To review performance for Quarter 1 (Q1) 2025/26 and to report the performance position across all Directorates for this period.

The member for finance and corporate services introduced the report.  The Delivery Plan has been slightly revised under delegation of the Chief Executive.  The report covers quarter 1, April, May and June 2025.  It was highlighted that 199 out of 226 milestones, or 88% have either been completed or on track to be delivered at the end of this financial year. 

Successes beyond the Delivery Plan were highlighted. 

The first Council Plan theme of People noted that of 87 milestones, 55 were on track, 10 were at risk, 12 had not started and 10 were completed.  Continuing the focus on child friendly Herefordshire family conferences were now available for all families enabling earlier family-led decision making.   A new residential children’s home was opened which has increased the council’s capacity with a second home on track to open in September 2025.  It was noted that progress on a new build special free school as part of the Department of Education’s free school progress.  Regarding Adult Services, the Herefordshire Connect cross sector referral platform was ready to launch as a pilot with identified partner organisations.  Work was progressing to support people in the community following discharge from hospital, and a review process and audit tools have been developed in collaboration with health and care system partners. 

The second Council Plan theme of Place, it was noted that of 89 milestones, 64 were on target, 8 were at risk, 5 were completed and 10 had not started and 2 were paused. The Tree, Hedgerow and Woodland Strategy had been finalised. The review of the Herefordshire, Cultural Strategy 2019-2029 was progressing well and following successful consultation with stakeholders and partners a refreshed vision and set of priorities had been drafted.  An update on the progress was shared at the Connected Community Scrutiny Panel in June 2025.  As part of the Council’s commitment to reducing waste, increasing reuse and boosting recycling rates plans separate food and garden waste collection service will be introduced.  This is dependent on funding from central government which is awaited.

The third Council Plan theme of Growth, it was noted that of 39 milestones, 27 were on target, 5 were at risk, 5 had been completed and 2 had not started.  A key step had been taken to support residents in accessing skills development training and employment opportunities, a cabinet member decision has been taken to enable delivery of the 25/26 programme. Also, modelling by transport for Wales on a fast rail service between Cardiff and Manchester is awaited and in parallel the outcome of the proposed housing allocation sites for Regulation 18 consultation will help inform that appropriate business case. 

The fourth Council Plan there of Transformation, noted of the 40 milestones, 28 were on target 2 were at risk, 5 had been completed and 5 had not yet started.  It was highlighted that improvements had been made to enhance the recruitment and onboarding experience. Investment continued in the council’s property assets to reduce the long-term cost of reactive repairs.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26