To agree proposals for the council’s Delivery Plan 2024-25. 

The cabinet member for finance and corporate services provided an over view, it was noted that this was the first of the four annual Delivery Plans and is linked with the Council Plan.  The Council Plan and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) are the overarching policy frameworks within which decisions will be taken and resources allocated over the next four years.  The vision of the Council Plan ‘Delivering the best for Herefordshire in everything we do’ has fed into the elements of each of the four priorities of the Delivery Plan - People, Place, Growth and Transformation.  It was highlighted that the Delivery Plan outlines the Council’s priorities and objectives and how these will be achieved in the next 12 months. 

It was noted that monitoring of the Delivery Plan will be through quarterly reporting into Cabinet.  There will also be routine financial monitoring against the approved revenue and capital program and that monthly progress reports will be provided to the Corporate Leadership Team alongside the quarterly reports to Cabinet.  It was also noted that annual service plans will outline the service area priorities and key areas of focus.  Lastly, it was noted there will be individual performance and development plans for staff across the Council aligned to service area priorities. 

The cabinet member also highlighted that the development of projects within the Delivery Plan will look to minimise any environmental impact and will identify opportunities to improve environmental performance.  Noted that equality impact assessments will also be carried out. 

Cabinet members discussed the report and it was noted regarding the environmental aspects that a local nature recovery strategy and biodiversity net gain strategy were being developed. As well as a tree and hedgerow strategy to address the preservations of trees and hedgerows but also the replacement of those lost to ash die back.  The net zero journey is continuing with the aim of achieving 65% reduction in CO2 emissions by the end of year.   Noted that benchmarks in the Delivery Plan are helpful as they enable the Council to measure its progress.  It was highlighted there is continuing work with the phosphate mitigation scheme, the Luston Wetland Scheme, investment in parish councils and the proposed investment with Ross Enterprise Park. 

It was noted that delivery of the new road strategy was progressing according to plan and the Local Transport Plan draft will come later in the year.  The Public Real Services is also moving forward as intended and also noted the benefits of the lengthsman scheme to local parishes. 

Group leaders gave the views of their groups. The level of consultation on the Delivery Plan was welcomed alongside the benefits of having a Delivery Plan to measure progress against.  However it was expressed that this Plan is less ambitious than the County Plan it supersedes.  Concerns were also raised regarding the Plan being unambitious in terms of young people and the environment. It was noted that climate change was barely referenced and £800k from reserves was removed.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8