Agenda item

To present the report of the Head of Profession (HR) and Transformation.

The report of the Head of Profession (HR) and Transformation incorporating the annual Performance and Wellbeing Report for 2023/2024 was presented for the Committee’s consideration.

The report was presented by Councillor Carwyn Jones, Portfolio Member for Corporate Business and Customer Experience.  He said that the report presents a year of notable achievements that have contributed to several improvements and provides a firm foundation to support the Council despite the economic challenges ahead.  He referred to the work undertaken by the Language Forum and noted that it was a pleasure been able to attend an event by the Forum during the Anglesey Agricultural Show held in August and the collaboration undertaken to promote the Welsh language is positive.  He further referred to the Social Care and Wellbeing - projects and especially to the work undertaken by the leisure service in completing the 3D pitch in Bodedern.  A third provision of the Cartrefi Clyd project has been undertaken which is a benefit for the young people to be able to live within their local communities and resulting in savings within the Council’s budget.  Education projects - the Curriculum for Wales is in place in all schools and systems have been developed to measure the impact of work relating to well-being, inclusion and welfare on children, young people and the workforce.  Housing – work continues to develop plans for an Extra Care Housing Development at Tyddyn Mostyn, Menai Bridge.  Economy – additional business units have been completed in Llangefni and Holyhead.  Climate Change – investment in buildings to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy use and reduce the Councils carbon emissions have been undertaken.  He thanked the staff of the Council for their achievements and hard work over the course of the year. 

In scrutinising the report, the following points of discussion were raised by the Committee and the Portfolio Member for Corporate Business and Customer Experience and Officers responded to the questions raised.

• The report presents a year of notable achievements which have contributed to a number of improvements on the Island.  Questions were asked as to what arrangements are in place to promote and share these achievements across the organisation and beyond.  The Portfolio Member for Corporate Business and Customer Experience responded that the Communications Unit within the Council is responsible for advertising the notable achievements attained by the Council through press releases and social media.  The Corporate Planning Programme and Performance Manager said that the Annual Performance Report 2023/2024 will be considered by the full Council at its meeting at the end of this month and it is anticipated that a press release will be made to promote the achievements of the Council over the 2023/2024 period.
• Questions were asked as to what specific performance areas should be prioritised on the basis of risk during 2024/2025.  The Corporate Planning Programme and Performance Manager referred to the Annual Corporate Self-Assessment 2023/2024 report that was presented to this Committee at its meeting held in July.  Within the Annual Corporate Self-Assessment report, six priority areas were identified to be implemented for improvements by the Council.   An update will be submitted to the Corporate Scrutiny Committee at the beginning of next year on the progress made on the actions in relation the key areas identified within the report.  The Chief Executive in response to be comments as regards to the performance areas that should be prioritised based on risks during 2024/2025.  He said that financial resources within the Council’s budget and demand will be a risk factor due to trends of the ageing population, children services and housing services. 
• The report refers to the main reason for the delay in the launching of the Digital Tenant Portal was additional IT upgrade work required by the Housing Department.  Questions were asked as to what other factors contributed to this delay and what communication updates were provided to tenants informing them of the delay to the portal launch.  The Head of Housing Services responded that delays in launching the Digital Tenant’s’ Portal resulted from prioritising the upgrade to the services systems in the first instance.  An opportunity arose for the Housing Services to contribute to the Corporate CRM system which has resulted in benefits to the Housing Services systems.  Communication with the Councils tenants has been undertaken within the digital Tenants Panel and the Tenants Forum to inform them on the delay to the digital tenant’s portal. 
• The report highlights the installation of new landing pontoons at Amlwch Port and St George’s Pier has been postponed.  Questions were asked as to the reasons contributed towards this decision.  The Head of Regulation and Economic Development responded that the improvements to the new landing pontoons were postponed due to increased costs that needed to be reviewed. The new pontoon at St George’s Pier will be installed from the end of the financial year.  In Amlwch Port consideration will need to be given to a more appropriate design due to the nature of the Port.  Other sources of funding will also need to be considered as regards to future maintenance costs.
• The cost-of-living crisis has created a significant financial challenge for the Council.  Questions were asked as to how this challenge has been reflected within the Annual Performance Report.  The Chief Executive said that when people are in dire need the Council is the only avenue, to be able to assist them resulting in increase in demand for services which put additional financial strain on resources of the Council.    He further said that the Poverty Dashboard and Corporate Scorecard will identify the trends for the increase in demand for services.
• The report highlights three areas that underperformed against set targets during 2023/2024 (FOI’s, NEET and DFG’s).  Questions were asked as whether there are updated on these indicators to date.  The Corporate Planning Programme and Performance Manager responded that it is premature at the present to gauge the performance as plans are currently being put in place to address these underperforming areas.

Having reviewed the Annual Performance Report 2023/2024 and having noted the responses of the Portfolio Member and Officers to the points of discussion raised, it was RESOLVED:-

• To agree the content of the 2023/2024 Annual Performance Report as a fair and complete reflection of the Authority’s work over the period and for further consideration by the Executive to adopt the report.