Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive which presented progress against the council’s corporate basket of performance indicators (PIs) and reported other significant performance issues for the second quarter of 2014/15. A presentation was given by the Head of Planning and Performance (for copy of report and slides, see file of minutes).

In response to a question from Councillor R Bell regarding the definition of victim based crime, the Head of Planning and Performance advised that a document with the definitions would be provided.

Referring to the overall crime levels, Councillor D Boyes expressed disappointment that the figures had risen, however acknowledged the improvement in fast tracking anti social behaviour incidents and alcohol related crimes.

Councillor A Hopgood added that there had been improvements in reporting crime with the introduction of the 101 non-emergency number, resulting in the increase of instances being reported by people who previously would not call the 999 emergency number.

Referring to fly tipping concerns, Councillor D Boyes suggested that the situation would be alleviated if the fee for removal was abolished. The Chairman advised that it was the remit of the Cabinet portfolio holder to look into further actions on this.

Councillor A Hopgood added that an officer group were looking into fly tipping issues and suggested that they explore the costs associated with retrieving the collection fee and the cost of clearing the discarded items.

In response to a query from Councillor D Hall regarding the ‘looked after children’ figures, the Head of Planning and Performance advised that the service has an early help strategy in place which was designed to help families early to prevent children being taken into care.

Referring to the increase in people killed or injured in road traffic accidents, Councillor A Batey suggested more should be done in schools to educate young people on speed awareness, especially teenagers in order for them to become safer drivers. The Chairman advised that a Safer and Stronger working group would be looking at the issue.

Councillor A Hopgood highlighted that the Authority were performing well with regards to rent arrears and working closer with families, however, was concerned that the appraisal figures were under-performing. The Chairman advised that the Head of Human Resources would be attending the next meeting of Corporate Issues Overview and Scrutiny Committee and would be able to answer any queries.

Councillor J Lethbridge commented that misuse of IT was causing major issues for the police in relation to social media and has connections with antisocial behaviour and self-harm. The Chairman highlighted that the Durham Police are the only outstanding force in the region for investigation and have seen crime levels reduce. They have achieved results and continue to keep neighbourhood policing at the forefront.

Members discussed the unemployment rate and factors around youth unemployment, education, skills development and creating opportunities. The Chairman advised that extensive work had been carried out by the Economy and Enterprise Committee to address the issues.

Resolved:

That the information contained in the report be noted.