Agenda item

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

The Deputy Leader introduced the Financial Performance report.

The Leader welcomed the figures and commented on the Efficiency Board process that ensured money was efficiently spent.

The Deputy Leader added that £16.83 Million had been saved in the budget since the change in administration in 2017.

The Leader introduced the Corporate Performance report and invited members to comment on indicators not meeting targets under their respective portfolios.

Priority 1 – One Council Delivering for Local People

Food business inspections completed on time:

the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment commented that while most inspections had been completed on time the Council fell below for quarter 2 which had affected the yearly figure.

Stage 1 complaints processed within 20 working days:

the Leader commented that while the Council slightly fell short earlier in the year the target was met for Quarter 4 with responses sent out within the timeframe.

Percentage of Council Tax collected: the Deputy Leader commented that the moneys had been chased resulting in 97.4% being eventually collected meaning the target was missed by 0.1% only.

Total number of digital online transactions:

the Leader commented that more and more advice and guidance being available online along with referrals to other authorities meant people were finding the information they needed with no need to engage with the Council. Phone and in person resolutions of queries were also still available.

Priority 2 – A Successful and Sustainable Growing Borough

The Leader commented that all indicators were in the green.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning praised the planning team for rising to the challenge despite a heavy load on the department.

Priority 3 – Healthy, Active and Safe Communities

Total % of materials collected for recycling and composting verified via WDF:

the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment commented that the garden waste tonnages were down for December, resulting in performance dipping under 50%. Dry recycling tonnage was slightly up on the previous year and from April the Council has added flexible plastic and film along with cartons to the material collected from householders. Work was ongoing with targeted communications to improve recycling rates.

The targets were largely met for other food and residual waste, percentage of successful collections as well as street and environment cleanliness.

The Leader commented that garden waste was not collected over a short period of time during the winter, which was to be taken into account when looking at the indicator for recycling and composting. All other figures showed really good results and the Council had launched a Civic Pride initiative to encourage people not to drop their litter in the first place.

The Leader commended the work of the multifunction team.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing went through the indicators in relation to antisocial behaviours and vulnerability.

The Leader emphasized the fact that while there would always be issues for the police and the Council to deal with the figures showed the borough had a safe town centre and the cases of homelessness were limited.

People accessing the museum collections:

the Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage commented that the door counting system was in the process of being replaced, which explained the absence of data for quarter 4.

J2 membership and customer satisfaction:

the Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage expressed his satisfaction on the healthy membership growth and high conversion rate from the active life program, adding that the swimming lessons were also very successful.

The Leader shared his enthusiasm over the figures and the museum being a real asset for the borough.

Priority 4 – Town Centres for All

Car parking usage Number of tickets purchased:

the Deputy Leader commented that the score reflected a period of transition with old car parks being shut and new ones opening. The numbers were being monitored as new use patterns and permit sales established.

Town Centre Footfall:

the Leader commented that missing information for quarter 1 meant the yearly trend was incomplete however the data for quarters 2, 3 and 4 was satisfying. The Classic Car Show was a good example of successful initiatives bringing footfall to the town centre.

Market stalls occupancy:

the Deputy Leader commented that the general market figures could be improved however the town centre was overall a nice welcoming environment.

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

Watch the debate here