Agenda item

Report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships - Performance and Improvement Team Leader, Regeneration and Local Services.

The Chairman thanked the Performance and Improvement Team Leader, G Wilkinson who was in attendance to speak to Members in relation to the Quarter 2, 2017/18 Performance Management Report (for copy see file of minutes).

The Performance and Improvement Team Leader reminded Members of the different types of indicators reported, Tracker indicators and Target indicators and the performance reporting arrangements for 2017/18 would be via a number of key performance questions (KPQs), aligned to the “Altogether” framework of six priority themes.

Councillors noted that the key achievements in Quarter 2 included the employment rate having increased since the last quarter, with this having been the trend over the last few quarters.  It was added that the rate was above the regional average, though below the national average.  It was added that the number of young people ages 18-24 claiming Job Seekers Allowance or Universal Credit was below the regional level, however, was above the national average, though it was a lot lower than it had been in the recent past.  The Performance and Improvement Team Leader noted in terms of apprenticeships, the Chairman had asked previously as regards how sustainable those in our area were in comparison to other areas.  She added that after speaking to the Officers involved it had been noted that the scheme and model operated in Durham was not always replicated in other Local Authorities and therefore the comparison that was made was by those via the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).

The Performance and Improvement Team Leader noted the performance in terms of empty properties being brought back into use, as previously discussed by Members.  It was added that in terms of Tourism and VCD, in comparing 2016 data to 2015, there had been an increase in the number of visitors, 3%, though the vast majority, 93% were still day visitors and not overnight stays.  It was added that the tourism spend was up around 3.6%, with a breakdown provided in the report.  Members noted feedback in terms of: what was working well - attractions, eating out, road signposts and cleanliness; what was making progress – things to do, visitor information points, local produce, accommodation and parking; and where there could be improvement – distinctive shopping experience, nightlife, public transport and cleanliness of public toilets.  It was added that additional information with further breakdown could be found on the VCD website. 

The Chairman thanked the Performance and Improvement Team Leader, noted that VCD were scheduled to come back to Committee on 5 April 2018 and asked Members for their comments and questions on the performance report.

Councillor L Maddison noted that tourism was important to the vibrancy of our town centres and it was important to be able to encourage people to stay in the County when they visit and asked how we could achieve this.  The Chairman reiterated VCD would attend in April; Councillor L Maddison noted this and asked if VCD could be given a signal as regards answering this question.

Councillor P Howell asked for reference what the figure regarding those staying overnight was the previously report year, in order to compare to the 2016 figure.  He added that it was important for Members to be able to see trends and therefore be able to spot areas that were progressing and those that were not. 

Councillor P Howell also asked as regards apprenticeships and noted 1 in 4 were not completing 15 months, he did not feel that this was a good rate, though asked for clarification as regards what a good rate would be.  The Chairman noted that the Committee, through a Working Group, had looked at this and the progression beyond year 2 of an apprenticeship and the reasons why.  The Performance and Improvement Team Leader added that the figure also included those that had not reached 15 months yet.

Councillor J Clare noted previous questions and comments relating to empty properties and asked for more information.  He added that he was astonished as regards the “Vale of Durham” having been the most visited area.  The Performance and Improvement Team Leader noted VCD could provide more details; however, this area did include attractions such as Locomotion and Beamish, very popular attractions.

Councillor R Manchester noted the significant increase in the homelessness preventions and while it remained low asked whether, if there was further increases in demand, there was capacity.  The Performance and Improvement Team Leader noted the increase could be due to a number of factors, increased awareness through the service promoting itself, and possibly linked to welfare reform, however it was noted the service was preparing for changes in legislation in terms of homelessness prevention and there was capacity.  The Chairman added that there would be a more proactive approach in terms of preventions and early interventions.

Councillor M Wilkes noted on pages 86 and 87 of the report the figures in relation to the maintenance of the roads, with the Council’s performance in terms of main roads being very good, ahead of most of the country.  He added that side streets were not the same and suggested an amount was allocated in terms of side as these were areas which Councillors received a lot of calls about.  Councillor E Adam noted this was an issue being looked at by the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny at its next meeting.

Councillor J Atkinson reiterated a point he had made at previous meetings in terms of apprenticeship sustainability.  He had asked if he interview process in terms of matching young people to apprenticeships was robust and asked whether using 15 months as a measure of success was correct.  He asked in terms of those 18-24 and out of work, was there a further breakdown in terms of issues such as capability.  The Performance and Improvement Team Leader noted that in terms if the measure regarding 18-24 year olds out of work, this was a national measure and there were sub-sections that may be useful for Members.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.