The Corporate Performance Manger (CPM) advised Members that the Report provided the Committee with information on Performance Measures (PMs) (target-based measures) and Performance Indicators (PIs) (providing important contextual performance information related to the Corporate Plan’s Key Objectives).  The former related to services essential to the delivery of the Key Objectives whilst the latter are related to factors that the Council has an influence over but cannot control the outcomes. 

The Chair noted that a major part of the Portfolio related to the collection of Council Tax and the statistics relating to this area were favourable which was a good sign.

The Committee queried the percentage of audit recommendations implemented as members were concerned that this had fallen.  The CPM advised that the Council was working towards the year-end figure and the implementation of some items had been delayed or deferred.  Councillors considered that there was an upward trend but it was problematic if the indicator was red although the service was not performing badly - a more detailed narrative would promote understanding and the Committee asked that this was prepared for the next meeting.

The Chair Observed that the PMs relating to the Revenues and Benefits Service indicated that the Council was performing better than for a number of years and the Committee congratulated Officers.

The Service Manager Revenues and Benefits (SMRB) was asked for an explanation of the PIs relating to Housing Benefits overpayments.  He clarified that the figures were ‘£s’ and provided Members with information regarding the raised and recovered statistics.  He advised that realistically some money was unrecoverable but the Council is on target to recover an increased amount.  The Committee suggested that a more accurate PI would be the ‘%’ of overpayments collected however the SMRB advised that this had been used in the past and was not informative.  Due to the nature of the work the service undertakes, more overpayments will be raised than can be recovered in year. He was happy to meet with Members to discuss the PI for future years.

The Chair advised the Committee that the statistics regarding IT were fully covered in the following Report (Agenda Item 41).

The PI indicating the percentage of council tax accounts signed up for e-billing was deliberated in depth.  The Committee considered whether this initiative had  been adequately advertised and requested information regarding the benefits of e-billing.  The SMRB responded that this led to paperless billing and the more residents that sign up the more savings to be made in paper and postage. Residents have the ability to view information online at any time rather than storing paper at home.  There was no specific numerical target but as the date for annual billing drew close there would be increased publicity to residents and it was hoped this would result in an upturn in take-up.  Given the requirement for the Council to save money it was not possible to offer financial incentives to participate and it was acknowledged there would always be a requirement to produce some paper bills.

The Council is committed to the development of shared services and the Committee was pleased to note the good progress made in this area.  Further information would be presented to the next meeting.

The Committee noted the information contained within the report.