Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships that provided progress against the council’s corporate performance framework by Altogether priority theme for the second quarter of the 2016/17 financial year, covering the period July to September 2016. A presentation was given by the Head of Planning and Performance (for copy of report and slides, see file of minutes).

Councillor R Bell commented on the increase in the looked after children figures. He referred to budget pressures and the demand issues the Council faces with increased number of children being taken into care. The Head of Planning and Performance responded that it would be significant in budgetary terms and would provide further information.

Councillor Adam added that there were many positives, however he was disappointed with the employment rate and issues surrounding looked after children despite the investments in attracting apprenticeship opportunities in the region. He also felt that targets had been set after achieving good results.

The Chairman responded to a question regarding the reasons for the increase in looked after children and if it was due to reduced funding or poor employment rates. He advised that there was special focus on children’s care and the matter would be referred to the Children and Young Peoples Scrutiny Committee.

In response to a query, Councillor Nearney advised that Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee were looking at issues regarding the changes in the way crime was recorded and reported within County Durham. He also informed the Board that a Safer and Stronger Communities working group took place in November 2016 to review the re-procurement for drug and alcohol services within County Durham in partnership with Public Health and the Community Safety team, with further meetings arranged for the new year.

Mrs Elliott referred to the increased costs relating to looking after the elderly and care provision which Councils were expected to fund with reduced assistance from Central Government. The Head of Planning and Performance advised that the Head of Corporate Finance would be providing an update on the impact on the budget at a joint meeting of Corporate Issues and Overview and Scrutiny Management Board on the 26 January 2017 where members would have the opportunity to debate government announcements.

Councillor Graham referred to the successful use of CCTV cameras in the role of prosecuting fly tipping offenders and although the issue would never be eradicated, the measures in place have had an impact.

Councillor Turnbull referred to the number of females taking Early Retirement/Voluntary Redundancy/Compulsory Redundancy (ER/VR/CR) and were unable to find alternative employment, which would have an impact on unemployment figures. He asked for a profile on both ER/VR/CR and unemployment figures for women in general in County Durham.

Resolved:

i)             That the Council’s performance at quarter two be noted;

ii)            That the changes to the Council Plan outlined in the report be noted.