More than 100 families saved from homelessness, 3.4 million bin collections, and an improved digital service for customers are just some of the key highlights in Fenland District Council’s Annual Report.

Councillors discussed the achievements outlined in the 2016-2017 report when it was presented to the authority’s Cabinet.

The report looks at the performance of the council over the past year in relation to priorities and ambitions developed following consultation with councillors and members of the public. The priorities focus on communities, environment and the economy, with each aiming to help improve the lives of residents.

It also states that, along with other local authorities, the council continues to face “significant financial challenges” due to continued reductions in Government grant and an increased demand upon its services. As such, work is continuing on its Comprehensive Spending Review, which has already helped the council to deliver £9 million in savings since 2010.

Some of the key achievements noted in the report include:

• The council’s housing team prevented 106 families from becoming homeless, and offered advice to 1,580 other households.

• A record 450 people attended the council’s Golden Age events, which provide residents aged over 60 with practical help and advice.

• Over 904,000 visits were made to the council’s New Vision Fitness leisure centres. A new app and redesigned website have also contributed to the increased popularity of the centres.

• There were 3.4 million bin collections across the district. Customers also recycled just over half of their household waste, with 8,800 tonnes of recycling collected from blue bins. More than 18,000 households to date have subscribed to the new brown bin service launched in April.

• The council’s Street Scene team spent 4,110 hours on patrol; working with community groups, businesses, town and parish councils and the police to tackle environmental problems such as anti-social behaviour.

• Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £2.1 million to the council’s Wisbech High Street Project. Plans are underway to restore the derelict former Cook’s Butchers site at number 24 into an exciting area for public use.