To receive a presentation on the relevant quarterly performance information.

The Committee received the Quarter three performance report for the Community Services and Regeneration and Business Directorates. The Director for Community Services highlighted several aspects of performance that included a decrease in Anti-social Behaviour and the increase in recorded case of domestic violence, due to improved data capturing techniques. It was also highlighted that more than 1,690 full-time jobs had been created by Amazon, Lockheed Martins and at Millbrook.

In light of the report Members expressed frustrations at the timing of the performance reports as the data was historic and to ‘note’. Members asked that Officers produce more timely data so that the Committee had as much up to date information as possible.

A Member of the Committee asked what action was being taken to address the skills shortage within the area, with concerns that local businesses would not employ people living in Central Bedfordshire as they did not possess the appropriate skills to fill the jobs available. Members were advised that the Executive Member for Children’s Services had been tasked with reviewing this to ensure that young people in Central Bedfordshire were supported to ensure when they left education they were in the best possible position to secure the jobs that were available locally.

A Member of the Committee also asked for details regarding collaboration between the police and the Council and the manner in which crime figures were shared. The Director for Community Services confirmed that the police provided the Council with the necessary data for the directorate to be able to hold them to account for performance. Members suggested that the new policing plan for Bedfordshire be presented to the Committee in due course to enable a review of arrangements for sharing data.

RECOMMENDED

1     that the Committee acknowledge the continuing overall strong performance in Quarter 3 and that officers further investigate and resolve underperforming indicators as appropriate.

2     that the Bedfordshire Policing Plan for Bedfordshire be presented to the Committee in due course.