Agenda and minutes

Resolved: That the minutes be approved as a correct record

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.

No interests were declared.

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

Councillor Bev Murray, Executive Member for Early Intervention, and Councillor Terry Howarth, Executive Member for Homes and Housing presented the Communities Performance Focus.

The directorate includes the following services:

·           Communities,

·           Housing Solutions,

·           Public Protection.

The provisional outturn for Communities showed an overspend of £135k as of October 2022, giving a 7.27% variance against the current budget.  This was due to the proposed pay award for 2022/23, an increase in the amount allocated towards Bed and Breakfasts and a reduction income.  This was due to the NHS and Lancashire Constabulary confirmed that they would not be contributing toward staffing costs in the Communities Team for the 2021/22 and 2022/23 periods.

A report was due to be considered at the Executive Cabinet the following week regarding the 2023-25 Community Commissioning Procurement. 

Difficulties with recruitment and staffing capacity were acknowledged, particularly within Environmental Health and the Housing Solutions teams.  Members thanked the staff within the Directorate for their work during difficult circumstances.

Members reviewed the performance indicator information and noted that the team have supported existing community groups, including those providing ‘warm spaces’.

Positive performance for indicators relating to % of families in B&B for less than 6 weeks and % of positive outcomes in prevention and relief cases were noted, although some indicators were performing below target. 

Members discussed the work undertaken regarding digital skills, support given to community groups, volunteers and refugees. 

The Chorley Adaptations Grant (CAG) and Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG’s) regarding the process, budget and relating to Registered Social Landlords were considered.  Other grants, relating to energy efficiency and affordable warmth were noted.

The forthcoming recruitment of a Housing Standards Officer and new approach to ‘grow our own’ in terms of long term succession planning in the Housing Solutions team were supported by the Panel. The working patterns for the different teams were acknowledged. 

Resolved: That the update be noted.