A borough council's performance report is the picture of efficiency despite the challenges of Covid-19, with just one target missed in quarter one.

Allerdale Borough Council's executive met on Wednesday and heard a corporate performance report for the first quarter of 2021/2022.

Deputy leader of the council and Executive Member for Policy, Governance and People Resources Marion Fitzgerald presented the report to councillors.

Her report revealed that of the 52 council projects and activities set out in the Delivery Plan, 94 per cent are on track, four per cent are close to target and just two per cent are behind target.

Amongst the key performance indicators that are on track was the work to prepare for Local Government Reform. Cllr Fitzgerald's report noted that work to develop the detailed transition programme for reorganisation into two unitary councils is underway.

Another key performance indicator that is on track is the introduction of new outdoor markets. Public consultation has taken place on whether an outdoor market should be established in Cockermouth with "overwhelming support" from the public.

Councillor Fitzgerald said: "There continued to be a significant amount of work across the organisation relating to the pandemic situation in quarter one. Work is expected to continue further into 2021 and 2022 including advising and enforcement work around safe practices in local businesses, delivery of the local test and trace system, business grant schemes and test and trace payments.

"At the same time day to day services have continued to run smoothly and we have made progress on key regeneration programmes in both Workington and Maryport."

Allerdale Borough Council's work to tackle and reduce fly-tipping was close to target. The report said: "Operation Respect was launched through the Allerdale Local Focus Hub to apply a problem solving approach to this complex problem. A series of events and actions will take place during 2021/2022."

Castles and Coasts launched Operation Respect with the first in a series of education and action days at Newlands Gardens.

Littering and fly-tipping hotspots are monitored monthly.

The KPI that is behind its target is the delivery of disabled facilities grants and a review of the Housing Grants and Assistance Policy in light of the pandemic.

Cllr Fitzgerald's report said: "The review of the Housing Grants and Assistance Policy has not started due to the Housing Manager being heavily involved in Track and Trace. A member of the Housing Grants team retired in June 2021 which has left one officer to deliver Disabled Facilities Grants. There is therefore no capacity within the team to support with the review."