To review performance for Quarter 2 (Q2) 2024/25 and to report the performance position across all Directorates for this period.

The cabinet member for environment introduced the report and councillor Mason expanded on the report in Councillor Stoddart’s absence who was on sick leave. 

It was highlighted that in respect of the 174 milestones in progress during quarter two under the delivery plan, 152 or 87% had been completed or on track to be completed by the end of the financial year.

It was noted that the council had continued to deliver on its capital investment programme which comprised of over 100 projects.   It was highlighted that the design work for the museum and art gallery was largely completed, and early-stage procurement was underway.  A framework provider had been engaged to develop the procurement strategy and a funding bid was being assembled for the public sector decarbonisation scheme.  RIBA stage 3 was completed for the Shirehall library and learning centre and listed building planning consent was submitted, RIBA stage 4 was underway as well.  It was noted that 40% of the road resurfacing was complete across the county.  It was confirmed that 19 work packages had been completed for the schools maintenance programme with further planned in 2025.  The works to the Black and White House were completed in October, ahead of schedule.  Improvements were being made to Brookfield school and due for completion in Autumn 2025.  The school improvement programme had delivered 18 schemes and emergency works at Aylestone School were completed in September.  It was confirmed that the ‘Here for Herefordshire’ holiday programme distributed £228,000 during the summer of 2024 and grants were awarded to 41 organisations. 

Regarding the theme of ‘People’, it was confirmed that out of 55 milestones, 23 were completed, 30 were on target and 2 were at risk of missing their deadline.  Notable successes around improving public health had been made in respect of stop smoking advisors, an agreement in principle had been reached regarding better mental health and the good mental health wellbeing implementation plan was approved, with work underway to implement specific projects.  Progress was also made to improve the lives of the county’s aging population.  Discharge pathways have been reviewed leading to new models aimed at ensuring patients leave the hospital with the right support. Direct consultations will take place with service users as part of a broader review as well. 

Regarding the theme of ‘Place’, it was confirmed that out of the 53 milestones, 13 were completed, 27 were on target, 10 were at risk of missing a deadline, 2 were paused and 1 was not on target. A cabinet working group was currently developing the next carbon management plan for next five years.  There were 93 installations for the home upgrade grant and 3 through the home energy scheme.  There were now 30 live charging points.  The western bypass programme was still on track to deliver the design review of phase one of the southern section of the western bypass by end of March 2025.  It was confirmed that additional work was needed for phase 2 to meet Government  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36