Agenda item

To receive the exceptions report on performance information.

RECEIVED the Council’s Quarterly Performance Assessment report for quarter 2, 2011/2012 (pages 1 – 27 of the agenda pack) introduced by Margaret Gallagher (Policy Team Manager), Eve Pelekanos (Head of Policy, Intelligence and Partnership) and Helena Pugh (Strategic Partnership Manager).  The Committee also received the tabled document summarising the borough’s priorities/ outcomes framework agreed in the Sustainable Community Strategy and the 2010/11 Council Plan.

In response to questions and discussions the following was noted:

• Members questioned the absence of performance data on young people’s sexual health and obesity and it was noted that this information was reported on an annual basis.
• It was explained that performance reports focussed on specific areas of concern but this did not mean that other areas were not being monitored. 
• The Committee asked for performance information on housing voids to be included in future reports.
• A briefing session on the impact of the Localism Bill would be held for council members.
• In response to comments about the Council making use of external funding it was reported that often bids for funding required match-funding or resources which the Council could not supply therefore the Council prioritised the funds it applied for.
• A Committee member suggested revisiting the issue of youth club provision in response to youth and gang violence.
• It was reported that whilst English GCSE results were below the English GCSE Baccalaureate (a new measure of achievement) this particular indicator was not currently a priority for headteachers who were focusing on driving up the results in the other 5 important subjects and vocational areas for child attainment purposes.  Headteachers’ priorities may have to change if government and Ofsted judgements were based on the English Baccalaureate in future.
• It was reported that the time for processing housing benefit claims slowed in the second quarter due to the increase in demand and the effect of the current economic situation but this was still indicated by a green traffic light indicator as figures were based on trends.
• In response to concerns at the lack of data from the health service it was noted that the Council had only received quarter 1 figures and health partners had agreed to provide more accurate date in the future.

RESOLVED that the report be noted and the following actions be delegated to the appropriate directorate/ officers:

• The Committee requested a briefing note on the implications of the Localism Bill on Haringey and details of any local authorities that have piloted the use of the powers and freedoms prescribed by the Bill. It was suggested that officers provide presentations for local residents at Area Committee meetings. (Action 65.1)
• The Committee agreed that Housing Voids were an important performance indicator and should be reported in all performance monitoring reports.  (Action 65.2)
• The Committee would be sent the terms of reference of the Strategic Partnership’s review of social inclusion and worklessness. (Action 65.3)
• A briefing explaining the concept and legal aspects of academies would be circulated to the Committee. (Action 65.4)
• Paragraph 66 (page 20 of the agenda pack) – The Committee would be circulated more information on the new funding streams for community-led projects (‘Community First’ and the ‘Big Local Trust’). The funds would go directly to the voluntary sector and not be paid through the Council. (Action 65.5)
• Paragraph 69 (page 21) – performance of the benefit service – the Committee requested more information about customer satisfaction and how the department was responding to the length of time taken to process claims. (Action 65.6)
• The Committee requested an update on the redevelopment of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and the role the Club will play in the regeneration of Tottenham. (Action 65.7)
• Committee Members expressed that they felt a clear policy was needed for Council owned property and asked for details on the benefits of using such property for regeneration projects as well as details of the current property review which was taking place. (Action 65.8)
• The Committee requested more information about the Council’s strategies for dealing with temporary accommodation. (Action 65.9)
• /Information on the performance outcomes framework will be circulated to the Committee.  (Action 65.10)
• The Committee expressed concerns about whether children were picked-up by the system if they were not having vaccinations.  Figures on the take-up of vaccinations would be circulated. (Action 65.11)
• Trend arrows will be incorporated into future Performance Reports. (Action 65.12)
• Re the previous Breast Screening Scrutiny Review – the Committee asked for an update on how the recommendations had been implemented by the health service. (Action 65.13)