Agenda and minutes

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting held on 19th November, 2007 be approved as a correct record.

Resolved:- That consideration of this matter be deferred until the next meeting.

Matt Gladstone, Assistant Chief Executive, presented the submitted report indicating that the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) was the existing assessment framework which measured how well Councils were delivering services for local people and communities. This would be replaced from 2009 with the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA). The Audit Commission had published a consultation paper entitled “CPA – The harder test framework for 2008” which invited views on the proposed changes to the existing CPA framework for its final year.

The deadline for responses to the consultation was 11th April, 2008.

The report set out the questions the Audit Commission was consulting on and highlighted how the proposed changes could potentially impact on the Council’s existing “Excellent” CPA status where known.

Discussion and a question and answer session ensued and the following issues were covered:

-                      need for a more detailed look at proposed changes relating to Use of Resources

-                      arrangements for a mock audit prior to external audit in respect of Benefits

-                      potential impact in relation to Adult Social Care

-                      high risk of dropping score in Culture Service Block

Resolved:- (1) That the potential impact of the proposed changes to the CPA framework for 2008 on the Council’s overall existing ‘excellent’ CPA score, be noted.

(2) That the timescales for responding to the CPA – Harder Test Framework for 2008, be noted.

(3) That an update report on the position with regard to Adult Social Care be submitted to the next meeting.

Matt Gladstone, Assistant Chief Executive, updated Members on the latest position relating to the above indicating that a report would be submitted to Cabinet in April based on 28 indicators.

It was reported that there would still be some data quality issues and concerns that some targets were too stretching. Discussion were ongoing with all partners.

Resolved:- That the information be noted.

Lorna Kelly, Corporate Improvement Manager, presented the submitted update summary highlighting the strengths and areas to note/address of the various sections of the Corporate Improvement Plan.

Updates had been received from the majority of people and good progress was being made.

Resolved:- That the information be noted.

Resolved:- That consideration of this matter be deferred until the next meeting.

Resolved:- That the next meeting be held on Monday, 12th May, 2008 at 10.00 a.m.

The Chairman reported that this would be the last meeting of the Board prior to Councillor Wardle’s retirement from the Council in May, 2008.

Resolved:- That this Board places on record its sincere thanks to Councillor Wardle for his services to the Board and considerable service to the Council and that he be wished all the very best on his retirement