Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Internal Audit Team Leader providing Members with an update on performance against the Corporate and local service targets for 2016/17 as well as providing an update on any key risks.

Please note: If Members have questions regarding this report please submit them to the clerk in advance of the meeting so that the appropriate officer can be asked to attend or provide a written response.

The Committee had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Director of Corporate Affairs & Business Transformation providing it with an update on performance against the Corporate Plan and local service targets for 2016-17 as well as providing an update on the key business risks. The Internal Audit Team Leader stated that the colours within the report had now been amended so that the differences between them were clearer. She also provided an update in relation to the figures for empty homes. There had been a need to direct resources to the inspection activity recently, however, the Council had recruited a lead officer for private sector housing and there would be dedicated input in this area going forwards.

Discussion followed with regard to:

·         The various measures which could be undertaken to help landlords make necessary improvements in order to bring empty homes back into use such as encouraging them to take up one of the various home improvement loans available.

·         Members would be asked to provide feedback on any houses in their Wards that were empty, overgrown or neglected to aid officers in proactively managing problematic properties.

·         It was suggested that it would be better to express the ‘number of affordable homes delivered’ as a percentage of the cumulative target rather than an annual number. The Internal Audit Team Leader stated that she would ask the Homes Policy Development Group to consider this.

·         A query regarding why the number of empty shops in Cullompton was above target would be referred to the Community Development and Regeneration Manager in order for him to provide an answer.

·         The figure in relation to Council provided grants per head of population was discussed in terms of it not being the only way in which the council could support communities.

·         Car park overcrowding at the leisure centres being a high risk and what could be done about it.

·         The Leisure Service was praised for its careful treatment and use of chemicals.

·         It was confirmed that the testing of the Council’s electrical equipment was carried out on an annual basis but the risk involved in not doing this could be made clearer within the report and re-scored.

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.