Agenda item

Consider report by Chief Executive presenting a summary of SBC quarterly performance information. (Copy attached).

With reference to paragraph 7 of the Minute of 21 November, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Chief Executive presenting a summary of Scottish Borders Council’s quarterly performance information with details contained within Appendix 1 to the report.  Appendix 2, to the report also provided details of Live Borders performance.  The report advised that the Council had approved a Corporate Plan in April 2013, with eight priorities that it wished to address for the Scottish Borders over a five year period.  In order to monitor progress against the eight priorities, a review of performance information was undertaken quarterly and presented to Executive Committee, as well as an annual summary in June each year.   A summary of any changes made to performance indicators was provided at Section 4 of the report, followed by a high level summary of performance in Section 5.  Appendix 1 provided more detail for each Performance Indicator (PI).  All information contained within the report and appendices was also made available on the Scottish Borders Council (SBC) website using the public facing part of SBC’s Performance Management software (Covalent).  This could be accessed at www.scotborders.gov.uk/performance and by clicking on “Scottish Borders Performs”.    Section 6 and Appendix 2 of the report presented summaries of performance during 2017/18 for Live Borders (who had delivered sport and cultural services as part of an integrated trust since April 2016).  Reporting performance in February and August/September each year to Executive Committee was agreed within the Performance Management Framework, approved when services were transferred to Live Borders.  

3.2       Members discussed the report and received answers to their questions.  With regard to the Scottish Borders Business Loan Fund, it was explained that companies were now accessing funding via the Scottish Government Scheme and Economic Development were reviewing the continued need for a local fund.    The Committee referred to the increase in recorded crime, it was noted that this reflected a national trend and would be scrutinised in more detail by the Police, Fire & Rescue and Safer Communities Board.   With regard to the business sector providing work experience for young adults, it was advised that secondary schools had developed links with local businesses and were proactive in arranging work experience.  It was also noted that the Council’s modern apprenticeship scheme currently employed 40 young adults.    The Committee then asked for an update on the Union Chain Bridge project.  The Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure advised that an application for funding had been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund, a decision was anticipated in March.   

3.3       The Committee then discussed the performance indicators relating to Live Borders. The Executive Director, Mr Barr, explained that Live Borders’ Trustees and the Council were  examining strategic outcomes, which would be reflected in performance monitoring.  In response to a question regarding Live Borders’ charging policy, Mr Barr advised that Live Borders were not undercutting the private sector.  He further advised that ownership of the facility impacted on the charge, for example dependent on whether there was a service level agreement in place or if the facility was managed by the community.  He suggested that he bring a report on Live Borders’ Charging Policy to a future Executive Committee and this was agreed.  He also suggested that the Executive Committee, or Council, received an update from Live Borders and SBCares on their achievements and aspirations for the future.     The Chairman thanked officers for their attendance and it was noted that the performance management framework and indicators would be refreshed in the next financial year to align with the new performance framework. 

DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)        To note changes to performance indicators outlined in Section 4 of the report;

(b)       To acknowledge and note the performance summarised in Section 5 and 6 of the report and detailed within Appendices 1 and 2, and the action being taken within services to improve or maintain performance;

(c)        To provide details of Live Borders’ Charging Policy; and

(d)       To request a presentation, in the next financial year, from Live Borders and SBCares on their achievements to date and their plans for the future.  

MEMBER

Councillor Aitchison joined the meeting during consideration of the above report.