Agenda item

To consider a progress report outlining Year Ahead Delivery Plan activities and the data for the Council Plan performance measures for the second quarter of 2022-23.

Cabinet Portfolio: The Leader

Strategic Directorate: Assistant Chief Executive

The Chair welcomed the Leader of the Council, the Chief Executive and members of the wider Senior Leadership Team to the meeting.

The Leader of the Council introduced a report which set out the Council’s vision for the Borough and priorities for residents and communities. The Plan provided the medium-term basis for targeting resources, informing the budget-setting process and planning cycles, and ensuring that residents can hold the Council to account for delivery.

Formal progress reports were considered by Cabinet every three months, with the first report presented in June 2022. This third report focussed on activities in the Year Ahead Delivery Plan for Quarter 2. It was noted that of the 92 priorities, 88% were achieved or on target with eight being delayed.

The Leader outlined some areas of successful delivery including the re-opening of Keppel’s Column, the programme of events supporting the Women’s Euro football tournament and development of day services for learning disabled people in Canklow.

Of the areas behind schedule, the following issues were outlined:

·       Community Protection Notices – progress was being made and capacity of the team had been increased.

·       Thurcroft Library – issues beyond the control of the Council had delayed progress but this was being resolved.

·       Delays to Town Centre housing schemes – there had been slight delays but this was reflective of the national picture.

·       Flood defences – the land ownership issues which had delayed progress had been resolved.

It was noted that 32% of performance measures were on target, with a corresponding 32% off target. It was explained that a number of these were annual measures and the annual survey results were lower than the previous year.

The Leader referred to call answer times and customer service targets which had been raised previously by Board Members. It was outlined that recruitment to vacant post was now on track and it was anticipated that average call time would be below six minutes.

The Chair invited questions and a discussion on the following issues ensued:

Clarification was sought on what actions were being taken in response to complaints about street cleaning. It was explained that staffing pressures particularly in respect of driver shortages for waste collections, were being addressed. It was anticipated that this would ease overall pressures for services.

It was noted that planning permission had been granted to expand Meadowhall. Considering this, comments were invited on the potential impact on the Forge Island development. In response, it was noted that there was confidence that there was a market for this provision at Forge Island.

Clarification was sought if the most recent Resident’s Satisfaction Survey had been added to the website. It was confirmed that this had been actioned.

In respect of consultation and engagement, a view was expressed that there were improvements to be made, particularly in respect of engagement with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. It was outlined that a new consultation and engagement framework had been developed. It was acknowledged that the Council was engaging with more people than before, however tailored engagement with specific communities was an area for development. The Chair suggested that this could be added to the Board’s work programme for 2023/24.

With regards to contact wait times, clarification was sought of what other mechanisms were available to communicate with the Council. It was outlined that most contact could be made through the website. However, alternatives were available for those who did not have online access to contact services by phone and there were options for face-to-face appointments to assist as necessary.

Further details were sought about performance in respect of housing repairs. It was outlined that if the repair was not fixed on the first visit (for example if replacement parts were required), it counted against performance.  A further question was asked regarding incidents of mould and damp. It was outlined that that there was a process in place to address requests. Alongside this was a prevention programme publicised through tenant’s publications such as “Home Matters”.

Details was requested of what action had been taken to address environmental crime and fly-tipping. It was noted that Improving Places Select Commission had undertaken scrutiny activity in this area. In response, it was noted that there were ambitious enforcement targets outlined in the report, with the authority performing well against its comparators. Assurance was given that alongside enforcement, the authority undertook education and awareness raising of how materials could be disposed of safely and legally. Recent work to address the illegal waste site in Kiveton was referenced, including work with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Environment Agency.

Clarification was sought on the number of children in need. It was outlined that the number of children in care was reducing, however, in doing this it was anticipated that there may be an increase in the number of children in need as staff were working with families differently.

In respect of engagement with domestic abuse services. There had been a structural transformation in commissioned services and in-house delivery. Officers were working with delivery partners and it was anticipated that performance would improve.

Adult Care, Housing and Public Health challenges were outlined in respect of discharge from hospital and meeting support needs.

The challenge of meeting call-handling targets and customer waiting times was referenced. It was noted that it there was an ongoing programme to ensure that resources were in place, manage turnover and vacant posts recruited to.

Resolved:

1.             That Cabinet be advised that the following recommendations be supported.

That:

1)         The overall position in relation to the Year Ahead Delivery Plan activities.

2)         The Quarter 2 2022-23 data for the Council Plan performance measures.

3)         The performance reporting timetable for the remainder of the 2022-2023 year.

2.             That Cabinet notes the intention of OSMB to undertake a spotlight review of the effectiveness of the Consultation and Engagement Framework as part of its 2023/24 work programme.