Agenda item

RESOLVED: The Cabinet reviewed the Performance Management Report and comment on the delivery against the Corporate Strategy.

REASON FOR DECISION: Cabinet should use the information within the management report to review progress on the agreed actions and indicators and satisfy themselves that performance is at an acceptable level. Where progress is behind schedule members can seek additional information to explain variances.

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The Senior Corporate Governance Officer reported that 77% of corporate strategy actions are on track, with 21% experiencing minor issues or delays. Two actions were completed within the target date: adoption of new corporate values and completion of the Council Information Centre transformation plan. Nine actions are marked amber, and one was on hold pending information about the successor authority. She highlighted that 78% of the 60 performance indicators met or exceeded targets, a decrease from the previous quarter. Notable changes include improvements in major planning applications with extensions of time, a drop in affordable homes delivered, increased rent arrears on retail units, a decrease in outreach activities, and a rise in energy usage at live venues.

The Chair, Councillor Beales explained the Corporate Performance Panel had requested an assurance and update report in six months on the unregistered properties. He referred to the procurement and non-compliance target of 30% and sought further clarification.

The Senior Corporate Governance Officer highlighted to Cabinet, this was the first year receiving data and the target was to be refined, she noted it included routine items like utility bills.

Councillor Morley explained to Members, a working group of Officers had been formed, and he would follow up with the Assistant Director for Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer. He highlighted, procedures, governance and contract Standing Orders needed to be followed.

The Chief of Staff and Monitoring Officer assured Members work was ongoing to review and refine the procurement non-compliance target to ensure it accurately reflects items in and out of scope, and report on progress as improvements are made.

Councillor Moriarty highlighted the improvements in major planning applications with extensions of time. He provided further information and informed Members; the West Winch Access Road indicator was to move from amber to green following recent completion of the agreements for the West Winch Housing Access Road.

Councillor Ring enquired about how arrears are measured, and the Senior Corporate Governance Officer explained that arrears are calculated as the total amount outstanding against the number of properties at the end of the quarter. It was noted that a significant repayment had occurred since the report, potentially improving the status.

Councillor Squire reported a national shortage of domestic food waste bins due to increased demand from councils, with expectations that supplies will be replenished by May, allowing for wider distribution. She provided updates on fly tipping incidents are increasing nationally and locally. In response to concerns from Councillor Lintern, she provided assurance the Council was developing new measures and larger fines to address the issue, though implementation will take time. The trend was gradual rather than a sharp rise, and efforts are ongoing to reverse it.

Councillor Rust explained that while the percentage of calls answered within 90 seconds was currently below target, the team was on track to meet the annual goal. Increased use of technology has allowed staff to focus on more complex queries, reducing repeat calls and improving overall service quality.

In response to a question form Councillor Morley, the Chief Executive explained the integration of the transformation programme into the LGR readiness programme, with updates to be provided quarterly to Cabinet. The transformation work continues under the new programme, with an internal board overseeing progress.

The Chair, Councillor Beales referred to 1.9 and 1.10 relating to housing and provided assurance there was no wider risk however there was an element of catching up due to delays.

RESOLVED: The Cabinet reviewed the Performance Management Report and comment on the delivery against the Corporate Strategy.

REASON FOR DECISION: Cabinet should use the information within the management report to review progress on the agreed actions and indicators and satisfy themselves that performance is at an acceptable level. Where progress is behind schedule members can seek additional information to explain variances.