Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Director – Housing and Revenues, Assistant Director – Community Services and Director of Public Health

The Assistant Director – Housing and Revenues, Assistant Director – Community Services and Director of Public Health submitted a report (previously circulated) providing Members with performance data against key performance indicators for 2022/23 at Quarter 4.

Details were provided of the 36 indicators reported to this Scrutiny Committee, six indicators were reported by both Housing and Culture and 24 by Public Health.

It was reported that at Quarter 4, 20 of the 36 indicators showed performance better than from when last reported; 13 indicators showed performance not as good as when last reported; and 1 indicator showed performance the same as when last reported.

Particular reference was made to the increase from the previous year in rent arrears of current Council tenants in the financial year as a % of rent debit; the decrease from the previous year in the amount of rent collected as a proportion of rents owed on Council homes; the increase in the average number of days spent in Bed and Breakfast accommodation; and the increase in the number of positive outcomes where homelessness had bene prevented.

Following a question regarding HBS025 – Number of days spent in Bed and Breakfast, Members were advised that the increase was due to a variety of reasons and that a breakdown would be provided to Members; and Members queried the method used to measure physical activity in the adult population.

Particular reference was also made to improvements in relation to the rate of prevalence of smoking among persons aged 18 years and over and the significant improvements in the rates for the successful completion of drug treatment increased for opiate users.

Discussion ensued regarding  prevalence of overweight children at reception and Year 6; Members were advised that the figures for Darlington reflected a national trend and Members were informed of a range of activities in place to address obesity in children and young people. 

Further discussion ensued regarding vaping; the possible causes for the increase in the under 75 mortality rates from respiratory disease; and the work being undertaken to encourage breastfeeding.

RESOLVED – That the submitted report be noted.