Agenda and minutes

Decision: That the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Panel held on 8 March 2018 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any pecuniary interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda.

If you have a pecuniary interest you must withdraw from the meeting. Normally you should leave the room before the business starts to be discussed. You do, however, have the same right to speak as a member of the public and may remain in the room to enable you to exercise that right and then leave immediately. In either case you must not seek to improperly influence a decision on the matter.

There were no declarations of interest received.

To consider and receive the report of the Director (Policy and Governance).

The Performance Panel received a report from Asim Khan, Director (Customer and Digital), which outlined an update on the performance within the Planning team, an update on the newly created Enforcement team and an update on the ICT strategy. 

Planning

Councillor Paul Walmsley, Executive Member (Public Protection), explained that the performance indicators in relation to Planning for ‘Major’, ‘Minor’ and ‘Other’ are all 100%; this includes extensions of time, which is excellent.  There has been a great deal of change this year, with Adele Hayes succeeding Paul Whittingham as Planning Manager.  A key member of the team is currently on maternity leave. 

Members queried if the current staffing levels are sufficient to deal with the case load and noted that staffing levels were in line with national comparators for caseloads.  Staffing levels are reviewed as cases come in and, if required, contractors can be utilised, both at busy times, and when a specialist opinion is required. 

Members noted that a new team is currently being recruited to undertake the Central Lancashire Local Plan Review.  This team sits within the Business, Development and Growth Directorate.  A Member Learning Session will be held in the next few months on this topic. 

Enforcement

Councillor Walmsley explained that enforcement services are now together under one Enforcement Team which will be in operation from July 2018 onwards.  This will include Building Control, Licensing (including Long term empty properties), Planning Enforcement and Neighbourhood Officers (including dog fouling and fly-tipping). 

Enforcement performance is mixed, with positive results against long term empty properties targets. For planning enforcement complaints during quarter two and three there has been a focus on working to close historic cases  Whilst this has reduced the outstanding caseload it has resulted in a dip in performance for this period.  Efficiency gains are anticipated through utilising case management software in the future. 

Members noted the positive move in bringing enforcement officers together and the improvement in communication and service this should bring. 

Members queried the Council Tax discounts given to empty properties.  From 0 to 6 months a discount of 50% applies where a property is empty (unoccupied and substantially unfurnished) and runs from the date that the furniture is removed.  The discount ends after a six month period or earlier if furniture is placed in the property. If an empty home becomes occupied, or furnished, for a period of less than six weeks and then falls empty again, it will only resume a 50% discount if there is any of the original six months discount period remaining. Occupation of an empty (unoccupied and substantially unfurnished) home for less than six weeks does not give rise to a new discount period.

A discount of 25% applies where a property is empty (unoccupied and substantially unfurnished) and has been for a period of 6-24 months.  A property that has been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for at least 24 months is subject to a local premium of 50%, this means the council tax charged is 150%.  There  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.OSP.3

To receive and consider the report of the Director (Policy and Governance) which is due to be presented to the Executive Cabinet on 21 June by the Executive Member (Resources).

The report will be available on 13 June. 

The Performance Panel considered a monitoring report from the Director (Policy and Governance) which will be presented at the Executive Cabinet on 21 June.

Cath Hudspith, Performance and Partnerships Manager advised that the report set out performance against the Corporate Strategy and key service delivery measures for the fourth quarter of 2017/18, 1 January – 31 March 2018.

Overall, performance of key projects is good, with nine (75%) of the projects rated as green and one (8%) is currently not started. Two (17%) projects are currently rated amber and actions plans for each of these projects are set out in the report.

Performance of the Corporate Strategy indicators and key service delivery measures is also good.  85% of Corporate Strategy measures are performing on or above target and 80% of key service delivery measures are performing on or above target or within the 5% threshold.  Those indicators performing below target have action plans outlined with measures to improve performance within the report.

On the priority of ‘Involving residents in improving their local area and equality of access for all’ Members noted the positive performance in relation to volunteering and the bid for Heritage Lottery funding to develop Astley Hall, Coach House and Park.  A reminder for Members to complete the survey will be included in the next edition of intheknow. 

The ‘Clean, safe and healthy homes and communities’ priority includes the delivery of Primrose Gardens.  The construction contract is on programme and the operational and strategic aspects are progressing well. Work has continued to manage minor delays due to bad weather, with action plans in place to manage any slippage and completion remains to be expected for March 2019. Work around seeking expressions of interest regarding potential café operators has resulted in a number of interested parties and site visits have been arranged.

The Youth Zone is now open and has had fantastic reviews.  Information on the numbers of young people using the Youth Zone will be included within the Annual Report.  The indicator in relation to the number of young people taking part in ‘Get Up and Go’ activities is better than the target. 

The ‘A strong local economy’ priority has two projects rated amber: ‘Bring forward key sites for development’ and ‘Market Walk Extension’.  Members noted the action required.  At the last meeting Members had queried if Eric Wright Construction employ local people, including apprentices.  This was confirmed. 

In relation to Key Service Delivery Measures Members noted that ‘Average working days per employee (FTE) per year lost through sickness absence’ is performing worse than target, and outside the threshold.  This may be an area for scrutiny to review again.  

The overall employment rate is 86.5% which is excellent. 

Decision - That the report be noted.