Issue - meetings

To consider the decision of the Cabinet to receive a report highlighting the Council’s performance across key priorities and projects for Quarter 1 2025/26 and providing an update on progress against current strategic risks.

Notice of Decisions to follow in separate document.

The Corporate Policy & Performance Manager presented the Quarter 1 Corporate Performance Report. It was noted that this was a standard quarterly update presented to Members, and a presentation had also been delivered to Cabinet by the Chief Executive.

Service performance was reviewed, with one red indicator reported. It was noted that this was the percentage of repairs completed on the first visit. Further narrative was provided within the report.

Members were advised that work was underway to develop new damp and mould performance measures in preparation for the introduction of Awaab’s Law, which would be reported to Cabinet in Quarter 2.

In addition, the revised Risk Management Policy (Appendix D) was included for consideration.

The Committee noted the decisions of Cabinet.

To receive a report highlighting the Council’s performance across key priorities and projects for Quarter 1 2025/26 and providing an update on progress against current strategic risks.

Cabinet received a report highlighting the Council’s performance across key priorities and projects for Quarter 1 2025/26 and providing an update on progress against current strategic risks.

The Chief Executive gave a presentation including updates in relation to delivery against Corporate Plan Priorities and the key themes emerging from the Quarter 1 performance data.

Members made the following comments:

·         Thanks were given to all officers who had contributed to the much improved performance ratings;

·         The improvement in the performance of the Repairs Team was welcomed although it was acknowledged there were still work to be done and the Portfolio Holder for Housing gave reassurances to members and residents that measures had been put in place to address the issues and that this was a top priority for the Council;

·         Members were pleased to hear of the improved performance for both the Planning Service and the Customer Service Centre;

·         Tribute was paid to the former Portfolio Holder responsible for Culture, Leisure and Arts, Councillor Rossati, for the work on the Arts and Heritage Trail;

·         Members noted the positive figures included in the Tenant Satisfaction measures and paid tribute to those officers and councillors responsible for them.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the service performance against 53 corporate performance measures and progress of key projects in Quarter 1 2025/26 through the Making Stevenage Even Better Programme (Appendix A) be noted.

2.    That the issues with the Repairs fixed first time measure are noted (section 4.3.2).

3.    That the work to create a new suite of Damp & Mould measures to support the introduction of AWAAB’s law be noted (section 4.3.6).

4.    That the Regulator of Social Housing Provider Improvement Plan (PIP) be noted (section 4.4.5).

5.    That the strategic risk updates (section 4.7) be noted.

6.    That the revised Risk Management Policy (Appendix D), with formal approval to be given by the Chief Executive and the Portfolio Holder following consideration of any further comments from Cabinet, be noted.

Cabinet received a report highlighting the Council’s performance across key priorities and projects for Quarter 1 2025/26 and providing an update on progress against current strategic risks.

Members were advised that where there were concerns about performance, the report explained the challenges faced and the mitigations that were being applied including specific attention and management by officers and the relevant portfolio Holder going forward.

The Chief Executive gave a presentation including updates in relation to delivery against Corporate Plan Priorities and the key themes emerging from the Quarter 1 performance data including highlights from:

·         More Social, Affordable Good Quality Homes;

·         Transforming Our Town;

·         Warm Home delivery;

·         Beryl bikes scheme;

·         Rent collection targets;

·         Customer Service Satisfaction targets.

Members were advised that the one red measure related to repairs fixed first time.  The Chief Executive advised that the Repairs service had been identified as a challenging service area, and improvements plans were in place. A new management team had been appointed, support contractors have been procured, policies had been updated, and processes had been reviewed to improve the customer experience and the efficiency of the service.

Members made the following comments:

·         Thanks were given to all officers who had contributed to the much improved performance ratings;

·         The improvement in the performance of the Repairs Team was welcomed although it was acknowledged there were still work to be done and the Portfolio Holder for Housing gave reassurances to members and residents that measures had been put in place to address the issues and that this was a top priority for the Council;

·         Members were pleased to hear of the improved performance for both the Planning Service and the Customer Service Centre;

·         Tribute was paid to the former Portfolio Holder responsible for Culture, Leisure and Arts, Councillor Rossati, for the work on the Arts and Heritage Trail;

·         Members noted the positive figures included in the Tenant Satisfaction measures and paid tribute to those officers and councillors responsible for them.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the service performance against 53 corporate performance measures and progress of key projects in Quarter 1 2025/26 through the Making Stevenage Even Better Programme (Appendix A) be noted.

2.    That the issues with the Repairs fixed first time measure are noted (section 4.3.2).

3.    That the work to create a new suite of Damp & Mould measures to support the introduction of AWAAB’s law be noted (section 4.3.6).

4.    That the Regulator of Social Housing Provider Improvement Plan (PIP) be noted (section 4.4.5).

5.    That the strategic risk updates (section 4.7) be noted.

6.    That the revised Risk Management Policy (Appendix D), with formal approval to be given by the Chief Executive and the Portfolio Holder following consideration of any further comments from Cabinet, be noted.

Reason for Decision:   As contained in the report

Other Options Considered:   As contained in the report