Agenda item

To review the key performance data for Quarter 1 and 2 against the Key Performance Indicators and associated targets for the Corporate Plan.

The Panel reviewed Key Performance Indicator (KPI) data dashboards for quarters 1 and 2 for 2024/25. The Performance and Insight Manager explained the Key Performance Indicators and presented the report.

It was explained that the Performance Indicators had been developed in collaboration with services. The Council’s Executive Management Team reviewed all targets, and the report was the first performance report under the new Corporate Plan, and in line with the new performance management framework.

The report covered all portfolios, though the Panel’s relevant performance measures were numbered 16 – 33 in the dashboard, with the covering report summarising salient points.

The main points raised by the Performance and Insight Manager were as follows: 

·       On the structure and form of the new dashboards, there were 48 KPIs that had been organised by Corporate Plan theme and by Corporate Plan priority. 

·       Good practice and/or good performance is typically presented by an increasing or decreasing value. 

·       The return format shows the unit of the value being reported and the frequency shows how often the KPI is to be reported.

·       In Q1, for Place and Sustainability, 12 measures were available out of a total of 18 and reference was given to planning measures which performed well. Although minor and major application determining times were listed as amber, it was explained that Council’s targets were set much higher than the Government prescribed targets.  

·       The total outstanding net dwelling supply was forecasted to fall short of the targets however remedial action is sought via the Delivery Action Plan.

·       It was thought that the significant increase in household waste being sent to recycling was due to the introduction of the wheeled bins.

·       Concerning water bottle filling stations, cooler weather over the Spring and Summer periods meant lower visitor numbers utilising the stations. 

·       There had to be a balance between residential and commercial space. The conversion of former office space to residential space in the district had countered the development of industrial employment land being developed over this period.

·       On Q2, 27 of the KPIs were available out of 48 and the Council were able to reflect back using the Q1 position. 9 Place and Sustainability measures were available for Q2 with planning measures continuing to perform well. 

·       The planning major application determination time was below the Council’s target however the Council’s target was 25 percentage points higher than the Government’s prescribed target.

·       2 of the Council’s 15 appeals were approved, with 13 being dismissed, and these small numbers did tend to give a large variance against the target.

·       The Garden Waste service continued to perform well.

·       Fly-tipping remained ‘green’ rated.

Overall, the Performance Management Framework provided a sense-check against all of the Council’s priorities in a measurable way.

A member of the Panel asked why fly-tipping incidents were shown as divided by the population of the Forest. Some members questioned whether fly-tipping incidents were even made by residents of the District and, given the unique nature of the New Forest, wondered why the comparable, by-resident metric, was used.

It was explained that the ‘per population’ element of the metric gives a more discernible benchmark to compare against other authorities rather than an arbitrary figure that it is hard to measure as being ‘successful or unsuccessful. The Council would continue to provide the actual numbers in the narrative, alongside the per population KPI.

It was agreed the fly-tipping within the District was abhorred and the Council work closely with the Police and Forestry England to address this matter. It was heard that in the last couple of days data had been gathered that would hopefully lead to a prosecution for fly-tipping. 

On employment, it was clarified that for KPI 33, the minimum-wage figure related to all individuals employed across the District. 

The Strategic Director of Place, Operations and Sustainability explained that the KPIs had been through the relevant process and sign-off through the Cabinet. 

A question was raised on Appletree Careline and the change of the phone lines. The Strategic Director for Place Operations and Sustainability said he would take this question away and relay it to the Strategic Director of Housing and Communities.