To seek Cabinet’s approval for an updated Council performance improvement framework and an associated performance improvement cycle for the next two years. 

THAT Cabinet approves

(a)    those elements of the updated performance improvement framework at Appendix 1 that relate to its own role and those of the Leader, lead Cabinet members and the scrutiny function; and

(b)     the two-year performance improvement cycle at Appendix 2, including public consultation in Autumn 2008 to inform future priorities, plans and budgets. 

The Council’s performance improvement framework was last updated in March 2007.  Developments since then, particularly the intensive programme to assure data quality, the tightening of the performance management arrangements for the Herefordshire Partnership and the new Local Area Agreement, and the emerging public service arrangements between the Council and the Primary Care Trust (PCT), mean that it is now out-of-date.

The framework has to be given effect by means of a performance improvement cycle that meets current and foreseeable needs and circumstances.

Since the Council is effectively required to have a sound, up-to-date performance improvement framework and cycle, there are no alternative options.