Consideration was given to the report of the Executive Director on the Performance Report of the Third Quarter 2019/20.  Members were given the opportunity to scrutinise progress towards the Council’s stated aims, outcomes and actions in the Corporate Plan and make any necessary recommendations to Cabinet for future service delivery. 

The Head of Service Acquisition, Transformation and Regeneration led Members through a summary of the Council’s performance against the selected indicators across four key areas (Housing and Homelessness, Benefits Performance, Waste and Recycling and Asset Income), giving the position at the end of the third financial quarter (1 October to 31 December 2019) for 2019/20.  There were no significant changes from the previous quarter.            

During discussion the following points were noted:

Housing and Homelessness: During Quarter Three, one measure was slightly off target/forecast (Affordable Homes Built (gross) Supply Target). This was due to the target having been increased since the last quarter; the amended target would be met by the end of the year.  Four did not meet their target (Affordable Homes Built (gross) Local Plan Target, Net Additional Homes Provided Supply Target, Net Additional Homes Provided Local Plan Target, Weeks in Temporary Accommodation (TA) and Homelessness Prevention Cases per 1,000 homes).  The number of weeks spent in TA was often longer due to better quality self-contained units used rather than hostels or hotel rooms, which enabled other services to be accessed at that time.  The Council was looking to split this type of accommodation into ‘emergency’ and ‘interim’.

Benefits Performance: Both of the performance indicators relating to benefits performance had met or exceeded their targets and the service continued to work on improvements in its systems and processes in accordance with the adopted business improvement plan.  Members advised of several cases of possible missing documentation and it was requested and agreed that officers investigate and bring a report back to a future Cabinet meeting.

Waste and Recycling: Two of the indicators had met or exceeded their targets (Re-use, Recycling, Composting: Contractor and Missed Bins per 100,000 homes) and one was slightly off target (Re-use, Recycling, Composting: East Sussex County Council). The figures had decreased over the year, a trend seen nationally, and the Government was looking to address this with legislation.  Increased promotion of recycling and re-use was required and would be addressed through the Environment Strategy and Climate Change Action Plan.  Recycling rejection rates were within tolerance levels, but these could become stricter in time.

Asset Income: Following the acquisition of the Jempson’s Supermarket and Market Square, Battle as part of the Property Investment Strategy, the net income from investment assets would increase by a further £71,000 / annum. This would add £17,750 to the year’s target to be collected in Quarter Four.  The Council was not likely to acquire any further properties in the current financial year and would not meet its expected target for asset income.  A number of properties were under consideration which were the subject of negotiation and may come forward in 2020/21.

Assurance was given that all KPIs currently not on target would be continuously monitored.

RESOLVED: That:

1)    the report be noted; and

2)    a report on possible missing documentation in benefit claims cases be brought back to a future Cabinet meeting.