Strategic Performance Framework - latest performance results for Finance
North Lanarkshire Council · 1 March 2023
Back to Finance and Resources Committee — 1 March 2023 and its agenda
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Finance and Resources Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref EK / SL / GT Date 01/03/23 Strategic Performance Framework - latest performance results for Finance From Elaine Kemp, Chief Officer (Finance) E-mail KempE@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07939 280601 Executive Summary This report has been prepared in line with the Council’s Strategic Performance Framework and enables progress against strategic priorities and day to day operations to be regularly reported to service committees to support Elected Members in their role of monitoring and scrutinising service performance. This can support the identification of areas requiring further investigation or improvement. The report represents the six-monthly Performance Review for Financial Solutions across a range of measures. The Service continues to deal with demand pressures and additional workloads as a result of the lingering effects of the pandemic and cost-of-living support payments, however performance continues to be strong across a number of areas including Council Tax collection and administration of Benefits and Scottish Welfare Fund. There are, however, areas where performance is lower than expected, including with Creditors processing times. The service has an action plan in place to improve service resilience and performance. Recommendations It is recommended that Committee: (1) Review the high-level performance overview presented in Appendix 1, and the supporting data contained within the linked Excel spreadsheet, and identify where further information is required to understand or investigate performance further. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority All priorities Ambition statement (21) Continue to identify and access opportunities to leverage additional resources to support our ambitions
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1. Background 1.1 There are six inter-related strategic frameworks which are key to assessing the success of The Plan for North Lanarkshire and monitoring delivery towards achieving the overall vision by ensuring each stage is appropriately planned, guided, implemented, and governed. 1.2 The six frameworks focus on ensuring a corporate one council approach in respect of Policy, Governance, Performance, Self- Evaluation, Project Management, and Demonstrating Improved Outcomes for Communities. 1.3 The Strategic Performance Framework comprises performance measurement at three levels (as per the diagram on the right). This aims to collectively provide an overview of performance to help understand the impact of council activities on improving services and outcomes for the people and communities of North Lanarkshire. The measures in this Framework allow for day to day activities, and progress towards achieving the long- term vision set out in The Plan for North Lanarkshire, to be regularly monitored, reported, assessed, and scrutinised. 1.4 The Strategic Performance Framework is aligned to the Accounts Commission statutory direction which places a requirement on councils to report a range of information in terms of (1) improving local services and outcomes, and (2) demonstrating Best Value. Key points of note in this respect are that the Accounts Commission also expect to see: (a) A balance in reporting areas of improvement that have been achieved and not achieved. (b) Reporting that is undertaken in a timely manner. (c) Easy access to performance information for all citizens and communities. 1.5 A Performance Reporting Schedule supports the timely submission of a range of performance information that facilitates Elected Members and senior management to undertake regular performance reviews that inform scrutiny, challenge, and decision making processes. This Schedule, endorsed by the Audit and Scrutiny Panel in February 2023, includes Chief Officer’s individual six monthly Performance Reviews at Service Committees in line with the Strategic Performance Framework. 1.6 This report therefore presents the Finance and Resources Committee with the latest performance results for Finance for Members’ further review and scrutiny. 2. Strategic Performance Framework Finance and Resources Committee responsibilities 2.1 In line with the terms of reference outlined in the Scheme of Administration, the Finance and Resources Committee is responsible for monitoring and reviewing performance information for the following Ambition Statements from The Plan for North Lanarkshire: 21. Continue to identify and access opportunities to leverage additional resources to support our ambitions 2.2 The high-level performance overview in Appendix 1 presents Members with a summary of the latest results for each performance indicator within the remit of the Chief Officer (Finance).
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2.3 The information in Appendix 1 comprises the following: • An ideal direction arrow - this indicates whether a higher or lower figure is the preferred direction of travel. • Measurement unit - for example whether the result is a %, a number, a unit cost (in £), or a ratio. • Performance results for the last four financial years (depending on availability of data) along with the latest year’s target and corresponding RAG status (for indicators where it is appropriate to set targets). • The most recent monthly or quarterly results, along with the corresponding target and RAG status. Note the inclusion of this information is dependent on the measurement frequency of the indicator and availability of data as at the time of reporting. • A trend graph - this captures the direction of travel achieved over the four financial years and includes the most recent monthly or quarterly results where available. • Comments - narrative summarising the current position and providing an explanation for any significant variations in performance. Where applicable, this narrative also highlights the effect of the pandemic on service delivery, e.g. any increase or decrease in the volume of transactions or enquiries processed. 2.4 A large volume of data supports the high-level performance overview in Appendix 1. This is outlined in the latest performance results for Finance Excel spreadsheet which is available through the following link for Members to carry out a deep dive and review and scrutinise each performance indicator further. The Menu on the second tab of the spreadsheet contains built in hyperlinks that automatically take the user to a tab for each performance indicator and therefore provides a useful navigation aid to review the contents of the file. • Latest performance results for Finance.xlsx Current context 2.5 Throughout 2022/23 the service is managing a number of pandemic and cost-of-living related support measures initiated by the Council such as Fuel Hardship Grant to potentially 14,000 eligible residents, Pensioner Fuel Grant to 8,692 eligible residents and the North Lanarkshire Child Payment to the parents / carers of 12,450 eligible children. In addition, the Service continues to administer payments such as the Self- Isolation Support Grant and Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payment on behalf of the Scottish Government. 2.6 Following the end of the pandemic and the developing cost-of-living crisis, the Service has experienced increased demand for service such as Scottish Welfare Fund and other benefit applications. In addition, the insourcing of Culture and Leisure NL and the pace of capital investment activity following the pandemic have both contributed to increasing volumes of creditors payments. Recent performance highlights 2.7 Council Tax collection – Despite the performance measure being linked to year end performance, in-year reporting has highlighted an increased year to date collection rate A higher figure is better A lower figure is better Key to RAG status Performance is on target and/or within acceptable thresholds Performance does not meet target and is outwith acceptable thresholds Performance surpasses the target and exceeds expectations
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compared to the same period during 2021/22. This is partially attributable to receipt of funding in support of the Cost of Living Award. 2.8 Benefits administration – average days to process both new claims and changes of circumstances both remain low and well below the target number of days. 2.9 Scottish Welfare Fund – total number of Crisis Grant applications has increased by 14% from the same period last year. Despite this the service continues to meet Scottish Government guidance for decisions to be made within two working days. Areas of performance requiring improvement 2.10 There are two areas identified with a Red RAG status in Appendix 1. • Non domestic rates - % collected in the year highlights 93.68% for 2021/22 against a target of 95.8%. This measures continues to be affected by the pandemic and wider cost-of-living impacts. However, despite the year to date figure for 2022/23 only being 68.08% (9.9% lower than last year) there are encouraging signs. This low year to date figure is largely attributable to later than anticipated payment of rates charges from a number of public sector bodies, including the Council itself. If these payments had been made when anticipated and in line with 2021/22 dates the year to date performance would have been around 82% and shown an improved position. • Payment of invoices - % paid within 30 calendar days of receipt shows a year to date figure of 73.4% compared to 84.5% in 2021/22. The service has been pro- actively managing the creditors position with more staff trained to ensure peak demands can be met. In addition, the service continues to work with frontline service areas to improve the accuracy of payment requests and reduce delays in authorised invoices reaching the Creditors team. The service has an action plan in place to ensure performance improves. Next steps 2.11 As noted in paragraph 1.5, the Strategic Performance Framework is supported by a Performance Reporting Schedule. This sets out the arrangements for statutory, and Strategic Performance Framework reporting to committee. In this respect the relevant committee can expect to receive the following in respect of Finance during 2023/24. Report Description Committee Committee cycle Revenues and Benefits update report This report provides an update on the payment performance for council tax and non-domestic rates and the administration of welfare benefits and Council Tax Reduction Scheme. Finance and Resources Committee Each cycle Treasury Management annual activity report This report fulfils the key requirements of the council’s reporting procedures for Treasury Management in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities and reports on the council’s performance in complying with the mandatory prudential indicators. Finance and Resources Committee Cycle 3 in 2023 Financial monitoring report - council This report presents the council’s revenue monitoring position for the General Fund Account, Housing Revenue Account, and Adult Health and Social Care. Finance and Resources Committee Each cycle
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summary (revenue) Financial monitoring report - council summary (capital) This report presents the council’s capital monitoring position for the council’s capital programmes, including general services, housing revenue account, City Deal, etc. Finance and Resources Committee Each cycle Financial monitoring - savings This report provides an update on the achievement of the three-year financial savings targets and progress in implementing one-off investment priorities. Finance and Resources Committee Each cycle Annual accounts (audited) The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014 require the council to prepare an annual Statement of Accounts in accordance with proper accounting practices. These regulations also required that, as committee of the authority whose remit includes audit or governance functions, the Audit and Scrutiny Panel meet to consider the audited annual accounts with the aim to approve these for signature no later than 30th September, and to publish these by 31st October immediately following the financial year to which they relate. The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014 require the council to prepare an annual Statement of Accounts in accordance with proper accounting practices. These regulations also required that, as committee of the authority whose remit includes audit or governance functions, the Audit and Scrutiny Panel meet to consider the audited annual accounts with the aim to approve these for signature no later than 30th September, and to publish these by 31st October immediately following the financial year to which they relate. Audit and Scrutiny Panel Cycle 2 in 2023 (unaudited accounts) Cycle 3 in 2023 (audited accounts) 3. Measures of success 3.1 Measures of success include: • Regular oversight and monitoring of performance across the organisation to gain assurances in terms of governance and accountability. • Regular review and challenge processes to scrutinise the performance of the council to ensure effective use of resources and that resources are directed in accordance with agreed policy and according to priorities, while ensuring sound decision making and clear accountability for the use of resources in achieving improved outcomes for service users and the local community. • Performance monitoring, management, and reporting arrangements that support the demonstration of improved performance in local services and outcomes, and the delivery of Best Value.
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4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 - High-level performance overview Elaine Kemp Chief Officer (Finance)
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts have been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts have been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts have been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact?
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Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services.
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Appendix 1 Finance High-level performance overview - as at January 2023 Indicator id ideal direction unit of measureme nt 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2021/22 target 2021/22 RAG status 2022/23 ytd 2022/23 target 2022/23 RAG status trend comments Statutory financial reports - % completed by deadline date i099 higher figure is better % 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 green only measured annually 100.0 All statutory financial reports continued to be completed by the deadline date. Treasury - % of prudential indicators complied with i100 higher figure is better % 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 green only measured annually 100.0 The council continues to achieve 100% compliance with the suite of prudential indicators. Accounts - cost of closure of accounts as a % of gross expenditure i095 lower figure is better % 0.021 0.019 0.019 0.016 0.030 blue only measured annually 0.030 There has been an increase in Gross Expenditure in the Annual Accounts compaired from prior year coupled with a decrease in cost of completion due to staffing restructure, working from home, and change in methodology of overhead allocation due to changes in internal recharges. Accounts - % variation between forecast outturn and actual outturn i096 ideal direction is as close to zero as possible % -0.837 -0.157 0.029 -0.776 0.000 green only measured annually 0.000 Increased year end underspend linked to the reprofiling of loan charges conducted as the service closed down the 2021/22 annual accounts. This created a one-off benefit that wasn't previously included within the projected outturn position and was fully explained within the management commentary of the statutory annual accounts. Council tax - % of income due from council tax collected in the year Pi119 higher figure is better % 94.08 94.08 93.32 94.61 95.0 green 83.10 95.0 The figures for this indicator accumulate during the year; it is only at the year end that the YTD figure is comparable to the target Council tax collection rates as at the end of 2021/22 (94.61%) show an increase from previous years. It is worth noting that the total council tax collected also increased - from £121.8m in 2020/21 to £125.9m in 2021/22. Council tax collected as at end of December 2022 (83.10%) exceeds collection rates for the same period in the previous three years (82.44% as at December 2020, 80.99% as at December 2021, and 82.19% as at December 2019). Council tax collection - cost of collecting council tax per dwelling i093 lower figure is better £ 6.37 6.65 8.65 7.90 10.50 blue only measured annually 10.50 The cost of collecting council tax per dwelling increased in 2020/21 following a reduction in intevention income linked the Covid-19 (reduced income increases the net cost). However, the outcome for 2020/21 was still an improvement on target. Costs have improved in 2021/22, decreasing to £7.90 per dwelling; this reflects a reduction in the overall cost of collecting council tax combined with an increase in the number of domestic properties liable for council tax from 157,998 in 2020/21 to 159,003 in 2021/22. 90.0 92.0 94.0 96.0 98.0 100.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 90.0 92.0 94.0 96.0 98.0 100.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 -1.00 -0.50 0.00 0.50 1.00 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 80.0 85.0 90.0 95.0 100.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22
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Indicator id ideal direction unit of measureme nt 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2021/22 target 2021/22 RAG status 2022/23 ytd 2022/23 target 2022/23 RAG status trend comments Council tax - % payers opting to pay by direct debit i115 higher figure is better % 55.3 55.9 57.5 59.2 54.0 blue only measured annually 54.00 The volume of council tax payers signing up to direct debits continues to show a year on year increase in line with the council's digital ambitions. Over the period of the data provided the number of council tax payers paying by direct debit has increased by almost 22% from 77,154 in 2015/16 to 94,034 in 2021/22. Non domestic rates - % collected in the year Pi120 higher figure is better % 96.30 96.12 92.65 93.68 95.8 red 68.08 95.8 The figures for this indicator accumulate during the year; it is only at the year end that the YTD figure is comparable to the target Non domestic rates collection rates as at the end of 2021/22 (93.68%) show an increase from the previous year (92.65%), but this is still showing signs of being impacted by the pandemic as the levels of income received and the level of income due for 2020/21 and 2021/22 remains lower than pre pandemic levels. During 2022/23 68.08% collection rates as at December 2022 is lower than the same month in previous years but is reflective of the timing of payments from public sector bodies, including from the council itself (payments made in Q4 rather than Q3). Payment of invoices, council wide - % paid within 30 calendar days of receipt i094 higher figure is better % 89.9 84.2 82.5 84.2 96.0 red 73.4 96.0 Council performance in processing invoices in 30 days dipped in 2019/20 as the service was required to support a number of other priorities such as improving Purchase to Pay processes, introduction of electronic invoicing, the introduction / maintenance of Purchase Cards and the initial impact of the pandemic. Results during 2020/21 reflect the impact of the move to large scale working from home (with a number of suppliers continuing to send paper invoices). The service continues to work with administrators and authorisers across the council to reduce the time taken for invoices to reach the Creditors team. Performance for 2021/22 (84.5%) started to show improvement in performance compared to previous years, although year to date figures in 2022/23 (73.4%) has dipped - the service continues to pro- actively manage creditors processing and following the Financial Solutions restructure from April 2022 there is greater resilience and capacity within the team which will improve the time taken for invoices to be paid. Benefits administration - gross cost per case for housing benefits and council tax reduction i039 lower figure is better £ 30.54 12.48 18.09 23.42 27.50 blue only measured annually 27.50 Recent costs of processing claims continues to be significantly below historical levels. The increased value of claims during 2021/22 - combined with a decreased volume of claims - has had an impact on the overall costs per case, but the indicator remains significantly below target. 80.0 85.0 90.0 95.0 100.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 60.0 70.0 80.0 90.0 100.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 ytd 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22
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Indicator id ideal direction unit of measureme nt 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2021/22 target 2021/22 RAG status 2022/23 ytd 2022/23 target 2022/23 RAG status trend comments Benefits administration - average days to process new claims Pi062 lower figure is better number 24.6 16.8 15.0 13.2 21.0 blue annual indicator measures average days taken for processing; volume of transactions is monitored monthly 21.0 The volume of new claims for housing benefit processed in 2021/22 was 1,627, a decrease from 1,948 in 2020/21 and 1,776 in 2019/20. In 2022/23 to date, the volume of new claims for housing benefit (1,561) is similar to same period in 2021/22 (1,572) but higher than 2020/21 (1,332) and 2019/20 (1,300). The volume of new claims for the council tax reduction scheme processed in 2021/22 was 6,623, a decrease from 9,985 in 2020/11 and 6,976 in 2019/20. In 2022/23 to date, the volume of new claims for housing benefit (5,119) is higher than the same period in 2021/22 (4,965), but lower than 2020/21 (7,963) and 2019/20 (6,298). The change in the volume of new claims for both housing benefit and the council tax reduction scheme has not had a significant impact on processing times which remain low and well below target. Benefits administration - average days to process claims for changes of circumstances Pi063 lower figure is better number 7.4 4.7 4.3 4.1 7.0 blue annual indicator measures average days taken for processing; volume of transactions is monitored monthly 7.0 The volume of claims for changes of circumstances in housing benefit processed in 2021/22 was 38,338, a decrease from 39,649 in 2020/21 and 47,871 in 2019/20. In 2022/23 to date, the volume of claims for changes of circumstances in housing benefit (15,925) is lower than the same period in 2021/22 (19,981), 2020/21 (17,998), and 2019/20 (21,257). The volume of claims for changes of circumstances in the council tax reduction scheme processed in 2021/22 was 133,408, higher than 129,643 in 2020/11 and 86,991 in 2019/20. In 2022/23 to date, the volume of claims for changes of circumstances in housing benefit (60,618) is lower than the same period in 2021/22 (94,393), 2020/21 (83,963) and 2019/20 (46,649). The change in the volume of claims for changes of circumstances for both housing benefit and the council tax reduction scheme has not had a significant impact on processing times which remain low and well below target. Scottish Welfare Fund crisis grants - % decisions made within one day CORP9 higher figure is better % 97.5 100.0 94.8 93.0 n/a only measured annually n/a These four measures have newly been introduced into the Local Government Benchmarking Framework (LGBF) by the Improvement Service as they aim to provide useful and timely insight on policy critical issues such as vulnerability, poverty, and inequality and which will be increasingly important considering the impact of the cost of living. National comparisons will be available at the end of March 2023; at this time the council's performance will be reviewed and appropriate context added. Scottish Welfare Fund community care grants - % decisions made within 15 days CORP10 higher figure is better % 94.8 99.0 88.5 89.8 n/a only measured annually n/a These four measures have newly been introduced into the Local Government Benchmarking Framework (LGBF) by the Improvement Service as they aim to provide useful and timely insight on policy critical issues such as vulnerability, poverty, and inequality and which will be increasingly important considering the impact of the cost of living. National comparisons will be available at the end of March 2023; at this time the council's performance will be reviewed and appropriate context added. Scottish Welfare Fund - % of budget spent CORP11 higher figure is better % 100.7 102.0 66.1 103.2 n/a only measured annually n/a These four measures have newly been introduced into the Local Government Benchmarking Framework (LGBF) by the Improvement Service as they aim to provide useful and timely insight on policy critical issues such as vulnerability, poverty, and inequality and which will be increasingly important considering the impact of the cost of living. National comparisons will be available at the end of March 2023; at this time the council's performance will be reviewed and appropriate context added. Discretionary housing payments - % of funding spent CORP12 higher figure is better % 110.0 111.7 111.2 104.3 n/a only measured annually n/a These four measures have newly been introduced into the Local Government Benchmarking Framework (LGBF) by the Improvement Service as they aim to provide useful and timely insight on policy critical issues such as vulnerability, poverty, and inequality and which will be increasingly important considering the impact of the cost of living. National comparisons will be available at the end of March 2023; at this time the council's performance will be reviewed and appropriate context added. 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 80.0 85.0 90.0 95.0 100.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 80.0 85.0 90.0 95.0 100.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 60.0 80.0 100.0 120.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 60.0 80.0 100.0 120.0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22
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Indicator id ideal direction unit of measureme nt 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2021/22 target 2021/22 RAG status 2022/23 ytd 2022/23 target 2022/23 RAG status trend comments Scottish Welfare Fund community care grant - number of applications received i120a number 2019/20 = 4,213 YTD @ Oct 2019 = 2,643 2020/21 = 4,696 YTD @ Oct 2020 = 2,147 2021/22 = 6,417 YTD @ Oct 2021 = 3,770 n/a 2022/23 YTD @ Oct 2022 = 3,621 n/a Graph shows YTD comparisons @ Oct each year Year to date figures in 2022/23 (as at October 2022) show the council received 3,621 applications for community care grants - this is lower than the same period in 2021/221 (3,770 applications) but higher than 2020/21 (2,147) and 2019/20 (2,643). Scottish Welfare Fund community care grant - council spend i120b £ 2019/20 = £1.63m YTD @ Oct 2019 = £1.05m 2020/21 = £1.78m YTD @ Oct 2020 = £0.85m 2021/22 = £2.83m YTD @ Oct 2021 = £1.75m n/a 2022/23 YTD @ Oct 2022 = £1.59m n/a Graph shows YTD comparisons @ Oct each year As can be seen from the trend line in the graph, council spend in respect of community care grants mirrors the increased volume of applications and reflects the maintenance of a Medium priority level for evaluating applications through the financial year. Scottish Welfare Fund crisis grant - number of applications received i121a number 2019/20 = 15,795 YTD @ Oct 2019 = 9,363 2020/21 = 15,965 YTD @ Oct 2020 = 8,632 2021/22 = 18,233 YTD @ Oct 2021 = 9,594 n/a 2022/23 YTD @ Oct 2022 = 10,957 n/a Graph shows YTD comparisons @ Oct each year Year to date figures in 2022/23 (as at October 2022) show the council received 10,957 applications for crisis grants - this is higher than the same period in 2021/22 (9,594 applications), 2020/21 (8,632), and 2019/20 (9,363). Scottish Welfare Fund crisis grant - council spend i121b £ 2019/20 = £0.98m YTD @ Oct 2019 = £0.62m 2020/21 = £1.04m YTD @ Oct 2020 = £0.56m 2021/22 = £1.38m YTD @ Oct 2021 = £0.72m n/a 2022/23 YTD @ Oct 2022 = £0.87m n/a Graph shows YTD comparisons @ Oct each year As can be seen from the trend line in the graph, council spend in respect of crisis grants mirrors the increased volume of applications and reflects the maintenance of a Medium priority level for evaluating applications through the financial year. Discretionary housing payments - number of applications i122a number 2018/19 = 9,735 YTD @ Oct 2018 = 8,696 2019/20 = 10,122 YTD @ Oct 2019 = 8,999 2020/21 = 10,804 YTD @ Oct 2020 = 9,091 2021/22 = 10,861 YTD @ Oct 2021 = 9,670 n/a 2022/23 YTD @ Oct 2022 = 9,691 n/a Graph shows YTD comparisons @ Oct each year Year to date figures in 2022/23 (as at October 2022) show the council received 9,691 applications for discretionary housing payments - this is higher than the same period in 2021/22 (9,670), 2020/21 (9,091), 2019/20 (8,999), and 2018/19 (8,696). Discretionary housing payments - value of awards i122b £ 2018/19 = £4.5m YTD @ Oct 2019 = £4.1m 2019/20 = £5.07m YTD @ Oct 2019 = £4.61m 2020/21 = £6.01m YTD @ Oct 2020 = £5.13m 2021/22 = £6.19m YTD @ Oct 2021 = £5.72m n/a 2022/23 YTD @ Oct 2022 = £5.86m n/a Graph shows YTD comparisons @ Oct each year Council spend in this respect mirrors the increased volume of applications. 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 0 3000 6000 9000 12000 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 0 500,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 2,000,000 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 0 3000 6000 9000 12000 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 0 500,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 2019/20 2020/21 2020/21 2021/22 2021/22 0 2,000,000 4,000,000 6,000,000 8,000,000 2018/19 2019/20 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22