Agenda item

Peter Stuart, Head of Corporate Resources introduced the report.   He noted that the report had been to the Scrutiny Committee for Leader, Finance and Performance on 15 September and the Members had amply scrutinised the report. They made suggestions which resulted in a minor programme of work to improve the statistics and add more detail in paragraphs 12 to 17. They will include the provision of data on longer term trends, and more data on fly tipping, Electric Vehicle Charging points (EVCs) and planning enforcement notices.   He confirmed the report for the second half of the year would be at the next meeting.

The Deputy Leader welcomed the good results and highlighted that the Council had coped very well with the extra duties linked to the pandemic. Going forward historical data might be of little use and a forward-looking approach would be better.  She asked for further information on the high rate of rental collection. 

The Head of Corporate Resources advised a proactive approach had been taken, agreeing revised rental arrangements which have been detailed in the Members Information Service bulletins.  The KPIs were measuring against these new agreed figures.  If tenants could display hardship or good reason, then seeking to be a fair landlord the Council would seek to agree an appropriate level of rent.  As a result of these revised agreements the collection rate is high. 

The Cabinet Member for Community highlighted the additional work by the Council in several areas: new grants to businesses to help the local economy, and the environmental health team helping to ensure businesses are covid compliant as many have had to change how they operate.  The provision of EVCs is not a statutory responsibility of the Council but we do want to encourage people to switch to electric vehicles. Data on the usage of EVCs would be beneficial.  He noted the financial burden of the pandemic on the Council and that not all the expenditure is recoverable from Government, there had also been a fall of income in a number of areas. 

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery welcomed the additional data on EVCs.   He confirmed that instances of fly tipping in the District was lower than the surrounding authorities and enforcement action will be taken where possible.

The Cabinet Member for Customer Services noted that over £48.5m grants had been processed for residents and businesses, and she highlighted that some KPIs are outdated.  

The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth welcomed the report and thanked officers for maintaining their KPIs whilst supporting local businesses. The footfall figures continue to improve and enquired whether footfall would continue to be monitored after the current Government funding was exhausted. 

Judy Holmes, Assistant Chief Executive confirmed the Council had taken advantage of Government Welcome Back funding to commission footfall data in the three towns and some villages.  The Council is looking to maintain this data capture beyond March 2022, as it will help to understand the impact on the high streets. 

The Cabinet Member for Customer Services expressed concern over the increased waste to landfill and wondered if future reports would show a return to pre-pandemic levels. 

The Assistant Chief Executive advised the increase in waste to landfill was due to residents working from home and it would be hard to predict future levels, but it is hoped it may reduce as some people return to their workplaces. The Council continues to educate and encourage residents to recycle as much as possible. 

As no further questions the Leader took the Members to the recommendations which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet noted the Council’s performance in the first quarter of the year and identified any areas where further reporting or information was required.