Agenda item - Quarterly Corporate Performance Report

Agenda item

Quarterly Corporate Performance Report

A report from the Chief Executive is attached. This notes the progress made towards delivering the identified key priority indicators for Enfield. (Key decision – reference number 3997)

(Report No.128)

(8.35 – 8.40 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou (Deputy Leader) introduced the report of the Chief Executive (No.128) providing the latest available performance data at the end of the second quarter of 2014/15.

 

NOTED

 

1.               The progress made towards delivering the identified key priority indicators for Enfield.

 

2.               Councillor Georgiou drew Members’ attention to a number of the key priority indicators set out in the report. Pressure was continuing in meeting the number of households living in temporary accommodation, as set out in the report. Members noted that the finance indicators were performing well.

 

3.               Councillor Oykener reiterated the pressures being faced by the Council in meeting the demand for temporary accommodation. He highlighted the detrimental effects of Government policies and the negative impact on the number of households presenting themselves as homeless in Enfield. The Council was taking innovative measures to meet pressures, including the work of Housing Gateway. Councillor Oykener outlined the work which was being undertaken with London Councils; it was hoped that Councils would work together in developing an agreed pricing strategy for the provision of temporary accommodation across London.

 

4.               Councillor Sitkin drew Members’ attention to the indicators in relation to employment and worklessness. Work was continuing to improve the number of 16 to 19 year olds who were not in education, employment or training (NEET). The employment rate in Enfield had improved in the short term, significant efforts continued to be made to address this area of concern.

 

5.               Councillor Orhan highlighted the indicator relating to the percentage of persistent absence in state funded primary schools. The Council had identified the 10 worst performing primary schools in the Borough and was working closely with them on effective preventative measures. A lot of work was being done in this area to support schools and review current guidance and recording practices. Councillor Orhan was optimistic that the figures would improve for the next quarter.

 

6.               Councillor Orhan drew attention to the indicator for the achievement of 5 or more A* - C grades at GCSE or equivalent including English and Maths. It was noted that there had been a change arising from a Government review and the way in which data was collected which had had a huge impact on Enfield. Practices had changes. The results of the academies in Enfield had an impact on the overall results figures for Enfield. The Council was working closely with Schools.

 

7.               Members noted the exceptional work which was being undertaken with regard to safeguarding children – 100% of child protection cases had been reviewed within the required timescales. Members were advised that this was a high growth area with increasing demand being experienced. The service in Enfield was coping well. It was further noted that Enfield had good recruitment and retention rates for social workers compared to London as a whole.

 

8.               Councillor McGowan highlighted the indicator in relation to delayed transfers of care and the challenges being faced. It was noted that the figures were not unique to Enfield and were mainly attributable to the health service acute care provision. It was anticipated that the figures would worsen over the winter period. Councillor McGowan noted the negative effects of Government health policies and the allocation of some emergency short-term funding to meet demand. Enfield was comparatively performing better than the London average.

 

9.               Councillor Brett drew attention to the indicator relating to violence with injury. She noted that whilst there was not a local target for domestic violence figures there were figures available for monitoring purposes. Councillor Bond highlighted the indicators in relation to crime rates. Representations had been made to the Metropolitan police following a reduction of 24 officers in the borough. A review of safer neighbourhood teams was currently being undertaken. There would be an increase in police presence in the Borough’s town centres over the festive season. He was pleased to note that crime was now being reported. Members noted the success of the recent White Ribbon Day.

 

10.           Councillor Taylor requested that the Council’s next White Ribbon Day be incorporated within the events listed to mark the 50th anniversary of the Borough. Councillor Taylor noted with concern the percentage of all valid planning applications that were being registered within five working days of receipt. Ian Davis (Director – Regeneration and Environment) explained the difficulties which had been experienced in the introduction of new IT systems and gave reassurances that the difficulties that had been experienced were being addressed.

 

Alternative Options Considered: Not to report regularly on the Council’s performance. This would make it difficult to assess progress made on achieving the Council’s main priorities and to demonstrate the value for money being provided by Council services.

 

Reason: To update Cabinet on the progress made against all key priority performance indicators for the Council.

(Key decision – reference number 3997)

Supporting documents: