Agenda item

The Panel is invited to consider and comment on the refreshed Corporate Plan (Appendix A) and Key Performance Indicators (Appendix D).

By means of a report by the Head of Policy, Performance & Emergency Planning (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Corporate Plan Refresh 2026/2027 Report was presented to the Panel.

Attention was drawn to Key Performance Indicators (KPI) 1, the number of attendances at Active Lifestyles events, particularly around the change of circumstances regarding contracts which will affect the targets for next year. It was advised that funding which was granted this year, would not be granted for next year.

KPI’s 12, 13 and 14, relating to Planning were raised and it was commented that the targets had been exceeded this year. The Panel wondered why they had not been raised for the coming year. The Panel heard that the current target was 5-10% higher compared to the National Target and that whilst progress is being made, there are still challenges faced regarding retention and recruitment in the Team and the Planning system is a complicated process and want to set realistic and achievable expectations.

In response to a question concerning KPI 16, the number of Business Engagements made by the Economic Development Team, the Panel heard that growth is important to the Organisation but the Team is sourced and working at capacity. It means putting on less events but this could result in better quality of what’s on offer and the activity itself.

KPI 22, The Sample Of Clean Areas, was praised for having a more challenging target moving forward.

The Panel wondered why the implementation of the Hybrid Working Policy would affect short term staff sickness. It was explained that Hybrid can result in challenges due to things being structured differently. It was heard that changing an Officer’s work pattern can be difficult for some people and exacerbate their ability to attend. The HR team manage this to ensure consistency and fairness across the Organisation.

After questions regarding missed bin collections, Members were advised that these would be taken away and an answer sought before the next meeting.

KPI 18, The North Huntingdon Growth Cluster was raised around the report mentioning working with Developers but not including anything about working with communities and felt this was a missed opportunity, urging the Officers to review to see how this could be included. The Panel heard that this was a welcome suggestion and they saw no reason this could not be added moving forward.

After a question relating to the Quality of life KPI, the Panel heard that the priority was around enabling and not the Council carrying it out. Examples were mentioned, such as the What Happens in Hunts project which highlights events in the District for residents to get involved in.

Members asked if there was anything in the Business Plan that could not be amended with a new administration, referencing the upcoming elections. They were advised that everything in the Plan could be adjusted according to changes in priorities though it was mentioned that certain projects would be difficult to retract from.

It was asked of KPI’s would be created for the Empty Homes Strategy and the Food Waste Collection Service. The Panel heard that this could be considered but expectations had to be managed as baselines needed to be established first.

In response to a question relating to Carbon Emissions, The Panel heard that the KPI was for specific projects, not reaching the target of net zero which is why it was marked as completed and this would be referenced clearer in the future.

The Panel wondered if rough sleepers were part of the Homelessness KPI and heard that this would be taken away and an answer sought.

It was confirmed that the KPI’s draw on data from across the year and are constantly being updated.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.