Agenda item

The Leader of the Council to submit a report updating Cabinet on progress for delivering the aspirations set out in the Council's Corporate Strategy 2020-24.

Cabinet

(1)  NOTED the contents of the report and PROVIDED any observations or actions to the relevant officers accordingly.

Dawn Garton, Director Corporate Services introduced the report, the purpose of which was to update Cabinet on progress for delivering the aspirations set out in the Council's Corporate Strategy 2020-24.

Mrs Garton advised that the report set out the performance for the last quarter of the last financial year, with much detail in appendix 1, showing progress and historic data.  The report showed (at paragraph 5.3.4) that 66% of measures had been on track against targets.  Key areas to note were People Services - the focus on housing had been generating results on both homelessness in temporary accommodation and also work on Council stock and work continued on improving performance in the area of voids management.  Concerning Place Priority - work continued on the large scale projects around asset development and the report detailed progress to date and plans for the future.  Regarding Great Council – there had been a large increase in social media followers and work would continue with teams, managers and staff to improve staff absence and days off sick.

The Leader, Councillor Joe Orson commented that monitoring performance was important to the Council and the recent Internal Audit on Performance had issued ‘good assurance’, with no recommendations for improvement needed.  The Council was transparent and accountable for the services it provided, celebrating successes and open about those areas where improvement was needed. 

Councillor Orson highlighted the following:

·         Two thirds of Corporate Performance measures were on track to meet targets.

·         Self-service via the Council’s website had increased (approximately 30% of demand was through a digital channel. This provided a better customer experience and better value for money.

·         Gas safety checks continued to be maintained at 100%.  This was monitored regularly, alongside other areas of compliance.

·         There had been a reduction in the number of people staying in temporary accommodation each quarter (down from mid 40s to 18) and also a reduction in the length of time people remained in temporary accommodation.  This was pleasing but more work was needed to increase the emphasis on preventing homelessness.

·         In line with its aspirations for growth, the Council continued to prioritise improvements in the Planning Service.  More homes had been built in Melton in the last year than at any time in the last 30 years.  A key part of supporting housing growth was an effective Land Charge Service.  Average turnaround time for applications remained at under 3 days.

·         Colleagues across the Council had worked to secure the Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.  This was an achievement, demonstrating committed support for all those who had served in the armed forces.

Councillor Orson highlighted the following areas for improvement:

·         Focus on housing improvement would be maintained to bring long term voids into stock and improve turnaround times.

·         The Council reiterated its commitment to deliver on the Decent Homes Standard, with the HRA Business Plan being recommended to Council for approval.

·         Environmental Quality was a key issue.  Fly-tipping had increased but was an area of focus and the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) Consultation would support action to tackle environmental crime.

Cabinet

(1)  NOTED the contents of the report and PROVIDED any observations or actions to the relevant officers accordingly.

Reason for Recommendations:

Having established a new Corporate Strategy in September 2020, is it important the Council regularly receives and considers performance information to evaluate progress. The Council's Corporate Performance Measures are used to focus on key priority services and projects and seek to help inform the Cabinet, Members and Officers with regard to the formation of policy and oversight of delivery. This report will be provided to Cabinet twice a year and will also be provided to the Scrutiny Committee to enable them to consider appropriate areas for their Workplan.