Issue - meetings

That the contents of the attached report and appendices and continue to monitor and challenge the Council’s service and financial performance for this period, be noted.

The Deputy Leader introduced the Quarter 1 Finance and Performance Report for 2024-25 on the performance of individual council services and progress with delivery against priorities and financial information.

The Leader then went through the Performance Indicators, 82% of which had met their targets. Portfolio holders were invited to comment.

Priority 1: One Council delivering for Local People

Stage 1 complaints processed within twenty working days had almost met the target of 85% being at 83.33%.

The percentage of food premises that had a zero or one national food hygiene rating met the target being well below 3% at 0.73%.

The staff turnover and vacancy rate were heading in the right direction.

The percentage of the council tax collected met the target.

Online transactions were slightly down compared to the previous year’s figures.

Priority 2: A Successful and Sustainable Growing Borough

The percentage of complainants informed within the required timescales of actions to be taken regarding breaches of planning control was below target, which seemed to be related to the implementation of a new enforcement policy and structure.

Street scene and recycling met the target, with notably 53% for recycling and 44.5% of household participating in food waste collections which were then used to generate energy. The byproduct was pasteurised and going back to farmland and Staffordshire infrastructure as nutrient rich fertiliser.

Priority 3: Healthy, Active and Safe Communities

The number of people accessing the museum’s collections in person was still well above targets. National awards had been received.

The Jubilee 2 sports centre membership growth was a massive achievement.

Antisocial behaviours had seen a massive drop and the Community Safety Action Plan was being updated based on priorities identified in strategic assessment. Operational work was continuing in the town centre.

Work was being done to address the increase of emergency homeless cases and applications.

Priority 4: Town Centres for All

The number of parking tickets purchased was slightly below target due to the closure of some parking spaces, to allow regeneration projects to progress.

Data relating to the town centre footfall normally provided by the BID was under review and would be provided at a later date.

Stall occupancy was also under review.

Resolved:    That the contents of the report and appendices be noted and that Cabinet continue to monitor and challenge the Council’s service and financial performance for this period.

Watch the debate here