Agenda item

That the Council’s current performance as measured by the performance indicators within the balanced scorecard and the progress status of the gold projects be noted.

The Cabinet received a presentation on the latest performance information for the first quarter of the 2021/22 financial year to the end of June 2021, as measured by the corporate balanced scorecard indicators and updates on key projects.

Covid-19 continued to impact on certain performance measures.  Fifteen key performance indicators had been assigned RAG ratings of which seven were ‘green’, five ‘amber’; and three ‘red’.  The report set out performance improvements in several areas including the average street cleanliness inspection score; increased number of licenses for Houses of Multiple Occupation; a reduction in the number of children requiring repeat Child Protection Plans; and a rise in the proportion of 40-74 year olds receiving NHS health checks, which had been achieved following an innovative approach to link checks to the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

Areas where performance had deteriorated included the physical activity rates of residents; the proportion of household waste sent for recycling due to a reduction in garden waste collected during the winter; and the fact the number of homeless households in temporary accommodation remained high.  Unemployment remained a challenge as the economy recovered from the pandemic and the Cabinet asked that ward level data on employment trends be circulated to Lead Members.  A number of other specific issues were raised including the attainment gap in Early Years.  Members asked for a briefing note on Universal Credit figures for Slough.

Target setting was problematic for certain indicators following Covid-19.  Targets for four indicators – direct payments, temporary accommodation, Business Rates and Council Tax collection – had not yet been set, although performance continued to be measured.  The Cabinet also considered and noted the progress made on key projects in the portfolio.

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee had discussed the report at its meeting held on 16^th September and Officers would be responding to various detailed issues raised and requests for further information.

At the conclusion of the discussion the performance and projects report was noted.

Resolved –  That the Council’s current performance as measured by the performance indicators within the balanced scorecard and the progress status of the gold projects be noted.