Agenda and minutes

            The Minutes from the meeting held on 21 February 2012 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

The Board was advised that no public questions had been received.

The Minutes of the Executive Board and the Executive Board Sub Committee relating to the work of the Corporate Policy and Performance Board since its last meeting were submitted for information.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes be noted.

The Minutes of the Halton Strategic Partnership meeting held on 7 December 2011 were submitted to the Board for information.

It was reported that the work of the Halton Strategic Partnership Board was being scrutinised by a working party lead by Councillor Roberts.  A report containing the findings would be submitted to the next Corporate Policy and Performance Board for Members’ consideration and possible recommendation for submission to the Executive Board.   

RESOLVED:  That the minutes be noted.

The Board received the annual report of the Corporate Services Policy and Performance Board for 2011/12 for consideration.

Councillor A Lowe, the previous year’s Chairman, conveyed his thanks to Members for their valuable contribution to the work of the Board.

RESOLVED:  That the annual report for 2011/12 be approved.

The Board received a report from the Strategic Director – Policy and Resources, which provided information on the progress in achieving targets contained within the 2011-2016 Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) for Halton.

It was reported that the SCS provided an evidenced based framework through which actions and shared performance targets could be developed and communicated.

It was noted that the previous SCS included targets which were also part of the Local Area Agreement (LAA).  In October 2010 the coalition Government announced the end of Government performance management of local authorities through LAA’s.  It was agreed however that the Council and its partners needed to maintain some form of effective performance management framework, to a) measure progress towards the Council’s own objectives for the improvement of the quality of life in Halton, and b) meet the Government’s expectation that we would publish performance information.  Following extensive research, analysis and consultation with all stakeholder groups a new SCS for 2011-2016 was approved by the Council on 20 April 2012.

Members were encouraged to use the link provided on point 3.9 of the document which provided further detail for each community priority with specific indicators and targets reported to the respective Policy and Performance Board.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

The Board received a report from the Strategic Director – Policy and Resources, which provided information on the corporate accident statistics and associated trends for the year April 2011 to March 2012. 

Additionally, The Lofstedt Report on Health and Safety – ‘Reclaiming health and safety for all: An independent review of health and safety legislation’ was attached at Appendix A.

In summary the Board was advised that there had been a reduction in ‘over 3 day’ and significant accidents when compared to last year, and there had been an increase in violent incidents.  Incident trends had been identified and were included in the recommendations.

Members discussed the findings and the following was noted:

a)    Members raised concerns over the matter of the service user who was responsible for the majority of violent incidents towards staff.  The Strategic Director – Policy and Resources, would raise these with the relevant manager within the Communities Directorate.

b)    Schools needed to be encouraged to provide more information;

c)    Councillor N Plumpton Walsh wished to thank the Risk and Emergency Planning Team for their prompt actions and real time communication with Ward Councillors during a recent lock down incident in one of the schools;

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

The Strategic Director – Policy and Resources, submitted the performance management reports for quarter four of 2011-12, for consideration by the Board.

It was reported that the report detailed progress against service objectives/milestones and performance targets, and described factors affecting the service for:

§  Policy and Performance;

§  Financial Services;

§  Legal and Democratic Services;

§  ICT and Support Services;

§  Human Resources and Learning and Development;

§  Property Services; and

§  Catering, Stadium and Registration Services

Following consideration of the reports the following points were noted:

§  The improved rate of Council tax collection by direct debits at 70.94% by the end of March 2012 was the highest ever rate to date;

§  Members offered their thanks to the Democratic Services team for their professional conduct during the Local Elections.  It was also stated that the Chief Executive’s appointment as the Returning Officer for the Police and Crime Commissioner’s elections in Cheshire, was a reflection on Halton’s excellent reputation in the area;

§  Legal Services were also recognised for securing the renewal of the Lexel and ISO accreditation; it was also noted that at a time when resources were being reduced within the Council, the legal team would undoubtedly face challenges and pressures with future workloads;

§  The new Castlefields Square and Runcorn Library received positive feedback from Members;

§  Information regarding the lack of take up of free school meals in Primary schools to those who were eligible would be sought.

RESOLVED:  That the fourth quarter performance management reports be received and comments made be noted.