Agenda item

Consideration was given to the Progress and Delivery report for quarter two 2023/24 (July-September).

The Change, Projects and Performance Officer introduced the report and explained that it set out performance across the period July to September 2023. It was advised that there had been some slight changes to the overall summary with a view to making the information clearer and more accessible. The content of the report was detailed and it was noted that the Council budget forecast outturn it needed to be updated to minus 1.83%.

The performance improvement plan was also outlined for the Committee. Information regarding markets in the district was highlighted and clarification was given that the performance in terms of average weekly number of stalls took into account farmers' markets and events held throughout the quarter, and where it referenced stalls, one trader could have more than one stall.

A number of indicators and their respective ratings against the agreed targets were highlighted particularly in respect of crematoriums. The performance of individual portfolios including Change Management, ICT and regulatory services, Finance, Business and Property Services, Homes and Communities, Operational and Commercial Services and Planning and Regeneration were detailed.

A Councillor welcomed the report and thanked Officers for the clarity of the information and it was suggested that, as the Council was relatively small, organisation figures could be impacted by minor fluctuations. The information relating to community funding and use of the new levelling up fund was highlighted, and it was considered beneficial that additional monies were available to reduce pressure on council funding.

The information regarding Disabled Facilities Grants was emphasised and it was noted that West Lindsey currently received the second highest number of referrals but was the second lowest funded authority. It was suggested that this needed to be resolved urgently.

A Member suggested that more detailed information was needed regarding secondary spend at Trinity Arts which was below target and some work to increase performance should be explored further.

The good street cleansing performance was noted and the Committee expressed their thanks to the staff involved for providing such a good service. It was suggested that many fly tipping incidents were due to traders disposing of waste and it was asked if work could be undertaken with partners to make waste sites more accessible.

In response the Director of Operational & Commercial Services acknowledged the concern and agreed that the situation where residents could not necessarily access the nearest facility as it was in a different district needed to be addressed. In respect of fly tipping it was outlined that it was often difficult to catch offenders but investment in cameras had helped and a reporting portal was now available. The information allowed the Council to identify hotspots and target resources as needed.

A Councillor returned to the issue of Disabled Facilities Grants and expressed disappointment that the target of 120 days was not being met and was currently on average 157 days. It was noted however that this work was split between the district and county councils which led to delays, and it was suggested that comparative data with other districts would be useful. It was also noted that minor adaptations were undertaken in a shorter time frame. Members requested for a breakdown to be provided as to time taken for minor adaptions in comparison with larger scale works.

In response it was suggested that the complexity of the transfer between occupational therapy and whichever housing team, wherever that was based, was what ultimately held things up. There had been discussion as to whether this now sat in the performance improvement plan because until the challenge around funding for grants was resolved, performance was not going to improve. Work was continuing through the housing, health and care delivery group looking for a conversation to change how funding was allocated across Lincolnshire. It was suggested that more detailed information could be provided as many smaller adaptations were being completed relatively quickly.

A Member raised concern regarding reduced collection rates for Council Tax and Non-domestic Rates and the potential impact this could have in income for the Council. The concern was acknowledged, and it was advised there were some changes in payment terms for some businesses due to relief funds and this skewed the figures. It was confirmed that figures would be closely monitored.

The performance relating to leisure facilities was raised and whilst the increase in attendance was welcomed it was not particularly large in Market Rasen. It was asked if this could be monitored. Officers undertook to take the issue away and raise it with the contractor.

The recommendations in the report were proposed and duly seconded, and, on being put to the vote it was unanimously

RESOLVED that the Committee had assessed the performance of the Council’s services through agreed performance measures and had indicated areas where improvements should be made, having had regard to the remedial measures set out in the report.