Agenda item

The Committee were provided with an overview of the contractual performance for the Thames Valley Transactional Services Public Private Sector Partnership for the period April 2017 – September 2017. It was noted that the contract had continued to demonstrate a steady growth in private sector business and the continued impact on Slough had resulted in increased job opportunities for Slough residents. Where ever possible, arvato made use of local suppliers, further enhancing the local economy.

Details of performance, including achievements and challenges, in a number of areas were outlined and included:

·  Logistics – the key Performance Indicator (KPI) for this area was below the expected target, which was attributed to the installation of the new scanner, where integration had proven more complex than originally anticipated.  There was also significant additional work created by the Council’s Housing team and the current procedure for dealing with the departments post was outlined for Members.

·  Accounts Payable/Receivable – successful removal of cheque payments for client suppliers, which were all now paid via BACS method which was cheaper and more efficient.

·  Council Tax Collection Rates – the collection rate at the end of November 2017 was 75.49%, which was 0.14% less than the 75.63% achieved at the same point last year. 

A Member expressed concern that the KPI for Council Tax would not be met. It was noted that council tax collection rates had increased year on year since 2012 and that it was becoming increasingly difficult to sustain this upward trajectory. Details regarding Aged Debt and Write Off’s, specifically relating to Council Tax, were requested and it was agreed that this information would be circulated to Committee Members. Members were informed that a variety of measures had been adopted to increase collection rates which included payment at Post Office, local convenience stores, direct debit or via telephone.

Responding to whether the most accurate figures relating to the KPI’s were available, Officers confirmed that these were now available for the period up to September 2017 and would be sent to Committee Members. 

Clarification was sought regarding the recently introduced Business Rates. It was outlined that the rates were determined by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and any appeals were also processed by the VOA. Businesses were billed retrospectively following the outcome of any appeals. 

Following a short discussion regarding the Council’s Digital Strategy and how this would assist in developing a more positive media profile, it was noted that although arvato worked in partnership with the Council, the Council’s internal Communications Team were responsible for handling the Council’s media strategy.

Councillor Strutton, present under Rule 30, queried the accuracy of a number of the KPI’s, referring specifically to Council Tax Collection Rates and the ICT Service Desk Response rates. Officers explained that the figures referred to the period up to the end of September 2017. It was agreed that the timeline for implementation of the Council’s Digital Strategy, in terms of supporting the arvato ICT KPI would be sent to Committee Members.  

Resolved –That arvato’s performance in delivering the Thames Valley Transactional Services contract for the period of April 2017 – September 2017 be noted.