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Agenda item
Performance Monitoring Quarter 2 (2021/22) update
- Meeting of Informal meeting, Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Thursday, 9th December, 2021 6.00 pm (Item 91.)
- View the background to item 91.
Minutes:
The Continuous Improvement and Democratic Services Manager reported to the committee the Quarter two 2021-2022 performance Monitoring. This covers July to September. Each of the service areas within the council has their own part on the dashboard with targets. All red or amber targets will have an explanation on their performance.
The Managing director highlighted capacity and issues moving to Plan B. Staff safety is paramount, and the council are working closely with NHS to help assist the vaccine roll out. The council will keep delivering its services as well as keeping staff and the town safe.
The Committee members asked questions with the Portfolio Holders and Managing Director available to answer.
Why have no Long term empty properties been returned to use in this quarter?
The housing portfolio holder updated the committee that after a very successful beginning to the empty homes strategy there are now a large number of single flats which are very complicated to free up with no national database. Cuts to funding and staff capacity have had an impact.
How is sickness informed, is sickness impacting on services?
The portfolio holder explained that many departments are at critical levels with staff capacity being reached. There are concerns regarding mental health issues. The HR department has support on offer for staff. The managing director informed the committee that the sickness within the council has improved on previous years. COVID 19 has impacted staff and their families.
How far past five days are Land searches being returned?
The council leader agreed that it would be helpful to see how far the target is missed and this will be requested and updated. Unfortunately, staffing capacity issues remain within the planning department.
Has there been an overspend on agency staff in Planning and Housing?
The council leader confirmed some agency staff have been used in the planning department though there is still a recruitment drive to employ planners. Planning officers not working in the public sector is a large issue across the country. The council has been able to attract a planning policy officer back to the borough give scope to work form home.
Has the increase in Universal credit having any effect on housing options?
The housing portfolio officer reported it is too early to see the impact of the £20 reduction and additional tapers. Utility bill increases are having a large impact on residents and this could continue into next year. Affordable accommodation is very hard to find now within the borough with over 400 units of temporary accommodation being used at the moment. Figures will be brought to the next O&S meeting to look further into the impact. The Managing director informed the committee that household support fund has had to be closed as all the support had been claimed. There are discussions for the ESCC to expand the fund.
Can official and formal responses be sent to job applicants?
The managing director informed the committee she will speak with the HR department and see if any changes are needed. A later update was given after speaking with HR staff. Email notifications will be enabled for applicants, so they no longer need to sign in to see their application status.
Is the planning service overspending and over exceeding?
The council leader agreed this needs to be looked and she will be doing so the relevant managers.
The chair asked that staff be thanked for their hard work and achievements to date.
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