Minutes:
The Strategy Manager introduced
the report and stated that it outlined the relevant Key Performance
Indicators (KPIs) for quarter three of 2021/22. She explained that
any missed targets were accompanied by a ‘route to
green’ narrative, and although it was difficult to predict
the future regarding COVID-19, officers hoped that those KPIs which
had been impacted would begin to improve with the lifting of
restrictions.
Councillor Okunade questioned the KPI regarding litter on page 19
of the agenda and asked how the KPI was measured. The Strategy
Manager explained that the KPI regarding litter was measured using
a random, independent survey which looked at different areas of
Thurrock on a regular basis, including residential areas, town
centres and industrial land. She stated that this survey determined
whether or not litter levels were at an acceptable level across the
borough. She stated that the figures for this KPI tended to be
higher during the summer months, but the KPI had been met. The
Chair felt it would be interesting to see a breakdown of the litter
levels by ward, and the Strategy Manager replied that this could be
provided to the Committee outside of the meeting, as well as
information as to how the Council was encouraging people not to
drop litter.
Councillor Collins highlighted page 20 of the agenda and the KPI
relating to social care direct payments. He questioned why this KPI
was under-performing. The Strategy Manager replied that this KPI
had been significantly affected by COVID, as many private care
service providers had to change the way they worked or not been
able to work due to the pandemic/illness. The Chair added that some
resident’s healthcare situations had also deteriorated during
the pandemic, so their care needs had expanded.
Councillor Kent drew the Committee’s attention to page 21 of
the report and the KPI relating to new apprenticeships. He
questioned what the route to green was for this KPI, and how the
Council had been engaging with the Kickstart Scheme. He also
queried the KPI regarding the rate of young people re-offending on
page 23 of the report and asked how the backlog of court cases was
affecting this KPI. He added that the KPI relating payment of Fixed
Penalty Notices (FPNs) on page 22 of the agenda showed that only
one in four people had paid their FPNs in December. He asked who
was responsible for collecting this payment, and how the Council
was ensuring residents continued to pay their fines. The Strategy
Manager stated that the Council, along with other local authorities
across the country, had struggled to meet the KPI regarding
apprenticeships due to the impacts of COVID-19. The Director of
Strategy, Engagement and Growth added that some services were
working with Inspire and the Kickstart Scheme, for example the
Cleaner and Greener team were offering work experience placements.
The Strategy Manager stated that the number of young people
reoffending was a small cohort, which produced larger percentages
that appeared biased. She stated that the actual figures for the
number of young people reoffending couldn’t be provided to
the Committee as the cohort was so small, and this could make these
young people identifiable. The Strategy Manager explained that she
would find out additional information regarding the process for the
FPN KPI and provide this information after the meeting, but
highlighted that residents did have three months to pay their
fines, and therefore the KPI figures for November and December were
subject to change, due to the deadlines regarding the publication
of the report.
Councillor Collins queried the KPI relating to health hazards on
page 24 of the report, and asked what the difference was between a
category 1 and a category 2 health hazard. The Strategy Manager
replied that category 1 was seen as the most serious health hazard,
compared to category two which was not as serious. She agreed to
find out more information and reply to the Committee in writing.
Councillor Collins then questioned why the KPI relating to re-let
voids had not been met. The Strategy Manager replied that the team
were currently struggling to re-let sheltered accommodation units
that were not on the ground floor due to access issues. She
explained that officers were working hard to make these properties
more attractive and accessible.
Councillor Carter highlighted page 23 of the agenda and the KPI
relating to the number of Looked After Children not receiving
Initial Health Assessments. He asked if the target for this KPI
could be changed from 80% to 100%. The Chair replied that the young
person had a choice whether or not they undertook an Initial Health
Assessment, and some young people could be unwilling. Councillor
Carter understood this issue and asked if there could be an
additional KPI target to ensure that every Looked After Child had
been offered an Initial Health Assessment.
RESOLVED: That the Committee:
1. Noted and commented upon the performance of the key corporate
performance indicators in particular those areas which are off
target and the impact of COVID-19.
2. Identified any areas which require additional
consideration.
Supporting documents: