Agenda item

Report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships presented by the Strategy Team Leader, Transformation and Partnerships.

The Chairman thanked the Strategy Team Leader, Gemma Wilkinson who was in attendance to speak to Members in relation to the Quarter One, 2019/20 Performance Management Report (for copy see file of minutes).

The Strategy Team Leader reminded Members of the different types of indicators reported, Tracker indicators and Target indicators and the performance reporting arrangements for 2019/20 were via a number of key performance questions (KPQs), aligned to the “Altogether” framework of six priority themes.

Councillors noted the five areas of focus for “Altogether Wealthier” were: do residents have good job prospects; is County Durham a good place to do business; do residents have access to decent and affordable housing; is it easy to travel around the County; and how well do tourism and culture events contribute to our local economy.  Members noted infographics relating to performance under each of those areas.

In relation to “do residents have good job prospects” it was noted that the employment rate had risen and was above target, however, it was highlighted that it was within confidence levels.  The Strategy Team Leader noted the breakdown in terms of gender and full-time and part-time jobs and highlighted the gap between County Durham and the National percentages in terms of those with an equality act core work limiting disability. 

The Strategy Team Leader referred to information in relation to those not in employment, education or training (NEETs) and noted a slight increase, with September being a transition point between school and colleges.

The Committee were referred to the infographics relating to “is County Durham a good place to do business?” and it was explained that 2,312 jobs had been created or safeguarded from the activities of Business Durham, with further information to come forward at a future meeting.  The Strategy Team Leader noted other areas of activity and highlighted that the County Durham Plan (CDP) was at the examination in public stage, October 2019.

The Strategy Team Leader explained that in terms of “”do residents have access to decent and affordable housing?” that elements in relation to selective licensing had already been discussed at a previous item.  She added that housing completions had increased the current quarter and there had been £250,000 of funding secured in terms of the Rapid Rehousing Programme to support homeless people.

In respect of “is it easy to travel around the county?” the Strategy Team Leader referred to figures from the Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP) 2018 in respect of the condition of A, B and C roads, having increased and rated close to national standards.  Members were informed of improvements carried out from the Cycling and Walking Delivery Plan 2019-29 and noted progress in terms of the rail station at Horden. 

Councillor S Dunn left the meeting at 11.37am

In relation to “how well do tourism and cultural events contribute to our local economy?”, the Strategy Team Leader explained that the number of visitors to the County had increased, following the trend over the last few years, and highlighted statistics relating to a series of events over the year including: Durham Pride; Seaham Food Festival; Pyjamarama; and the Cricket World Cup.  She noted grant funding towards the Crimdon Coastal Visitor Centre and Events Hub and the reopening on Peterlee Library within the Leisure Centre following refurbishment works.

The Chair thanked the Strategy Team Leader and asked the Committee for their comments and questions.

Councillor E Adam asked as regards the numbers of NEETs and felt they were very high compared to national and North East averages.  He asked if more analysis was being undertaken to find out why figures remained stubbornly high.  The Strategy Team Leader noted she would speak with colleagues within the Children and Young People’s Service and confirm as regards figures.  Councillor E Adam noted that it would be useful to have percentages and actual numbers of individuals.

Councillor P Howell noted the figures relating to local passenger journeys on the bus network and asked if anything was driving the reduction in use.

Councillor E Scott left the meeting at 11.44am

The Strategy Team Leader noted she would look at the issue, policy drivers and circulate additional information in due course.

Councillor R Crute noted employment figures and noted it appeared as if there was an issue in terms of the type or quality of the jobs in the County, he asked it was down to issues such as underemployment or people having two or three part-time jobs and asked whether we could drill down into the information.  The Overview and Scrutiny Officer noted that a meeting of the Committee, 6 December 2019, would focus on employment figures, gross value added.  The Strategy Team Leader added that different figures reported had different timescales and associated data lag, with disposable household income data being from 2017, with the employment rate figures being the most up-to-date.

Councillor P Howell noted he felt the report style for the performance reports was excellent and the information very well presented.

Resolved:  

That the report be noted.