Issue - meetings

The Performance Manager introduced the report and advised that as part of the Transformation Programme the collection of performance information would change.  The key performance indicators would continue to be tracked but the focus would be on the six key priority projects agreed at Council earlier that year.  There were no major concerns to report in the first quarter report and wider performance information would be presented in the quarter 2 report

During discussion Members commented on the number of fly tips reported and the Performance Manager advised that there had been an unexpected number of larger fly tips to deal with that year.  It was noted that this could be due to the new permit scheme for larger vehicles at the Household Waste Recycling Centres.

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee said they had noted that there was still no reference to performance monitoring from a customer perspective. It was felt there was a need to know when changes were implemented if and how they affected the public.  They had also acknowledged during the transition through Transformation it would be difficult to produce statistics at ‘in between’ stages and they sought reassurance that there would be more Performance Indicators in the future.  They also suggested the indicators should be reviewed using the Council Plan as a starting point.

Reference was also made to the rise in the number of Job Seekers Allowance claimants and it was noted that although South Somerset was below the national average there were areas where it was rising locally. 

It was also noted that funding set aside for the superfast broadband scheme remained and could be invested in the 4G network to help police communications.

At the conclusion of the debate, Members were content to note the quarterly performance report.