Agenda item

(CSP: BEC, SLE, P&S, HQL, MEC, BEC1, BEC2, SLE1, SLE2, P&S1, HQL1, MEC1)

Purpose: To report Quarter Two outturns against the Key Accountable Measures contained in the 2015/16 Council Performance Framework; to provide assurance to Members that the objectives laid out in the Council Strategy and other areas of significant/importance across the Council are being delivered; to present, by exception, those measures/milestones behind schedule or not achieved and cite any remedial action taken and its impact; and to present the narrative (performance intelligence) for each priority, highlighting key achievements and key areas of challenge.

Resolved that progress against the Key Accountable Measures be noted, including the fact that no measures were reported as ‘red’; those areas reporting as ‘amber’ be reviewed to ensure that appropriate remedial action was in place; and it be noted that there were no proposed changes to targets or plans requested by Service Areas and detailed as part of exception reports.

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 performance of the Council against the Key Accountable Measures contained in the 2015/16 Council Performance Framework.

Councillor Roger Croft explained that performance was assessed as being on track to achieve the expected end of year levels. No measures were identified as RAG rated ‘red’ and for the ones judged ‘amber’ (behind schedule but still expected to achieve the end of year targets) plans had been put in place at service level without requests for additional actions to be taken at strategic level and without the need to revise the initially agreed targets. Where the results at Quarter Two were assessed as ‘amber’, exception reports had been provided to give reassurance in terms of corrective actions already put in place by the service.

Of the 27 reported measures, outturns were available for 21. Those not reported were comprised of 4 which were reported annually only and 2 which were unavailable for the publication of the report. 13 measures were reported as ‘green’ and the remaining 8 reported as ‘amber’. As already stated, none of the measures were reporting ‘red’ at Quarter Two.

In terms of Measures of Volume, Councillor Croft highlighted an 18% increase in the number of children in need compared to Quarter Two 2014/15, an increased number of properties (including affordable homes) and a reducing number of Jobseekers Allowance claimants.

Councillor Croft also explained that examination results for the 2014/15 academic year would be known during Quarter Three of 2015/16.

Councillor Alan Macro noted that recruitment difficulties were being experienced in a number of different areas. This included Development Control Officers and Children’s Services Social Workers meaning workforce stability remained a challenge in these and other areas. Councillor Macro queried the efforts being made to resolve these difficulties.

Councillor James Fredrickson explained that a number of measures were being considered. However, West Berkshire Council was one of many local authorities seeking to employ, in some cases, a reducing number of skilled workers to some posts. This was alongside a difficult financial situation.

In terms of recruitment of Children’s Services Social Workers, this had already been given a particular focus and Councillor Lynne Doherty explained that the situation had improved since Quarter Two and the number of agency workers had reduced. Measures which had assisted this problem, which was a national issue, included the creation of a Social Work Academy, attendance at national recruitment events and the launch of a new micro site for Social Workers.

Returning to recruitment in Development Control, Councillor Macro highlighted a concern with salary levels being low when compared to those paid in the private sector. Councillor Fredrickson acknowledged that this was a concern which was difficult to manage in the current financial climate. However, he felt there was potentially scope to adjust salaries if this became necessary and if budget permitted.

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The Executive note progress against the Key Accountable Measures including the fact that there are no measures reported as ‘red’ as well as celebrating achievements.

(2)   Those areas reporting as ‘amber’ be reviewed to ensure that appropriate action is in place.

(3)   There are no proposed changes to targets or plans requested by Services and detailed as part of the Exception Reports.

Reason for the decision: This framework compiles and monitors progress in relation to the objectives laid out in the Council Strategy and on key activities and areas of risk from the Council's individual service delivery plans.

In doing so, it expresses the purpose and ambition of the Council and by extension the Council's main focus of activities and key measures of success against which we can assess ourselves and publicly report progress.

Other options considered: n/a