Agenda item

Marius Kynaston, Head of PMO and Service Redesign introduced the report noting that overall performance was generally good with 70% of indicators green. The performance indicators have been updated to include those agreed at the last meeting covering fly-tipping, the housing register and electric vehicle charging. The significant workload of the Revenues and Benefits team was noted and additional resources have been provided to improve issues with performance. He also highlighted the success in streamlining decision making and improving processes within the housing options team resulting enabling speedier movement for residents through temporary accommodation and into long term homes.

Waste and recycling were discussed and the Head of PMO agreed to provide clarity on the volume of waste that had increased during the pandemic in terms of whether it is recycling or landfill. He will also update the Committee on when the initial report will be presented regarding the food waste pilot. The Deputy Leader provided further information on the capacity of the green waste system in response to concerns over waiting times to join the scheme.

Electric vehicle charging was discussed in detail and Members requested a KPI to monitor the miles driven by the Council fleet, and also the ability to measure the number of cars (as opposed to just the kw/hr) that use electric charging points around the District. The number of  chargers in the Hurstpierpoint car park was discussed. A Member also sought clarity on whether the charging points are subsidised. The Leader noted that they are part of a large County Council led contract where it is designed to be a commercial contract without public subsidy. The Head of PMO agreed to confirm the position regarding the contract and consider the requests for additional monitoring. The Deputy Leader provided an update on why the potential rapid charger at the Triangle is not viable.

The Committee discussed issues relating to Leisure Centres including a specific issue at the Kings Centre with regards to swimming pool depth. The impact on attendance as a result of increased energy costs was a concern and the Head of PMO agreed to follow up on the impact that it may have on the contract and service providers and any steps being taken to mitigate. The pricing structure at the centres was discussed, to ensure that Places Leisure are charging competitively and not disadvantaging any attendees. The Deputy Leader agreed to raise the subject with the relevant Cabinet Member for the next meeting with Places Leisure.

With regards to the new performance indicator relating to the housing register, a Member requested further information on how the numbers within the 4 Choice-Based Letting priority bands are changing over time, as well as how people present themselves for affordable housing in order to join the register. The Head of PMO agreed to  respond on this as well as providing clarification on reasons for the increase in the average length of stay  in temporary accommodation. The Leader also provided information on the point of origin for those now needing accommodation, particularly in relation to refugees.

Development Management performance was also discussed in relation to a specific issue in the north of the District, while noting that reported performance exceeds the target.

The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations contained in the report which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

The Scrutiny Committee:

(i)         Noted the Council’s performance in the first 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 17th October 2022.