To review performance for the first 11 months of 2013/14 and to agree any further actions arising to address performance issues.

The Leader asked Cabinet for comments on the Corporate Performance Report 2013/14. 

The following comments were made in discussion:

·         Clarity and assurance was sought regarding paragraph 8.8 of the Corporate Performance Report 2013/14 relating to the potential risks to the Council whilst it did not have a five year housing land supply and an adopted local plan, as these were one of the government’s key measures for an effective planning service. 

·         Concern was raised over the reduced number of food inspections undertaken by Environmental Health.  It was seen as a high risk, as the number of inspections undertaken was lower than the statutory minimum requirement. 

·         The Director for Economy, Communities and Corporate advised that with regards to Environmental Health inspections the view had been taken that a certain level of risk would be accepted.  He stated that should any situations arise because of the level of risk taken the decision would be reviewed. 

·         In relation to the five year land supply the Director reminded Cabinet that an all Member seminar would be held on April 22.  The adoption of the Local Development Framework (LDF) and the granting of planning permission for the required number of houses would give the Council a five year housing land supply.  In response to a question on the public enquiry for the LDF it was stated that May to June would be the appropriate time for the public to make their comments on the deposit stage.  Once these comments had been submitted to the inspectorate, it was hoped that the public enquiry would then be held in the autumn.

·         The Cabinet Member Infrastructure reemphasised the importance of all Members supporting the approval of the LDF in order to prevent the Council from being in a position of having to approve planning applications for sites not specifically allocated in the LDF.

·         In response to a query regarding the number of fatalities or serious injuries on the roads listed on the data as green.  The Cabinet Member Infrastructure stated that this was merely to indicate that the figure was reducing.

RESOLVED:  That performance be noted.