Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Change and Delivery.

Howard Anthony, Interim Head of Policy and Performance presented the report.

The business plans were set by the services within the council, some were small and simple, others were large and complex, but it was the responsibility of the service to deliver the project and provide an update on their progress throughout the year.

The 2022-23 cycle of projects were ending, there was an average of 5 projects per service, but overall, performance was positive. 73% of projects were green or completed. And it was expected that most, if not all would be completed by the end of Quarter 4.

Achievements noted included the successful launch of the People Strategy and the new Customer Access Charter was approved by Executive Cabinet in January 2023.

Two projects were red and considered off track, these were the ‘flood defense work to Earlsway, Euxton and ‘evaluate a rent management system for housing stock’.

The flood defense work was unable to progress due to a combination of land ownership issues and the high costs to complete the work.

The delay to the rent management system was due to capacity and staffing.

34 projects were rated amber and considered slightly off track. The reasons varied, but a common theme was capacity and resources.

13 projects were currently on hold and not being progressed, the primary reason again was capacity and resources. There were examples of project managers departing the council and newly placed officers developing their workload and reviewing projects.

It was clarified upon questions that the projects that were delayed within public protection had no impact on the statutory duties delivered. It was confirmed that the animal welfare activities licensing was in relation to licensable activities such as breeding and selling animals, although the full parameters of this would be confirmed to members. 

Information and questions that would be followed up and reported back included: 

-       Brincall Swimming Baths

-       Cowling Farm

-       CCTV infrastructure, its operation, and proposed relocation to Strawberry Meadows

-       Proposed District Council Health Scrutiny

-       Progress of ICT rollout, and the status of the ICT Disaster Recovery Plan.

-       The draft Environmental Crime Enforcement Policy

It was clarified that the on-hold projects ‘health and safety: HSE priority project – safe use of inflatable amusement devices’ and ‘food safety: delivery of food hygiene and allergen awareness training to targeted groups’ were awareness campaigns as opposed to policies. It was understood that it was good practice to highlight issues and proactively work to prevent accidents.

Resolved: That the report be noted.