Agenda and minutes

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 26 March 2024 (copy enclosed). 

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 30 April 2024 were agreed and signed by the Leader.

(Where a Councillor has a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest the Councillor must declare the interest to the meeting and leave the room without participating in any discussion or making a statement on the item, except where a Councillor is permitted to remain as a result of a grant of dispensation.)

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To present a draft updated Unreasonable Behaviour Policy for the Council and seek approval from the Cabinet (report of the Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer) enclosed.

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer) which presented a draft updated Unreasonable Behaviour Policy for the Council, and which sought approval from the Cabinet.

The Portfolio Holder Corporate, Governance and Communications presented the report.

The following points were raised:

·       Members noted that incidences of unreasonable behaviour towards staff were logged and commented that the Authority had a duty of care towards staff.  It was also apparent from the information contained at Appendix B that the numbers were increasing.

·       The Portfolio Holder advised that incidents were logged and more detail would be sought.  With regard to the upturn under some of the headings within the report, the demand on Customer Services was also increasing – actions were being taken to mitigate this (e.g., customer call back/notification of queue position) but more time was required to see what effect this was having.  Despite this, abuse of staff would not be tolerated in any way.

·       Members commented that as well as being clear on what the Authority expected from individuals, it should be clear what they could expect from the Authority e.g., response times – reference to this information may assist in diffusing some situations.

DECISION:

That the draft Unreasonable Behaviour Policy at Appendix A be approved.

(Other options considered:

·       To keep the current policy – this was not recommended.

Reasons for decision:

·       To ensure that the Council has suitable procedures in place for dealing with unreasonable and abusive behaviours and unreasonably persistent complainants.)

To provide an update on how the Council is performing for the period 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2023 (report of the Assistant Director – Corporate enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Corporate which provided an update on how the Council was performing for the period 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2023.

The Portfolio Holder – Corporate, Governance and Communications presented the report. It was noted that there would be some changes in presentational changes to the report to provide clearer information generally, and clearer indication of direction of travel of KPIs.  This would take effect from Quarter 1 2024/25.

DECISION:

That the contents of the report be noted.

(Other options considered:

·       Not to monitor performance – this was not recommended.

Reasons for decision:

·       To ensure Council performance was properly scrutinised.)

To agree the Productivity Plan (report of the Assistant Director – Corporate enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Corporate which requested agreement of the Productivity Plan.

The Leader of the Council presented the report.

The following points were raised:

·       Members asked how the information would be explained to public?

o   Officers responded that the document could be linked to the Annual Delivery Plan, in addition to highlighting headlines and incorporating within the six-monthly performance report that was presented to Full Council.

DECISION:

That the Productivity Plan at Appendix A, underpinned by the items listed at 2.4 in the report, be approved, and delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director – Corporate to update the Plan from time to time in consultation with the Leader.

(Other options considered:

·       Do nothing – not an option due to the Government’s requirement to publish a Productivity Plan.

Reasons for decision:

·       To deliver on the Government’s requirement and demonstrate the Council’s commitment to collaborative working to deliver efficiency and improved outcomes for communities.)

To approve the Partnership’s Engagement Pledge (report of the Assistant Director – Corporate enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Corporate which sought approval of the Partnership’s Engagement Pledge.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate, Governance and Communications presented the report.

DECISION:

That the Engagement Pledge at Appendix A be approved.

(Other options considered:

·       Do nothing – do not adopt the Engagement Pledge.  This option was not recommended – it is good practice to have broad principles of engagement and consultation adopted across the Partnership.

Reasons for decision:

·       To ensure the Partnership has a clear and consistent approach in all engagement activities.)

Note:         (i)      No other business is permitted unless by reason of special circumstances, which shall be specified in the Minutes, the Leader is of the opinion that the item(s) should be considered as a matter of urgency. 

(ii)     Any urgent item of business that is a key decision must be dealt with in accordance with the Constitution’s Access to Information Procedure Rules.

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