Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Resources which presented progress towards achieving the key outcomes of the council’s corporate performance framework and highlighted key messages to inform strategic priorities and work programmes, the report also covered the performance to the end of quarter four, January to March 2022 (for copy of report see file of minutes).

The Leader of the Council informed Cabinet that inflation continued to rise steeply, and commentators had suggested that further increases were forthcoming in relation to energy prices. The Leader of the Council highlighted that many households were struggling with the cost of living and this had manifested across the quarter with increased welfare assistance payments, household support payments and test and trace payments. Occupancy rates in strategic employment sites stood at 95.5% with the NetPark site being fully occupied. County Durham was very much open for business and attracting inward investment was an important priority for the Cabinet.

In other areas, the hospitality and leisure industry had shown signs of growth but would need to be monitored closely due to the cost of living pressures and ultimately people having less disposable income.

In terms of health and wellbeing, a multi-agency and partner approach was needed to tackle obesity and other health challenges. There had been a sustained reduction in the number of admissions to adult residential care as people chose to live more independently in their homes.

The Leader of the Council thanked the Corporate Director of Resources for the very comprehensive report and thanked all staff who went above and beyond to deliver services well.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.