Agenda item

To consider the report of the Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive which set out how the Corporate Performance Framework required the Committee to undertake a quarterly review of the Thematic Strategies performance, as assurance that performance was being managed effectively to achieve the corporate priorities as set out in the Council’s Corporate Plan 2025 - 2028. Appendix 1 to the report provided an overview of the Corporate Plan as at the end of Quarter One (Q1) (April - June 2025).

It was reported that work was progressing positively with the performance delivery of the corporate plan on-track and although there were some conditional elements these were not currently of concern.

Following presentation of the report by the Chief Executive, Members discussed the report in dept and in response to questions raised, the following information was provided:

·                Total number of subscribers to business communication channels – In response to a question regarding newsletters being read, the Assistant Director: Strategy, Partnerships and Communication advised that the Council encouraged people to sign up at every opportunity but was unable to influence whether a person read a newsletter or not. She explained that through marketing methods the target could be met, although additional funding would allow use of push campaigns, algorithms and other options to guarantee a higher response.

In response, the Chairperson proposed that the Assistant Director and her team met with the Chief Finance Officer and Chief Executive to discuss increasing budget levels. This proposal was duly seconded and agreed.

·                The majority of physical and mental health activities took place in winter months, through the Council’s partnerships. It was confirmed that funding had been received from Essex County Council.

·                Support progress of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging – In response to a requestion regarding tracking this, the Assistant Director - Place and Community confirmed that there was a roadmap for the charging infrastructure, some of which was left by the Council and some by Essex County Council (ECC). The Assistant Director advised she would check this information and advise Members accordingly. The Chairperson advised that she would also speak to Councillor Stilts as she had been dealing with ECC as well. The Chief Executive suggested that Officers produced a short briefing, detailing the timescales, and funding.

·                Affordable Housing units secured through planning policy – Members were advised that there were individual Key Performance Indicators regarding this, and the Council was working with third parties and registered providers, through the Council’s Working Groups, with regards to securing affordable housing.

In response to a question regarding the missing data, Members were advised that although monitored this was reported on a six-monthly basis. It was agreed that Officers would discuss this with the performance team to look at presenting future reports differently to make this clearer. A Member requested additional details in future reports to identify the extent supply of houses against the number on the waiting list, the Chairperson advised that this would be noted.

The Assistant Director: Planning and Implementation confirmed that reference to 2014 was correct as the Local Development Plan ran from 2014 to 2029.

It was noted that there wasn’t a separate Key Performance Indicator for empty homes, but Members were advised that the Council’s Accommodation Officer would be working to bring these back onto the market. The Chairperson requested that it would be helpful to report this information to the Committee.

·                Shellfish sampling – The Assistant Director - Place and Community confirmed that the Council was carrying out water testing as part of its statutory function and this information would be reported back to the Committee. In response to a comment regarding costs, the Assistant Director advised that she had spoken to the Chief Finance Officer regarding a potential growth for the next financial year to reflect the increase in sampling costs. The Chairperson requested that in addition to the normal quarterly reporting, a short report / update be brought back to the next meeting of the Committee regarding the samplings that had taken place.

·                Community Safety Partnership engagements and activities – It was confirmed that this related to districtwide engagements and activities and was being delivered by the Community Safety Partnership Manager. Officers advised that they would engage with Members, if there was a need and provided further details regarding the ‘Make Space for Girls programme’ and the work being done as part of this programme. The Assistant Director - Customer Services and Operations advised that there was a plan supported by the Council along with a programme of events and activities. She agreed to request that a presentation on this be given to the next meeting of the Committee.

In response to comments regarding cutting the top off knives, the Chairperson advised that this comment would be noted and would be reviewed alongside into any initiatives that have / could have happened in the District in respect of knives and knife crime.

In response to the discussion, the Chief Executive advised how quarter one information can be limited however, he would ensure that for future reporting Officers would provide an update to highlight if delivery was expected later within a year.

The Chairperson then put the recommendations which were duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             that the Assistant Director - Customer Services and Operations and her team meet with the Chief Finance Officer and Chief Executive to discuss increasing budget levels in respect of marketing methods relating to business communication;

(ii)            That Members reviewed the information as set out in the Quarter One 2025 / 26 Corporate Performance report and Appendix 1 to the report, with priority focus given to the Strategic Priority level performance;

(iii)           That Members confirmed they are assured through this review that corporate performance is being managed effectively.