Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The Annual Portfolio Performance and Resource Report (PPRR) for the Reform and Governance Portfolio is presented for consideration by the Committee. Following positive feedback across all Scrutiny and Cabinet Members to the streamlined format of the Third Update Reports, this report follows a similar approach.

As an Annual Report, whilst focusing on highlights and exceptions over the last quarter of 2018/19 (January to March), it also rounds up the latest position across all projects, programmes and activities within the Portfolio Agreement, along with the full set of performance measures reported during the year. It also includes out-turn performance and financial data for the Portfolio where this is available.

Scrutiny Committee is asked to:

·         consider the Annual Portfolio Performance and Resource Report;  

·         review the progress against delivering key projects, priority outcomes, targets and budgets for 2018/19;

·         highlight any significant issues or changes to be fed back to the Cabinet alongside the Corporate Performance and Resource Report; and

·         identify how areas of strong performance and good practice can be shared in other services.

Officer Contacts: Peter Owston / Susan Wood, 0161 474 3274 / 218 1032peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk / susan.wood@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising progress in delivering priorities, reform programme and other key projects and outturn positions for the Reform & Governance portfolio during 2018/19, and in particular during the 4th quarter.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Elise Wilson), the former portfolio holder, attended the meeting to respond to questions from councillors.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Concerns were expressed that the overall performance assessment that was misleading as it included performance that was below target even if it was within a range of tolerance.

·         Comment was sought on what particular areas were detracting from the Council’s performance. In response it was suggested that performance in adult social care and children’s services was proving challenging and impacting overall performance. The digital, real-time performance dashboard would assist in providing greater understanding of performance challenges in this area.

·         There had been noticeable improvements in the responsiveness of Estates and Asset Management to the internal needs of the Council, but there was a need to improve responsiveness to external organisations seeking to invest in Stockport using Council owned properties and facilities.

·         Improvements in Council Tax collection rates were welcomed, and the associated positive impact on the Council’s finances. It was commented that performance was such that it was likely that future forecasts for collection rates would be increased and this would have a positive impact on the Council’s budgeting process.

·         Further information was sought in relation to reduced performance for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) processes and confirmation of any legal ramifications for performance being off-target. In response it was stated that legislative changes around GDPR had led to unfavourable conditions for retaining FOIA and Data Protection staff, and the Council had experienced a number of staff changes, although all vacancies had now been recruited to. The Corporate and Support Service model also provided flexibility in deploying staff to areas of pressure. The Information Commissioners Office had been informed of the issues affecting the Council and its performance but they were not taken any action.

·         Clarification was sought on whether the programme of energy efficiency improvements for Council assets would continue. In response it was confirmed that this would, and was partly in response to climate change requirements. Consideration needed to be given to the investment costs of such improvements, although there were increasing opportunity costs associated with not taking steps to limit energy usage given rising energy costs.

·         Comment was sought on increasing legal costs associated with insurance claims. In response it was stated that further detail would be considered as part of the Insurance Annual Report, but efforts had been made to ensure fees and charging structures reduced perverse incentives. It was suggested that consideration might be given to sharing these services or contracting with other local authorities to reduce costs.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Borough Treasurer be requested to provide further information to the Committee members in relation to the total income reduction resulting from the increase in property costs per square metre (measure R&G 2.6 BSDR 027.01 and 2.7 027.04 refers).