To review performance for Quarter 4 (Q4) 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 78% or 146 out of 187 milestones had been completed this year, 9% or 17 were red and would be carried over into the 2025/26 Delivery Plan. It was confirmed that the details for each of these red milestones were set out in Appendix A.  It was noted that 12% or 23 milestones were categorised as purple, these would also be carried over to the 2025/26 Delivery Plan, this was due to the time skills changing due to inter dependent activity.  There was one milestone which was awaiting an out turn of CO2 emissions to be available for 2024/25 to assess whether the target had been met.

 Whilst it was noted to be disappointing that not all 187 milestones were met the council had been transparent with the reasons why they had not been completed.

It was highlighted that beyond the Delivery Plan the council had achieved many other successes in quarter 4 of 2024/25.  Notably, it had continued to deliver on its capital investment programme which comprised of over 100 projects.  These included Peterchurch Primary School £10.8m new build, planned to commence in September 2025. The expansion of Aylestone School funded by £13.1m of Department for Education money, due to commence construction in September 2025.  Two projects under the school’s capital maintenance programme and five projects under the estate's capital investment programme were completed in quarter four.  Six projects as part of the S106 delivery programme, were completed which included a bus shelter at St Martins Way, Ledbury and the extension to the offices and reception area at Ashfield Park Primary School in Ross. Two projects were completed as part of the school accessibility improved programme which include internal adaptation and remodelling at Sutton St. Nicholas Primary School to improve accessibility for disabled pupils.  

It was highlighted that £15m of roads resurfacing was completed across the county.  The legal agreements with Network Rail and Transport for Wales were completed and the Hereford Transport Hub contract was selected, with construction work beginning in quarter 1 of 2025/26.  Construction was also due to start soon for the Holme Lacy active travel improvements following the design and road safety audits being completed.  The detailed design was completed for the Tarrington wetland ahead of its planned construction in quarter 1 of 2025/26. The listed building consent was secured and a two-stage procurement process for construction delivery commenced regarding the Shirehall restoration and Library Learning Centre.  In addition, the stage one contractor procurement was concluded for the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery.  The Home Upgrade Grant concluded in quarter 4 and delivered thermal and energy upgrades to 220 off means Herefordshire households against a target of 200.  Lastly, design consultants were appointed as part of the Western Bypass Phase 1.

The Council Plan theme of People, 55 out of 60 milestones were completed with 3 red which would be rolled forward to next year’s Delivery Plan and 2 purple. It  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8