The meeting covered several important topics, including performance indicators for various services, planning applications, and homelessness. The discussions highlighted both successes and areas needing improvement.

Education and Children's Services

The committee reviewed the performance indicators for Education and Children's Services. Notably, S5 attainment levels have improved and are outperforming other areas in Aberdeenshire. However, there has been a reduction in Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) usage, primarily due to the unexpected closure of the Inverurie Community Campus pool and the end of COVID recovery funding. The committee discussed the need for better support for students who do not achieve the expected levels by the end of primary school.

Environment and Infrastructure Services

The committee discussed the performance indicators for Environment and Infrastructure Services. Nine out of thirteen indicators are performing well. The committee focused on the issue of street lighting faults, which have been variable due to staff shortages and equipment failures. The committee also discussed the challenges in recruiting qualified electricians and the impact of plant breakdowns on service delivery.

Planning Applications

The committee reviewed the performance of planning applications, noting that both household and non-household applications are currently performing well. However, there are concerns about the increasing complexity of applications and the need for better coordination between schools and external providers for Foundation apprenticeships.

Homelessness

The committee discussed the average time to resolve homelessness cases, noting that Aberdeenshire does not use bed and breakfast accommodations for homeless individuals. Instead, temporary housing is provided, and efforts are made to move individuals into more permanent solutions. The committee also reviewed the reasons for homelessness presentations, which include disputes and relationship breakdowns.

Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA)

The committee noted a decrease in LLA usage due to the closure of the Inverurie Community Campus pool and the end of COVID recovery funding. The committee discussed the need for better coordination and support for LLA facilities to improve their usage rates.

Recommendations

The committee made several recommendations, including the need for more area-specific data in performance reports, better coordination between schools for Foundation apprenticeships, and a review of targets for street lighting repairs. The committee also instructed the Director of Education and Children's Services to continue presenting performance reports on a six-monthly basis and to provide numerical data for better analysis.