Royal Parks Agency

HC Deb 07 May 1999 vol 330 cc472-3W

Mr. McNulty

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what targets he has set for the Royal Parks Agency. [83812]

Mr. Alan Howarth

The following targets have been set for the Royal Parks Agency for 1999–2000:

Financial and Efficiency To increase income by 10 per cent. from the 1998–99 level, from all sources except recharges and VAT refunds. Stay within the flat running costs allocation of £8.235 million. Keep Royal Parks Constabulary hourly costs of a police constable on duty down to 1998–99 levels in real terms.

Visitor satisfaction Achieve an overall quality rating of 86 per cent. from visitors to the parks, compared to a rating of 84 per cent. in 1998–99. The minimum rating for any one park should be no lower than 80 per cent.

Fabric Achieve an average rating from visitors of at least 85 per cent. on cleanliness in the parks, compared with a rating of 83 per cent. in 1998–99. The minimum rating for a park should be no lower than 75 per cent. Maintain an average score of at least 85 per cent. for soft landscape presentation, compared with a score of 84 per cent. in 1998–99. The minimum score for a park should be no lower than 80 per cent. Complete the first phase of refurbishment works of White Lodge in Bushy Park by the end of 1999–2000, with a view to ensuring the building is removed from English Heritage's "Buildings at Risk" register by 2001.

I shall be reviewing progress against these targets and against the Agency's objectives at my six months review of the Agency's Funding Agreement.