Agenda item

To consider a report from the Strategic Planning and Performance Team Leader (copy attached) to approve the Annual Performance Review 2018 – 19.

The Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, introduced the Annual Performance Review Report (previously circulated) for approval which the council was required to publish by 31 October each year under the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009.

Recent changes to the reporting mechanisms led to the document including the quarter 4 update together with the Annual Delivery Document which would usually be submitted separately.  National measures would be reported separately when available.

The Annual Performance review included case studies and examples of progress against corporate priorities from the Council’s wider portfolio.  This recognised that services carried out important work outside of the Corporate Plan which benefited residents.

The Strategic Planning Team Manager explained that the document demonstrated the good progress and achievements to date but also reflected on the opportunity to improve and take appropriate action.

Council was guided through the report and provided with a comprehensive update on progress made against each of the corporate priorities. 

The five priorities were as follows:

·         Housing – everyone is supported to live in homes that meet their needs;

·         Connected Communities – Communities are connected and have access to goods and services locally, online and through good transport links;

·         Resilient Communities – the council works with people and communities to build independence and resilience;

·         Environment – Attractive and protected, supporting well-being and economic prosperity; and

·         Young People – a place where younger people will want to live and work and have the skills to do so.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:

·         A carers survey was currently underway and it was confirmed that the data collected would be utilised to shape the strategy so as to identify needs and to ensure the appropriate service could be planned to support carers in the future.

·         It was confirmed that Denbighshire were the first council in Wales to utilise herbicide free weed killer which could be picked up through the environmental strategy.

·         It was confirmed that the Head of Education and Children Services had been communicating with young people within the county for their opinions on job opportunities etc.

·         Problems could arise due to the termination of the paper application form for blue badges.  Applications had to be completed online.  Some applicants would need to utilise library services to apply, but not all libraries had the expert staff to assist.  The Chief Executive confirmed she would pass this concern on to the relevant department.

·         A homeless initiative was in place and young carers were also being assisted into housing.  It was queried whether there was an easy access to a pathway on to the housing ladder.  The Strategic Planning Team Manager confirmed she would speak to the relevant department and pass on the information to members for information.

The Chief Executive commended the work to deliver the Corporate Plan and expressed her confidence that the Corporate Plan would benefit the county’s residents.

The Chair also commended the work carried out and thanked Nicola Kneale, Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Alan Smith and Iolo McGregor for their work on the Corporate Plan.

RESOLVED that, subject to any agreed changes, Council approve the Annual Performance Review 2018-19.