To review performance for Quarter 3 (Q3) 2025/26 and to report the performance position across all Directorates for this period.

Councillor Stoddart cabinet member for finance and corporate services introduced the report

The Cabinet Member presented the Q3 Performance Report for 2025/26, covering progress against the Council Plan 2024–28 and Delivery Plan 2025–26, for the period October–December 2025. 

It was highlighted that 200 of 250 milestones (80%) due by Q3 were either completed or on track for delivery by year?end (Appendix A). 

The highlights of the Capital Programme were noted.  There was continued progress on major schemes including Hereford Transport Hub, Holme Lacy Road Active Travel, Phosphate Mitigation Integrated Wetlands, Western By?Pass, Employment Land at Ross Enterprise Park, and multiple schools capital projects.  Most schemes also remained on track, with some experiencing managed delays.

Regarding the Council Plan Themes:

People:

Of 87 milestones: 35 completed, 29 were on track, 16 were at risk, with a small number not started, discontinued or at significant risk. There was ongoing work to strengthen multi?agency safeguarding, particularly around child sexual exploitation, with targeted actions being developed.

Continued progress on joint commissioning for children with complex needs, despite national system challenges.  Development of the Prevention in Adult Social Care Strategy was noted as nearing completion, with strong stakeholder engagement.

Place:

Of 89 milestones: 52 were on track, 19 were completed, 12 were at risk, 2 had not yet started, 3 were paused and 1 was at risk of not being completed by the end of the financial year.  It was highlighted that cabinet approved the Public Realm contract in December 2025 which supported the continued delivery of high quality sustainable local services.  Development of a new Cultural Strategy in partnership with the Herefordshire Cultural Partnership was ongoing. Delivery of the public EV charge point remained red due to external provider delays, and it was confirmed that year?end targets will not be met. 

Growth:

Of 39 milestones: 18 were on track, 12 were completed, with a small number at risk or not started.  Progress on a new skills and employment strategy was ongoing, informed by national policy changes.  There was continued collaboration with NMiTE, particularly focused on opportunities within the defence and security sector, though progress had been slower than planned.

Transformation:

Of 40 milestones: 20 were on track, 15 were completed 3 were at risk and 2 were paused.

There were successful pilots of AI solutions, including Magic Notes in social care and M365 Copilot, with work ongoing to support wider adoption.  The revised Hoople contract was also completed in November 2025.  A first draft Herefordshire Outcomes Framework, aligned with the forthcoming Local Government Outcomes Framework was in development. 

Members were directed to Appendix A for the full status of the Q3 Delivery Plan milestones.

Comments from cabinet members:

The Cabinet Member for adults, health and wellbeing reported that rough sleeping numbers were higher than expected, with 12 individuals across three sites, some on private land with landowner consent and others on public land. Despite daily outreach efforts, engagement has become increasingly difficult where individuals did not wish to accept support,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77