Agenda item

(A report by James Gilbert, Assistant Director – Corporate)

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Anne Dorrian, presented the Quarter 3 24/25 Performance and Risks report which covered Boston Borough Council’s information for Quarter 3 of 2024/25 (as at the end of December 2024). A joint performance management framework was agreed across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership for 2024/25 to support the delivery of services. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) had been agreed to capture performance against the strategic priorities of the Partnership and the individual Councils. A breakdown of the performance and risk information was detailed in Appendices 1 and 2 within the report.

Councillor Dorrian highlighted the following key points:

·       The majority of KPIs were on target (green), with some areas needing improvement (amber) and a few off target (red).

·       The amber indicators included:

o   The Occupancy Rate at Industrial Units were at 92.86%, against a target of 95%, which was expected to improve by the end of the financial year.

o   Food Business Ratings where 96.9% of businesses were rated three or above against a target of 98% and officers were working closely with low-scoring businesses to improve standards.

o   The Occupancy Rate for Other Investment Property were at 96.55%, against a target of 97%, which was expected to improve with ongoing negotiations.

·       The red indicators included:

o   Household Waste Recycling was at 32.68%, against a target of 45%, with improvement from Q2 but still off target. Efforts were ongoing to address the issue.

o   The Corporate Complaints Response showed that 88% had responded within the deadline against a target of 95%. It was noted that a low number of complaints could disproportionately affect the performance reporting.

o   Housing Benefit Processing was over 13 days against a target of 12 days. This remained within DWP performance expectations of 15 days.

o   Call Answering Rates in Revenues and Benefits were at 72.56% against a target of 87%. Increased call volumes and lengths were impacting performance. Extended hours in the evenings and weekends were being implemented to meet demand.

·       The strategic and partnership risks have been thoroughly reviewed in Quarter 3.

·       A new strategic risk has been added regarding local government reorganisation.

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·       It was highlighted that that the recycling contamination percentage only related to blue bins and a suggestion was made to include purple-lidded bins for a more accurate figure.

·       Positive developments in market occupancy rates had been reported, with new initiatives and successful farmers and makers markets.

·       Members noted the increase in digital services uptake, indicating successful customer contact through web chat and online services.

·       The growing number of volunteers and the positive impact on the community, reflecting pride in the borough, was emphasised, as well asthe social value of the volunteer scheme, estimating significant community benefits.

·       Members discussed the calculation of budget risk and the parameters used to determine risk levels.

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Anne Dorrian and seconded by Councillor Dale Broughton.

RESOLVED:

That the quarterly performance and risk monitoring information for Q3 of 2024/25 be noted.