To review performance for Quarter 1 (Q1) 2024/25 and to report the performance position across all Directorates for this period.

The cabinet member for finance and corporate services introduced the report.   It was highlighted that this was the first report in respect to the new Council Plan 2024-28 and the associated Delivery Plan 2024-25.

It was highlighted that 88% of the 162 milestones had been completed or were on track. Key capital investment programmes were noted; planning permission had been received for the Museum and Art Gallery; the Shirehall, Library and Learning Centre remained on track for an opening in October 2026; five properties had been purchased for the Single Homelessness Accommodation programme; phase 1 of the road resurfacing programme was completed; £1.2m had been spent on maintenance on schools; new gritters were now on site in Rotherwas; the new waste collection vehicles had been purchased. 

It was noted that the Hereford City Centre improvement programme had ended which included; the Public Art across the City; Widemarsh street enhancement works; City greening projects; market stall gazebos; High Town improvements; shop front grants scheme and CCTV enhancements. The joint Autism Strategy for Herefordshire and Worcestershire was received positively by the Health and Wellbeing Board.

It was highlighted that 12 grants had been awarded through the Safer Communities Fund, investing over £900,000 in prevention-focused projects for children and families. Additionally, Herefordshire received £736,000 from Arts Council England for a three-year cultural development project. 

Regarding the Council Plan themes: 

People, it was highlighted that out of the 50 milestones 8 were completed, 37 were on target and 5 were at risk of missing their deadline.   In terms of successes, it was noted that the Good Mental Health strategy was updated, £200,000 was secured for a pilot Cardiovascular Disease Workplace Health Check project, ‘Street Tag’, was launched to increase physical activity among schools.  Workshops had also taken place with Primary Care Networks to improve partnership working and increase referrals to the Stop Smoking service and specialist training has been arranged with maternity services to improve support for pregnant women. It was highlighted that 26 providers had been awarded a contract for Supported Living and 13 providers awarded a contract for Community Activities.  The Children’s Improvement Plan for 2024-2025 was approved by the Improvement Board and a revised action plan was agreed with the Council’s Improvement Partner, Leeds.  Plans have been set out with partner agencies for implementation of the new Working Together 2023 and the bid to open a new Special Free School was successfully progressed. 

Regarding the Council Plan theme of Place, out of the 52 milestones in the Delivery Plan, 4 were completed, 39 were on target and 9 were at risk of missing a deadline. It was confirmed that as part of the Local Plan, the Regulation 18 consultation across the county had been completed and the responses were being reviewed. However, it was raised that this will be subject to ongoing discussions with central government. 

Noted that consultant procurement was progressing for the new road strategy regarding the design review of phase 1 (southern section of western bypass) and scheme  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26