Issue - meetings

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive

The contents of the report are noted.

Councillor Clarke addressed Cabinet stating that he was not a fan of the ‘traffic light’ system of monitoring performance success targets, as it was not clear enough to highlight quarterly or monthly trends.  He was particularly concerned about a downward trend in the performance of Neighbourhood Environmental services, which he presumed were as a result of the pressures of a reduced budget.  He urged Cabinet to bear in mind the impact on the ability to perform when future budgets were set.  He had further concerns about the high level of sickness absence.

Councillor B Markham invited Councillor Clark to attend the forthcoming training session on ‘Performance Plus’, which would assist him in the deciphering of the performance figures.

Councillor Mildren addressed Cabinet commenting on the figures relating to performance to date.  He pointed out that all local government offices were under financial pressure to meet bottom line targets.  He suggested that when budgeting for the forthcoming year, performance targets should be set relative to the available resources.

As Portfolio Holder for Performance and Support, Councillor B Markham presented the report to Cabinet confirming that there were both monthly and quarterly figures attached to the report.  He explained that some of the responsibility for the performance in public protection was with the Safer Stronger Partnership and described some of the strategies being employed to help alleviate the issues.  He further pointed out that garden waste collection had reduced owing to the change of season.

Councillor PD Varnsverry elaborated on some of the public protection issues, predicting a fall in crime in Thorplands, Lumbertubs and Lings, where an effective police operation had recently taken place.  He also spoke of the intention to close Bridge Street to vehicles in the evenings and at night over weekends from now until the New Year in a bid to diminish anti social behaviour.

Councillor Church referred to the performance figures that Councillor Clark had spoken of and pointed out that an excellent service was being delivered.  He further highlighted the outstanding achievement of the homeless team in meeting and exceeding their target in relation to the provision of bed and breakfast accommodation.

Councillor B Hoare was pleased to see that 2/3 of indicators were in the positive area in both short and long term targets.

RESOLVED

That the contents of the report be noted.