Issue - meetings

The Business Improvement Manager presented a report outlining performance across Quarter Four.

Members were advised that the overall position remained stable for the quarter. The key highlights were outlined to the Committee, including that one hundred per cent of major planning applications had been determined, a reduction in the use of temporary accommodation and response times for fly-tipping incidents remained operationally stable. However, it was noted that recycling performance and the proportion of complaints responded to within the ten-day standard, recorded at eighty-five per cent, required improvement.

Following presentation of the report, Members discussed the following matters:

·       Members suggested that this positive performance should be more effectively utilised within communications to residents in order to spread the positive message.

·       The issue of sickness absence was discussed. Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on particular service areas, and Members expressed a desire for future reports to distinguish between short-term and long-term sickness absence. It was also suggested that comparative data be provided against neighbouring authorities. Officers confirmed that long-term sickness absence had reduced and that the Council’s targets were aligned with the national average, which was approximately seven point eight per cent. It was further acknowledged that Local Government Reorganisation may have had an impact on staff morale and stress levels.

·       Performance in respect of business rates collection was noted to be strong.

·       Members raised concerns regarding gym membership figures, which were below the target of 3,000 and stood at 2,264 in Quarter Three, with what appeared to be a downward trend. It was confirmed that a report regarding the performance of Sports and Leisure Management (SLM) Limited would be presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Board in July 2026, at which point further detail would be provided. SLM would be in attendance at the meeting.

·       In relation to the apparent decline in gym membership figures, officers acknowledged that the way in which the data had been presented had created a potentially misleading impression of a sharp drop. It was suggested that future reporting should present this data more clearly to avoid misinterpretation. It was also noted that the targets set within the report reflected contractual arrangements and were considered ambitious, and these would be reviewed as part of the forthcoming report.

·       Members discussed factors influencing gym membership retention, including seasonal variations. Officers advised that membership cancellations occurred at different intervals, commonly after a period of around three months, although some members retained memberships for longer periods. It was noted that SLM monitored membership retention. Members also highlighted the level of competition within the local area and queried whether this was impacting membership levels. Officers confirmed that local competition and the overall offer, including pricing and facilities, would be considered as part of the forthcoming review.

RESOLVED that the overview of Quarter 4 performance for the period January to March 2026 against the Council Plan priorities be noted.