Agenda item

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 there will be disagreements, but the administration remains committed to participation.

Overall, the report sets out the progress the council is making against the corporate strategy and its core aim of improving people’s lives.

Cllr Alison Born seconded the motion and noted that the report is about clarity, transparency and accountability.  She stated that it is helpful to reflect on achievements but also to identify the areas where more work is needed.  The report gives an open account of where we are and what we do, ensuring accountability to residents.

Cllr Sarah Warren welcomed the new style end of year review report.  She noted that emissions of both carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are heading downwards and that B&NES is recognised as a leading council in this field.  In 2019 a very challenging target relating to net zero was set but more support is needed from national government to come close to achieving this.  Cllr Warren pointed out that we were part of the Western Forest consortium who bid successfully to become the government’s first new national forest.  This project aims to create 2500 hectares of new woodlands and other habitats across Bath and North East Somerset over the next five years.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

(1)  To note the progress in delivering the Corporate Strategy during 2024-25 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

(2)  To approve the indicator set commentary on performance.