The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee met on 19 November 2025, and agreed to note an update on the Wiltshire Community Strategic Partnership's work, including improvements to systems for the public to report anti-social behaviour, and to receive a further update in six months. The committee also endorsed the findings and recommendations of a Rapid Scrutiny Exercise on corporate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), while expressing disappointment at the Executive's limited acceptance of the recommendations, and agreed to consider two notices of motion regarding screenwash and billposting, task group updates, and select committee forward work programmes.

Wiltshire Community Strategic Partnership (WCSP) Update

The committee agreed to note the update on the work of the Wiltshire Community Strategic Partnership (WCSP), including on the work to improve systems for members of the public to report incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour, and to receive a further update focusing on the issues raised during the discussion in 6 months' time.

Councillor Ian Thorn, Leader of the Council, introduced the report, noting that he chairs the Public Services Board to which the WCSP reports. Sarah Valdus, Director for Environment, and Chair of the WCSP, and Natasha Gell, Community Safety Partnership Manager, presented the report, highlighting the WCSP's revival and renewal efforts over the past year. Key achievements included establishing a strategic group, developing a three-year partnership plan, and prioritising delivery and progress analysis through an annual Strategic Assessment. The review is set to be completed in November 2026, focusing on improved data sharing for oversight and accountability, with data sharing agreements already in place.

During the discussion, the committee sought further details on homicide and suicide rates, with officers agreeing to provide additional data. Members discussed the role of various Wiltshire Council departments in promoting safer communities and suggested mapping these departments to identify opportunities for enhanced support to policing and crime reduction. There was also discussion of the need for councillors to prepare for reforms to Police and Crime Commissioners and to understand the council's contribution to the WCSP.

The committee raised concerns about inadequate IT infrastructure and the need for improvements to intelligence systems, particularly regarding resource constraints. The WCSP aims to improve customer experience and streamline the reporting of anti-social behaviour, potentially through the use of the My Wilts app and GOSS automated forms. However, concerns were raised about whether the system was being designed around internal capacity rather than public needs.

The use of CCTV was also discussed, with reference made to volunteer-run CCTV networks and the absence of a countywide standard. Officers outlined a survey being conducted in collaboration with CCTV managers in Salisbury to understand processes, policies, and best practices.

The importance of partnership working, public engagement, and accountability was emphasised, with suggestions that Area Boards could play a role in increasing engagement and raising awareness of reporting mechanisms.

Corporate Scorecard Key Performance Indicator Rapid Scrutiny Exercise

The committee agreed to endorse the findings and recommendations of the Rapid Scrutiny Exercise, note the Leader and Deputy Leader's verbal responses to the report, request a written executive response to the report at the next meeting, include consideration of the quarterly performance scorecard reports to Cabinet within the Committee's work programme, and note the Committee's disappointment at some of the Executive's responses to the recommendations of the Rapid Scrutiny Exercise, specifically regarding the Committee's concerns about the limited linkage between the KPIs proposed and the commitments set out in Our Wiltshire Plan.

The Chairman noted that the report presented the findings and recommendations of the rapid scrutiny exercise held on 3 November for endorsement and referral to Cabinet. The rapid scrutiny exercise reviewed the list of corporate KPIs set out under Our Wiltshire Plan, their purpose, and the rationale behind their inclusion, and made recommendations for amendment as appropriate.

The rapid scrutiny exercise made five recommendations:

• Strengthen the link between the commitments made in Our Wiltshire Plan and the performance metrics used to monitor their achievement.
• Provide more clarity regarding the intended purpose of the KPI scorecard.
• Ensure more consistent application of the KPI principles, with each KPI representing a genuine measure of performance rather than just of activity.
• Expand the scope of the KPIs to reflect the council's convening role with other stakeholder organisations in delivering a number of the Plan's commitments.
• Ensure that the language used in the KPIs is accessible to all, reflecting the inclusive focus of the Plan itself.

Councillor Ian Thorn, Leader of the Council, thanked members who had participated in the exercise to produce the recommendations. He noted that the KPIs would be owned by the Cabinet and reflected Our Council Plan which was voted upon and went through Full Council. He outlined that a clear statement to set the context of the KPIs would be presented to Cabinet on 9 December 2025. He also stated that he believed that the KPIs would be applied consistently and had been produced by officers who were experts in their respective areas. The performance of the KPIs would be tracked and analysed as part of the annual review process.

The Leader discussed recommendation four and the notion of expanding the scope of the KPI but noted there was a preference to have KPIs in which the Council had direct control over rather than including metrics for other organisations and their performance. The need for the language of the KPIs and Our Council Plan was discussed and the need for clarity. The Leader provided apologies for not accepting all of the recommendations produced by the rapid scrutiny exercise and confirmed that a written response would be produced.

The committee discussed the report with further reference made to the purpose of the KPIs and whether further clarity would be provided for the KPIs. A suggestion was also made that whilst conducting the rapid scrutiny exercise it was difficult to see how the KPIs fit together on a wider scale. Reference was made to how it wasn't possible to match the KPIs to the commitments that were made and that there was a large proportion of commitments which did not have a KPI supporting them. It was suggested that if a commitment was being made, then a measurement should be expected. A further point was made that though it would be difficult to measure and report on the performance of other organisations, this should still be reported rather than solely focusing on areas within the Council's responsibility. It was also stressed that the last time KPIs had been publicly reported was in February and that it was likely the public would wish to know what was happening.

The Leader and Deputy Leader responded to the points made with it stressed that the Plan concerned what could be achieved as a Cabinet and Council rather than the work of other organisations on the Council's behalf. It was noted that it could have been possible to have more KPIs, however, the current number was comfortable and would evolve over time and would be reviewed in the annual report against the Business Plan. It was suggested that the purpose of the KPIs was to provide a snapshot of performance to Cabinet on a quarterly basis and that the annual report would cover matters on a broader scale.

The committee further discussed the KPIs with a point made that some of the KPIs referred to were units of measurements, for example carbon emissions, and that it would be positive for them to have targets and dates associated with them. A further point was made that if a commitment could not be measured, then it should not be made and that the Council should not be promising things which may not be deliverable. It was further stressed that the KPIs should match with each point included within the Plan and that there needed to be a clear definition of the purpose of the KPIs.

A point was made that that it could be perceived that the recommendations of the rapid scrutiny exercise were criticism of the KPIs, to which the Chairman provided assurance that though the recommendations were critical, there was a need for robust scrutiny and what had taken place was objectively rather than politically focused.

A specific point was made in regard to a KPI of 100% compliance of the six main landlord compliance areas for Housing Revenue Account assets, with it noted that only 18% of residents were in social housing therefore leaving 82% of other residents. A response was provided that some things would not be possible to measure and that broader, nationally reported data would be included within the annual report. It was noted that this KPI was in relation to the Council as a landlord and that there was a focus on measuring what the Council was specifically responsible for.

A further discussion took place in regard to metrics such as planning metrics, the employment rate and gross medium pay for the workforce in which the Council would have minimal effect on and were rather influenced by national government. The Leader noted that he did not want to lose statistics however consideration would be given to how such metrics were presented. A point was raised in relation to the KPI of delivering 650 affordable homes, with it suggested that there was not a KPI for social housing. It was noted that the Council policy had recently changed focus from providing affordable housing to social housing and that the issue would be investigated.

Notice of Motion No. 25-12: Ready to use Screenwash

The committee agreed to note the Leader's agreement to write the letter requested in the motion, and that the letter, and the committee's findings, will be reported back to Full Council.

Councillor Philip Whitehead, proposer of the motion titled, Ready to Use Screen wash, spoke regarding the motion with a background context of the motion provided that in 2019 the Council agreed that it would support being Net Zero by 2030 which would cover all activity in Wiltshire. It was noted that currently major retailers in the County were selling 5 litre plastic containers of diluted screen wash, effectively leading to an increase in HGVs on the roads and increased use of plastic. It was stated that major retailers should provide concentrated screen wash to be diluted and then consumers could make a green, or non -green, choice. The motion requested that the Leader of the Council write to major retailers who sell ready-to-use screen wash to request that they sell concentrated screen wash to be diluted by the consumer at home.

Councillor Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, stated that he would be content to write a letter should a list of retailers be provided, with the outcome of the motion to be reported back to Full Council under Chairman's Announcements.

A point was subsequently made that though the Council could write to retailers, the issue was not within the control of the Council as retailers could ultimately make commercial decisions as to what they would sell.

Notice of Motion No. 25-13: Trusted Billposter Scheme

The committee agreed to ask the Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding to consider the motion further, with further scrutiny engagement on the matter to be led by Environment Select Committee, and to note that there will be further public promotion of the system for advertising local events.

Councillor Allison Bucknell proposer of the motion titled, Trusted Billposter Scheme, spoke regarding the motion with the aim stated as to simplify the process for billposting; by implementing a scheme whereby the organisation could agree a bill posting/signage scheme with the Council which could then be repeated by notification. Should the organisation fail to comply with the agreed plan/timescales then their trusted rights should be removed

Councillor Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, spoke regarding the motion with it noted that there had been changes recent years on how the scheme worked. It was outlined that though community groups had been given tolerance with no enforcement, commercial operators had been doing this causing a difficulty in officers being able to distinguish between groups and commercial operators. The Cabinet Member noted he had spoken to the Director Highways who had belief that there was not a provision in the Highways Act for a Trusted Billposter Scheme however legal opinion would be sought.

The Cabinet Member agreed to champion the issue through the Environment Select Committee with a commitment to finding a conclusion before spring 2026 which would take into account legal advice.

A point was raised that in the future ad-hoc Christmas events would shortly be taking place; therefore it would be positive to reiterate the process for promoting such events between now and Christmas. It was agreed that this would be included within the regular communications to town, parish councils and clerks forums.

Task Group Update

The committee noted the update on task group activity provided.

Councillor Gerry Murray, Vice-Chairman, provided an update on the Stone Circle Task Group's recent activity with it agreed that Councillor Kym-Marie Cleasby would be Chairman of the task group. In addition, a positive meeting had taken place with Director Resources, Lizzie Watkin, with clarification provided regarding the borrowing and debt of the companies. Three Members of the task group had also recently attended the Stone Circle Shareholder meeting to partake in discussions, which was a great display of openness.

Councillor Graham Wright, Chairman, provided an update on the My Wilts App Task Group's recent activity with it noted that work was progressing and that Members of the task group possessed IT experience which had led to positive conversations with officers. Gratitude was also expressed to Councillor Zoe Clewer who had input considerable effort into the wording used and that 25 questions had been asked in total by the group with responses provided.

A point of endorsement was raised in relation to the Wiltshire Community Strategic Partnership (WCSP) Update item, with it suggested that the My Wilts App would be useful tool for reporting issues.

Cabinet Member Update

No updates were received.

Forward Work Programme

The committee agreed to note the updates on select committee activity provided and approve the Overview and Scrutiny Forward Work Programme.

Councillor Laura Mayes, Chairman of Children's Select Committee submitted the following update, which was provided to the Committee by Henry Powell, Democracy & Complaints Manager:

• The Committee would like to understand why they weren't seeing better results in areas where there was a good understanding of the challenges and improvement plans in place. This was highlighted by reports on the following items at the most recent meeting:
  • Safety Valve –The Chair was reviewing how scrutiny beyond the progress report currently received by the committee could add value.
  • Education Performance Outcomes The Committee received a comprehensive report on primary education outcomes (KS2), which highlighted despite progress in some areas, all outcomes were below national averages.
  • The Committee was aware that national reforms in education were imminent and would need to know exactly what that would mean in practice before further scrutinising what was happening now.

Councillor Nick Murry, Chairman of Environment Select Committee, provided the following update:

• The Forward Work Plan was still being developed, and the Chair, Vice Chair and Democratic Services officers have had a series of meetings with Cabinet members and senior officers to ensure the Environment Select Committee is engaging on the key policies, plans and programmes, at the right point in time in the decision-making process.
• The next meeting in this series would be with the Cabinet member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Assets on 20 November.
• At the last meeting on 13 November the Committee looked at the Streetscene contract and the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure or LEVI project.
• The Waste Transformation Task Group is monitoring the implementation of the transformation programme and scrutinising the work along the critical path of the programme plan, while reviewing outcomes, and assuring a robust communications plan is in place.
• The Climate Emergency Task Group would be meeting on 28 November and 30 January to engage on the climate delivery plans.
• The next Environment Select Committee meeting was scheduled for the afternoon of the 13 January 2026, where a number of highways and housing items would be considered items, however alternative date is being considered due to a clash with the Strategic Planning Committee.

A point was raised as to whether the Freight Strategy would be included within the Environment Select Committee Forward Work Programme, to which it was stated that officers would be consulted as to whether this would fit within scheduling.

Councillor Richard Clewer, Chairman of Finance & Procurement Select Committee, provided the following update:

• The upcoming meetings for the Select Committee would involve scrutiny of the budget.
• Work would need to be undertaken to consider how the procurement element of the Committee would function with a view to finding balance between finance and procurement.
• The Committee has started to receive training ahead of meetings which was available online and all members would be welcome to attend with a view to improving the broader financial knowledge of Members.

Councillor Jane Davies, Chairman of Health Select Committee, submitted the following update, which was provided to the Committee by Henry Powell, Democracy & Complaints Manager:

• The Committee had a full agenda in November with good engagement.
• The Committee was pleased to invite Wiltshire CIL (Centre for Independent Living to contribute to an item around neuro-diversity assessments and pathways. The importance of scrutiny hearing evidence from people receiving services as well as the service provider was noted.
• The Committee received the annual safeguarding report and it was helpful to have a pre-meeting briefing to provide an overview of the Council's responsibilities around safeguarding.
• The rapid scrutiny into urgent care took place on 4 November with Councillor Phil Chamberlain leading, there was a follow up meeting for members on the 17 November. It was hoped that following the result of the rapid scrutiny, a report on urgent care, would be ready to present to committee in January.

Councillor Graham Wright, Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, provided the following update:

• Chairs and Vice-chairs of select committees meet annually with Cabinet and directors to discuss plans and priorities. Since the last meeting, two meetings were held with Councillor Mel Jacob (Deputy Leader):
  • First meeting: Focused on Human Resources & Organisational Development with Director Tamsin Kielb.
    • Discussed key staffing issues for the next 12 months.
    • Agreed the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee should receive a briefing on HR issues, especially the recruitment freeze and its operational impact.
    • Emphasized importance of understanding staffing context for strategic scrutiny.
  • Second meeting: Focused on Legal and Governance with Director Perry Holmes.
    • Covered areas including Legal Services, Complaints, Information Governance, Democratic Services, Scrutiny, Executive Office, and Coroner's service.
    • It was agreed that a briefing note on contingency planning and emergency response, highlighting Members' roles would be circulated. The Committee may want to conduct potential future scrutiny of contingency planning and emergency response.