Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee receives the Mid-Year Performance Indicators for Recovery, Portfolio and Public Accountability Measures to monitor areas of underperformance; and

(b)       That the Committee is assured by the explanations given for underperformance, which in the main are explained by the interruption of the pandemic.

The Chief Executive presented a report to review performance at the mid-year point for priorities relevant to the Committee and focussing on performance measures across portfolios that were most important to recovery.

There were no issues of particular concern and some indicators could not be used in the same way due to the emergency situation.  A stable position was reported on the areas of Workforce, Finance and Governance.

Councillor Dunbobbin took the opportunity to thank the workforce for their commitment during the emergency period.

Councillor Mullin also paid tribute to the workforce and referred to good progress on his portfolio areas.  His comments were endorsed by the Chief Executive who also recognised the valued support of Trade Union colleagues during the period.

In response to a question from Councillor Peers on Council Tax in-year collection levels, the Chief Executive spoke about the ‘soft’ enforcement approach which had been taken during the height of the national emergency.  Whilst collection levels were an ongoing risk, there would be an impact from the first phase of actions taken in October.

The Chief Officer (Governance) advised that flexible payment arrangements were put in place where possible and that Court action was pursued for individuals who failed to pay or engage with the Council.

The Chief Executive said that an update on this work would be included in a report to the Committee and Cabinet in December, detailing the financial year-end position.

The recommendations were supported.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee receives the Mid-Year Performance Indicators for Recovery, Portfolio and Public Accountability Measures to monitor areas of underperformance; and

(b)       That the Committee is assured by the explanations given for underperformance, which in the main are explained by the interruption of the pandemic.