Agenda and minutes

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 18 December 2024 (copy enclosed). 

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 18 December 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.)

Councillor Astill declared an interest in agenda item 9 as he was a Director on the Board of PSPS Ltd.  He stated that he would leave the meeting during discussion of this item.

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To review the Partnership’s progress against opportunities identified in the business case and lines of enquiry (report of Councillors Claire Rylott and Stuart Evans (BBC) on behalf of the Partnership Scrutiny Task Group enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of Councillors Claire Rylott and Stuart Evans (Boston Borough Council) on behalf of the Partnership Scrutiny Task Group.

Councillor B Alcock, who had been a member of the Task Group, presented the report.

DECISION:

1)    That the report attached at Appendix 1 and the associated recommendations be noted; and

2)    That the recommendations contained within the report be agreed.

(Other options considered:

·       Not to accept the recommendations;

Reasons for decision:

·       To continue to learn, build on experiences and continue successfully as a Partnership of Councils).

To provide an update on how the Council is performing for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024 (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 July 2024 to 30 September 2024.

The Portfolio Holder – Corporate and Communications presented the report.

·       With regard to performance around collection of fly tipping collected within 5 working days, it was important to stress that this was from the point at which it was reported to the Council.  Incidents could be reported via the Fix My Street app however it did take more time for the information to arrive with the waste team.  Reporting directly on the SHDC website was speedier.

·       In response to why the figures around the average answer rate was not as good as previous quarters, members were advised that performance was only just off the target position.  Improvements had been introduced, such as providing a call back option which provided a better service and meant that customers were not held in lengthy queues.  Call duration had increased slightly as a result of customers needing more support and/or having multiple issues to discuss.  The targets were stretching however this ultimately should result in a better service.

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 consider the Council / Public Sector Partnership Services Transformation and Service Modernisation programme and Business Plan 2025 to 2027 (report of the Assistant Director – Corporate enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Corporate which requested consideration of the Council/Public Sector Partnership Services Transformation and Service Modernisation Programme and Business Plan 2025 to 2027.

The Portfolio Holder – Strategic and Operational Housing (under whose Portfolio sat the responsibility of PSPS Shareholder Representative) presented the report.

Members agreed that there was no need to discuss the information within exempt Appendix B and there was therefore no need for the meeting to go into private session.

The following points were raised:

·       The changes within the Transformation Plan would result in improved services to customers and residents and would make it easier to access services.

·       The Maturity Model within Appendix A showed the current position and target position for Customer Experience – was it realistic that this amount of improvement would be seen?

o   It was anticipated that this would be achievable if the proposed projects detailed within the report were agreed, particularly the modernisation and efficiency programmes and the projects around customer focus.  These built on improvements over the last few years, such as investment in technology.

DECISION:

Business Plan

a)    That, subject to a similar decision by the other founding shareholder, the PSPS Business Plan 2025 to 2027, as set out at Appendix A, be approved.

Service modernisation plan

a)    That, subject to the budget allocations being approved for the identified investment, the Transformation and Service Modernisation Programme set out at Appendix B be approved;

b)    That, subject to the budget allocations being approved, authority to approve or reject individual Business Cases in relation to the Transformation and Service Modernisation Programme be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development, in consultation with the PSPS Portfolio Holder;

c)     That periodic reviews of the Transformation and Service Modernisation Programme’s delivery be undertaken through the Council’s scrutiny arrangements.

(Other options considered:

Business Plan

·       Do nothing – whilst this is an option, the existing Business Plan needs updating and is a requirement of the Joint Venture Shareholder Agreement;

·       Alternative Business Plan – the Council could ask the company to develop an alternative Business Plan.

Transformation and Service Modernisation Programme

·       Continuing to invest in PSPS to enable transformative change both within the company and Councils is important at a time when there is ever increasing customer expectation regarding Council services and increasing budget pressures.

·       Do nothing – whilst this is an option, this is a requirement of the Joint Venture Shareholder Agreement.

Reasons for decision:

·       To agree a Business Plan and Transformation and Service Modernisation Programme that seeks to enable PSPS to continue to improve services and deliver savings.  These are requirements within the Joint Venture Shareholder Agreement).

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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