Agenda item

To provide assurance that the priority areas in the Council Strategy 2023-2027 are being managed effectively, and where performance has fallen below the expected level, present information on the remedial action taken and the impact of that action. To ensure effective oversight to Councillors, staff and residents regarding progress made towards the achievement of the outcomes detailed in the Council Strategy Delivery Plan.

The Committee considered the report (Agenda Item 9), the purpose of which was to provide assurance that the priority areas in the Council Strategy were being managed effectively and, where performance had fallen below the expected level, present information on the remedial action taken and its impact.

Councillor Iain Cottingham invited questions on the report. A number of points were raised and questions asked during the debate:

·         High priority measures were reported as either ‘Green’ or ‘Red’ in line with the binary reporting methodology that was used. Committee Members felt there were cases where ‘Amber’ would be appropriate. High thresholds were in place. Councillor Cottingham explained that the RAG rating methodology had been reviewed and this would likely impact on the Q1 report for 2025/26.

·         It was noted that one measure, related to the development of the Newbury Masterplan, was pending confirmation of the target date, and it was therefore felt that if this remained a measure for 2024/25 then it should be reported ‘Red’ (in line with the binary methodology) or rescheduled into 2025/26.

·         The difficulty to track improvements etc between this and the previous report was highlighted. It was also noted that the colours used within the report were not easy to distinguish for all readers. Councillor Cottingham gave thanks for this feedback, agreeing that reports needed to be fully accessible and for the direction of travel to be made clear.

·         The number of affordable homes completed and ready for occupation was 185 against the target of 150, but it was queried whether the target should be set higher. Councillor Cottingham explained that some targets would be reset, noting it was important to have stretch targets.

·         It was commented that the report provided useful transparency of measures that had not met their targets to date.

·         It was queried whether the aims of the Liberal Democrat Manifesto should be included more fully as targets within these reports. For example, the aim of putting care packages in place as soon as possible and in relation to the fixing of potholes. Councillor Cottingham reported that the Administration remained committed to its Manifesto aims, including those that did not feature as a measure in the Council Strategy.

·         The target to commence a trial of extended pedestrianisation hours in Newbury Town Centre was referred to and the results requested from the pre-trial consultation. Councillor Cottingham suggested this was a query to put to the relevant Portfolio Holder at the Executive.

·         It was felt that Appendix B, which listed business as usual measures reporting as ‘Green’, could be improved by describing reasons for achieving a measure as this could help to identify lessons learnt. Councillor Cottingham agreed, stating that it was important to celebrate successes and give credit to officers for their hard work.

·         Members raised concern at the average number of working days used for sickness absence and the reasons for this absence which included stress, depression and mental health. Sarah Clarke informed Members that the Council had a number of measures in place to support staff such as trained Mental Health First Aiders and by making referrals to Occupational Health. The Council also had Employee Wellbeing Officers. A more detailed report on this matter would be debated at the forthcoming Personnel Committee and further initiatives to support staff were being considered by Corporate Board.

In concluding the item, Councillor Carolyne Culver summarised the following points for future reports:

·         The need to establish continuity in presenting the report, making it easier to establish the direction of travel from quarter to quarter.

·         The use of arrows to indicate whether performance was improving or not and considering the most appropriate use of colour for the benefit of all readers.

·         To more fully reflect upon positive performance and the lessons that could be learnt from that.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.