Agenda item

Report of the Chief Executive attached.

The Panel considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive which outlined the Council’s performance against the delivery of the Corporate Strategy projects and objectives during Quarter 3 (October-December 2020). 

Overall, performance of the projects was good, with 9 out of 14 projects marked as on-track. 7 out of 9 reported performance indicators (KPIs) were above target and the Panel commended the council’s performance.

The Panel queried why delivery of the joint Digital Strategy had not yet commenced and were informed, in response, that resources for the roll-out were still awaited but that IT development remained ongoing in the interim. Delivery of the joint Digital Strategy would be monitored from Quarter 1 of the next financial year and members would see outcomes very quickly after this.

Clarification was sought on the difference between the South Ribble Together Community Hub and My Neighbourhood Community Hubs. It was explained that these are the same and the Panel requested consistency in the use of names and descriptions of the Hubs going forwards.

A query was also raised regarding how the performance of My Neighbourhood Community Hubs would be monitored and it was advised that 7 key indicators had been devised for the Cabinet to monitor. A report would be considered by Cabinet on this in June 2021.

The number of residents benefiting from opportunities created by the council’s Communities team was acknowledged as being broad and members requested further information on the definitions and ways of measuring this indicator.

The full data definition for this KPI would be provided following the meeting but it was explained that individuals are contacted through the South Ribble Together Hub as part of a targeted approach using data from the NHS Shielding List.

Members welcomed confirmation that the Community Wealth Building Action Plan would be presented to Full Council in summer 2021.

The costs for refurbishing Penwortham Leisure Centre were requested and would be provided outside of the meeting.

Slight concern was also expressed that both of the two delayed projects related to the council’s green agenda. However, the Panel was assured that these were just the projects highlighted as being delayed but that a range of activities to promote a green agenda, such as the roll-out of electric vehicle charging points and tree-planting remained underway.

Members were reassured in the Chief Executive’s explanation regarding the deliverability of health and safety within the Civic Centre and that there had been fewer near-miss incidents reported due to homeworking practices.

Although it was acknowledged that some work had been unable to commence due to changing work practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Leader of the Council remained confident in the delivery of the Corporate Strategy.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

That the Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel:

1.     thanks the Leader of the Council, Chief Executive and Shared Services Lead – Transformation and Partnerships for attending and answering its questions;

2.     commends the council’s performance at the end of quarter 3;

3.     requests consistency in the future use of the name and description of the Community Hubs;

4.     asks that further information be provided on the key performance information definition on the number of residents benefiting from opportunities created by the communities team;

5.     asks that the costs associated with refurbishing Penwortham Leisure Centre be provided; and

6.     welcomes the commitment to review the methodology for collecting customer satisfaction date.