Agenda item

DECISION

1.    That the quarterly monitoring information for Q2 2021/22 be noted.

2.    That it be recommended to Council to approve the proposed movements in Table 3, Appendix C.

3.    That it be recommended to Council to approve the updated capital programme position as detailed in Table 5, Appendix C.

Portfolio Holders and Officer

PS/JN

SR/PD

REASON FOR DECISION

The Portfolio Holder for Finance & Commercial presented a report, which covered performance, projects, risk and finance monitoring information for the Council for Quarter 2 of 2021/22, as at September 2021.

A joint performance management framework had been agreed across Boston and East Lindsey Councils to support joint delivery of services.  This would soon be reviewed in the context of the new, wider, Partnership that included South Holland District Council.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) had been agreed through the service planning process to capture performance against Boston Borough Council’s Corporate Strategy and East Lindsey District Council’s Strategic Aims.  The performance targets were designed to stretch performance within services as opposed to being targets that were easily achievable.

A combined performance report had been presented to the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) and this information had then been split out by Council for reporting to Boston’s Cabinet and Scrutiny Committees and to East Lindsey’s Executive Board and Overview Committee.

Performance information was set out in Appendix A.  In total, there were 20 KPIs; 7 were on or better than target, 10 were worse than target, 3 were not available.

Project updates were detailed in Appendix B.

The next area for review was the risk management framework to provide a consistent approach across the Councils. East Lindsey District Council had a strategic risk register in place. Boston’s strategic risk register needed to be updated to reflect the new Corporate Strategy. All operational and project risks needed to be reviewed to reflect the changes in structure and working practices. Work was underway to bring this together for reporting back in Q3.  

Overall, performance and projects in Quarter 2 of 2021/22 were in line with targets and remedial action was in place where required. 

Finance information was set out in Appendix C, including key financial issues, developments and financial recommendations.  Information and updates relating to the revenue and capital budgets, treasury management, insurance, debt collection, business rates and council tax collection were also provided.

The Leader praised staff for their exceptionally hard work covering issues relating to the pandemic as well as their day-to-day duties.  This was much appreciated and it was noted that where performance was below target, it was not significantly so.  The Council had supported the town centre in terms of parking and it was satisfying to notice it was beginning to recover. 

It was pointed out that the report did not contain information on the market stalls, which meant it was not possible to determine performance.  Although the stalls seemed to be performing satisfactorily, they could be promoted amongst young people.  It was noted that a good deal of work was being carried out in this respect. 

OTHER OPTIONS OR ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Alternative reporting arrangements.

RECORD OF ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.

RECORD OF ANY DISPENSATION GRANTED

None.