for officers enforcing PSPOs that impact the homeless community - such as on mental health or signposting to services? - No but the Police have signposting guidance of local services including housing/homeless/links to local services. Devon & Cornwall Police App. Training will be developed for the local neighbourhood Police.
6. Are any measures in place to prevent PSPOs from having a disproportionate impact on the homeless community? - Yes localised training for Police neighbourhood teams will be developed and delivered and involvement of local Supervisors and the Community Safety Partnership.
7. What steps does the council take to monitor PSPOs to ensure that the recommendations of the EIA are being followed? Please send over any documentation outlining this process - Liaison between the Community Safety Officer and the Local Police Neighbourhood team. No documentation this is part of the localised intelligence and tasking process.
8. Is there a process in place for handling complaints following warnings and breaches of the PSPO? If so, please send over any documentation outlining this process - Complaints procedure on EEDC website https://eastdevon.gov.uk/customer-services/feedback-and-complaints/complaints/
9. Do any of your PSPOs include dispersal powers? - Yes
10. Please provide the number of warnings issued for Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. If this data is available, please provide a breakdown of these warnings by restriction - 2020 = Zero, 2021 = Zero 2022 = total 4, 2 Urination in public, 1 failure to surrender alcohol and 1 failure to keep a dog on a lead., 2023 = zero
Date responded: 25 April 2023
PCNs issued
Date submitted: 27 March 2023
Summary of request
How many Penalty Charge Notices did the council issue between:
• 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020
• 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021
• 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022
What was the total combined value of all Penalty Charge Notices issued by the council between:
• 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020
• 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021
• 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022
What was the average value of Penalty Charge Notices issued by the council between the following time periods:
• 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020
• 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021
• 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022
Of the Penalty Charge Notices issued between the following time periods that were appealed, how many of these appeals were accepted by the council?
• 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020
• 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021
• 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022
Of the Penalty Charge Notices issued between the following time periods, how many were appealed, and these appeals denied by the council?
• 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020
• 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021
• 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022
How much income did the council make between the following time periods from Penalty Charge Notices for the following years:
• 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020
• 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021
• 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022
Summary of response
How many Penalty Charge Notices did the council issue between:
• 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020 - 2152
• 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 - 1561
• 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 - 1832
What was the total combined value of all Penalty Charge Notices issued by the council between:
• 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020 - £107,600
• 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 - £78,050
• 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 - £91,600
What was the average value of Penalty Charge Notices issued by the council between the following time periods:
• 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020 - £50
• 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 - £50
• 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 - £50
Of the Penalty Charge Notices issued between the following time periods that were appealed, how many of these appeals were accepted by the council?
• 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020 - 401
• 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 - 307
• 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 - 469
Of the Penalty Charge Notices issued between the following time periods, how many were appealed, and these appeals denied by the council?
• 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020 - 226
• 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 - 101
• 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 - 342
How much income did the council make between the following time periods from Penalty Charge Notices for the following years:
• 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020 - £84,750
• 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 - £60,190
• 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 - £72,505
Date responded: 25 April 2023
NDR Recovery Action
Date submitted: 27 March 2023
Summary of request
In relation to NDR debt recovery and the enforcement options available once a liability order has been obtain:
1. Do you ever use alternative method of recovery through a court of competent jurisdiction (Regulations 10(2) and 20(1) Non-Domestic Rating (Collection and Enforcement) Regulations 1989 S.I.1989/1058)? Between 2018/19 and 2023/24
a. If yes how many/% per year?
b. How many/% were successful?
2. Liability Orders
a. How many NDR debt Liability Orders have been applied for in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
b. How many Liability Orders have been granted per year for NDR debt in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
3. Enforcement Agents
a. How many NDR debts have been sent to Enforcement Agents in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
b. How much NDR debt was collected via Enforcement Agents in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
4. Security for Unpaid Rates Non-Domestic Rating -
a. If used how many per year in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
b. What are the average costs to pursue this method?
c. How many of the debts subject to this method of recovery have been collected in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
4. Insolvency
a. If used how many in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
b. If used do you use an external company to undertake this work?
c. What was the average cost for undertaking each insolvency action?
5. Commitment to Prison Inquiry into Means and Conduct
a. How many in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
b. What % of these resulted in debt successfully recovered?
6. S49 Powers to reduce or remit liability
a. How many times has this been implemented in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
b. What was total sum/% of this ‘relief’ in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
Summary of response
In relation to NDR debt recovery and the enforcement options available once a liability order has been obtain:
1. Do you ever use alternative method of recovery through a court of competent jurisdiction (Regulations 10(2) and 20(1) Non-Domestic Rating (Collection and Enforcement) Regulations 1989 S.I.1989/1058)? Between 2018/19 and 2023/24
a. If yes how many/% per year?
b. How many/% were successful? - Unsure what is being asked here. At the moment we only take action via the Magistrates Court for a Liability Order.
2. Liability Orders
a. How many NDR debt Liability Orders have been applied for in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23? - 2018/19 122, 2019/20 147, 2020/21 114, 2021/22 157, 2022/23 206
b. How many Liability Orders have been granted per year for NDR debt in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23? - As above
3. Enforcement Agents
a. How many NDR debts have been sent to Enforcement Agents in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23? - 2018/19 no data kept; 2019/20 no data kept; 2020/21 no data kept; 2021/22 no data kept; 2022/23 = 67
b. How much NDR debt was collected via Enforcement Agents in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23? - Information not recorded
4. Security for Unpaid Rates Non-Domestic Rating - Not used
a. If used how many per year in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
b. What are the average costs to pursue this method?
c. How many of the debts subject to this method of recovery have been collected in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
4. Insolvency - Not used
a. If used how many in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
b. If used do you use an external company to undertake this work?
c. What was the average cost for undertaking each insolvency action?
5. Commitment to Prison Inquiry into Means and Conduct - Not used
a. How many in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
b. What % of these resulted in debt successfully recovered?
6. S49 Powers to reduce or remit liability - Information not known
a. How many times has this been implemented in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
b. What was total sum/% of this ‘relief’ in each year 2018/19 – 2022/23?
Date responded: 30 March 2023
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) safety standards in the mobile catering sector
Date submitted: 27 March 2023
Summary of request
Please confirm the following: -
1. Has the Environmental Health service undertaken specific training on gas safety in the last 5 years? If so, please include some brief details of the training that has been undertaken.
2. How many officers were required to attend this training?
3. Who was this training provided by and what was their relevant qualification/competency?
4. Did this training include mobile LPG safety? If so, please include some brief details.
5. In the last 5 years has the Environmental Health service requested technical support from the Gas Safe Register to support with a gas safety enforcement matter. If so, approximately how many times has assistance been requested?
6. Did any of these requests for support specifically relate to mobile LPG? If so, please include some brief details and the outcomes of this.
7. In the last 5 years has the Environmental Health service undertaken any enforcement action specifically in relation to LPG in mobile catering in the last 5 years? If so, please include some brief details of this.
8. Does your authority employ anyone with a formal gas safety qualification, for example, a Gas Safe Registered Engineer, who they consult on in relation to gas safety matters including mobile LPG? Please include details of their qualification.
Summary of response
Please confirm the following: -
1. Has the Environmental Health service undertaken specific training on gas safety in the last 5 years? If so, please include some brief details of the training that has been undertaken.
Yes 6th July 2022 (commercial) and 18th July 2022 (mobile).
2. How many officers were required to attend this training?
5
3. Who was this training provided by and what was their relevant qualification/competency?
Gas Safe
4. Did this training include mobile LPG safety? If so, please include some brief details.
Yes half a day training
5. In the last 5 years has the Environmental Health service requested technical support from the Gas Safe Register to support with a gas safety enforcement matter. If so, approximately how many times has assistance been requested?
Yes - once
6. Did any of these requests for support specifically relate to mobile LPG? If so, please include some brief details and the outcomes of this.
No
7. In the last 5 years has the Environmental Health service undertaken any enforcement action specifically in relation to LPG in mobile catering in the last 5 years? If so, please include some brief details of this.
Only commercial action and not LPG in mobile catering. We often advise gas safe certification to event organiser’s but in an advisory capacity
8. Does your authority employ anyone with a formal gas safety qualification, for example, a Gas Safe Registered Engineer, who they consult on in relation to gas safety matters including mobile LPG? Please include details of their qualification.
No – no need, we have working relationships with HSE and Gas Safe, if needed
Date responded: 30 March 2023
What proportion of council tax is spent on staff wages & benefits
Date submitted: 24 March 2023
Summary of request
What proportion of council tax is spent on staff wages and benefits.
Summary of response
You requested to know what proportion of council tax is spent on staff wages and benefits. East Devon District Council (EDDC), and local authorities generally, do not allocate or hypothecate council tax for specific purposes and therefore EDDC does not hold this information.
Date responded: 18 April 2023
Relocation Costs
Date submitted: 24 March 2023
Summary of request
This is an information request relating to relocation payments made to employees hired by the council
Please include the following information, for council staff only (i.e. not school staff) for the 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years:
• How many relocation payments have been made, per financial year, to employees hired by the council
• What was the value of each payment
• What was the total amount paid per financial year
By “relocation payment” I mean a payment made above and beyond a salary for the purpose of paying for the expenses of moving, in cases where the employee did not, at the time of hiring, live within commuting distance of their place of work
Summary of response
Please include the following information, for council staff only (i.e. not school staff) for the 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years:
• How many relocation payments have been made, per financial year, to employees hired by the council
• What was the value of each payment
• What was the total amount paid per financial year
2018/19 = NIL
2019/20 = £2,372.25 (1 Employee)
2020/21 = NIL
2022/23 = NIL
Date responded: 30 March 2023
Secure Communication
Date submitted: 22 March 2023
Summary of request
Please provide me with the following information:
1. What is your current email provider (e.g. Outlook or G-suite)?
2. Do you have a solution for secure email in place (Y/N)?
3. Who is your current email security provider (e.g. Egress)?
4. When is the contract up for renewal?
5. Typically what is the chosen duration of these contracts 12, 24, or 36 Months?
6. Name and contact details of the person responsible?
7. Current annual spend for this contract?
8. Current number of licences for this contract?
9. Did you purchase via a reseller (if yes, please specify who)?
Budget & procurement
10. Are you planning on assigning specific budgets for securing email communication
in 2021?
11. Do you procure through the G-Cloud framework (if not, how do you procure &
plan to procure secure email in the future)?
Summary of response
1. What is your current email provider (e.g. Outlook or G-suite)? - Microsoft Exchange
2. Do you have a solution for secure email in place (Y/N)? - Yes
3. Who is your current email security provider (e.g. Egress)? - Egress
4. When is the contract up for renewal? - March 2024
5. Typically what is the chosen duration of these contracts 12, 24, or 36 Months? - 12
6. Name and contact details of the person responsible? - Strata Service Solutions; sales enquiries via website
7. Current annual spend for this contract? - £2k
8. Current number of licences for this contract? - 30, but only 1 used by East Devon
9. Did you purchase via a reseller (if yes, please specify who)? - Budget & procurement Nexus
10. Are you planning on assigning specific budgets for securing email communication in 2021? - N/A
11. Do you procure through the G-Cloud framework (if not, how do you procure & plan to procure secure email in the future)? - Tender / 3 Quotes / Renewal
Date responded: 24 March 2023
Heating swimming pools
Date submitted: 20 March 2023
Summary of request
This FOI request arises out of a report that a washing-machine-sized data centre is being used to heat a Devon public swimming pool. I understand the Exmouth pool uses ~222,000 kWh of gas to heat the pool a year. Deep Green provides ~139,284kWh a year of heat for free from
its data centre. This equates to 62% of the heating needs of the pool. This translates to a cost saving of £20,391 a year for the pool and a carbon saving of 25.8 tonnes
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-64939558
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/news/2023/03/exmouth-swimming-pool-is-heated-by-a-uk-first-in-technology-heating-solutions/
Please advise:
1. Whether you use similar technology in any swimming pools you own, fund or manage and if so any estimates you have of annual financial and carbon savings as a result.
2. Whether you have any plans to use similar technology in any swimming pools you own, fund or manage and if so any estimates you have of annual financial and carbon savings you expect to achieve as a result.
Summary of response
1. Whether you use similar technology in any swimming pools you own, fund or manage and if so any estimates you have of annual financial and carbon savings as a result.
The technology in question is installed at Exmouth Leisure Centre, which is a pool owned and funded by East Devon District Council. The carbon savings estimated are as stated in your FOI request but we have yet to see sufficient data to establish whether this is an accurate estimate.
2. Whether you have any plans to use similar technology in any swimming pools you own, fund or manage and if so any estimates you have of annual financial and carbon savings you expect to achieve as a result.
We have no plans to install the Deep Green technology in our other 2 pools, but we are exploring installing air source heat pumps and solar panels. An initial report has been presented to the Council and we are in the process of appointing consultants to assess their viability and potential carbon savings so have no estimates yet.
Date responded: 18 April 2023
Council Tax Arrears
Date submitted: 16 March 2023
Summary of request
• For the last financial year for which data is available, how much is owed overall in council tax arrears, broken down by year?
• For the last financial year for which data is available, how many households are in council tax arrears, broken down by year?
• For the last financial year for which data is available, how many applications for a special repayment plan to pay council tax have the council received, broken down by year?
• For the last financial year for which data is available, how many referrals have the council made to bailiffs in order to collect unpaid council tax, broken down by year?
Summary of response
• For the last financial year for which data is available, how much is owed overall in council tax arrears, broken down by year?
1993-2008: £4,864.24
2009/10: £1,381.67
2010/11: £3,678.80
2011/12: £5,324.37
2012/13: £14,823.74
2013/14: £20,037.82
2014/15: £34,711.54
2015/16: £53,092.34
2016/17: £82,936.73
2017/18: £165,299.65
2018/19: £280,767.99
2019/20: £430,884.83
2020/21: £486,205.67
2021/22: £737,814.81
2022/23: £1,660,565.01
Data extracted and correct as at 31.03.23
• For the last financial year for which data is available, how many households are in council tax arrears, broken down by year?
Information not held
• For the last financial year for which data is available, how many applications for a special repayment plan to pay council tax have the council received, broken down by year?
Information not held
• For the last financial year for which data is available, how many referrals have the council made to bailiffs in order to collect unpaid council tax, broken down by year?
In the 2022/2023 year we referred a total of 350 cases to Enforcement Agent for collection.
We are not able to split this by year as the liability orders sent may cover a number of different years and we do not hold this data.
Date responded: 11 April 2023
Empty council properties
Date submitted: 13 March 2023
Summary of request
Under the freedom of information act I'd like to know how many social properties owned by EDDC are currently empty and have been for over 6 months please.
Summary of response
You have requested to know how many social properties owned by EDDC are currently empty and have been for over 6 months - There are 62
Date responded: 16 March 2023
Print in Councils
Date submitted: 9 March 2023
Summary of request
1. How many employees do you have?
2. How many printers (A4, A3 single function or multi-function) do you have?
3. How many print servers do you have?
4. Do you use any print management software (Equitrac, SafeQ, PaperCut, PrinterLogic etc)?
5. Who supplies your printers, software and servers?
6. If so, which do you use?
7. What is the job title of the person responsible for printers within your organization?
Summary of response
1. How many employees do you have? - 499
2. How many printers (A4, A3 single function or multi-function) do you have? - MFD’s 83 across all 3 councils
3. How many print servers do you have? - 1
4. Do you use any print management software (Equitrac, SafeQ, PaperCut, PrinterLogic etc)? - Equitrac
5. Who supplies your printers, software and servers? - Ricoh / varies / varies
6. If so, which do you use? - See above
7. What is the job title of the person responsible for printers within your organization? - None, Managed by Strata. All sales enquiries
via the Strata website.
Date responded: 16 March 2023
Careline Monitoring
Date submitted: 9 March 2023
Summary of request
Telecare / Careline Monitoring
Freedom of Information request – March 2023
1. Does your Council provide a Careline/Warden Call service to residents?
Yes / No
If your answer is No, then please return FOI but disregard questions 2-10
2. How many connections (approximately) do you have?
Please detail…
Dispersed
Hardwired (independent living)
Hardwired (extra care)
3. Do you use an external provider for Careline monitoring? If so, can you please detail: -
• Name of monitoring centre/ provider with contract start/end date
• Not applicable as council run (disregard questions 5-9 and answer questions 4 & 10 only)
4. Do you have any intention to outsource your Careline monitoring in the next 3 years?
5. What is the annual value of your monitoring contract?
6. What is the ‘per connection’ charge of your monitoring contract (per week/month/annual as preferred)?
7. Are happy with the performance of your careline monitoring provider?
Yes / No
Feel free to add a comment…
8. What tender framework/ portal does the council use for the procurement of careline monitoring?
9. For your future monitoring services tender, will you include equipment maintenance/upgrades or keep separate?
Separate
Combined
10. Who is the main person(s)/ decision maker (s) or team – who would be responsible for your Telecare monitoring centre - name/title/direct dial number/email?
Summary of response
1. Does your Council provide a Careline/Warden Call service to residents? - Yes
2. How many connections (approximately) do you have?
Dispersed – 1,900
Hardwired (independent living) – Sheltered housing = 1,400
Hardwired (extra care)
3. Do you use an external provider for Careline monitoring? If so, can you please detail: - No
4. Do you have any intention to outsource your Careline monitoring in the next 3 years? - No
5. What is the annual value of your monitoring contract? - N/A in house service
6. What is the ‘per connection’ charge of your monitoring contract (per week/month/annual as preferred)? - N/A
7. Are happy with the performance of your careline monitoring provider? - N/A
8. What tender framework/ portal does the council use for the procurement of careline monitoring? - N/A
9. For your future monitoring services tender, will you include equipment maintenance/upgrades or keep separate? - N/A
10. Who is the main person(s)/ decision maker (s) or team – who would be responsible for your Telecare monitoring centre - name/title/direct dial number/email? - Control Centre Manager - Sue Hodges - shodges@eastdevon.gov.
Date responded: 13 March 2023
Housing Officer turnover
Date submitted: 7 March 2023
Summary of request
Using the definition of the proportion of housing officers who leave your organisation as a percentage of total housing officers at your organisation, please provide the turnover of housing officers for the following years:
January 1 2017 to January 1 2018
January 1 2018 to January 1 2019
January 1 2019 to January 21 020
January 1 2020 to January 1 2021
January 1 2021 to January 1 2022
January 1 2022 to January 1 2023
By 'housing officer', I mean someone who is a front line worker, assigned to a certain number of tenants and with whom tenants raise any issues/concerns they have.
If the council doesn't use a patch based approach, someone who deals with housing related complaints or queries from tenants and updates tenants on housing applications (for example).
Please can the information be based only on housing officers who leave by the reason of resignation.
How many housing officers have resigned from your organisation before serving six months in the role between January 1 2017 and January 1 2023.
How many housing officers have resigned from your organisation before serving 12 months in the role between January 1 2017 and January 1 2023.
Could you please provide a breakdown of the two above figures per year.
Summary of response
Using the definition of the proportion of housing officers who leave your organisation as a percentage of total housing officers at your organisation, please provide the turnover of housing officers for the following years:
The below information has been extracted as of 31st December each year
January 1 2017 to January 1 2018
Leavers = 0
% of total housing officers = N/A
January 1 2018 to January 1 2019
Leavers = 7
% of total housing officers = 20%
January 1 2019 to January 1 2020
Leavers = 1
% of total housing officers = 2.9%
January 1 2020 to January 1 2021
Leavers = 2
% of total housing officers = 5.1%
January 1 2021 to January 1 2022
Leavers = 3
% of total housing officers = 7.6%
January 1 2022 to January 1 2023
Leavers = 4
% of total Housing officers = 11%
By 'housing officer', I mean someone who is a front line worker, assigned to a certain number of tenants and with whom tenants raise any issues/concerns they have.
If the council doesn't use a patch based approach, someone who deals with housing related complaints or queries from tenants and updates tenants on housing applications (for example).
Please can the information be based only on housing officers who leave by the reason of resignation.
How many housing officers have resigned from your organisation before serving six months in the role between January 1 2017 and January 1 2023.
NIL
How many housing officers have resigned from your organisation before serving 12 months in the role between January 1 2017 and January 1 2023.
NIL
Could you please provide a breakdown of the two above figures per year.
N/A
Date responded: 29 March 2023
Damp and mould task forces
Date submitted: 7 March 2023
Summary of request
In the past year up to February 1, 2023, have you set up a damp and mould task force/ team?
If so, when did you set it up?
How much money have you set aside/do you anticipate the task force/team will cost in the first year from its launch?
Summary of response
In the past year up to February 1, 2023, have you set up a damp and mould task force/ team? - Yes
If so, when did you set it up? - Since February 2022 we have been using our Main Contractor and their sub contract pool to manage the damp and mould cases. We have since (January 2023) created a damp and mould process alongside our contractor, meaning there will be a team managing these cases.
How much money have you set aside/do you anticipate the task force/team will cost in the first year from its launch? - It is set within the reactive budget. Until we are aware of a full year of the process being embedded, we are unable to forecast/ advise.
Date responded: 23 March 2023
Homeless rents & land for sale
Date submitted: 7 March 2023
Summary of request
Q1. We are looking to find out if the council has done either of the models below for housing.
• Sale and Leaseback – Leaseback, short for "sale-and-leaseback", is a financial transaction in which one sells an asset and leases it back for the long term; therefore, one continues to be able to use the asset but no longer owns it.
• Income Strip – At its simplest, an income strip investment combines a strong tenant covenant, with a long-term lease and a forward funding arrangement to give an investor a stable and secure income stream. The strong tenant covenant frequently comes from the public sector such as local councils, and the long-term lease often runs between 30 and 50 years.
Q2. Can you advise of weekly rents paid for the following?
1. Temporary accommodation for homeless relief
2. Extra care housing (not including any service charge elements, just the core rent)
3. Housing or beds for adults with complex care needs
Q3. Does the council own any land or disused buildings that they would be prepared to sell and or re purpose?
Summary of response
Q1. We are looking to find out if the council has done either of the models below for housing.
• Sale and Leaseback – Leaseback, short for "sale-and-leaseback", is a financial transaction in which one sells an asset and leases it back for the long term; therefore, one continues to be able to use the asset but no longer owns it - EDDC has not been involved in any Leaseback schemes.
• Income Strip – At its simplest, an income strip investment combines a strong tenant covenant, with a long-term lease and a forward funding arrangement to give an investor a stable and secure income stream. The strong tenant covenant frequently comes from the public sector such as local councils, and the long-term lease often runs between 30 and 50 years - EDDC has not been involved in any income strip investment schemes.
Q2. Can you advise of weekly rents paid for the following?
1. Temporary accommodation for homeless relief - Anything from £70p/w (own stock) up to an indefinite amount, depending on what is available/unavailable. B&Bs start at £420 per week. We use many different types of accommodation, B&B, holiday lets, own stock, PSL, supported.
2. Extra care housing (not including any service charge elements, just the core rent) - Not EDDC
3. Housing or beds for adults with complex care needs - Not EDDC
Q3. Does the council own any land or disused buildings that they would be prepared to sell and or re purpose? - Land and Property we have available can be found here Property for sale or to let - East Devon
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/property-estates/property-for-sale-or-to-let/
Date responded: 22 March 2023
Empty council houses in Harepath R
Date submitted: 7 March 2023
Summary of request
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST
Why has the flat at 46 Harepath Road been empty for over two years?
What has been the total loss of rent income due to this flat being empty for that period?
Why has the flat at 78 Harepath Road been empty for over five months?
What has been the total loss of rent income due to this flat being empty for that period?
Summary of response
Why has the flat at 46 Harepath Road been empty for over two years? - The information you have requested does not fall within the scope of FOI. We do not have to provide explanation or reasoning.
What has been the total loss of rent income due to this flat being empty for that period? 46 Harepath Road was occupied until 9th January 2022, the rent loss at this property is currently £4,456.78.
Why has the flat at 78 Harepath Road been empty for over five months? - The information you have requested does not fall within the scope of FOI. We do not have to provide explanation or reasoning.
What has been the total loss of rent income due to this flat being empty for that period? - 78 Harepath Road was occupied until 9th October 2022, the rent loss at this property is currently £1,625.80.
Date responded: 13 March 2023
Correspondence between EDDC and CBRE re New Town local plan
Date submitted: 2 March 2023
Summary of request
To ensure commercial integrity and fairness in EDDCs development of the new local plan and proposals for a New Town, I would like to obtain copies of all correspondence between EDDC and CBRE (https://www.cbre.co.uk/) from 2017 to date
Summary of response
You have requested to obtain copies of all correspondence between EDDC and CBRE (https://www.cbre.co.uk/) from 2017 to date with regard to the development of the new local plan and proposals for a New Town.
The initial search has revealed 244 emails that could potentially fall within the scope of your request, some of which will have attachments and further emails chains embedded within. We have taken a sample of emails and calculated that the time it will take to read through each email to determine what is disclosable and falls within the scope of the request as well as seeking third party views will take approximately 5 minutes per email.
We estimate that based on the above calculation to read all the emails will take an officer beyond the reasonable time and cost limits and would be manifestly unreasonable under exception 12(4)(b) of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) - Requests may be manifestly unreasonable if dealing with a request would create unreasonable costs or an unreasonable diversion of resources. Therefore your request has been refused at this time.
We have considered whether we can narrow down the scope of your enquiry such as only requesting the last full calendar year, however the majority of the emails in question (229) fall into this time frame with 15 that fall outside if it.
I hope this information is helpful but, if you feel dissatisfied with the way we have responded to your request, please contact our Interim Monitoring Officer, Ms Anita Williams, to request an internal review monitoringofficer@eastdevon.gov.uk
You may also approach the Information Commissioner for advice at www.ico.org.uk
Kind regards,
Information and Complaints Officer
East Devon District Council
Date responded: 29 March 2023
Coronation party hosted by Cllrs
Date submitted: 2 March 2023
Summary of request
Following on from a letter dated the 2 February by Baroness Scott encouraging councils to apply for funding of up to £10,000 from the National Lottery to host Coronation parties, I would like to ask:
1. Has your council applied for funding from the National Lottery to host a Coronation party? If yes, please give details on how much was awarded and for what.
2. Will your council be having a Coronation party which is organised by the council; meaning paid for, hosted, and attended by a council representative, for example a mayor or council leader?
Summary of response
Following on from a letter dated the 2 February by Baroness Scott encouraging councils to apply for funding of up to £10,000 from the National Lottery to host Coronation parties, I would like to ask:
1. Has your council applied for funding from the National Lottery to host a Coronation party? - No
2. Will your council be having a Coronation party which is organised by the council; meaning paid for, hosted, and attended by a council representative, for example a mayor or council leader? - No plans at present
Date responded: 13 March 2023
Breaches of planning control that involve listed buildings
Date submitted: 2 March 2023
Summary of request
I would like to request the following information, please, for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 -
1. The number of reports made to East Devon District Council of breaches of planning control that involve listed buildings
2. The number of those reports in 1 above where a breach of planning control was found to have occurred
3. The number of those reports in 1 above that are still being investigated
4. The number of those reports in 2 above where the property owner and the council have reached agreement on the remedial work required
5. The number of those reports in 2 above where enforcement action has been taken by the council
6. The number of those reports in 4 above where the work required has been agreed and the building has been repaired to the satisfaction of the local authority
7. The number of those reports in 5 above where enforcement action has been taken and the building has been repaired to the satisfaction of the local authority
Summary of response
2020
1. The number of reports made to East Devon District Council of breaches of planning control that involve listed buildings - 16
2. The number of those reports in 1 above where a breach of planning control was found to have occurred - Nil
3. The number of those reports in 1 above that are still being investigated
4. The number of those reports in 2 above where the property owner and the council have reached agreement on the remedial work required
5. The number of those reports in 2 above where enforcement action has been taken by the council
6. The number of those reports in 4 above where the work required has been agreed and the building has been repaired to the satisfaction of the local authority
7. The number of those reports in 5 above where enforcement action has been taken and the building has been repaired to the satisfaction of the local authority
2021
1. The number of reports made to East Devon District Council of breaches of planning control that involve listed buildings - 18
2. The number of those reports in 1 above where a breach of planning control was found to have occurred - 1
3. The number of those reports in 1 above that are still being investigated - Nil
4. The number of those reports in 2 above where the property owner and the council have reached agreement on the remedial work required - 1
5. The number of those reports in 2 above where enforcement action has been taken by the council - 1
6. The number of those reports in 4 above where the work required has been agreed and the building has been repaired to the satisfaction of the local authority - 0
7. The number of those reports in 5 above where enforcement action has been taken and the building has been repaired to the satisfaction of the local authority - 0
2022
1. The number of reports made to East Devon District Council of breaches of planning control that involve listed buildings - 21
2. The number of those reports in 1 above where a breach of planning control was found to have occurred - 4
3. The number of those reports in 1 above that are still being investigated - 4
4. The number of those reports in 2 above where the property owner and the council have reached agreement on the remedial work required - 2
5. The number of those reports in 2 above where enforcement action has been taken by the council - 4
6. The number of those reports in 4 above where the work required has been agreed and the building has been repaired to the satisfaction of the local authority - 0
7. The number of those reports in 5 above where enforcement action has been taken and the building has been repaired to the satisfaction of the local authority – 2 cases being monitored and 2 cases have submitted planning applications
Date responded: 16 March 2023
Formal Complaints
Date submitted: 2 March 2023
Summary of request
1. How many formal complaints have you received from citizens from 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022 (inclusive)?
Here complaints are defined as any expression of dissatisfaction with the council’s services whether justified or not.
2. How many of the above formal complaints have been escalated to another stage?
3. If possible, how many formal complaints have you received from citizens from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021 (inclusive)?
4. How many of the above formal complaints have been escalated to another stage?
Summary of response
1. How many formal complaints have you received from citizens from 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022 (inclusive)? - 203
Here complaints are defined as any expression of dissatisfaction with the council’s services whether justified or not.
2. How many of the above formal complaints have been escalated to another stage? - 50
3. If possible, how many formal complaints have you received from citizens from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021 (inclusive)? - 233
4. How many of the above formal complaints have been escalated to another stage? - 65
Date responded: 13 March 2023
Voter ID FOI requests
Date submitted: 27 February 2023
Summary of request
Hello,
I hope you can help with the following FOI request:
1. How many Voter Authority Certificates (VACs) has the council issued, how many applications has it rejected, and what is the demographic profile of those applications, both accepted and rejected?
2. Can you confirm that the Chief Executive, acting in their role as the Returning Officer, and/or the Elections Department of your council, has received guidance from the Electoral Commission and/or the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities about implementing the new voter ID legislation for the May 4th elections?
3. Can you confirm a) all polling station staff have been trained on implementing the new processes and if so, b) what that training has entailed.
4. Can you confirm whether the Chief Executive, in their role as Returning Officer, has presented a report on preparedness for the Voter ID requirements to the full council or any other appropriate committee of the council? Has this included a risk assessment and mitigation plan? (If yes, please can you supply a copy of that report?)
5. Can you confirm whether an audit has been undertaken of all proposed polling stations to identify a private room for those people who, for whatever reason, cover their face in public? What was the outcome of this audit if it has happened? (For example, have any polling stations been found to be unsuitable, and if so, how many?)
6. Has the council undertaken a public information campaign to inform voters about the new Voter ID requirements?
Many thanks.
Summary of response
You have requested information regarding Voter Authority Certificates specifically questions 1 – 5 in your FOI enquiry. While a local authority, assessor or valuation joint board is required to comply with FOI requests, there is no requirement for an Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Returning Officer (RO) to do so. This is because EROs and ROs work independently of the local authority, assessor or valuation joint board. They are therefore not subject to the FOIA.
With regards to question 6 however you asked –
Has the council undertaken a public information campaign to inform voters about the new Voter ID requirements? – Yes
Date responded: 16 March 2023
Numbers awaiting asylum
Date submitted: 27 February 2023
Summary of request
QUESTION 1: How many people, currently (Feb 2023) awaiting asylum, are being housed in contingency accommodation in your district?
QUESTION 2: How many people awaiting asylum were housed in contingency accommodation in your district in March 2020?
Summary of response
You have requested information regarding how many people, currently (Feb 2023) awaiting asylum, are being housed in contingency accommodation in this district and how many people awaiting asylum were housed in contingency accommodation in this district in March 2020?
You will need to refer your request to Devon County Council who will hold the data you have asked for - refugeeresettlement@devon.gov.uk
Date responded: 27 February 2023
Cybersecurity
Date submitted: 23 February 2023
Summary of request
Please could you provide answers to the following questions:
1. Which standards does your council currently adhere to (ie. ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials etc.)
2. Which team/department/individual is responsible for managing compliance?
3. If compliance is managed by an internal staff member, what role(s) is this
4. Has cybersecurity been set as a priority for 2023?
5. What software / systems does your council currently use to manage your compliance, and any related documentation?
6. If software / a system is currently in place, when does the current contract with that supplier expire?
7. If software / a system is currently in place, when did it last go out for procurement?
8. What is your current budget for compliance & compliance solutions?
Summary of response
1. Which standards does your council currently adhere to (ie. ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials etc.) - None at present
2. Which team/department/individual is responsible for managing compliance? - Not a role within Council; IT Service is managed by Strata Service Solutions (owned by Exeter, Teignbridge & East Devon Councils)
3. If compliance is managed by an internal staff member, what role(s) is this - N/A
4. Has cybersecurity been set as a priority for 2023? - It’s always a priority
5. What software / systems does your council currently use to manage your compliance, and any related documentation? - None for Strata
6. If software / a system is currently in place, when does the current contract with that supplier expire? - N/A
7. If software / a system is currently in place, when did it last go out for procurement? - N/A
8. What is your current budget for compliance & compliance solutions? - Strata doesn’t have a specific budget for Compliance
Date responded: 7 March 2023
Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2023/24
Date submitted: 23 February 2023
Summary of request
On 19th December 2022 the Secretary of State for Levelling up, Housing and Communities released details of the provisional local government finance settlement for 2023/24.
I would therefore like to request
• The change to your Core Spending Power (CSP) for 2023/4 over 2022/3 as a result of the local government finance settlement.
• The impact of inflation on the council’s 2022/3 budget, as measured against the original 2022/3 budget.
• The estimated impact of inflation on the council’s budget for 2023/24
• How much you had originally forecast the inflationary increase in costs to be for a) 2022-3 and b) 2023-4 in percentage and actual terms.
• Details of any loans (PWLB or money market) taken out by the council after 30/9/22 and the loan provider, terms and time period for these loans.
Summary of response
Answers below relate to the Council’s General Fund position which it is assumed the question relates, details of the Council’s Housing Revenue Account has been excluded.
• The change to your Core Spending Power (CSP) for 2023/4 over 2022/3 as a result of the local government finance settlement - 4.9%
• The impact of inflation on the council’s 2022/3 budget, as measured against the original 2022/3 budget - The main impact will flow through to 2023/24 budget as contract payments catch up. Specific impact measured in year £817k (additional payment to Leisure contract & pay award).
• The estimated impact of inflation on the council’s budget for 2023/24 - Specific areas include: Implications of pay award in 2022/23 now reflected in 2023/24 plus 2023/24 assumed pay award £800k, direct additional energy costs £200k, £341k to Leisure contractor, £450k recycling & refuse contract.
• How much you had originally forecast the inflationary increase in costs to be for a) 2022-3 and b) 2023-4 in percentage and actual terms - (a) 2% (b) 3.4%
• Details of any loans (PWLB or money market) taken out by the council after 30/9/22 and the loan provider, terms and time period for these loans - EDDC hasn’t taken out any new PWLB loans after 30.9.2022 Neither have we borrowed from the Money Markets after 30.9.2022
Date responded: 21 March 2023
Penalties for dogs on Exmouth beach
Date submitted: 21 February 2023
Summary of request
Please provide the total by year for each of 2018, 19, 20, 21, 22 of penalty fines imposed for breaches of the ban on dogs (dogs within the exclusion zone) on the beach at Exmouth (just for Exmouth beach) during the restricted period of 1st May and 30th September each year. Also how many of those issued were paid for the same years?
Summary of response
Please provide the total by year for each of 2018, 19, 20, 21, 22 of penalty fines imposed for breaches of the ban on dogs (dogs within the exclusion zone) on the beach at Exmouth (just for Exmouth beach) during the restricted period of 1st May and 30th September each year.
Also how many of those issued were paid for the same years?
No fixed penalties were issued for breaches of the ban on Exmouth beach during the specified date range.
During 2020 and 2021 we were in the pandemic and normal Council services were reduced in line with Government guidance.
In 2022 we were in the process of recruiting a post to tackle dog related issues and undertook a public awareness campaign to inform and educate dog owners during the summer months.
Date responded: 16 March 2023
Exempt Housing Benefit
Date submitted: 21 February 2023
Summary of request
In the Council’s capacity as a Housing Benefit administrator, can you provide the twenty highest weekly Housing Benefit claims in payment in respect of exempt accommodation particularly specialist supported housing i.e. supported living in East Devon.
If available, can you provide the following additional information:
• confirmation of the split between lease or core rent & service charges
• confirmation whether the payments relate to self-contained or shared accommodation
• confirmation whether the payments relate to an apartment, bungalow or house
Summary of response
In the Council’s capacity as a Housing Benefit administrator, can you provide the twenty highest weekly Housing Benefit claims in payment in respect of exempt accommodation particularly specialist supported housing i.e. supported living in East Devon.
Below are the 20 highest weekly HB awards currently held for our Supported Accommodation caseload:
1 £450.95
2 £450.95
3 £440.72
4 £440.72
5 £440.72
6 £425.15
7 £425.15
8 £425.15
9 £425.15
10 £397.65
11 £397.65
12 £397.65
13 £397.65
14 £397.65
15 £397.65
16 £397.65
17 £375.28
18 £307.25
19 £297.39
20 £297.39
If available, can you provide the following additional information:
• confirmation of the split between lease or core rent & service charges
• confirmation whether the payments relate to self-contained or shared accommodation
• confirmation whether the payments relate to an apartment, bungalow or house
We do not hold this information on our system.
Date responded: 13 March 2023
Nationally Described Space Standards
Date submitted: 20 February 2023
Summary of request
1. Have you adopted the Nationally Described Space Standard in your local plans or planning guidance?
• If so, please provide the date it was adopted.
• If not, do you have any plans to adopt it, and if so, by when are you planning to adopt it?
2. Do you use any alternative space standards in your local plans or planning guidance?
• Please provide details of the space standard in use, including the origin such as HQI.
3. If you are using space standards, do you have data on the rate of compliance for new dwellings for up to the last 10 years?
Summary of response
1. Have you adopted the Nationally Described Space Standard in your local plans or planning guidance? - The Cranbrook Plan (part of the Development Plan) includes policy on standards, see: https://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/3724766/cranbrook-plan-dpd-adopted.pdf - it was adopted 19 October 2022. We have a draft local plan, at Regulation 18 stage of plan making, that references standards in draft policy, see: https://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/3724891/commonplace-reg-18-final-071122.pdf
If so, please provide the date it was adopted - It was adopted 19 October 2022
If not, do you have any plans to adopt it, and if so, by when are you planning to adopt it? - N/A
2. Do you use any alternative space standards in your local plans or planning guidance? - We do not use alternative standards.
Please provide details of the space standard in use, including the origin such as HQI.
If you are using space standards, do you have data on the rate of compliance for new dwellings for up to the last 10 years? - We do not have data on compliance, noting the Cranbrook Plan was only recently adopted.
Date responded: 27 February 2023
ERP (Enterprise Resource Management) or Finance system
Date submitted: 17 February 2023
Summary of request
1.What ERP (Enterprise Resource Management) or Finance system is currently used at East Devon District Council?
2. What was the total value of the contract?
3.When does your contract expire?
4.Do you have any planned upgrades of the software? If so, when?
5.Are you planning to go to market for a different ERP/ Finance system? If so, when?
6. Who is the person responsible for your ERP / Finance system? Please provide full name, title and contact information if possible.
Summary of response
1.What ERP (Enterprise Resource Management) or Finance system is currently used at East Devon District Council? - No ERP. ABS, eFinancials
2.What was the total value of the contract? - Currently £33k approx. (ex VAT) per annum
3.When does your contract expire? - 31/08/22 – currently rolling
4.Do you have any planned upgrades of the software? If so, when? - Moving to cloud in 2023
5.Are you planning to go to market for a different ERP/ Finance system? If so, when? - No
6.Who is the person responsible for your ERP / Finance system? Please provide full name, title and contact information if possible - Simon Davey; S151 Officer; sdavey@eastdevon.gov.uk
Date responded: 27 February 2023
Cost to EDDC of the Greater Exeter Economic Development Needs Assessment
Date submitted: 14 February 2023
Summary of request
Cost to EDDC of Greater Exeter Economic Development Needs Assessment
Summary of response
The total cost of the Economic Development Needs Assessment was £52,049, apportioned equally between the following local authorities:
Teignbridge District Council
Mid-Devon District Council
East Devon District Council
Devon County Council
Exeter City Council
Date responded: 20 February 2023
Connectivity and Network Services
Date submitted: 14 February 2023
Summary of request
Connectivity and Network Services
a. Who provides your WAN and internet connectivity and the annual spend on each
b. Who provides your SIP trunks and what is the annual spend
c. Who provides your WAN services, is this MPLS, SD WAN or Internet, and what is the annual spend
d. Who provides your LAN infrastructure and what is your annual spend
e. Who provides your WIFI infrastructure and what is your annual spend
f. Please confirm the manufacturer(s) of your wired network core and edge switching?
g. When was your core network installed?
h. Has it been updated subsequently?
i. Who maintains your core network?
j. When is the contract renewal date?
k. Please confirm value of the initial project?
l. Please confirm the value of annual support/maintenance services (in £)?
Summary of response
Connectivity and Network Services
a. Who provides your WAN and internet connectivity and the annual spend on each - Virgin £120k approx.
b. Who provides your SIP trunks and what is the annual spend - Virgin, see above
c. Who provides your WAN services, is this MPLS, SD WAN or Internet, and what is the annual spend - Virgin, MPLS/Internet £12k approx.
d. Who provides your LAN infrastructure and what is your annual spend - In house
e. Who provides your WIFI infrastructure and what is your annual spend - In house
f. Please confirm the manufacturer(s) of your wired network core and edge switching? - This information is exempt under section 31(1)(a) of the FOI Act 2000 – prevention or detection of crime, as disclosure could represent a security risk to Strata and the councils it supports.
g. When was your core network installed? - Information not available
h. Has it been updated subsequently? - Yes
i. Who maintains your core network? - In house
j. When is the contract renewal date? - N/A
k. Please confirm value of the initial project? - N/A
l. Please confirm the value of annual support/maintenance services (in £)? - In house
Date responded: 6 March 2023
Local Authority Electricity Generation Assets
Date submitted: 13 February 2023
Summary of request
1) Do you own or operate electricity generation assets which export to the grid?
2) If so, what technologies? And are they ‘co-located’? E.g., a solar farm with a battery.
3) How much electricity (in kWh) would you expect to be exported, per asset, per year?
4) When were the assets commissioned?
5) What is the current contractual arrangement to sell the power, to whom is it sold and what is the contract end date?
6) Does your local authority have any plans in place to acquire, build or invest in electricity generation assets in the future?
Summary of response
EDDC does not export electricity to the national grid, we use the energy we generate in our own building.
In order to assist my research into Local Authorities who generate and export electricity from their own energy assets I would be grateful if you could answer the following questions. I am particularly looking at grid connected assets for example solar farms, wind turbines and waste to energy plants, rather than rooftop solar installations which mostly supply electricity to the building they occupy. I’d be grateful if you could answer the following questions: -
1) Do you own or operate electricity generation assets which export to the grid? - No
2) If so, what technologies? And are they ‘co-located’? E.g., a solar farm with a battery - N/A
3) How much electricity (in kWh) would you expect to be exported, per asset, per year? - N/A
4) When were the assets commissioned? - N/A
5) What is the current contractual arrangement to sell the power, to whom is it sold and what is the contract end date? - N/A
6) Does your local authority have any plans in place to acquire, build or invest in electricity generation assets in the future? - No not at the present time
Date responded: 15 February 2023
Telephony & Storage
Date submitted: 13 February 2023
Summary of request
1. Telephony and UC/ Collaboration
a. Please confirm the manufacturer of your telephony system(s) that are currently in place
b. When is your contract renewal date?
c. Who maintains your telephony system(s)?
d. Do you use Unified Communications or Collaboration tools , if so which ones?
2. Microsoft
a) What Microsoft 365 licence do you have across the business e.g. E3, E5
b) Which partner looks after your Microsoft tenant?
c) Where do you host your applications? Do you have on-premise infrastructure or do you host your applications in public or private cloud? Which?
3. Storage
a. Does your organisation use on-premise or cloud storage or both?
b. Please confirm the on-premise hardware manufacturer
c. Please confirm your cloud storage provider
d. What is your annual spend on cloud storage?
e. How do you back up your data and with who e.g. Backup as a Service
Summary of response
1. Telephony and UC/ Collaboration
a. Please confirm the manufacturer of your telephony system(s) that are currently in place - Skype for Business
b. When is your contract renewal date? - Exp. 2024
c. Who maintains your telephony system(s)? - Strata
d. Do you use Unified Communications or Collaboration tools , if so which ones? - Anywhere 365
2. Microsoft
a) What Microsoft 365 licence do you have across the business e.g. E3, E5 - E3
b) Which partner looks after your Microsoft tenant? - Softcat
c) Where do you host your applications? Do you have on-premise infrastructure or do you host your applications in public or private cloud? Which? - On Premises
3. Storage
a. Does your organisation use on-premise or cloud storage or both? - On premises
b. Please confirm the on-premise hardware manufacturer - Dell
c. Please confirm your cloud storage provider - None
d. What is your annual spend on cloud storage? - None
e. How do you back up your data and with who e.g. Backup as a Service - In house
Date responded: 6 March 2023
Recycling rates
Date submitted: 9 February 2023
Summary of request
1. What is the recycling rate (as a percentage of the total weight of waste) for all waste produced in the council area for the financial year 2021-22, and from the start of financial year 2022 to 31 December 2022?
2. If the figures for 2022/23 are not yet available, please provide an estimated amount, or the amount recycled thus far.
3. How often in a single four-week period does the council collect recycling bins for the following from domestic households:
a. Paper/Carboard
b. Glass
c. Plastic
d. Cans
Summary of response
1. What is the recycling rate (as a percentage of the total weight of waste) for all waste produced in the council area for the financial year 2021-22 - 61%: and from the start of financial year 2022 to 31 December 2022 61% (for April to December).
2. If the figures for 2022/23 are not yet available, please provide an estimated amount, or the amount recycled thus far.
3. How often in a single four-week period does the council collect recycling bins for the following from domestic households:
a. Paper/Carboard - weekly
b. Glass - weekly
c. Plastic - weekly
d. Cans - weekly
Date responded: 13 February 2023
Contact Centre, CRM, and AI & Automation
Date submitted: 9 February 2023
Summary of request
1. Contact Centre – target to organisations we know have a CC
a. Do you have a customer/ citizen facing contact centre? If not please skip these questions.
b. Do you employ and manage your own agents, or do you outsource to a third party? If you outsource who to?
c. How many contact centre agents do you have?
d. Do agents work from home? Or just your offices?
e. Please confirm the manufacturer of your contact centre system(s) that are currently in place?
f. When is your contract renewal date?
g. Who maintains your contact centre system(s)?
2. CRM
a. Do you use a CRM in the contact centre? What platform is used?
b. Do you use the same CRM for the rest of the organisation? What platform is used?
c. Do you use a knowledge base / knowledge management platform? What platform is used?
3. AI & Automation
a. Does your organisation have a customer or citizen facing chatbot? If so, who provides this chatbot technology?
b. Does your organisation utilise RPA technology? If so which RPA technology provider do you use?
Summary of response
1. Contact Centre – target to organisations we know have a CC
a. Do you have a customer/ citizen facing contact centre? If not please skip these questions - Yes
b. Do you employ and manage your own agents, or do you outsource to a third party? If you outsource who to? - In-house
c. How many contact centre agents do you have? - 12
d. Do agents work from home? Or just your offices? - Office based & home
e. Please confirm the manufacturer of your contact centre system(s) that are currently in place? - Skype for Business & Anywhere 365
f. When is your contract renewal date? - For Skype for Business & Anywhere 365 Rolling
g. Who maintains your contact centre system(s)? - Strata
2. CRM
a. Do you use a CRM in the contact centre? What platform is used? - Firmstep
b. Do you use the same CRM for the rest of the organisation? What platform is used? - Yes
c. Do you use a knowledge base / knowledge management platform? What platform is used? - No
3. AI & Automation - No
a. Does your organisation have a customer or citizen facing chatbot? If so, who provides this chatbot technology? - Yes, Who’s on Chat
b. Does your organisation utilise RPA technology? If so which RPA technology provider do you use? - No
Date responded: 17 February 2023
Public toilets
Date submitted: 8 February 2023
Summary of request
• How many public toilets are operated or owned by the council?
• How many public toilets were open to the public for use in the last five calendar years - 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018?
• How many public toilets are currently open to the public (as of February 2023)?
• What is the average length of time public toilets are open each day?
• What is the shortest length of time any public toilet is open for?
• What reasons are cited for closing down public toilets?
Summary of response
• How many public toilets are operated or owned by the council? - 27
• How many public toilets were open to the public for use in the last five calendar years –
2022 - 27
2021 & 2020 – at the height of the pandemic we had just 14 toilets open but this incrementally increased throughout 2020/2021 but no actual number is recorded for either year.
2019 - 27
2018 - 27
• How many public toilets are currently open to the public (as of February 2023) - An up to date list of open toilets is listed here Public toilets information - East Devon
• What is the average length of time public toilets are open each day? - Open 8am – 7pm from 1st October to 31st March. Open 8am-10pm 1 April - 30 September
• What is the shortest length of time any public toilet is open for? - 11 hours
• What reasons are cited for closing down public toilets? - Plumbing or electrical issues. Safety concerns, building maintenance, reactive repairs, during Covid-19 it was based on social distancing requirements and safety of building layout.
Date responded: 27 February 2023