Agenda item

A report from the Executive Director - Resources is attached. (Non key)

(Report No.211)

(7.20 – 7.30 pm)

Councillor Daniel Anderson (Deputy Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Resources (No.211) presenting the quarterly Corporate Performance report.

NOTED

1.         That the report presented the quarter three performance for 2018/19 in comparison to the Council’s performance in quarter three in 2017/18.

2.         That Appendix 2 of the report provided an ongoing commentary on areas of specific concern; Officers had been asked to provide an action plan with delivery timeframes to demonstrate what was being done in each service area to address underperformance. Members noted the information provided and the improvement actions proposed in relation to Planning Applications; Homelessness; Complaints, Freedom of Information Requests and Members’ enquiries; and, Sickness Absence. Members noted and discussed the specific actions in relation to each of the areas and the work being undertaken to assess and meet the challenges being faced.

3.         In relation to Homelessness, Members were advised of the grant funding that the Council had received to help address and reduce homelessness in the Borough, as detailed in the report.

4.         A discussion followed on the performance indicators as set out in Appendix 1 of the report with points of clarification raised by Members on specific issues.

5.         Members discussed the Housing and Council Homes indicators; the good work being undertaken was noted together with the further improvements being sought on a range of complex issues including rent arrears, homelessness and responsive repairs. Members were encouraged by the indicators regarding responsive repairs; the significant numbers involved were acknowledged. The delays that were sometimes experienced by individual tenants was noted; these were often highlighted through Ward Councillors casework. Members were not complacent and stated the importance of responding to and addressing such issues on a case by case basis.  Members were pleased to note the positive introduction of the Council’s MOT responsive repairs service. The aims of the service were reiterated and Members noted the importance of ensuring that the needs of vulnerable people in the Borough were being met.

6.         The importance of housing in a good state of repair in relation to public health was highlighted. The repairs service was valuable in not only addressing housing issues but highlighting any vulnerable residents who required additional support from the Council. This information was fed through to the relevant Council department for appropriate action.

7.         The provision of decent homes was a Council priority and the actions being progressed were noted.

8.         Councillor Achilleas Georgiou (Cabinet Member for Children’s Services) took this opportunity to highlight the positive outcome of a recent Ofsted inspection in Enfield with Children’s Services being judged to be “good” in all areas and “outstanding” in some. This was the most positive outcome that Enfield Council had ever achieved following an inspection of Children’s Services. This confirmed Enfield’s position within the top third of local authorities for performance in this area, despite the significant financial challenges and increasing pressures being experienced. Members expressed their thanks and appreciation to Officers for this significant achievement. The Council was not complacent and would continue to strive for further improvements. A detailed report would be presented to a future Cabinet meeting.

9.         In relation to the Ofsted inspection, Councillor Georgiou had corresponded with the Government’s Children’s Minister who had offered their congratulations to Enfield Council. Enfield had offered its assistance to other local authorities as part of the “Partners in Practice” improvement programme. Enfield was in a good position to support other local authorities. Councillor Caliskan (Leader of the Council) reiterated the significance of this positive achievement and expressed thanks to Officers across the Council.

10.      The positive indicators relating to leisure services and physical activity; this was significant at a time of the obesity issues being experienced nationally. Thanks were expressed to the Officers involved in this area of work.

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.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to note, for information only, the progress being made towards achieving the identified key priorities for Enfield.

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

(Non key)