Agenda item

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The Corporate Performance Officer presented the update on progress against the Council’s Corporate Strategy and key performance indicators for 2024-25 and provided an overview of those indicators which had and had not met target, as set out in the report.

It was noted that when the Panel had considered quarter three performance monitoring the target relating to Major Housing was underperforming, but would catch up by year end and the Corporate Performance Officer stated that the end of year target had now been met.

The Deputy Chief Executive was present at the meeting and provided an overview of the indicators within her service area which had not met their target as set out below.

-        3.6 – Reduce revenue expenditure by 5%.  It was noted that year end figures were still being worked on and the Panel would be updated on final quarter four performance in due course.

-        3.7 and 3.8 – relating to paying of invoices within 30 days.  It was explained that work was being carried out to update procedures, roll out training and implement monitoring to ensure that invoices were processed in a timely manner.

-        3.9 - % of Council Tax collected against outstanding balance.  It was explained that this was 0.4% below target and the team would continue to work to collect outstanding balances.

-        3.11 – Council Tax Support Caseload.  It was explained that this was a monitor only target and it was acknowledged that caseloads fluctuated and support was offered where appropriate.

-        3.12 - % of BID Levy collected.  This was collected on behalf of the Business Improvement District and the Deputy Chief Executive agreed to look into issues.

The Chair thanked officers for the report and updates and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

In response to a question from Councillor Spikings, the Deputy Chief Executive agreed to report back on the amount of staff that worked from home.

Councillor Spikings referred to the Cycle Hire Scheme and asked for an update.  Officers explained that work was underway to reallocate the resources to ensure that they were used and an update could be presented to the Panel in the future.

Councillor Dickinson referred to the car parking strategy and stated that the report was incorrect as it said that a Borough wide Strategy had been completed.  She explained that only a high level overview had been presented to the Regeneration and Development Panel which only covered King’s Lynn.

Councillor Bearshaw as previous Chair of the Regeneration and Development Panel explained that the Panel had been pushing for updates and further updates would be presented to the Panel once prepared by Officers.  He welcomed the fact that the Panel had received a high level update early on in the process so that they could help shape policy.

Councillor Long explained that he would raise this with other Panel Chairs to ensure that it was flagged up on the relevant Panel’s Work Programme.

Councillor Kemp addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34 and referred to the percentage of housing adaptations which had been completed.  The Corporate Performance Officer explained that the Panel had previously received an update from the relevant Assistant Director on this and work was being carried out to clear the backlog, whilst prioritising cases.

Councillor Kemp also referred to the Climate Change Tool and asked if the Ferry would be considered as part of this.  The Corporate Performance Officer explained that this tool was being broadened and would provide an update to the Panel.

The Chair, Councillor Long referred to the payment of invoices and asked if analysis was carried out to determine delays that were not the fault of the Council, for example incorrect invoices being received.  The Deputy Chief Executive explained that she would check what measures were in place and update the Panel.

The Chair also asked about the collection of Council Tax and stated that he expected with the discounts available, that collection problems would decrease.  The Deputy Chief Executive explained that it was sometimes difficult to determine the cause of non-payment and the empty and second homes charges and the direction of Government Support could have had an impact.

Councillor Ryves referred to EV charging points and it was explained that the overall project was to install 30 charging points, which had now been completed.  In response to a further question from Councillor Ryves, the Monitoring Officer explained that the Council had a concession contract with BP.

Councillor Sayers reminded the Panel that as well as the points provided by the Council, there were other charging points available throughout the Borough.

The Vice Chair, Councillor Blunt referred to the new parking machines on Boal Quay and if this had impacted car parking income.  The Deputy Chief Executive explained that comparison figures from the previous year could be provided.

Councillor Bearshaw referred to street lighting replacement and it was confirmed that the programme only included those that were owned by the Borough Council and was a gradual programme over the next few years.

The Leader of the Council encouraged Members of the Panel to submit their questions in advance of the meeting going forward, so that the appropriate Assistant Director could be invited to the meeting to respond to questions.

RESOLVED: That the Corporate Performance Panel support the recommendations to Cabinet, as set out below.

CABINET RECOMMENDATION: To review the Performance Management Report and comment on the delivery against the Corporate Strategy.