Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive – Performance and Improvement Team Leader, Regeneration and Economic Development.

The Chairman thanked the Performance and Planning Manager, Regeneration and Economic Development, Graham Tebbutt who was in attendance to speak to Members in relation to the Quarter 2, 2014/15 Performance Management Report (for copy see file of minutes).

The Performance and Planning Manager reminded Members of the different types of indicators reported, Tracker indicators and Target indicators.

Councillors noted that some of the key achievements in Quarter 2 included several linked to housing: the number of affordable homes delivered being significantly above target and the number of empty properties being brought back into use exceeding target.  It was added that the success rate for adult skills funded provision had improved from the previous academic year and number of apprenticeship starts had exceeded target.  Councillors learned that Business Durham had handled 403 business enquiries in the year to date, with this exceeding the target of 300 and it was added that support for individual companies had also increased and was ahead of target.

Members noted information relating to Tracker Indicators including: the number of application registered through DKO; the number of residents per 100,000 population over 18 starting a first degree, better than the North East rate though lower than the England rate; a reduction in homelessness presentations; and a reduction in the proportion of Council owned housing that was empty.

Members noted progress with Council Plan actions, such as: the County Durham Plan due for completion by September 2015, with stages 2 and 3 of the examination expected to run into early 2015; the preferred option for Council housing to be pursued following Cabinet agreement, with stock transfer to take place in March 2015; development of Gypsy Roma Traveller sites; and the roll out of the Digital Durham Programme.

It was added that the key performance issue for the theme was the 346 potential jobs created through projects with existing businesses being below the quarterly target of 600, with the total since April being 860, below the profiled target of 1,200.

Members noted the Tracker Indicators set out within the report including: a slight increase in the employment rate, with a continued decrease in the number of Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) claimants aged 18-24; and a slight decrease in those accessing JSA for one year or more.  Councillors learned that the total number of net homes completed in County Durham had fallen from the previous quarter, and the gross valued added (GVA) per capita had improved although was still significantly less than the regional and national figures.  Councillors noted several key Council Plan actions that had not achieved target included: a delay in respect of the Elvet Waterside and Milburngate House development plans; the completion date for relocation of the bus station in Durham had moved back to May 2016; the construction of a rail station at Horden was now scheduled for completion by August 2017; the Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Strategy was changed to September 2015 to reflect additional work required; delay to the development and implementation of a real time travel passenger information system; and the road access improvement at Front Street, Stanley were no longer going ahead after being rejected at a public enquiry.    

The Chairman thanked the Performance and Planning Manager and asked Members for their questions on the report.

Several Members reiterated points that had been made at the Special Meeting of the Committee meeting held 5 December 2014 including concerns regarding JSA off-flows and increases in sanctions.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.