Issue - meetings

Councillor Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report. He stated that this was the first time this report had been presented in this style. He added that KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) need to be regularly reviewed and formally invited the Panel to give their input. He suggested it would be useful to consider the KPIs being suggested by Government which would enable like for like comparisons across Councils. The Scrutiny Officer explained that the Government consultation ends on 12^th September 2025 and he would set up a meeting with the Panel late summer and feedback.

Panel members raised the following points and asked the following questions:

In response to a question from Councillor David, the Cabinet Member confirmed that all indicators had been signed off by Cabinet last year.

Councillor David stated that it is good to make a distinction between things the Council can influence and what it cannot. She asked if indicators allowed us to directly follow Children’s Services. The Cabinet Member agreed with the first point but pointed out that it has been suggested that the Government indicators may contain things that are not directly controlled by the Council. Regarding Children’s Services indicators, he asked what would be useful. The Executive Director explained that there are two issues – outcomes for young people (in the remit of another Panel) and financial issues. Councillor Moss stated that there was a Task and Finish Group looking at Family First.

Councillor Simon stated that the format does not expose critical areas of the Council and does not give enough context to enable comparison. The Cabinet Member stated that he took this on board and acknowledged the benchmarking opportunities if KPIs are the same in other Councils.

Councillor Moss stated that it would be useful to have a discussion on KPIs and that there would be a session on this. He stated that he would not want a return of league tables, the mood music is devolution. He asked about fair funding – looking at deprivation indicators and the element of accessibility of services in rural areas. The Cabinet Member stated that the fair funding review will have an effect on Local Government across the country. The officer explained that the consultation on the fair funding formula was complicated and will affect every local authority. He explained that deprivation is a significant factor and that we will lose as a result of that. We are not at the confirmed position currently. Councillor Moss suggested that a transition period would be in place for a significant time. The Cabinet Member stated that if the transition is good and we get stability, at least we can plan.

Councillor Halsall asked if there were any discussions around being a university city (a third of residents are students) and possible compensation for lack of council tax. The Cabinet Member stated that the response from the Minister suggested that they are looking at this.

Councillor Moss stated that previous measures of deprivation were on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 156

The report updates the Cabinet on the progress made in delivering the Council’s Corporate Strategy 2023-27 in 2024-25.

Cllr Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report, moved the officer recommendation and made the following points:

• This is the first time we have integrated the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) into the annual report.
• There is a need for regular review and refinement of the KPIs.  Cllr Elliott stated that it would be important to dedicate some time to this and that he would welcome the involvement of the Corporate PDS Panel in this process.
• The report demonstrates transparency, even where indicators are negative.
• The Council is making efforts to influence outcomes through partnerships and lobbying.
• Cllr Elliott gave the following examples of ways in which the Council is delivering for residents:

• Housing:
  • 712 net new homes have been completed (40% increase).
  • Progress on brownfield developments such as Bath Quays North and Western Riverside.
  • 18 new social-rent apartments at Argyle Works.
  • 16 supported-living units at Englishcombe Lane.
  • Emphasis on energy-efficient housing as a social good.
• Environment & Cleanliness:
  • Recycling and recovery rates are above 94%.
  • £1 million has been invested in Neighbourhood Services.
  • Initiatives: chewing-gum task force, red reusable recycling bags.
  • Fast-response street teams funded with an extra £¼ million.
• Transport & Infrastructure:
  • Park & Ride hours extended to 23:30 backed by obtaining the 2nd highest customer satisfaction among 96 local authorities.
  • Over 200 transport schemes are now tracked in real time by the Transport Action Map.
  • Roadworks: 103,000 m² of carriageway has been resurfaced, and 5,000+ potholes have been repaired.
  • Serious injury collisions have decreased.
• Children & Young People:
  • The Early Years attainment gap has reduced from 39% to 32%.
  • There has been an 80% increase in stepped-down child protection plans.
  • Ofsted and HM Inspectorate of Probation have praised Children’s Services and the Youth Justice Service.
• Public Health:
  • The Community Wellbeing Hub unites 37 partners and has supported 15,000 residents.

• Climate & Nature:
  • £1.5 million Climate Action Fund grant has been secured.
  • There has been a 50% increase in renewable energy capacity.
  • An 80-MW renewable energy pipeline is coming.
  • 23 ha of grassland has been restored through tree and meadow projects.
  • Initiatives: heat-pump installations, estate decarbonisation, electric fleet roadmap.
• Jobs & Skills:
  • The median wage rose by 4% to £40,218 (above national/regional averages).
  • 115 residents moved into work via the Employment & Skills Pod with 77 residents now earning a Real Living Wage.
  • 70 staff were upskilled, and 14 unemployed learners are now in full-time jobs.
  • The Council has promoted the Good Employment Charter.
• Culture & Tourism:
  • The Roman Baths have received over 1 million visitors and returned a record surplus to the Council.
  • Six heritage sites won regional awards.
  • Bath Christmas Market generated a £41.5 million turnover and supported over 500 jobs.

Listening to Residents

• 30 public meetings/events have been held.
• 10,600 responses have been received across 30 online consultations.
• £¼ million has been invested in a new customer contact system.
• Although the resident engagement indicator has dropped from 20% to 11% there are plans to trial new communication and engagement methods.
• It is acknowledged that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107