The Committee noted that the Council uses a basket of performance measures to track whether it is delivering on its priorities which is supported by key strategic activities as outlined in the Strategic Plan.  The report outlines the Council’s performance at the quarter 1 (to June 2016) stage. Accordingly, the Committee reviewed the progress in delivering the strategic measures at the quarter 1 stage and final outturns and commentary for 2015/16.  The main points of the discussion maybe outlined as follows:

The Committee:

·         Expressed concern regarding the increase in both short term and long term absence over recent years. It was noted that a programme has commenced to address the rise and manage sickness absence back to the previously lower rates. The approach would to focus on Clear policies; consistently applied return to work meetings; Management confidence in medical referrals; Focused attention on teams with higher absence rates; and a positive employee wellbeing environment.  This programme and the progress would be closely monitored by the Corporate Management Team;

·         Wanted consideration to be given to the impact on the teams who have to manage increased workloads because colleagues are absent;

·         Asked that in future reports be drafted so that they are easier to interpret in black and white;

·         Felt that more support was needed in supporting those people who find it hard to access the jobs market both for the private and public sectors;

·         Noted that there is a downward travel in terms of Waste Dataflow nationally and not just within LBTH or London.  However, despite this downward trend LBTH is still recognised as one of the best performing recyclers of dry recyclables in inner London. Tower Hamlets has the challenge of high density housing with 86% high rise properties with limited space for recycling receptacles. There is also low participation in the recycling of green waste due to the proportion of high rise housing within the borough. Also new legislation covering Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) operations and the quality of recyclable materials produced by MRFs are making operators more vigilant about the quality of the recyclable material they are receiving from local authorities, which has impacted on performance.  The Committee therefore supported the use of more resources to address the direction of travel and to promote positive attitudes towards recycling by in LBTH;

·         Noted that the Council continues to work with local Registered Providers to look at recycling points and centres on estates as well as rebranding communications to give clear messages on what can and cannot be recycled;

·         Noted that the Council will work with developers in the long term to incorporate innovative general waste and recycling waste management systems;

·         Noted that quarter 1 figures will be submitted to the Waste Data Flow system in September and a provisional figure published; a final figure is anticipated at the end of October 2016;

·         Noted that Tower Hamlets had a strong track record of housing delivery and continues to provide among the highest numbers of affordable homes in the country e.g. Whilst the property market will impact upon the supply of affordable housing in 2015 there had been more completions than in previous years. Therefore, whilst there had been a shortfall it is anticipated that the end of year total will be within the target range; and

·         Noted that consideration was needed as to how best to reduce the gap between Borough rate and employment rate for BME residents. In particular the Committee wished to see consideration given to a more detailed breakdown of the numbers in employment for the various groups (e.g. women and graduates) including whether skilled or unskilled work.

As a result of discussions on the above the Chair Moved and it was:-

RESOLVED to note the progress in delivering the strategic measures at quarter 1 and the final outturns and commentary for 2015/16.