To review performance for Quarter 3 (Q3) 2024/25 and to report the performance position across all Directorates for this period.

The member for finance and corporate services introduced the report.   It was highlighted that 140 out of 179 milestones that were due to be in progress by quarter 3 under the Delivery Plan had been completed or were on track to be completed by the end of the financial year. 

It was also highlighted that other successes had been achieved outside the Delivery Plan.  It was noted that the council had continued to deliver on its capital investment program, comprising of over 100 projects.  These included the Barrs Court Road phase 2, Withington Primary School, improvements to schools under the schools capital maintenance programme, section 106 delivery programme, estates capital improvement programme, road resurfacing across the county, integrated wetlands and the transport hub.

In respect of the council theme of people, 31 of the 56 milestones were completed, 21 were on target and 3 were at risk of missing their deadlines and 1 was paused.  It was noted that improving the lives of children and young people made significant progress during quarter 3 which included the opening of the youth employment hub. Key activities to drive further improvements in the care and support of children and young people had been completed. This included a participation strategy, education strategy and the development of the locality model. Regarding adult services, 13 providers had signed up for the community activities framework which included an innovation lot to allow for the development of new opportunities, which will enable the council to support people with disabilities into work.  Further progress had been made in relation to the support provided to unpaid carers of all ages in Herefordshire with the newly formed carers partnership board which was in the process of agreeing the implementation plan which reflected the key priorities identified within the All Age Carers strategy 2024. Further events are also planned to explore carer views on respite provision across the county. 

In respect of the council theme of place, 19 of the 58 milestones in the Delivery Plan were completed, 22 were on target, 11 were at risk of missing a deadline, 3 were paused and 3 were not on target.  The quarter 3 data showed that the council were off target regarding reducing carbon emissions by 1.8%. It was confirmed that work was ongoing regarding the council’s carbon management plan to reach the aim of net zero by 2030.  The heat decarbonization plans for the corporate estates were expected to be carried over to the beginning of the next financial year.  Six properties had been identified, and a procurement framework was now in place. Herefordshire Natural Flood Management (NFM) project now included a live update on the NFM webpages, seasonal newsletters and attending multiple events throughout quarter 3 to keep the community updated. It was noted that the new public realm services operating model was approved in quarter 3 and the completion of public realm improvement works reached practical completion in December.  In addition, a library design consultant was appointed, and the interim library was relocated to the Town Hall.

Regarding the increased housing targets the council had been reviewing where these allocations will be set around Hereford as part of the review of the Local Plan. It was noted that accommodating growth that was not anticipated within the previous business case for the Hereford Transport Plan would likely impact on the alignment and design of the current route of the Western Bypass.  Therefore, this would require a comprehensive review of the business case to meet the current requirements of the government's green book approach.

In respect of the council theme of growth, it was highlighted that 11 of the 40 milestones had been completed, 16 were on target, 12 were at risk of missing a deadline and 1 was not on target.  It was noted that a review of employment land, needs and opportunities was complete with further commissioning work to consider feasibility of business units in Bromyard being considered and business hubs in each market town. It was noted that plot sales in the enterprise zone were currently on track and current businesses continued to be supported.  It was highlighted that 15 properties were being purchased through the single homelessness accommodation programme specifically for young people identified at risk of homelessness. It was confirmed that homeless prevention activity and engagement was continuing to enable rough sleepers to access accommodation and appropriate support. It was noted that the business case for the proposed Golden Valley Parkway railway station was awaiting sign off for additional professional services to carry out this work. Once agreed the procurement of these services could commence.

In respect of the council theme of transformation, 8 out of the 25 milestones were completed, 12 were on target and 5 were at risk of missing a deadline.   It was highlighted that work was continuing at pace to develop strategic and directorate transformation programmes to support the delivery of the Transformation Strategy.  It was confirmed that the needs of residents and businesses vary and there would not be ‘one size fits all’.  It was noted that the focus of the target operating model was to ensure that customers received the best possible customer experience, regardless of how they contacted the council whilst maximising use of technology to create an efficient customer journey. The council had engaged a new telephony system and wide area network provider, and the implementation of new systems will result in operational customer facing benefits.

It was confirmed that some of the data published by the Office for Local Government (Oflog) was historic and should be interpreted with caution.  The council selected 10 indicators to indicate its latest performance.  One, the percentage of service users aged 65 plus discharged from hospital into home first or still at home 91 days after discharge was 78.75% (projection was 80%).  Two, the percentage of children and young people social work assessments completed within timescale of 45 days was 63.5% (projected 82%). Third, the percentage of children in care who had an up-to-date review was 99.5% (projected 95%). Fourth, the percentage of planning applications dealt with within 13 weeks was 88.89% (projected 70%). Fifth, presentation of non-major planning applications dealt with within 8 weeks was 77.63% (projected 80%) Sixth, the number of kilogrammes of waste not sent to reuse or composting was 325.08 kg (projection 320kg). Seventh, the number of affordable homes delivered was 209 (projected 199).  Eighth, local count of Herefordshire homelessness was 5 (projected 5).  Ninth, the value of grants awarded to business to support viability and enable growth was £2.9m (projected £1.6m). Tenth, the average days of sickness per FTE was 8.04% (target was 9). 

Regarding the percentage of children and young people's social work assessments completed within timescale (63.5%), it was noted this was impacted by staffing pressures, managing vacancies and agency turnover. It was confirmed that the service manager worked effectively with team managers and assessment teams in other parts of the service to keep on top of this work, which is reflected in the year-to-date improvement trend.  It was confirmed there was permanency in all four assessment team manager posts and the new locality model provided more management capacity to support smaller teams.

Comments from cabinet members.  Regarding the Golden Valley Parkway, it was confirmed it had been difficult to engage with the Network Rail systems to purchase the land and sort the legalities.  However, this was now being done.  The cabinet member for transport and infrastructure had expressed their concerns on this and over the railway crossing for the Western Bypass phase one.  It was confirmed that Network Rail were completing their own study regarding the line from Abergavenny to Hereford and Newport to Manchester as to time slot availability on that line. The cabinet member stated they had requested this was actioned so the council’s task force would move forward with building the business case for the Parkway.  

It was commented that the wetlands were performing well, and planning permission had been granted for 797 houses, and 360 had been offered credits.  Regarding the carbon reduction target it was confirmed that the target will fluctuate and matters already in progress will return to target and likely move beyond the target in the immediate future.  It was highlighted that since 2008/9 the council had delivered 63.2% reduction which equated to 16,317 tonnes of CO2. Regarding the home upgrade grant 167 have been upgraded, 63 were with contractors and 14 were being approved and 264 had received assessments.    

Regarding percentage of children and young people having social work assessments completed within 45 days, it was confirmed that the council was moving to a locality model, meaning there will be smaller teams, increased managerial oversight and quicker timescales for assessments. 

Group leaders gave the views of their groups. The report was welcomed and noted to be helpful.  Concerns were raised regarding the delay in children and social work assessments being completed within 45 days.  It was queried what was specifically causing the delays and how will smaller teams help. 

Disappointment was noted regarding the CO2 reduction target not being met, it was queried if the executive was prioritising easy wins and what were the specific barriers causing the council to miss this target. 

It was noted that it was unclear how the Council Plan, Local Plan, Reg 18, Reg 19, NPPF housing targets and Local Transport Plan interacted and if the website could be updated. 

It was noted that biodiversity net gain was to be integrated into the planning process, but concern was raised regarding weakening of the biodiversity regulation.  It was raised that pressure should be kept on developers regarding offsetting taking place onsite. 

Disappointment was expressed that buses were not mentioned and an update regarding the enhanced partnership meetings would be welcomed. 

A map showing where the upgrade of housing had taken place would be welcomed.

In response to queries regarding the target not being met for children and young people social work assessment, it was confirmed that one issue was management of vacant posts in recruiting suitable agency or permanent staff in the earlier part of the year.  However there had been cross service support to prevent a backlog and it was noted that when recruitment issues occur there will be an impact on service delivery.  It was also noted that the locality model will be a more focused approach, and optimism was expressed that this would address the issue. 

Regarding how the plans were connected it was confirmed that the Council Plan sets these out in a diagram and shows how they interconnect. This was also on the website and was interactive. 

Regarding buses, it was noted that the draft Delivery Plan for 2025/26 included a milestone on buses.  It was also noted a bus summit will be taking place in May or June and an invitation will be extended to all members to take part. 

Regarding environment targets, these should be considered in context and noted that these reflected the council’s journey not the county’s as the obstacles for each were different, the council can only lead by example.  It was confirmed there were things in motion to deliver on target.  In respect of biodiversity net gain, certain parts are prescribed by the Environment Act including the desirability to see the offset onsite, not offsite.  The council are working with trusty partners to ensure it is meaningful and not green washing. 

Regarding the geographical location for homes eligible for the home upgrade grant, it was confirmed this was not geographical, it has different criteria and was something residents can apply for. 

Councillor Stoddart proposed the recommendation, and it was unanimously resolved that: 

Cabinet

a) review performance for Q3 2024/25