Issue - meetings

(CSP: MEC)

Purpose:  To present the basket of key accountable measures and activities for 2016/17.

Resolved that:

·         Progress against the Council Strategy priorities for improvement be noted and achievements celebrated.

·         Those areas reporting as ‘amber’ were reviewed to ensure that appropriate action is in place.

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·      Report is to note only

therefore it will be implemented immediately.

The Executive considered a report (Agenda Item 6) concerning the quarter one outturns for the Key Accountable Measures which monitored performance against the 2016/17 Council Performance Framework. The report sought to provide assurance that the objectives laid out in the Council Strategy and other areas of significance/importance across the Council were being delivered. The report also presented, by exception, those measures that were currently ‘amber’ and the remedial action being taken/its impact.

Councillor Roger Croft reported that 80% of reported measures were rated ‘green’ (16 measures) and were therefore on target to be achieved. The remaining 20% (4 measures) were rated ‘amber’ and therefore required further work.

Councillor Croft highlighted that the number of Jobseekers Allowance claimants aged between 16 and 24 was at its lowest point for a number of years with only 45 people in this age range claiming Jobseekers Allowance. Councillor Croft was hopeful that this level could be maintained.

Members then commented on the measure to increase the number of West Berkshire premises able to receive Superfast Broadband services which was currently reporting ‘amber’. Councillor Hilary Cole reported on the ongoing work in Chieveley by the contractor, Gigaclear, to deliver Superfast Broadband to residents and Councillor Dominic Boeck added his pleasure with the progress being made in the west of the District.

Councillor Billy Drummond highlighted that improvement was needed in Greenham and Councillor Boeck confirmed that improvements in Greenham were part of Gigaclear’s programme. Councillor Croft added that Gigaclear’s programme was due to conclude within 2017.

Councillor Lynne Doherty congratulated West Berkshire’s schools and pupils for the improvement made in educational attainment. West Berkshire’s GCSE and A Level results were above the national average.

(Councillor Marcus Franks joined the meeting at 5.08pm).

Councillor Alan Macro commended Officers in Housing Operations after their work had led to them being awarded the Silver Standard.

Councillor Macro expressed disappointment that measures for Children and Family Services were not as yet available when this was an area of high priority. He noted that this was due to the focus given to supporting the safeguarding peer review, but this was conducted in mid July 2016. Councillor Macro requested that this information be provided as soon as it had been finalised, rather then waiting until the Quarter Two report was provided to the Executive. Councillor Doherty advised that Quarter One performance in Children and Family Services would be reported to the Corporate Parenting Panel and agreed that this information would be made public/available to Members at that time.

Councillor Macro then pointed out that data was not available for another area of challenge, the measure for Delayed Transfers of Care (DTOC). Councillor Rick Jones responded by explaining that performance data in this area would be available prior to the Quarter Two report and agreed that this information would be shared as soon as possible. Councillor Graham Jones added that performance in this area fluctuated but was being managed with the NHS.

Councillor Macro referred to the point made in the report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41