Agenda item

Matt Wagner, Interim Chief Analyst and David Whittle, Director of Strategy were in attendance for this item

1) Mr Whittle and Mr Wagner outlined the report for Quarter 4 (Q4), 2022-2023 and said that out of 37 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) contained within the Quarterly Performance Report (QPR), 15 achieved target (rated green), 10 achieved and exceeded the floor standard but did not meet the target (rated amber), and 12 did not meet floor standard (rated red). It was noted that there was a lot of variation in how much different KPIs rated red had fallen below the floor standard and whether the direction of travel was ‘flat’ or worsening. There were some amber rated KPIs with a worsening direction of travel. High demand was an important factor to be considered when looking at the red and many of the amber rated KPIs.

Mr Whittle said KCC needed to ensure the targets and floor standards for the KPIs were appropriate and where they were not, they should be changed accordingly. It was important to draw a link to the Council’s other reporting frameworks. It was suggested that the Quarterly Performance Report be changed so that contextual information and management actions were separate and clearly defined.

2) Further to comments and questions from Members, it was noted:

• The KPIs in Quarter 4 in comparison to Quarter 3 reflected the situation more broadly with increased demand for services and the core service pressures being experienced. There had also been challenges in responding to the extreme winter weather which had affected particularly indicators relating to highways and transportation.
• The suggestion that the Quarterly Performance Report be changed so that contextual information and management actions were separated out was supported.
• The indicator relating to Early Help was rated green and this was seen as a positive as this work was preventing cases progressing into the more serious categories.
• Highways and transport were affected by the weather and the demand had been unprecedented. Operational teams had been working at capacity for many months. There had been a large increase in the number of potholes and this was caused by the very wet weather in January and March. There had been a backlog of work due to the snow and ice in December.
• Demand had increased for Adult Social Care in Quarter 4, with more people making contact and making requests for assessments.
• Work was being undertaken to improve statistics for Freedom of Information and Subject Access Requests and Members were advised that the Information Commissioner’s Office had made it clear that KCC needed to act regarding meeting statutory responsibilities in this regard.
• In the latest Ofsted report, it showed very few councils were issuing EHCPs within the 20 week timeframes. Only half of EHCPs, nationwide, were issued within 20 weeks. New working practices were being rolled out to improve this and a revised culture was being built, having looked at the best practice in other authorities.
• The KPIs reflected KCC’s budget position more generally and concerns were raised about how social care was funded. More government funding was required to deal with demand led services.

3) RESOLVED to note the report and proposed indicators for 2023-2024.