Agenda item

RESOLVED:

Cabinet noted the content of the appendix covering the second quarter of 2021-22

REASONS RESOLVED:

·         The report was for information purposes and discussion only, there were no direct decisions to be made following the report

·         The council was required as part of Local Government Act 1972 to report performance of the council to members

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

None

The Chair, Councillor Jonathan Nunn presented the report and invited Cabinet members to give an update on their portfolios.

Councillor Phil Larratt made the following comments.

• There were now fewer outstanding road repairs.
• Embracing new technologies was an important way forward.
• The loss of trees had been noted, with a net loss of 140 on WNC land, this was worrying, and steps were being taken to find out why this had happened, storm damage was thought to be a factor.
• There had been an increase in electric car charging points which was welcomed, it was noted that rural areas were also seeking charging points.

Councillor Matt Golby discussed the various figures available in the report and noted that they were what was expected for the services the council provides. Cabinet was reminded that we were only in Q2 of this new council.

Councillor Fiona Baker noted that there were some delays in the adoption process, with 20 family currently waiting, the Cabinet was informed that this due to court delays and as such was out of the Council’s hands.

Councillor Adam Brown noted that there were currently 200 homes in the construction phase, and various housing options were being created.

Councillor Rebecca Breese was happy with report and had nothing further to add.

Councillor Lizzy Bowen advised that there was now a dedicated support link for businesses on the website.

Councillor Malcolm Longley noted that the Council was slightly ahead on cash collection.

Councillors made the following comments:

• It was noted that a working group had been created to look at tree planting, could councillors be given the date of publication of this plan.
• Were the road repairs mentioned only potholes or had it included all works.
• It was queried if there was an overall target for charging points provided.
• The improvement of life chances had been mentioned, it was noted that there were significant discrepancies with life expectancy between different groups.
• Did the 45 days assessment that was mentioned include contextual safeguarding as historically it had not been.
• It was noted that the number of safeguarding referrals seemed high, could members be advised about who were making these referrals.
• Research had taken place on personal care budgets, was there currently any information on this.
• It was noted that WNC currently had 74 apprentices, it was asked if these included any care leaver programmes. 
• It was queried whether the wiring that was due to take place would have a detrimental impact on the look of residential streets.  It was mentioned that previous removal of paving slabs and subsequent tarmacking had destroyed the aesthetic of some streets.
• Clean and Green streets was important, but there were problems with the implementation of this, it was queried whether the answer to this would be through inter-agency work.
• Thanks was given to portfolio holders who had been active with regards to the current problem with the loss of trees. 
• It was questioned whether WNC would need expert advice on the manner and number of trees that would be planted and were.

Councillor Phil Larratt made the following comments in response to some of the queries.

• It was agreed that the tree issue was one of concern and was being looked in to. The scrutiny working group would complete their work in the spring of 2022, their findings would then come to cabinet.
• It would be important to get any tree policy right to stop people taking matters into their own hands.
• It was advised that any tree planting would take place within the planning process, there would be a cost to this process which the council would deal with when required.
• A meeting was due to take place to check progress made into correcting storm damaged trees.
• With regards to the electric car charging points, it was important to not rush this project as battery technology was changing significantly.
• The damage done to some roads and pavements with the removal of slabs had been unacceptable, work had been suspended in that area and a meeting had been requested.
• With regards to Green and Clean, some areas were more difficult to maintain, and would investigate inter-agency work.
• There was a great need for more CCTV, the Cabinet was informed that this was on route.

The Executive Director of Place & Economy noted that the Woodland Trust had been mentioned in the report as a partner. The Cabinet was advised that there were also several organisations and grants that WNC could benefit from.

Councillor Fiona Baker made the following comments in response to queries made.

• It was noted that there had been many questions which would require data, as such she would need to contact the Children’s Trust for further information.
• The 45 days assessment did include contextual safeguarding.
• The police and schools were the main referrers for Safeguarding issues.
• The apprenticeships included 3 extra care leavers.
• Further answers would be given over email once they had been investigated. 

Councillor Matt Golby advised that he would take away the question regarding the personal care budget to investigate the query. 

Councillor Adam Brown advised that in addition to the 200 homes mentioned there were a further 215 in the pre-production stage and 341 at planning stage.

The recommendations were put to Cabinet.