Agenda item

Councillor Andy Hull, Executive Member Finance and Performance and Lela Kogbara, Assistant Chief Executive Strategy and Partnerships were present for discussion of this item.

During consideration of this matter the following main issues were raised –

·         In relation to P15 Adult Social Care Members expressed the view that given the value of physical exercise for tackling isolation amongst older people whether this is included as part of the strategy for tackling this and the range of actively planned to tackle social isolation

·         A Member referred to PI 112 Children missing in care and that this is not on target. It was stated that all appropriate measures are taken each time a child goes missing, and that robust procedures are in place to prevent children from going missing whilst in care, but it had to be recognised that these were often very vulnerable individuals

·         With regard to P114 Alternative provision, a Member enquired if there was any difference  between children excluded from Academies and non Academy schools in alternative provision. It was stated that these figures should be provided to the Committee

·         In relation to P115 GCSE results Members expressed the view that the level of ambition was not enough and enquired the London average. Final GCSE figures will be released in January 2016 and these will be included in the Quarter 3 report, however the performance of London schools was generally good

·         In relation to P1 116 NEETS Members requested more detail about the measures being taken to retain them in learning, particularly at risk groups

·         Discussion took place around PI’s for crime and community safety and that in relation to PI’s 20 and 21 anti-social behaviour, Members were concerned about these targets and that despite them being unambitious they were still not being met. In addition the response on estates is not considered satisfactory and  Members requested additional information in relation as to how it is intended to improve the response rate on estates

·         The Committee also expressed concern in relation to PI 24 and 26 Hate Crime and that this is below the target for sanction detections. Councillor Convery stated that this is the role of the Police and that the Council were constantly pushing the Police on this, and that they were leading on a new Hate Crime strategy and consulting on the Prevent Strategy. Members noted that the Quarter 3 Performance report would include details of actions the Police are taking to improve detections

·         A Member referred to P127 in relation to employment, and enquired the types of people that are being supported into posts and it was stated that this information could be circulated to Members

·         Reference was made to p130a and Members stated that despite this being a Council pledge the target had not been met. In addition, Members stated that they would also like information as to the types of placements apprentices were taking up and it was stated that a list of departments and job roles could be circulated to Members and those that are planned in the future

·         A Member enquired as to how the Council were supporting LBI graduates who had not been able to obtain employment. It was stated that this is not presently one of the priority groups for the Council to support into work and Councillor Hull stated that whilst this is not a priority at present consideration may be given to this in the future  

·         In relation to the Environment and Regeneration PI 131  recycling Members enquired why this is below target and if this is ambitious enough. Councillor Hull stated that Islington has a smaller proportion of gardens than most other Local Authorities, which resulted in less garden waste, which is easier to collect, and there is a reduction in the rate from NLWA

·         In relation to P149 overcrowding, there had been a reduction in the number of voids, meant that there is less opportunity to rehouse larger families, although the turnaround times for voids was good. Discussion took place as to instances where properties on estates were empty for long periods. It was stated that information could be provided on the number of voids and turnaround times for re-letting once they become vacant

RESOLVED:

That the following information, as outlined above, be circulated to Members –

Details of whether physical exercise is part of the strategy for tackling social isolation and the range of activities planned to tackle social isolation

Details of exclusions from Academies and other schools where children were in alternative provision and whether there were differences

Details of the 2014/15 GCSE results for Islington schools be included in the Quarter 3 Performance report to Committee

Details of measures being taken to keep NEET’s in learning, especially in relation to those at risk

Details in relation to anti-social behaviour on how to improve performance, especially on housing estates

Details to be provided on the types of activity the Police are taking to improve hate crime detection

Details on the types of jobs people are being supported into by sector

Details of the list of current apprenticeships by department/job role and a list of those planned in the future

Details on the number of voids and turnaround times