Agenda item

The purpose of this report is to provide Members with a corporate overview of Finance and Performance information to support informed decision-making and manage performance effectively.  This report will be considered by the Executive on 16 July 2012.

Cathy Tyson (Assistant Director, Policy) introduced the joint report from the Directors of Strategy Partnerships and Improvement and Finance and Corporate Services which set out a corporate overview of finance and performance information. She made reference to the fact that some of the figures were indicative and also to some concerns over data for example, in Adult Social Care, connected to IT systems and Frameworki for which additional resources had been introduced. On Children and Families, the position on provision of school places had stabilised and also over costs for foster care placements. On waste collection, the increase in recycling had increased more significantly than it appeared however more work was required on public realm management for example, fly tipping. On Regeneration and Major Projects, significant events were due to commence providing additional opportunities. Local people’s access to employment continued to be an issue. In the light of overspending at the end of the previous financial year there was a high level of scrutiny to ensure a sound financial position and the protection of services. Cathy Tyson was pleased to report that the council had been ranked as the best in London in assessing housing benefit claims. Additionally, changes to complaints management had led to fewer complaints and was more efficient.

On the Performance Review report, members raised questions on spending pressures on placement and safeguarding budgets which have had to be subsidised by Children’s Centres. These were said to be difficult to forecast but early monitoring and preparations would be taking place from the first quarter. Members also raised the question of de-commissioning health services and Cathy Tyson advised that there were on-going, regular discussions between council officers and NHS colleagues over the transfer of public health and the integration of health and social care.

Problems relating to street cleaning were again raised evidenced by complaints. Cathy Tyson advised that requirement for residential streets to be cleaned at least once a week was part of on-going dialogue with the contractor and checks were being made. Members specifically referred to NI 95a (% of Streets below standard for litter) performance on which (9%) appeared to be poorer than previously indicated and requested that thorough cleans be carried out. On council delays in making payments, members raised questions on the adverse impact on partners and were advised that information on the extent of this was available from invoices. It was agreed that an exercise be carried out and reported back. Members noted that funding had been received for employment initiatives (£3M) and requested information on the cost of employing a consultant to carry out the work. Members expressed concern over the data quality for Adult Social Care indicators and also the number of planning applications processed within 13 weeks which, at 41%, was significantly below target.

RESOLVED:-

(i)         that the finance and performance information contained in the joint report from the Directors of Strategy, Partnerships and Improvement and Finance and Corporate Services be noted and remedial actions taken as necessary;

(ii)        that the current and future strategic risks associated with the information provided be noted and remedial action taken as appropriate.