Agenda - 9 October 2007

Members

Mr J C Brand
Mr D M Busby
Mr J R B Cave

Mr D G Grutchfield
Ms J A Jenkins
Mr C A Roberts

Mr D M Walton
Mr G S White
Mr L H Young

ITEM

BUSINESS

1

SUBSTITUTES AND APOLOGIES

Any Member attending as an approved substitute to report giving his/her name and the name of the Member being substituted.

To receive apologies for absence.

2

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Members to declare any interests as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

3

MINUTES

To confirm and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 August 2007 as a correct record.

4

PETITIONS

The Head of Corporate Services to report, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No. 13, the receipt of any petitions submitted to the Chief Executive.

5

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS

The Chairman to answer any questions on any matters in relation to which the Council has powers or duties which affect the District and which fall within the terms of reference of the Committee of which due notice has been given in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No. 15.4 – (a) and (b).

Paper G112

6

DISCRETIONARY RATE RELIEF

Report by the Head of Customer Services attached.

Paper G113

7

USE OF RESOURCES – RECOVERY OF ARREARS (COUNCIL TAX, NON-DOMESTIC RATES, HOUSING RENTS AND HOUSING BENEFIT OVERPAYMENTS)

Report by the Head of Customer Services attached.

8

AFFORDABLE HOUSING - LOCAL PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 17 – DISCRETIONARY HOUSING PAYMENTS – SERVICE STANDARD 10 DAYS

The Head of Customer Services to report, with reference to Minute No. 26 of the meeting held on 29 August 2007, that performance in the first quarter of 2007/08 at 13.5 days is 3.5 days short of the 10 day target.  In that period 90 applications were determined.  On investigation, that shortfall has mainly arisen as a result of applicants failing to supply information promptly.

In hindsight, however, it is felt that the indicator is flawed and should be replaced with a more indicative measure of the speed of decision necessary to give potential applicants an early indication of the affordability of their intended choice of home.  A new “Benefit Quote” indicator/service standard will be introduced from 1 October, the target being to give an indication of benefit eligibility where requested within 24 hours.  This, combined with the Local Housing Allowance system of benefit payment, which takes effect from 1 April 2008, makes for more informed and quick choices on tenancy options, necessary to support the Council’s priority of making affordable homes available across the District.

The Committee is asked to note the position.

Paper G110

9

MONITORING THE COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT (CPA) PLAN FOR 2006/07

Report by the Head of Corporate Services attached.

Paper G111

10

ICT FUNCTION - PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

Report by the Head of Corporate Services attached.

 
Paper G114

11

CORPORATE REPORTING OF PERFORMANCE INFORMATION TO OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES

Report by the Head of Corporate Services attached.

Paper G115

12

WORK PLAN

Report by the Head of Corporate Services attached.

Note:        The next meeting of the Committee will take place on Tuesday 27 November 2007 at 9.30am.

For further information on any of the Part 1 items listed above, please contact Linda Pattle on Ipswich (01473) 826652 or via email at committeeservices@babergh.gov.uk