Agenda item

Report of the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development introduced his report which provided an update on the Councils key objectives and performance indicators for the period April to June 2021. It was noted that these were based on the Council Delivery Plan agreed by Council in November 2020, as the latest one is yet to be agreed by Council at its meeting on 7 September. 

Concern was expressed on the level of fly tipping and a member felt that the Council had lost control of the situation and asked that the Committee be informed of the cause of the issue and what was being done in an attempt to address it.  The Committee was advised that the figures reflected the situation in the midst of the pandemic with severe staffing issues the tips being appointment only and the public being restricted in movements. The figures are historical and the situation has already been remedied and the figures are now more in line with where they would be expected to be.

In response to a question in relation to the target of 9,000 people attending events in Coalville against the reality of 6,000 and the reason for the shortfall, it was noted that 9,000 was a target was for the year and 6,000 was what had been achieved in the first quarter and therefore it was a positive outcome.

Further details were requested on the proposal for loyalty cards and it was noted that it was not just intended for the Belvoir Shopping Centre but across the wider shopping areas. The detail was still being developed but it was agreed that these would be shared with members outside the meeting.

It was noted that the figures in the report which relate to shop vacancy rates were produced before demolition commenced at the Belvoir centre and therefore they include information relating to some units which no longer exist.

Discussion turned to the use of leisure centres as vaccination centres. There were mixed views as these were considered vital to the area, whilst accepting that it resulted in the loss of community facilities in the area.

Concern was expressed by a member who felt that we may be deliberately holding back on capital spend in order to balance the books on the Housing Revenue Account. It was made clear that the issue was around dealing with the backlog of some capital works a result of Covid and every effort was being made to address the backlogs of work and hence maximise the available funds.

The discussion turned to the levels of sickness and more specifically the levels of stress related illness. Assurances were sought that the workforce was being appropriately looked after. Members were reassured that good levels of support are provided including the use of occupational health, a counselling helpline and dedicated HR support.

Having been moved by Councillor E Allman and seconded by Councillor G Hoult it was subsequently

RESOLVED:- That the Quarter 1 Performance Report be noted and that the comments of the Committee be conveyed to Cabinet ahead of its meeting on 21 September 2021.