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Agenda item
Performance Monitoring Quarter 3 (2021/22) update
- Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Tuesday, 8th March, 2022 6.00 pm (Item 103.)
- View the background to item 103.
Minutes:
The Managing Director reported to the committee the Quarter three 2021-2022 performance Monitoring. This covers the period from October to December 2021. A lot of work was needed to be completed over this time due to the Omicron variant of Covid. The finance, revenues and audit have undertaken further business grants and support schemes. This work is still ongoing with the cost-of-living crisis and council tax rebate. There was an upturn in staff sickness due to Covid.
The Chair thanked Council Officers for their continued hard work.
The Committee members asked questions with the Portfolio Holders and Managing Director available to answer.
What are the Covid guidelines to staff?
The Managing director answered that Hastings Borough Council is following Government guidancewhich up until 1st of April states that if you do test positive, you are recommended to still isolate at home. Staff who are working in council buildings are asked to test themselves a couple of times a week. Some staff who have tested positive have become unwell for sometimes nine or ten days. Some staff who have tested positive have been able to continue to work from home.
Is the performance target wrong on Land searches being returned?
The Manging Director agreed that targets need to be reviewed going forward into next year. The Land searches target will be looked at to understand why the target is not being met.
Will some of CHART Funding allocation need to be returned?
The Deputy Leader of the Council answered that most of the CHART funding has been spent however there has been some projects who have struggled to deliver as initially planned. Where monies have not been spent as a result, attempts are being made to reallocate to other projects and or support new projects where practicable. Match funding needs to be found which has been a struggle for smaller projects. A reduction in the CHART budget will reduce staff support for the project. Money not spent by the end of the year will need to be returned to Government
What are the percentage of long term and short-term sickness due to Covid? Is there mental health support for staff?
The Organisation Portfolio Holder recognised that mental health is a key concern and praised the HR department for their robust support. They have been working with staff who have needed assistance. The sickness percentages will be emailed.
How can the council keep staff and Councillors safe after April 1st?
The Managing Director informed the committee that in the short term there is a supply of Covid tests the Council has in stock, but that more longer term ongoing supply and affordability is uncertain. The Government will allow for priority groups to access tests but is not clear who those groups are yet.
Can the museum meet its visitor number target for the year?
The Deputy Leader of the Council replied that the Museum is only open part of the week with booking to attend. The attendance figure is picking up, but it will be sometime until the figures go back to normal. There are significant online resources that have won many awards over the last few years
Is the empty homes target realistic? Is the Enforcement officer in post?
The Housing portfolio holder updated that there was a very successful start to the Empty homes program. Now the empty homes are hidden within blocks of flats, a single flat in a freehold is a lot more complicated to address and potentially CPO. This will be another area the housing task force will be looking at. The Managing Director updated the Senior Enforcement officer post has been filled. There is an ongoing challenge to fill planning enforcement positions. Salaries have been increased to attract more applicants to the posts.
The chair asked that staff be thanked for their hard work and achievements to date.
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