Agenda item

            The Board received a report from the Chief Executive on the Performance Management Reports for Q4 Year end 2008/09.

            Members were requested to consider and raise any questions or points of clarification in respect of the 4^th quarter performance management reports on progress against service plan objectives and performance targets, performance trends/comparisons, factors affecting the services etc, for the following services:

• Exchequer and Customer Services;
• Financial Services;
• ICT Services;
• Legal, Personnel and Organisational Development;
• Policy and Performance;
• Property Services; and
• Stadium and Hospitality Services.

The departmental service plans provided a clear statement on what the services were planning to achieve and to show how they contribute to the Council’s strategic priorities.  The service plans were central to the Council’s performance management arrangements and the Policy and Performance Board had a key role in monitoring performance and strengthening accountability.  The quarterly reports were on the Information Bulletin to reduce the amount of paperwork sent out with the agendas and to allow Members access to the reports as soon as they become available.  It also provided Members with an opportunity to give advance notice of any questions, points or requests for further information that would be raised to ensure the appropriate Officers were available at the PPB meeting.

From the reports the following was noted:-

Exchequer and Customer Services - One Member commented that there was an excessive use of envelopes being used for Members post and that this could easily be cut down by making more use of e-mails;

ICT Services – Some Members were unhappy with some of the restrictions that would be placed upon them in complying with the ‘Code of Connection’.  It was noted that a working party would be set up by the Executive Board member for ICT, Councillor Cargill, which would include a member of the Corporate Services PPB Councillor Wainwright, and Councillor Polhill.  It was also noted by the majority that the considerable work undertaken with this project was for the protection of the authorities’ data and compliance with the strict Government requirements.

Property Services – Members stated the need to encourage market traders to Runcorn as occupancy was quite low. 

One Member requested to know how many contracts’ final costs were within +/- 5% of the budget (PSY LI 2).  This would be reported back to the Member.

Policy & Performance – Chairman offered the Board’s congratulations to Spencer Webster, Head of Risk and Emergency Planning, on his secondment to the Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Secretariat in January, which has now been extended by 6 months.

Stadium & Hospitality Services – Members recommended that SH2 ‘Host a pitch based “Pop Concert” be removed as this was no longer achievable.

RESOLVED: That the Policy and Performance Board:

1)     receives the 4^th quarter performance management reports;

2)     consider the progress and performance information and raise any questions or points for clarification; and

3)     highlight any areas of interest and/or concern where further information is to be reported at a future meeting of the Policy and Performance Board.