Agenda item

That the Council’s current performance as measured by the performance indicators within the balanced scorecard, the progress status of the gold projects and the manifesto commitments be noted.

The Performance & Information Manager and the Programme Management Lead gave a presentation on the latest performance information for the third quarter of 2018/19; updated on the progress of key projects; and delivery against manifesto commitments.

Almost half (47%) of the Council’s performance indicators were achieving the desired results and were rated ‘green’ with a further 23% close to target.  This was a reduction from 53% in the previous quarter.  The following indicators had shown improvements during the quarter:

·  adult social care direct payments had now risen to 536;

·  the number households in temporary accommodation had fallen to 428 and its status had been moved from ‘red’ to ‘amber’; and

·  the gap between disadvantaged pupils and others at Key Stage 2 had improved with Slough now in the top quartile nationally for performance.

(Councillors Swindlehurst and Hussain joined the meeting)

The Cabinet noted the four ‘red’ rated indicators – the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils at Key Stage 4, uptake of targeted healthchecks, crime rates and business rates income.  Lead Members asked about the reasons for underperformance in each case and discussed the actions to improve performance.  Detailed work was undertaken where required to better understand the underlying reasons for performance, for example why take up of healthchecks was relatively low in Slough.  Lead Members agreed that it was important that indicators were regularly reviewed to ensure they were the right ones to measure progress against the Council’s key outcomes.

Progress on key projects was reviewed and 83% were rated as either ‘green’ or ‘amber’.  Two school expansion projects were ‘red’ rated, however, it was noted that planning permission had since been secured for the Grove Academy which was a significant milestone.  Assurance was provided that the risks and issues for ‘red’ rated projects were actively tracked and managed.  55 of the 57 manifesto pledges were rated ‘green’ with 10 delivered during the quarter.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the projects and performance report was noted.

Resolved –  That the Council’s current performance as measured by the performance indicators within the balanced scorecard, the progress status of the gold projects and the manifesto commitments be noted.

(Councillor Swindlehurst in the Chair for the remainder of the meeting)