To receive the Five Year Plan performance monitoring report.

That the proposed suite of indicators to be reported to the Executive in future, be endorsed.

The Executive considered a report of the Leader of the Council proposing the  monitoring arrangements for the recently adopted Five Year Plan.

The proposed approach had been considered by each of the overview and scrutiny committees whose comments had been taken into account.

Reason for decision: The Council had refreshed its corporate plan priorities and in this context it was necessary for its performance regime to be updated.

RESOLVED

that  the proposed suite of indicators to be reported to the Executive in future, be endorsed.

To receive an update relating to the 5 Year Plan.

The Leader of the Council delivered a presentation outlining the proposed approach to delivery and performance management of the 5 Year Plan. The Committee were asked to consider whether the proposals, drivers and KPI’s behind the data were appropriate.

In light of the presentation Members expressed the view that communication was a key element of customer satisfaction and that it was important the Council address this when shaping models for performance outcomes. Members felt it was vital that customers understood processes which in turn would improve customer perception of the Council. Members agreed the  importance of understanding the barriers which prevented improved community cohesion.

The Committee agreed that the volunteering strategy was crucial in its aims to create stronger communities and prevent isolation. A discussion arose around the need to ensure the Council focussed on the most appropriate form of housing for the local area.

NOTED the presentation and agreed the ongoing approach with regards to delivery and performance monitoring of the 5 Year Plan.

To review and comment upon performance management arrangements pertaining to the 5-year plan and to scrutinise and provide guidance on the key performance indicators that should be applied to monitor the delivery of the five year plan.

The Leader of the Council delivered a presentation that outlined the 5 Year Plan key priorities agreed by Members.  Views were specifically sought on key performance metrics for Social Care Health and Housing that would open into Key Performance Indicators, targets and milestones.  In the first instance a lead metric had been proposed and the Leader welcomed feedback on these or suggestions to improve them.

Members discussed the following points in detail:-

·         The importance of communities  coming together to solve problems and the need for a mechanism to be put in place to share good practice.

·         The importance of planning and providing a mix of generational housing in communities.  To achieve this, the Council must  promote the idea of older residents moving to smaller homes to provide access to family homes.

·         That importance of local communities embracing community safety and crime reduction, which was the responsibility of a range of organisations.

RECOMMENDED

1.    That the approach to the Five Year Plan be welcomed and that the approach to prevention rather than cure be applauded.

2.    That exceptional performance be highlighted in blue in future performance score cards.

To review and comment upon performance management arrangements pertaining to the 5-year plan and to scrutinise and provide guidance on the key performance indicators that should be applied to monitor the delivery of the five year plan.

The Leader of the Council delivered a presentation that outlined the 5 Year Plan key priorities agreed by Members.  Views were specifically sought on key performance metrics for Social Care Health and Housing that would open into Key Performance Indicators, targets and milestones.  In the first instance a lead metric had been proposed and the Leader welcomed feedback on these or suggestions to improve them.

Members discussed the following points in detail:-

·         The importance of measuring the quality of jobs and improved earnings of residents, this had a knock on effect on family life and whether Central Bedfordshire was a great place to live and work. 

·         The importance of demonstrating plans were in place to achieve driver or lead metrics followed by a lag metrics dashboard. 

·         The benefit of including a skills metric for schools and colleges on the variety and quality of courses on offer and reputation.

·         The addition of a measure for the support provided to disabled young people who were not in education, employment or training (NEET) and to measure NEETs for 16-24 years.

·         The addition of an overarching measure on protecting the vulnerable.

RECOMMENDED

1.    That the Committee fully support the key measures for Education to achieve:-

a.    Top 25% quartile nationally for GCSE 5A*- C grades; and

2. Top 15% nationally for Not in Education, Employment and Training (NEETs), subject to the inclusion of a measure for children with a disability or learning disability.

2.    That a copy of the presentation be circulated to Members of the Committee.