Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets (copy enclosed) presenting the draft Annual Performance Review for 2019 to 2020 for confirmation.

Vote taken: 8 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions

RESOLVED that Cabinet confirms the content of the draft Annual Performance Review 2019 to 2020.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill presented the report together with the draft Annual Performance Review (APR) for 2019 to 2020 prior to its submission to Council and publication as required by the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009.

Cabinet was advised that the report had been delayed due to the disruption caused by Covid-19 and therefore also covered quarter 1 where information was available including the council’s response to the pandemic.  The APR presented the council’s performance against its priorities in 2019 to 2020; outlined plans for the Corporate Plan delivery in 2020 to 2021; showed the progress of council projects, and highlighted the council’s progress in managing its risks.

The Strategic Planning Team Manager delivered a brief presentation on the APR highlighting the key challenges/achievements to Covid-19; an update on progress made against each of the corporate priority areas; references to risk management, sustainable development and equality issues, and also provided assurance around the scrutiny of external regulatory reports.  In summary the council had made good progress against priorities which had since been impacted by Covid-19 and had brought forward significant challenges.  The Lead Member added that a tranche review of priorities had revealed them to still be relevant in reflecting the needs of communities although some modification may be required.  The Chief Executive reported on a recovery strand to review progress against the Corporate Plan and progress in some areas had been affected – the outcome of the review would be reported back to members.  It was noted that future planning for the next Corporate Plan due to start in the next six months may well be impacted by Covid-19.

The Leader felt the report highlighted the flexibility of the council in addressing the challenges faced and paid tribute to the way in which the authority had responded to the pandemic, working well with communities in dealing with issues, and how the workforce had adjusted its resources at a pressurised time.  He was pleased that the role of local government and its work in responding to the pandemic had been recognised by Welsh Government.  Despite all those pressures the authority had also been able to deliver key elements in terms of its corporate priorities and he highlighted two issues which required an increased focus going forward (1) supporting town centres/rural areas given the emerging economic pressures, and (2) investment in digital connectively to align with changing working practices.

The following issues were raised during the ensuing debate –

·         Councillor Bobby Feeley paid tribute to the service provided by Working Denbighshire; the Chief Executive confirmed work was in progress to consider how the service could be delivered in future given the reliance on grant funding

·         in response to issues raised by Councillor Meirick Davies, the Strategic Planning Team Manager agreed to look into the appropriate phrasing to describe empty dwellings and also to include an overall explanation within the project register where projects were at risk or experiencing obstacles; Councillor Bobby Feeley confirmed she was the Lead Member responsible for the project working towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Council (the Lead Officer was the Head of Community Support Services) and provided an update on progress

·         Councillor Peter Scott welcomed the flood defence project for East Rhyl but highlighted the outstanding remedial work required relating to the River Elwy

·         in response to questions from Councillor Gwyneth Kensler officers confirmed a draft climate change strategy was being developed which would include ways to reduce carbon emissions and it was acknowledged that consideration would need to be given as to how the council disposed of additional plastics used in response to Covid-19.  Details of financial support by Welsh Government for additional costs incurred by schools as a result of the pandemic were provided.

RESOLVED that Cabinet confirms the content of the draft Annual Performance Review 2019 to 2020.

[At this point (11.30 am) the meeting adjourned for a ten minute refreshment break]