Alan Evans, Investment and Business Manager, introduced a report which described performance at Quarter 1 (April to June 2016). It was focused on high level population measures which described progress towards making a difference to the lives of Wirral residents.

Responding to comments from Members, Alan Evans informed the Committee that the pledge relating to the creation of jobs and growth included the creation of jobs within the maritime / ship building, offshore wind and civil nuclear sectors, which were all part of a targeted strategy to support these businesses. There were very high quality businesses in Wirral, including micro-businesses - businesses employing between 1 to 10 people.

Mark Smith, Head of Environment and Regulation, responding to a Member’s comment on the pledge to make transport and technology fit for the future and the need to reduce road traffic casualties, stated that this was on an ongoing process and a new road safety strategy was being developed at City Region level. Resources available in the City Region included income from fines as a result of the Road Safety Camera partnership. When the City Region Strategy was in place a review would be undertaken by the Road Safety Manager and the Council’s strategy would be refreshed.

Councillor Abbey reported that the review of the Wirral Bus Network had been put on hold and the consultation would start at the end of May / June, 2017 once the major works on the Merseyrail Wirral line had been completed.

Responding to Members’ comments Mike Callon, Team Leader, Performance and Scrutiny, reported that more detailed reports on performance were available on the website, and these had been circulated to the Committee at the meeting. With regard to those items whose status was marked, ‘Not started’ although their status for the current period was marked as, ‘Green’, he would look into this and respond by email to the whole Committee. He referred to the Members briefing held in the last week to which 22 Members had been in attendance and that he was keen to take any further feedback to ensure future reporting on the indicators was pertinent and clear. The People Overview and Scrutiny Committee had resolved the previous week that the Chairs and Party spokespersons from the three Overview and Scrutiny Committees should meet to discuss the approach.

A Member commented over the confusing nature of the report and the need to see what was relevant to this Committee.

The Chair accepted that this was fair comment and that he would be meeting with the other Chairs and Spokespersons to discuss the best way forward for performance reporting.

Resolved – That the report be noted.