Agenda item

Performance Monitoring for the Third Quarter of 2018/19.

Minutes:

Neal Barton, Policy and Performance Manager introduced the report noting the positive performance for the third quarter with 90% of indicators green compared to 76% at the same point last year. It is also the second consecutive quarter with no red performance indicators.

 

He drew Member’s attention to the additional information on Universal Credit contained in paragraphs 11-19 and highlighted that the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) are now nationally commissioning the Citizens Advice to provide help to applicants. He confirmed that the Council has successfully applied to the DWP’s Flexible Support Fund for a new post of Employment Coordinator to be funded for one year. The project for the Council to procure its own temporary accommodation was progressing, with 7 properties purchased, a further 5 due to be completed by the end of March and one property now let.

 

The Policy and Performance Manager confirmed that the current flagship activities are progressing well, with the new flagship activities for 2019/20 set out in Appendix C of the report.  Changes to the performance indicators to be monitored next year have also been provided following a review by a working group comprised of Members of this committee and the Chairs of the two other Scrutiny Committees.

 

The Committee discussed the work of Citizens Advice and the service level agreement that the Council has with them. Also the type of support being provided for Universal Credit claimants , including help in organising their finances and assistance in making on-line applications.

 

The target for staff turnover was discussed, with Members noting that there are varied reasons for staff to leave. The Policy and Performance Manager confirmed that it is a cumulative target which is expected to be lower this year than in previous years.

 

The subject of anti-social behaviour (ASB) was discussed and the Policy and Performance Manager confirmed that 50 ASB issues had been raised, with 35 dealt with straight away and 15 remaining as ongoing cases. Acceptable Behaviour Contracts have been used in respect of young people in Burgess Hill and whilst the new powers related to ASB have not yet been used, they will be included in future performance reports.

 

With regards to customer service, the Policy and Performance Manager was requested to provide a breakdown of the reasons that people visit the Council Office reception in person. 

 

In relation to economic development, the Deputy Leader spoke about the work of the Economy and Inward Investment Team in implementing the Economic Development Strategy. In terms of resources to conclude the legal agreements to drive development forward, the Council commissions additional resources to ensure complex agreements can be delivered. He also updated on progress with  the Burgess Hill town centre redevelopment and delivery of  the new Lidl store. Further updates will be shared with Members and this committee in due course.

 

The Members noted the new flagship activities and changes to the performance indicators proposed.

 

The Chairman took Members to the recommendations which were agreed unanimously.

 

RESOLVED

 

The Committee:

 

(i)         Noted the Council’s performance and progress with flagship activities in the third quarter of the year and identified any areas where further reporting or information is required;

 

(ii)        Agreed to advise the Cabinet of any issues that the Committee                   considers should be given particular consideration at the Cabinet                       meeting on 29 April; and

 

(iii)       Agreed the changes to the bundle of performance indicators to be monitored by the Committee in 2019/20.

 

 

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