Agenda item

This Authority Progress Plan Report was introduced by Simon Geikie the Senior Strategy and Performance Officer, who updated Members on progress over the first six months of the five year Authority Plan. An overview of the objectives and key actions were given. This report and progress made is available online. 

Members asked about the annual grant from DEFRA and the Chief Executive has an annual grant meeting with DEFRA and shall be asking DEFRA for at least an increase in the budget in line with inflation. 

It was acknowledged by Members that the Authority Plan is achievable but not as aspirational as it could be due to the way DEFRA performance manage the Authority.  It was noted that we could do so much more if there was more funding available.  The team were thanked for the new ways of reporting which was seen as an improvement on previous reporting styles.  A single visual “dashboard” to summarise the status of all indicators and actions in one place is in preparation and anticipated for the next presentation of the report at the end of the year.

Congratulations were extended from the Members to the Head of Planning and Planning Team for getting the service back on track.

The Chair noted the status of IT projects.  In the Authority Plan IT projects appear to be on track and yet there is a high risk associated with IT projects in the corporate risk register.  It was confirmed that the risk in the register was due to external factors delaying the commissioning of the ASSURE planning system.  The IT Team are taking all possible steps to manage the situation, hence a good performance report, but the risk remains high in terms of it’s potential impact on our operations.

The recommendation as set out in the report was moved, seconded, voted on and carried.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the digital Authority Progress Plan Report (decile 1) is reviewed and any actions to address issues agreed.

2.    That the Corporate risk register (Mid Year) is reviewed and the status of risks accepted.