To notify the Chairman of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

 No declarations of interest were received.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 21^st October 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 21^st October, 2008 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the attached document.

Consideration was given to a report measuring performance against the Corporate Plan’s Healthy Borough and Strong Communities Delivery Plans covering the period from 1^st April, 2008 to 30^th September, 2008 (for copy see file of Minutes).

The report provided data on 35 Performance Indicators of which 4 were key to the Council’s aims and objectives.

With regard to the 18 Healthy Borough Performance Indicators 7 had demonstrated improved performance against 2007/2008 actual outturns. 3 had performed at the same level and 3 had performed at worse level.  15 Indicators had progressed well against 2008/2009 targets and one was off target.

With regard to the 17 Strong Communities Performance Indicators, 8 had demonstrated improved performance against 2007/2008 actual outturns, 3 were performing at the same level and 4 were performing at a worse level. 10 Indicators were performing above 2008/2009 targets and 4 were under target.

Specific reference was made to the following:-

CPH12 - Proportion of facility use by disabled people

It was explained that the Quarter 2 figure had dipped due to some clubs suspending activities during the summer break and seasonal variations.

CPH13 - Percentage of population that are within 20 Minutes travel time of a range of 3 different facility types of which 1 has achieved a Quality Assurance Standard

It was noted that this Indicator was performing on target and Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre was gaining Quest accreditation

CPH15 - Subsidy per visit

This Indicator was performing 25p under the subsidy target.  This figure was likely to rise in Quarter 3 onwards due to increased unit energy costs.

XBV212 - Average time taken to relet Local Authority housing

This was performing 22 days under target.  The impact of switching to new arrangements of void management had resulted in increased void turnaround.  These issues had now been remedied and turnaround time had improved from the previous Quarter.

CPS04 - Proportion of private sector vacant dwellings that are returned to use during the financial year with Council involvement.

The Committee was informed that this Indicator was performing 15% below target.  An Empty Homes Strategy had been approved by Cabinet in October, 2008 which would assist in bringing empty private sector homes falling within the appropriate criteria back into use.

CPS06 - Number of Homeless applications

It was noted that this Indicator was performing 151 applications above target.  The number of homeless applications had continued to reduce due to increased preventative measures.

CPS11 - Percentage of rent lost due to dwellings becoming vacant

The above Performance Indicator was .55% under target. The impact of switching to new arrangements of void management had resulted in increased void rent loss.  Those issues had now been remedied.

CPS14 - Percentage of Homeless applications decided and notified within 33 working days

It was explained that this Indicator was performing 4% under target.  Successive preventative measures in the statutory homeless applications submitted meant that more complex cases needed to be dealt with lengthening the timescale before a final decision could be reached on qualification.

AGREED :     That the report be noted.

To consider the attached document.

Consideration was given to the State of the Borough (Healthy Borough) Review Group report (for copy see file of Minutes).

It was explained that the report covered :-

A summary of the background to the review

Objectives of the review

The process and methodology of the review

The following quality of life topics had been examined during the process of the review :-

Public Health

Community Care

Leisure and Culture

Key statistics in relation to each of those topics had been identified together with interventions which were in place to address issues, progress being made in relation to those interventions and issues which still needed to be addressed.

The Review Group had reached a number of conclusions and recommendations which were identified in the report.

Cabinet Members then left the meeting to allow the Committee to deliberate.

AGREED :              That the State of the Borough Review (Healthy Borough) be approved and submitted to Cabinet for consideration with other State of the Borough Reviews.

To consider the attached document.

Consideration was given to the State of the Borough (Strong Communities) Review Group report (for copy see file of Minutes).

It was explained that the report covered :-

A summary of the background to the review

Objectives of the review

The process and methodology of the review

The following quality of life topics had been examined by the review group  :-

Crime and Disorder

Community Cohesion and Local Democracy

Housing

Key statistics in relation to each of those topics had been identified together with interventions which were in place to address issues, progress being made in relation to those interventions and issues which still needed to be addressed.

The Review Group had reached a number of conclusions and recommendations which were identified in the report.

Cabinet Members then left the meeting to allow the Committee to deliberate.

AGREED :              That the State of the Borough Review (Strong Communities) be approved and submitted to Cabinet for consideration with other State of the Borough Reviews.

To consider the attached report of the Chairman of the Committee.

Consideration was given to the Work Programme for the Healthy Borough with Strong Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

AGREED :     That the Work Programme be approved.