Agenda item

The Integrated Performance Report – Quarter 1 is to be presented to the Panel.

With the aid of a report by the Head of Resources and the Corporate Team Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Integrated Performance Report 2016/17 Quarter 1 was presented to the Panel. Members noted that currently 33 out of 39 Key Actions are rated green which was recognised as a good performance.

In light of updates regarding the status of 3C IT projects, Members were given the up to date information in relation to the Corporate project status which includes 15 projects (39%) rated as green, 5 projects (13%) rated as amber and 7 projects (18%) rated as red.

Following a comment highlighting the increasing level of homelessness as a result of private landlords evicting tenants on benefits, the Executive Councillor for Strategic Resources stated that the Cabinet are eager to find the right solution to the issue.

In response to a question regarding the amount of resources allocated to the commercial investment strategy instead of finding a solution to homelessness, Members were reminded that the commercial investment strategy generates revenue which helps pay for the provision of Council services.

The Panel noted that there was threat to Coneygear Court (homeless shelter), however the Council are reviewing solutions. The Panel were reminded that the Council need to find a solution in the medium to longer term which involved the supply of affordable housing. Members thought that there needs to be a short term solution too and that Members are also responsible in the search for a solution.

Members were reminded that the District is not unique when it comes to the causes of homelessness as private landlords ending tenancies is the biggest cause of homelessness in England. In addition high rents mean that it is difficult for low earners or people on benefits to pay the rent.

Following a comment regarding the Housing Act, the Panel were informed that the Government have placed an emphasis on the creation of starter homes and as a result not enough social housing is being built. The Council do work with around 20 housing associations throughout the District to assist people who find themselves homeless.

The Panel were reminded that the key to finding a solution to homelessness is preventing homelessness to begin with. Members are encouraged to urge residents who find themselves in a situation where they could end up homeless to seek advice.

In response to a question regarding the use of mobile homes as temporary accommodation the Panel was thanked for the suggestion however the Council would face an issue of where to put the mobile homes.

Regarding the financial projections for the commercial investment strategy Members were reminded that property rental income only reflects what has been collected in quarter one.

Following a question on the Sport England investment into One Leisure St Neots 3G Artificial Pitch in relation to the delivery of Key Action 7, the Panel was informed that the funding won’t be spent until the lease for One Leisure St Neots has been resolved.

In response to a question regarding why Performance Indicators 6 and 16 are annual measures instead of quarterly measures, Members were informed that Officers would clarify the reason and an explanation will be circulated.

It was highlighted that Performance Indicator 8 was not possible to measure however it was explained that a Housing Needs Analysis is completed once a site comes forward.

The Panel thought that the red status on Performance Indicator 10 was disappointing considering that the target between referral of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) and completion of work is 28 weeks.

Members were concerned about the inclusion of Performance Indicator 17 when it appears the Council have little control over it. In response the Panel were informed that the Performance Indicator relates to the Corporate Priority of Enabling Communities and is designed to show how much support the Council gives to the community.

The Panel was keen to receive an update from those people who attended the EDGE event which assisted with the promotion of Apprenticeships however whilst it is not possible to obtain an update from attendees it is possible to share the feedback ratings that were received.

Following a question in relation to Key Action 22 and specifically the Wintringham Park application, Members were informed that the developer was offering 3% affordable housing so subsequently the Council’s Development Management Committee rejected the application. The developer appealed and the planning inspector reviews the application and the decision on 9th May 2017.

In response to a question regarding Key Action 23 and the 5.3 years housing supply, the Panel was informed that the Council can’t report sooner than December as the planning department writes to everyone who has planning permission and that is a process that take up to four months. Members were reminded that the Council is required to have a 5 year land supply.

Members believe that Performance Indicator 20 should be amended to only include food businesses that are open for business otherwise the indictor would be more difficult to turn green.

It was clarified to Members that Performance Indicator 26 only relates to grounds maintenance of Council owned land and not County Council land.

The Panel thought that the emphasis of Performance Indicator 28 was incorrect and the indicator should emphasis the successful collection of bins first time around.

In response to a question on why the In CAB Systems project has seen little progress, the Panel was informed that the project has been halted however the site has not been updated.

In response to a question on how long the Council has to spend the funding for the One Leisure St Neots 3G Pitches, Members were informed that the deadline is Christmas otherwise the funding will be lost.

Following a question on the opening of One Leisure Alconbury Weald Club Members were informed that the contract is being finalised and Urban and Civic hope to have it open in the next four weeks.

(At 8.12pm, during the discussion of this item, Councillor J M Palmer left the meeting.)

(At 8.17pm, during the discussion of this item, Councillor J M Palmer joined the meeting.)

(At 8.17pm, during the discussion of this item, Councillor Mrs D C Reynolds left the meeting.)

(At 8.48pm, during the discussion of this item, Councillor J M Palmer left the meeting.)

(At 8.53pm, during the discussion of this item, Councillor J M Palmer joined the meeting.)

(At 9.04pm, after the consideration of this item, Councillors R C Carter, S Cawley, Mrs A Dickinson, J M Palmer and D M Tysoe left the meeting.)