Minutes:
The Committee scrutinised the
following matters:-
Cabinet Proposals
2.1 Quarter 3 Performance Monitoring
Members received information on the Corporate Plan
Key Performance Indicators for Quarter 3, 1st April, 2018 to the 31st
December, 2018 for services within Cabinet’s purview.
It was noted that an explanation was required on
the decline of the performance indicator, relating to the number of working
days lost to sickness absence per employee. Members queried whether this was
due to pressures in the work place from staff, leaving on the Early
Retirement/Voluntary Retirement (ER/VR) scheme. It was explained that even
though there had been a decline in sickness absence, officers did not have any
major concerns. It was also noted that Neath Port Talbot Council were ranked
fifth in the All Wales 2017/18 data for the least working days lost to
sickness. It was explained that sickness within the workforce was complex and
the current budget constraints would increase added pressure on to the
workforce.
Observation was raised in relation to whether data
was recorded on staff that were sick but working from home. It was explained
that this data wasn’t collected as staff that were sick would be on sick leave.
It was queried from Members whether there were
particular patterns of sickness within the workforce. Officers explained that
Members receive regular reports detailing this information. However, the main
cause of sick was stress related, which was commonly home related stress rather
than work related stress. It was noted that there were procedures in place to
support staff with stress related sickness.
Clarification was required on the 98.5% target
relating to the collection of Business Rates performance indicator, as officers
were uncertain and confirmed Members would be informed following the meeting.
Staff were congratulated on the increase of online
transactions and it was asked what the target was for 2019/20. Officers
confirmed that a delivery plan on the Digital Strategy would be brought back to
committee detailing further information on additional services that would be
put online.
Members queried the decrease in the performance
indicators relating to Customer Services. Officers explained that the staff in
Customer Services were the first point of contact, and when the call was then
transferred to the appropriate directorate it was then their responsibility to
action that call. Officers asked that if there were any specific cases in which
calls were not being actioned, to speak with the Assistant Chief Executive and
Digital Officer to rectify any issues. It was also noted that a report would be
brought back to Committee in relation to the One Stop Shop.
Following
scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.
2.2 Risk Register Review 2018-19 as at 31 December
2018
Members were provided with an update on the
Strategic Risks as at 31 December, 2018.
Questions were raised in relation to the affect
Brexit would have on the Council and requested that this item be placed on the
Forward Work Programme. Officers informed Members that a report on Brexit would
be brought to Cabinet shortly and a seminar would be provided to clarify and
inform Members on this topic.
2.3 Additional
Voluntary Contributions
Members received information on appointing AVC Wise
Ltd to provide a fully managed service for Additional Voluntary Contributions
(AVC) as part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) arrangements. Members also were informed of excluding
the requirements of competition, to suspend Rule 2.2 of the Council’s Contracts
Procedure Rules ("CPRs”) and to make a direct award to AVC Wise Limited
(“the Service Provider").
Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the
Cabinet Board.