Issue - meetings

The Programme and Projects Officer presented the report to the Committee.

For Quarter 4 2025/26, out of the 33 ‘live’ targets:

·       5 (15%) were achieved;

·       1 (3%) was achieved behind target date;

·       24 (73%) targets were on track;

·       1 (3%) was not on track; and,

·       2 (6%) had been extended.

Out of the 93 ‘live’ key performance indicators:

·       74 (80%) indicators had a positive outturn;

·       5 (5%) indicators had a negative outturn;

·       13 (14%) indicators were within target; and,

·       1 (1%) was still to be completed.

A summary of performance by Council Plan aim was provided in the report.

The Chair proposed residents’ satisfaction surveys could be attempted more regularly to better assess perception of the Council’s performance regarding targets such as EH 05  (the number of targeted proactive littering / dog fouling patrols carried out) – topics that, with the resolution of additional Council resources were successfully achieving targets.  After the meeting, the Programme and Projects Officer contacted the Information and Engagement Manager to enquire if the subjects of littering / dog fouling could be included in the following Citizen’s Survey (Autumn 2026).

The Chair noted performance for FIN 01 (the percentage of sundry debtors’ arrears collected) was improving when compared with the previous year – praise for the ongoing work by the Finance Team in this work was shared.

Concern was raised regards RS 11 (the percentage of Housing Benefit overpayment arrears).  While it was noted such an issue was a national one, it was preferable, if possible, to understand what the Council could achieve at the local level.

Members proposed a total figure of outstanding income / arrears be produced (rather than only a percentage).

The Chair noted some targets such as RS 11 should also be theoretically achievable (to help identify and acknowledge improvements being made).  After the meeting, the Programme and Projects Officer obtained the total amount of overpayments outstanding from 2024/25 in respect of RS 11: £1,156,876.18.  The amount recouped in 2025/26 was £133,690, equating to 11.56% of the total (as noted in the Quarter 4 2025/26 report comments).  The 15% target equated to £173,532, therefore the amount recouped had fallen short by £39,842.

The Programme and Projects Officer offered to speak with the Strategic Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer to explore the additional provision of total figures outstanding / reclaimed / etc.

It was felt communication with regards the new food waste bins could have been handled differently.

The Chair thanked the Programme and Projects Officer for producing the report.

Moved by Councillor Duncan McGregor and seconded by Councillor Catherine Tite

RESOLVED that quarterly outturns against the Council Plan 2024-2028 targets be noted.