Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance, Corporate Plan and Performance (copy enclosed) presenting an update on the delivery of the Corporate Plan 2012 – 17 as at the end of quarter 4 of 2015/16.

RESOLVED that Cabinet receives the report and notes the progress in delivering the Corporate Plan 2012 – 17 as at the end of quarter 4 of 2015/16.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill presented the report providing an update on the delivery of the Corporate Plan 2012 – 17 as at the end of quarter 4 of 2015/16.

The performance report provided a summary position for each outcome together with an analysis of key exceptions.  All outcomes had been evaluated as acceptable or better and an explanation behind the status of each indicator had been included with key issues elaborated upon further at the meeting.  Whilst there would likely always be some individual missed targets the report was generally very positive.  Performance Scrutiny Committee also continued to monitor the performance reports on a regular basis.

Debate focused on the following areas –

·         data on carbon emissions could still not be provided due to earlier faults in the British Gas billing system but corrected bills were starting to come through and it was hoped that information on last year’s consumption could be reported the following month.  It was queried whether the Council’s reduction in carbon emissions had been as a result of the building rationalisation programme or ongoing work to ensure buildings were more efficient.  Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill agreed to look into the matter further and report back thereon

·         Councillor David Smith was pleased to note progress in improving the county’s roads but highlighted that it had only been possible because additional funding had been specifically allocated for that purpose – he asked that consideration be given to increasing the base budget to safeguard against further deterioration.  The Chief Executive confirmed that road quality was currently one of the Council’s top priorities and he was confident that the target for better quality roads overall in 2017 compared to 2012 would be achieved in the next financial year.  Future priorities and budgets would be a consideration for the next Council.  Councillor Bill Cowie raised ongoing concerns regarding the condition of the A525 and was waiting to see whether assurances he had been given regarding its repair would be forthcoming

·         superfast broadband availability – members were disappointed that this indicator remained red and noted it was a project between Welsh Government and BT to deliver.  Progress with rollout had been scrutinised and discussed with BT representatives at a recent meeting of the Performance Scrutiny Committee and the Chief Executive reported upon the key outcomes.  The coverage target related to certain areas and not the whole county – consequently there was a need to engage with those residents expecting to benefit who would not have access.   Welsh Government officials declined to attend the scrutiny meeting and it was important they were held to account and delivered on the project

·         despite the largely positive performance report and significant investment made by the Council in specific projects such as school buildings it was noted that the percentage of residents responding positively to the statements relating to (1) the Council being efficient and well run, and (2) acting on the concerns of residents, had been highlighted as red indicators.  Some discussion took place on the disparity between the reality of the situation and the perception of residents.  It was felt that the publicity generated by the Council’s more unpopular decisions outweighed the good news stories and it was an ongoing challenge to change residents’ perceptions in that regard.  It was felt the Council should be more proactive in responding to negativity and promoting the good work and significant investment made to benefit the county’s residents

·         discussions also took place on the impact of the EU referendum result to leave the EU with officials and officers beginning to analyse the potential impact on budgets and undertake an assessment process – the Chief Executive agreed to report back on that work as it developed.

Councillor Thompson-Hill thanked members for their consideration and input.

RESOLVED that Cabinet receives the report and notes the progress in delivering the Corporate Plan 2012 – 17 as at the end of quarter 4 of 2015/16.

At this juncture (11.30 a.m.) the meeting adjourned for a refreshment break.