Issue - meetings

To consider the enclosed monitoring statement for the second quarter of 2009/10.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Business Transformation) reported progress against the key actions and performance indicators.

There had been a dip in performance for the revenues and benefits section – this was due to an increased demand, but would be addressed by an additional member of staff.  The number of claims outstanding had reduced. 

It was noted that some of the outstanding debtors were other Local Authorities. 

RESOLVED - The report be noted.

Councillor Devaney left the meeting at 7.10pm.

The Corporate Director (ICT and Chief Information Officer) and Corporate Director (Human Resources and Organisational Development) reported progress against the key actions and performance indicators.

Members queried aspects of the Customer Relationship Management System and noted that the customer would receive notification of the resolution of their call , for example, if their bin hadn’t been collected they would receive a phone call or text message to inform them the bin had been collected. 

A report was requested on the Citrix implementation outlining issues, such as downtime. 

A breakdown of undisputed invoices processed within 15 and 30 days to show whether the Council was speeding up payments given the impact the recession is having on businesses was requested.  A breakdown of the expenditure (£56k within the buildings fund) relating to the Lancastrian was also requested. 

RESOLVED –

1.             The report be noted.

2.             A response to the queries on undisputed invoice payment and expenditure within the buildings fund be forwarded by email. 

3.             A report be presented to the next meeting regarding Citrix implementation. 

The Committee considered the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Business Transformation). 

The Corporate Director (Information, Communication Technology and Chief Information Officer) advised that a report was expected shortly from the contractor on web accessibility project.  The progress on the thin client project and gov connect was noted.  The demands on the ICT team and the need for reprioritisation of projects as other projects come up, was discussed. 

Members noted that the Strategic Asset Review would be considered by Executive Cabinet shortly and the affordable housing action plan would be considered in June. 

The recent training for Members on equality and diversity was welcomed. 

RESOLVED –

1.            The report be noted.

2.            Clarification be provided on appeals to the commissioner regarding benefit costs for support where the Council is currently not receiving any subsidy from Government.

The Chief Executive advised that the target set for NI181 new benefit claims /change in circumstances could be seen as ambitious but we are still likely to be top quartile performance.  The Customer Relationship Management project was now on track and the shared services with South Ribble had taken a lot of time, but would deliver significant savings.