Agenda item

Councillor Andy Hull, Executive Member Finance, Performance  and Community Safety was present for discussion of this item.

During consideration of the report the following main points were made –

·         It was noted that the percentage of housing ASB cases that result in enforcement action reflected an tougher stance in relation to anti-social behaviour

·         Reference was made to the fact that the sanction detection rate in respect of Domestic Violence is too low, however body cameras were being introduced for the Police in the borough and this may assist this situation and the PI’s with regard to stop and search

·         It was stated that residents were less likely to report crimes if they felt that the chance of detection or appropriate sanction would not happen

·         With regard to Employment PI’s it was stated that E1(b) was off target and there are large number of Islington children growing up in workless households and work is needed to address this

·         Whilst the number of people placed into Council apprenticeships is good, there is a need to ensure this is kept under review in view of the introduction of the apprenticeship levy

·         Discussion took place as to channel shift and that whilst there had been successes in moving to 100% online transactions such as with school Admissions, there is still some way to go on this. Reference was made to the fact that Council staff, such as in Libraries could assist residents in carrying out on line transactions. It was noted that some boroughs had introduced on line transactions only but it was not felt that this was appropriate in Islington at present

·         Discussion took place as to the levels of staff sickness absence and that this is higher than other comparable London Boroughs. Councillor Hull stated that the Government funding reductions had placed stresses of extra work and concerns about their jobs on staff and it is hoped that the reasons for this could be identified in the staff survey results

·         Concern was expressed at the fact that Islington had a 5% higher level of sickness than other London Boroughs and whether sickness guidelines were being enforced by managers

·         In response to a question it was stated that information should be provided to Members on people with disabilities being supported into work through Council efforts and reference was made to the large number of ESA appeals that were upheld at Tribunal

·         Reference was made to the new online Housing repairs channel and that it is felt that this could be more user friendly and there needed to be clarification as to what constitutes an emergency repair. The Chair of Housing Scrutiny Committee. Councillor O’Sullivan stated that the Committee would be carrying out a scrutiny in 2017/18 on Communications

·         Concern was expressed at the high levels of agency staff despite attempts to reduce this and also the length of some agency assignments. Councillor Hull responded that there had been successes in reducing the number of agency staff in areas, such as in Digital Services and E&R, however in attempt to further reduce agency staff the Leader is discussing with the Chief Executive and Corporate Directors him having to approve any proposals to engage agency staff in future

·         It was noted that the Housing Scrutiny Committee had recently conducted a review into responsive repairs

·         A Member stated that whilst it was welcome that there is a dedicated LGTB reporting line however the homophobic crimes detected was down on last year. Councillor Hull stated that he would look into this

·         In response to a question that the reasons for staff sickness may also relate to the facilities at work such as the poor condition of toilets, working facilities etc. and Councillor Hull stated that facilities had been upgraded however he would ensure these issues were monitored

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and that the information requested above be circulated to Members as follows -

Following the results of the staff survey seek to identify the reasons for the   higher than average sickness levels amongst Council staff, comparisons with other London Boroughs and whether sickness regulations are being enforced by managers e.g. enforcing trigger points and referrals to the Council’s Medical Advisor

Data on residents with disabilities being supported into work through the Council

Information on the reasons why the detection rates on hate crime are so low given that such crimes are less likely to be reported if victims felt that the offender would not be detected and sanctions employed