Issue - meetings

The Report of the Head of Human Resources and Organisation Development.

Presented by the Leader.

The Leader presented the report, and drew attention to the time lag between the period covered and the publication of the report and noted that the process for the production of this report would be reviewed.

The delays in the housing repairs programme were noted as was the need to focus on new issues like mould and damp. It was highlighted that a new Head of Housing, with background in housing repairs,  had recently been appointed and that issues with staffing in the department be addressed.  However in the interim, contractors had been appointed to help deal with the backlog of repairs outstanding and a normal repairs programme would resume in 2023-24 and 2024-25.

The Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder stated that that the Council had been ahead of target on the provision of new dwellings and the production of social homes. It was also noted that all deferred improvement works would be completed by the end of March 2023 and that customer services had been exceeding targets in most cases.

The Leader also addressed the visitor economy, although figures related to the previous year. From 2010-19 there had been a steady growth, however, the impact of the Covid pandemic on 2020 had been heavy. It was demonstrated that 2021 had been a year of solid recovery and that signs of improvement remained evident.

The Community Services Portfolio Holder noted that footfall for the Newmarket had been encouraging, that whilst memberships to the new leisure centre had somewhat levelled off they remained ahead of target and that actions had been taken to tackle fly tipping and procedures had improved. Litter pickers had been provided with more equipment and rates of recycling had improved.

Members wished to thank the planning service, who had exceeded local and national performance targets.

A discussion was had around the ongoing work to support local employers, with DSV creating more jobs in the area and it was mentioned that public transport options had been piloted.

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt, seconded by Councillor T Gillard and

RESOLVED THAT

The progress against the Council Delivery Plan Actions and Performance Indicators for Quarter 3 of the financial year be noted by Cabinet.

Reason for decision: That Cabinet notes the progress against the corporate objectives and performance indicators for Quarter 3