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 July to September 2021.

During the full discussion, several questions of clarity were sought and answered by officers from the relevant service area.

In relation to the new market, a Member expressed disappointment as he felt it did not live up to expectations made prior to the opening.  Comments were also received that this was an opinion supported by local residents on social media.  The Head of Community Services explained that the new market formed part of a bigger scheme for Marlborough Square and Members would see further improvements as the project moved forward.  Members were assured that dedicated staff were supporting stall holders and dealing with all comments or complaints received.

In response to a question on the context for customer satisfaction figures, the Strategic Director agreed to obtain more detail on the matter and provide it to Councillor Sheahan outside of the meeting.

A question was raised on the unmet target for the time taken to re-let properties.  The Head of Housing responded that the unmet target was due to several issues including the greater number of properties in the system, the restrictions in place due to the Covid Pandemic and better partnership working with housing associations which had led to the transferral of tenants.  He was confident that targets would get back on track.

A discussion was had on the number of new council homes delivered and reference was made to the recent decision of Cabinet, setting a target for affordable homes over a five-year period.  Officers confirmed that they were confident that the affordable homes target could be reached and at the request of a Member, it was agreed to circulate the breakdown of affordable housing numbers across the district outside of the meeting.

A comment was made on the action plan to tackle health inequalities and an enquiry was made into when this would be competed.  Members were informed that as the work was being led by Leicestershire County Council officers could not influence the timescales, however more information should be available as part of the next performance report.

As requested during discussion, it was agreed to provide Councillor S Sheahan with further information on the number of customers that had difficulty in the repayment of business rates.

A discussion was held on the green homes grant and interest was shown in the workings of air source pump heating systems.  The Head of Housing offered to arrange a viewing of the system in an empty property as soon as practicable, at which all Members of the Committee would be invited.

A concern was raised in relation to the heating of the new leisure centre with gas and the review of the system being undertaken 12 months after the opening of the centre.  The Head of Community Services explained that due to the complicated heating management system for the leisure centre, monthly monitoring would be undertaken with a full review at 12 months.  Members were assured that work was already underway on a possible retrofittable system for the future.  Members would be kept informed of the progress.

Some concerns were raised about the way Coalville pavements were recently deep cleaned due to debris left behind on the shop fronts.  Comments were also made about the condition of information points in Coalville that had been vandalised or weather damaged which made the area look untidy, particularly the point installed by the clock tower.  Officers acknowledged the issue occurred during the deep cleanse of pavements and confirmed that this was rectified by the company with lessons learnt when cleansing other areas in the district.  Members were encouraged to report any untidy information points so that they could be addressed.

Suggestions were made for the use of cameras that detect speed and sound to deter unacceptable driving on the highways around the district.  The Head of Community Services acknowledged that cameras were planned in Castle Donnington and would ensure that this would be looked into as the options were developed in partnership with local stakeholders.

It was moved by Councillor B Harrison-Rushton, seconded by Councillor A Bridgen and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)       The report be noted.

b)       Comments made by the Committee be provided to Cabinet when it considers the report at its meeting on 7 December 2021.