Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Policy and Resources regarding the Quarter Monitoring Reports for the first quarter to June 2012.  The report detailed progress against service objectives / milestones and performance targets and described factors affecting the service for:

·       Communities Directorate – Community Safety, Drug & Alcohol Action Teams, Domestic Violence and Environmental Health (Extracts); and

·       Area Partner indicators from the Police, Fire and Probation Services were stated, where available.

The Board was advised that after consultation with Members, and in line with the revised Council’s Performance Framework for 2012/13 (approved by the Executive Board), the reports had been simplified with an overview report provided for the Safer Priority.  This identified key developments, emerging issues and the key objectives / milestones and performance indicators.  However, the full departmental quarterly reports were available in the Members Information Bulletin to allow Members to access the reports as soon as they were available and within six weeks of the quarter end.  The Departmental quarterly monitoring reports were also available via the link in the report.

An update Extract of the red and amber performance indicators was also circulated at the meeting.

The Board congratulated Officers on the improvements that had been made to the report indicating that they were easier to read and more accessible

The following comments arose from the discussion:_

·            Page 20 – DEFRA – Concern was raised at the issue of dog faeces in Halton; that there was only two dog wardens for the whole of Halton and what further action could be taken to address this matter. 

In response, it was reported that enforcement officers were also responsible for this matter and there were seven in Halton.  It was reported that if the Officers were aware of dog owners who were repeatedly fouling in public areas, the individual concerned would be contacted and resources would be targeted to that particular area. 

In reply, clarity was sought on how often the byelaw was reviewed and it was suggested that when reviewed consideration be given to a condition being added to the byelaw that dog owners carry equipment to remove any faeces immediately.  The Board agreed that this be referred to the Environment and Urban Renewal Policy and Performance Board for consideration/action; and

·            Page 21 – CCC24 – Reduce Alcohol related hospital Admissions – Clarity was sought on how the targets were set and an explanation sought on the direction of travel in light of the 11/12 actual figures and the 12/13 target. In response, it was reported that this indicator had been calculated on the actual performance over the last few years and that it represented a three year rolling average. It was also reported that the targets were set in consultation with Cheshire Police and in January the Safer Halton Partnership receive a full report on the rationale to every target to ensure a clear audit trail etc.  After discussion, it was agreed that the Safer Halton Partnership would give consideration to how these targets were reported. In addition, an explanation of how these targets were calculated be circulated to Members of the Board;

RESOLVED: That the report and comments raised be noted.