Agenda item

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive attached.

The Panel considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive which outlined the Council’s performance during quarter 4 (January – March 2021). The Leader and Cabinet Member (Strategy and Reform), attended the meeting and presented the report. He highlighted the Leisure Centres and the delay on some of works however this was so that they tied in to the Council’s green agenda by ensuring energy efficiencies. He also stressed the Council’s concern regarding the impact of the pandemic on young people. It was a key priority for the Council which it would be discussing with partners. 

Members of the Panel asked a number of questions to which the following responses were provided by Councillor Foster supported by the Chief Executive:

-        South Ribble Together Hubs – this project had been delayed due to the  Council’s inability to engage with the public due to the pandemic. The Chief Executive indicated that the Council would follow Government guidance and progress the project as soon as possible.

-        Borough food bank network – Councillor Foster said there is still a high demand for foodbanks throughout the borough. We are looking at bringing foodbank providers together through partnership working so that the service can be delivered via shops and other service outlets. Further to this the Chief Executive indicated that long term solutions were needed to address issues such as unemployment, initially intended to be targeted by the Hubs. There now needs clarity on who is driving the issue e.g. Hubs, Council, Local Strategic Partnership.

-        Community Wealth Building Action Plan – the Shared Service Lead – Transformation and Partnerships gave examples of progress on actions such as the South Ribble Credit Union to be launched this month and the Social Value Portal. Further to this we will looking at embedding the social value element into the Town Deal.

-        3 month delay of Leisure Centres decarbonisation work – The Chief Executive indicated that delay this was driven by funding opportunities – time was required to submit the bids.

-        Long term strategy for leisure centre provision – Councillor Foster said that he looked forward to bringing this before Cabinet in due course.

-        The creation of more affordable housing – Councillor Foster said that land and sustainability had been issues in regard to this. However, it was a top priority for the Cabinet. They were actively pursuing new sites and he hoped to make announcement on Lostock Hall soon. There had been huge demand for Tom Hanson House, with 150 applications being received per property. He confirmed that management of the properties will be in-house. Current regulations state that the Council can only manage a maximum of 200 houses but we are looking at alternative options with our partners.

-        Length of time to approve Disabled Facilities Grants – Councillor Foster explained that unfortunately one particular case had skewed the performance indicator; the Chief Executive indicated we were currently awaiting the occupational therapist’s assessment. In terms of reducing the waiting time generally, partnership working would be required.

-        Staff health and wellbeing – Vicky Willett, Shared Service Lead - Transformation and Partnerships reported on a number of ways the Council is being proactive to support staff health and wellbeing, particularly during the pandemic, including regular 121s with line managers, the staff wellbeing survey, and management development training for managers.

RESOLVED:-

That the Panel:

1.     Thanks the Leader, Chief Executive and Shared Service Lead for attending and their detailed report.

2.     Welcomes the Council’s performance and the progress made in quarter 4.

3.     Commends the face to face community engagement planned for the Community Hubs when it is safe post-COVID.

4.     Looks forward to the long-term future strategy for the leisure centres being considered by the Council.

5.     Wishes the Council well in the partnership discussions to expedite disabled facilities grants and asks to be kept updated progress.

6.     Thanks all employees for the essential services they provide to the community.