Agenda item

Performance Monitoring for the Second Quarter of 2019/20.

Minutes:

Neal Barton, Policy, Performance and Partnerships Manager introduced the report for the period July to September 2019. He noted that 74% of the performance indicators monitored by the committee were at green, with 17 of the Corporate Plan flagships at green and 4 at amber.  He highlighted the increase of cashless payments for car park pay and display purchases, currently 35% and therefore the end of year target has been raised from 25% to 37%. He noted that all customer services targets were met, as well as all targets for planning applications and affordable homes. He highlighted that 118 affordable homes had been built this year which exceeded last year’s total of 102.

 

A Member asked how the previous shortfall in meeting the Health and Wellbeing intervention target was mitigated to meet the target this quarter. The Policy, Performance and Partnerships Manager explained the previous shortfall was due to staff sickness and the Council has now employed another person increasing the resources of the department. The target had been profiled over the year to reflect seasonal changes.

 

The use of electronic forms and the impact of these on customer services was discussed. Members enquired how customer satisfaction was measured and if electronic communication with the Council was included. The Policy, Performance and Partnerships Manager explained that those contacting the Council by phone were included in the customer satisfaction surveys. Members discussed the possibility of new indicators for responding to electronic forms and communications.

 

A Member asked if the changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme would affect their targets and the performance of the Revenues and Benefits department.  The Business Unit Leader for Revenues and Benefits explained that as the Council Tax Support Scheme would reduce the complexities of Council Tax Support that these targets would continue to be met.

 

Members discussed the economic development specifically of the 3 town’s shopping centres. The footfall through the shopping centres was discussed as were methods for accurately measuring this. The Policy, Performance and Partnerships Manager explained that West Sussex County Council had previously used a monitoring system for footfall, but this was not considered reliable.  An alternative method is currently used at the Orchards Shopping Centre and he would investigate further how this could be extended to Burgess Hill and East Grinstead.

 

The economic impact of the Orchards and other shopping centres was discussed including their refurbishment and improvements.  The Leader explained that a report to Cabinet had set out the work and options being considered to improve shopping centres and the investment into for these works.

 

A Member expressed concern over the electric charging points in Burgess Hill. The Chairman explained this had been addressed at full Council and the Leader noted that this matter was for the utility company to resolve.  

 

Members discussed the development of Waste and Outdoor Services progression to target.  Members discussed ideas for improving the rate of recycling and how to discourage people from contaminating recycling.

 

The Leader explained that MSDC are working with West Sussex County Council to improve the level of recycling and other aspects of household waste.

 

A Member noted that there were villages in the South Downs area of the District, which had not had much development within them and therefore would need resources from the Council to make improvements, including to children’s playgrounds. The Deputy Leader advised that the Council was aware of this issue and was working to improve this.

 

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 second quarter of the year and identified areas where further reporting or information is required;

 

(ii)        Agreed to advise the Cabinet of any issues that the Committee considered should be given particular consideration at the Cabinet meeting on 13th January 2020.

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