Minutes:
The
Committee chose to scrutinise the following Cabinet Board items:
Cabinet
Board Proposals
3.1 Quarterly Performance Management Data 2017/2018 – Quarter 3
Performance (1st April – 31st December 2018)
Members received the quarter 3 performance management
data for the period 1st April 2017 to 31st December 2017
for Chief Executive’s and Finance and Corporate Services Directorates and the
performance management data for the same period for services that are within
the remit of the other four Cabinet Boards.
Officers clarified that the overview report had
been prepared for the Cabinet Board to exercise a corporate oversight of
performance as well as providing the Scrutiny Committee with information about
performance within the two directorates within the purview of this committee.
Members commented that they found it useful to also
to be able to enquire about the broader suite of indicators but noted that the
relevant officers may not be present to address queries. It was agreed that the
future focus of performance scrutiny could be explored in the committee
development session mentioned earlier in the meeting.
Officers highlighted that the performance indicator
on the percentage of webpages available in Welsh was showing 100% for Quarter
3. It was noted that, that data is the latest available data as of at the 30th
June 2017 as a new content management system (Umbraco) had been launched in
July. Members were advised that the installation of the system had caused
glitches which had affected the ability to provide up to date information.
Members highlighted that they had posted links to
Facebook of the Welsh Neath Port Talbot
Internet pages, however the links were showing the English pages and queried
whether the issues with the pilot of Umbraco was causing this error. Officers
highlighted that this may be the case, however would check and get back to the
Member.
Members asked what was meant by Broadly Compliant
which was detailed in bullet point 1 under Public Protection. Officers
highlighted that they would circulate a response to the question outside of the
meeting as the information was not to hand.
Adult services PI/7 Members asked why there was
such a drop in the number of care and
support plans that were reviewed during the year, from 2,004 in 2016/17 to 973
Quarter 3 2017/18. Officers noted the question and highlighted that they would
get a response from the relevant officer.
Members asked why the performance indicator on the
number of jobs created had dropped significantly from 184 in 2015/16 to 64 in
Quarter 3, 2017/18. Officers highlighted that the reason for the discrepancy is that the 184 jobs refers to a whole
year and the 64 refers to three quarters of a year. It was noted that a lot of
the outputs do not materialise through the system until the last quarter as
there is a delay or back-log in the processing of the number of jobs created,
which is usually then remedied in the last quarter or at the end of the
year. Therefore it was highlighted that it would be best to compare in
Quarter 4 to get a true comparison, when all the outputs are finalised.
Members commended the increase in number of leisure
centre visits
Members asked whether sickness levels have an
effect with the number of exclusions within education. Officers highlighted to
members that this could be discussed in their Forward Work Programme Workshop
Session.
Members highlighted that under the Homelessness
section it was noted that the cases that progress to a final section 75 duty
are low, it was asked how many was low. Officers highlighted that in the
performance indicator it is 65, however will check with the relevant officer.
Members raised concern on the downsizing of the
workforce. Officers explained why the performance reports are so important in
allowing Members to monitor these concerns. It was noted that the budget
confirmed where savings need to be made within the Council. It was noted that
the revised corporate plan would be coming before Members which would allow
them to way up the impacts on service priorities and service delivery.
Members raised concern on the reporting of the
performance management data for services that are within the remit of the other
four Cabinet Boards and asked whether it could be discussed in Democratic
Services Committee. Officers highlighted that it would not need discussion in
Democratic Services Committee as the committee itself can decide how to
scrutinise their own items and control their own agenda.
Members asked why there had been a decrease in
permanent exclusions from secondary schools, however an increase in permanent
exclusions in primary schools. Officers confirmed that they would check with
the relevant officer and get back to Members outside of the meeting.
Members asked for clarification around the number
of children excluded on a permanent basis and what were the implications for
staff monitoring these caseloads. Officers confirmed that they would check with
the relevant officer and get back to Members outside of the meeting.
Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report
be noted.
3.2 Consultation – Code of Practice for Welsh Language Standards
(No.1) regulations
Members were asked to consider the Council’s response to
the consultation being undertaken by the Welsh Language Commissioner’s on her
draft Code of Practice for the Welsh Language Standards.
Members were also updated on the outcome of further
dialogue that had taken place between officers and representatives of the Welsh
Language Commissioner concerning the 9 standards still subject of Challenge.
Officers highlighted that a positive meeting had
taken place with the Welsh Commissioner. There appeared to be better
understanding on the budget constraints and language barriers that the Council
faces, and more realism as to what the Council can do to meet the standards.
Members supported the report and the proposed
response to the Commissioner. Member commented that a document of that size
that the Commissioner proposed to issue could put barriers up for people. A far
more simplified version was considered essential to promote engagement with the
aims of the Welsh Language Standards.
Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of
the proposal to be considered by the Cabinet Board.
3.3 Alternative Service Delivery Proposals for Port Talbot Civic
Centre Council Tax Enquiries
Members were updated on an alternative service delivery
arrangement for dealing with Council Tax enquiries at Port Talbot Civic Centre.
Members asked that the word Manning be changed to Staffing in
the circulated document.
Members asked for the Equality Impact screening to be
circulated to the committee members as it was not included in the documents.
Members were concerned for members of the public that may
have hearing difficulties. Officers confirmed that the one stop shop could help
out in those instances.
It was noted that there is a National Deaf Telephone
Service that could be considered with the new telephony system that is being
introduced.
The Cabinet Member commended the officers on the work that
they had achieved.
Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the
Cabinet Board
3.4 Treasury Management Monitoring 2017/18
Members
were informed that there was not a great deal in change in the treasury
Management report.
It
was noted that in previous reports there would be a table showing long term
investments i.e. maturing in more than 12 months’ time. However as those
investments will now be maturing within the next 12 months they have been
removed.
Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be
noted.