Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest. 

Report OS/21/14 provides an update on the Council’s performance for Quarter 3 covering 1 October 2021 – 31 December 2021. The report enables the Council to assess progress against the approved key performance indicators arising from the Council’s new Corporate Action Plan.

Report OS/21/14 provided an update on the Council’s performance for Quarter 3 covering 1 October 2021 to 31 December 2021.  The report enables the Council to assess progress against the approved key performance indicators arising from the Council’s new Corporate Action Plan. 

Members commented and asked questions as follows; subsequent answers will be relayed back to the committee.

Transparent, Stable, Accountable and Accessible

·         Data breaches – how did this figure of three potential breaches compare to other organisations? 

A Thriving Environment

·         Street Lighting – none converted.  What were the current timescales on roll out? 

·         Streets surveyed clear of litter – which streets and benchmarks used?  Were fallen leaves counted as litter? 

·         Enforcement notices served – figure was lower than last year, what were the reasons for this?  Informal work carried out by the Environmental Protection Team to prevent escalation was successful. 

·         Graffiti removal – The Chairman asked for more detailed figures to be provided. 

·         EV charging points installed – installations are taking place, however the Performance and Improvement Specialist will check specific progress. 

·         Household waste recycling – Garden waste collection suspension had an impact on the figures.  Members asked for a breakdown of recycled waste based on receptacle use. 

A Vibrant Economy

·         High Street Funds – nil allocation.  Further comms/social media needed to encourage applications, along with officer time to support businesses in applying.  The Director of Corporate Services will discuss with relevant officers. 

·         Levelling Up Fund – match funding possibly from High Street Funds Folkestone Town Centre element. 

·         Romney Marsh Business Hub grant support scheme – nil applications, further comms needed.  Local businesses were signposted and emailed, however the Performance and Improvement Specialist would  refer to relevant officers. Councillor Rolfe said she would advise of any further ideas. 

·         Businesses/potential entrepreneurs/new start-ups signposted to support growth programmes and events.  This figure (23 total) seemed low. 

Quality Homes and Infrastructure

·         Average number of rough sleepers – this figure had increased, what actions and initiatives were being taken?  Help and support had been provided by the Winter Shelters, reference will be made to the Housing team for further information. 

·         Households in B&B accommodation – how would increase costs affect households?  Could impact on prevention measures.  Various homeless grants are available along with the new Homelessness Strategy.   Members were advised the Council has an excellent welfare team and homeless persons/families are directed to any potential help. Members requested further information on temporary accommodation and if there was turnover of people using this service?   

·         New Homes – this figure is based on an annual audit only.

·         Affordable Homes – added to council housing stock?  The figures include Housing Association partners and registered providers and not private developers. 

·         Decent Home standards – a promising looking figure and look forward to completion of the new stock condition survey. 

·         Homelessness approaches – how many were prevented? 

Positive Community Leadership

·         Priority Play areas – what metrics were being used to measure this KPI?  Members were advised investment can be provided through the Contain Outbreak Management Fund,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.