Agenda item

Purpose: To examine the performance returns from across the Council and to consider, where appropriate, any remedial action.

Jenny Legge and Catalin Bogos introduced the report to the Commission. Members were advised that the report appraised the progress against 53 key accountable measures and activities aligned to the objectives set out in the Council Strategy. Of the 53 reported measures, outturns were available for 44, the remaining 9 referred to annual key accountable measures for which data was not yet available.

It was reported that, in summary:

1)    33 indicators were ‘green’ (on track to be delivered / achieved by year end).

2)    10 indicators were ‘amber’ (behind schedule or still anticipated as being delivered/achieved by year end).

3)    1 indicator was reported as ‘red’.

The 10 measures reported as amber were:

·         Child Protection cases which were reviewed within required timescales

·         Proportion of repeat safeguarding referrals through the monitoring and review of protection plans

·         Level of delayed transfers of care from hospital and those attributable to social care from acute and non-acute settings

·         % of people accessing a housing related support service who have been assessed as needing support who go on to achieve economic wellbeing by improving debt management skills

·         ‘Major’ planning applications determined within 13 weeks.

·         ‘Minor’ planning applications determined within 8 weeks.

·         Work with the Environment Agency and other partners to deliver flood alleviation scheme in Eastbury

·         KS1-2: Proportion pupils making 2+ levels of progress in Writing

·         The number of schools judged good or better by Ofsted under the new Framework

·         The proportion of people aged 16-18 not in education, employment or training (NEET)

The 1 measure reported as red was :

·         Work with the Environment Agency and other partners to deliver flood alleviation scheme in Purley

Councillor Roger Hunneman referred to the upwards trend of adult smokers in West Berkshire versus the decreasing national trend. He stated that the figures were disappointing.

Councillor Alan Macro was concerned about the reported number of people killed or seriously injured on roads in West Berkshire. Councillor Emma Webster stated that the local road network, in particular the M4 and A34, would undoubtedly contribute towards the reported figures and should be noted.

In response to a question raised by the Commission, Rachael Wardell advised that the percentage of agency staff in post related to the Children’s Services functions only. The number of staff employed had stabilised since a surge that had been required to address demands experienced within the service. Councillor Emma Webster suggested that it would be useful to know the number of employees in order to contextualise the report.

Members discussed the number of transactions through the Council website which had increased through Q1 to Q2. Officers were asked to provide clarification around how the number of tasks was reported. Members were encouraged to see that the number of online transactions had increased which in turn had decreased the number of transactions via telephone.

Officers advised that pages 66 and 67 of the report had been provided in error and therefore should not be considered by the Commission.

In response to questions asked, Nick Carter advised that the Department of Transport had awarded funding to complete essential repair works to the local road network following the severe weather in early 2014. He explained that the Highways and Transport service had experienced significant pressure on resources and staff capacity which impeded their ability to meet targets. It was accepted that the severe weather had necessitated a significant amount of remedial work which would take time to conduct. Members heard that the report measured the quality and maintenance levels of roads, aside from the additional measure following recent weather, both of which were on track.

Members questioned the reported level of schools judged as good or better by Ofsted under the new framework. They were concerned to see that the current level was below target. Rachael Wardell advised that West Berkshire had been recognised as the fastest improving area.

Councillor Macro referred to the target level set against recycling waste. He was pleased to see that the target had been met but challenged why the target had been set so low. Members were reminded that a Scrutiny task group had been established to agree targets for 2014/2015 and the same would occur in the new financial year.

 Resolved that:

(1)  Officers would provide an explanation around how the number of tasks visited on the Council website was identified.

(2)  Officers would provide contextual information on the number of agency social workers being employed by the Council.

(3)  The report was noted.