Report to follow.

The Cabinet member for finance and corporate services introduced the report. It was highlighted that targets had been included in the appendix for greater transparency against the red, amber, green ratings.  It was noted there had been a slight drop in the number of measures that remained on target in Quarter 3.  The cabinet member highlighted that Midlands Engine and Midlands Connect visited the County and held positive conversations regarding inward investment in growing the local economy and infrastructure, refurbishment had been completed at Hillside Home, the number of people waiting home care services had significantly reduced, majority of staff in Children and Young People had undertaken the restorative practice training and there had been a reduction in the number of KSI casualties recorded on the Herefordshire road networks.  Noted that the Office for Local Government (launched in July 2023) have highlighted performance measures in the Local Authority Data Explorer in Appendix B and its data will continue to evolve to provide meaningful comparisons between authorities. 

Cabinet members commented that in respect of the Home Upgrade Grant 130 properties had been passed to the two contractors to be retrofitted and members will continue to see traction in this area. 

Group leaders gave the views of their groups.  The report was welcomed but clarification was sought as to why the Library, Museum and Art Gallery projects were marked as paused, why there had been slow progress regarding the Transport Hub, where projects had been delayed why they are showing as amber instead of red and why the money for the Highway Infrastructure Fund had not been signed off. 

In response to the queries it was noted that neither of the projects highlighted were paused and they were progressing.  It was acknowledged that better clarification was needed regarding the position.  It was noted that assessment of risk can be subjective and further work was being carried out to create a more uniformed approach regarding assessment of risk for the next report.  It was confirmed that Cabinet were not trying to sweep things under the carpet and will ensure there is better reporting in order to provide clarity on this issue to avoid any false impression that projects were stalling. 

It was unanimously resolved that;

Cabinet

a)    To review performance for Quarter 3 2023/24, and identify any additional actions to achieve future performance measures