Agenda item

To consider the Quarter 1 2019/20 KPI & PI Report.

The PFI and Performance Officer gave a summary of the report which presented the Quarter 1 2019/20 outturn and data analysis for all Key Performance Indicators and Performance Indicators.

In response to a Member question, the PFI and Performance Officer said the 75% target set for KP1 12, Processing of Planning Applications: Minor applications (within 8 weeks or including any agreed extension time) (Max) was a national benchmark statistic set by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

In response to a Member question, the Democratic Services Officer said PI 21, percentage of minutes from meetings within 10 working days (Max), had been affected by turnover of staff within the office and an officer shortage during busy periods leading up to and during the May elections and the following induction period. The Director – Finance and Corporate Services said this target had in the past been reached and the target of 95% was not too high.

In response to a Member question, the PFI and Performance Officer said PI 06, Percentage of standard searches carried out in 10 working days (Max) was in place to provide a benchmark against a statutory guidance figure set by the government. The Chair said it was worth considering whether another target could be set because the current target was easily met.

In response to a Member question, the Internal Audit Manager said PI 07, The Level of Achievement attained under the Equality Framework for Local Government (Years) (Max) was a new target for 2019/20 stemming from the results of last year’s internal audit.

In response to a Member question, the PFI and Performance Officer said P1 16, Number of Households Living in Temporary Accommodation, had been affected by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, which had increased the amount of prevention work done by the Housing Options Department. Councillor Dean said he would like to refer the matter to the Housing Board.

In response to a Member question, the Director – Finance and Corporate Services said officers could look to review how PI 46, Quality of Decisions: Percentage of Appeals Upheld for Major Planning Applications as a proportion of decisions made (Min) was measured.

In response to a Member question, the PFI and Performance Officer said the government required the Council to measure Performance Indicators 46 and 47 as a method of monitoring the quality of planning application decisions. Councillor Storah said the quality of report writing at Uttlesford was good, but not perfect, and small changes to report writing could affect the quality of decision-making. Officers and members were on board with improving the quality of decision-making and this was a work in progress.

In response to a Member question, the Customer Services & Performance Manager said officers were monitoring KPI 08(a) Average re-let time in days (all re-lets including time spent in works), but performance had been complicated due to many changes of staffing and of the contractor. Her team was looking to work with the Housing Team to go to tender for a new contractor in the next six months. It was important to have the right provider to help ensure the Council met its performance indicators. The Council’s Procurement Team were responsible for overseeing the tendering process for a new contractor.

The meeting adjourned at 9.05pm until 17.30 on 30 July.