Issue - meetings

That the report be noted. 

The Chairman introduced a report to request that the Committee consider the 2012/13 Quarter 3 service performance reports and note the progress made against the Improvement Targets contained within the performance reports. 

Finance

            The Head of Finance gave a short presentation on the performance within each of the service areas, outlining work which had been undertaken to improve performance and areas where improvement was needed, as outlined within the report.

            Councillor P.G. Heesom commented on the Finance workstream of Flintshire Futures and the need to align this with work to be undertaken on the Medium Term Financial Plan.  He also highlighted problems with being able to access Lotus Notes and asked for an update on whether new software was to be purchased.  The ICT Operational Services Manager responded that he was aware of issues with Lotus Notes version 8 and that the continued use of Microsoft software was being considered. 

            Councillor A. Woolley raised concern at the evidence from the recent Universal Benefit pilot schemes held throughout the country where Housing Benefit had been paid to the recipient instead of the landlord and the problems that this had raised due to increases in rent arrears.  He asked if anything could be done to voice the concerns raised to endeavour to get the decision reversed.  The Head of Finance responded that the Head of Housing had spoken recently on the risk which was a concern for the HRA and explained that payment of rent to the tenant rather than the landlord was already in place for private tenants.  She gave assurance that the concerns had been, and would continue to be, registered through professional and stakeholder groups.   

            Councillor A.P. Shotton, the Leader of the Council, said that the issues around Welfare Reform had been raised at Group Leader’s meetings and he spoke of national lobbying through the Welsh Local Government Association on exemptions to the ‘bedroom tax’ for Foster Carers and those serving in the Armed Forces, which he welcomed.  He was due to meet with Iain Duncan-Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary, and assured Members that he would raise the concerns of Members with him.  He reiterated the concerns following the results of pilot schemes which had been undertaken, particularly on Universal Credit.  He raised concern about social landlords who may experience difficulties if they did not receive the rental payments that they were owed because they were paid to the tenant.  He commented on the work being undertaken with the Flintshire Credit Union and the Discretionary Housing Payments which could be available to tenants in the short term.  

Legal and Democratic Services

            The Head of Legal and Democratic Services gave a short presentation on the performance within each of the service areas, outlining work which had been undertaken to improve performance and areas where improvement was needed, as outlined within each report. 

            Councillor C.S. Carver commented on problems that he had experienced recently about receiving electoral registration updates.  The Head of Legal and Democratic Services advised that he had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86