Issue - meetings

Report of the Chief Executive

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, MCI, Economic Development, Heritage, Arts, Tourism and Health & Wellbeing presented a report which provided an update on performance and emerging targets against the stated missions in the Council’s Business Plan 2022-32 for quarter two, along with a summary of strategic risk.

The Leader explained that the report provided the current corporate performance framework, with measures used to monitor progress against the 10 missions detailed in the Council’s current Business Plan. The Strategic Risk Summary captured and monitored significant risks facing the Council  in relation to in-service risks facing individual areas and in managing its business across the authority. Cabinet noted that the targets were flexible and would evolve over time. 

Cllr Ian Thorn commented on the following:

·       Concerns about the Educational Gap: Phonics and KS4 performance targets. In response, the Leader also stated his concern about the performance of the two targets. There was a need to understand the context and the plans to address these targets, through further detailed scrutiny by the appropriate Select Committee. The Deputy Leader confirmed that representatives of the Council attended the Wiltshire Learning Alliance and reported that expertise from well performing schools is shared to help improve the performance of all Wiltshire schools.

·       The regional cluster target was welcomed.

·       Voter turnout in Neighbourhood Plan Referendums and Unitary By-Elections and how the Council could influence turnout figures. In response, officers indicated that it was always the wish for more voter engagement although Council influence in these areas was limited, however officers would reflect further on those areas where the Council had an influence.

Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee reported that due to the Management Committee meeting earlier in November, it hadn’t been able to review the report at a formal meeting. However, he confirmed that the Select Committee Chairs had all considered the indicators within their committee’s remit.

Cllr Gavin Grant commented on the ‘We have the Right Housing’ measure and the figures in relation to the increase in the number of people on the housing register and delivery of affordable housing. In response, Cabinet Members explained that the process for joining the Housing registered had been improved.

Resolved:

1. Note the updates and outturns against the measures and activities ascribed against the Council’s priorities and agree the initial targets.

2. Observe the Strategic Risk Summary.

Reasons for decision:

To provide Cabinet with a quarterly update on the current corporate performance framework, which is compiled of the measures used to monitor progress against the 10 missions laid out in Wiltshire Council’s Business Plan 2022-32.

For the first time, targets are now starting to be included. The Strategic Risk Summary captures and monitors significant risks facing the Council, in relation to in-service risks facing individual areas and in managing its business across the authority.

This is supported by, and in compliance with, the Council’s Corporate Performance and Risk Policy.