Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development introduced the report setting out the financial and performance position for the services reporting into the Committee as of Quarter 4.

It was noted that there was a revenue variance in the Innovation Centre which represented £110,000 but rental income had increased and was in line with budget. The Business Terrace had recorded a variance of £72,000 because of lower business rate income as the pandemic negatively impacted tenants. This had led to a peak of eight vacant units but this had since reduced to two vacant units.

The Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for ‘Priority 1 enforcement cases being dealt with in time’ had achieved 50% of the 95% target.  A meeting would be held with the Director of Regeneration and Place to discuss the matter. The KPI regarding ‘processing of planning applications: Minor applications’  was not on target. Parking income was ahead of budget and had recovered since the pandemic.

In response to questions the Chief Executive confirmed that the Innovation Centre’s tenants were complimentary of the site’s standard and management; further consideration could be given to extending the site’s opening hours provided it was financially viable. The Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development stated that both he and the Leader of the Council planned to visit the site and would consider the suggestion made. 

In response to comments the Insight, Communities and Governance Manager stated that all KPI’s had been agreed by the relevant Heads of Service and a KPI related to percentage of ‘planning applications meeting biodiversity net gain 20% adopted standard’ would not be implemented until November 2023, provided no further changes were required. The Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development explained that the newly proposed indicators concerning biodiversity net gain and renewable energy generation would likely be reviewed, subject to relevant policies being adopted through the Local Plan.

RESOLVED:

That the following be noted:

1. The Revenue position as at the end of Quarter 4 for 2022/23, including the actions being taken or proposed to improve the position, where significant variances have been identified;.

2. The Capital position at the end of Quarter 4;

3. That the Performance position as at Quarter 4 for 2022/23, including the actions being taken or proposed to improve the position, where significant issues have been identified, be noted.

That the Cabinet be recommended to:

4. Agree  the proposed new KPIs for 2023/24.

Note: Councillor Conyard arrived at 6.40 p.m. and stated that he had no disclosures of lobbying or interest to declare.