To review performance for Quarter 2 (Q2) 2025/26 and to report the performance position across all Directorates for this period

The member for finance and corporate services introduced the report. It was noted that Appendix A provided a full breakdown of the Quarter 2 updates on the Delivery Plan milestones, with 206 out of 240 milestones (85.8%) being completed or on track to be delivered by the end of the financial year.  The quarter 2 highlights were noted at paragraph 3 which included the Hereford Transport Hub, Holme Lacy Road Active Travel Improvements, Hereford By-Pass, Phosphate Mitigation Integrated Wetlands, Employment Land in Herefordshire, Peterchurch Primary School New Build, Aylestone School, Schools Capital Maintenance Programme and Hampton Dene Primary School. 

For the first of the Council Plan themes of People it was confirmed that out of 87 milestones, 39 were on track, 22 were completed, 15 were at risk of missing their deadline, 10 had not yet started and 1 was discontinued.  Regarding children and young people, it was noted that a new alternative provision was being developed to support children who requited additional assistance to remain or return to mainstream education.  Work with Talk Community was progressing to implement a targeted support offer for children and families.  Work was also progressing in establishing a framework of commissioned providers to deliver alternative curriculum provision for children unable to attend school or requiring additional support.  Also, new approaches were being developed regarding commissioning and managing daytime, community based short breaks for children and families. 

Regarding Adult Services, it was noted that the development of a new care facility for adults with complex needs was being investigated.  A review of all Supported Living services was also being carried out. 

Regarding Economy and Environment, it was noted that five businesses at the Hereford Enterprise Zone were being supported to develop employer travel plans, which furthered the council’s commitment to support residents lead healthy lives. 

For the second Council Plan theme of Place, it was confirmed that out of 89 milestones, 60 were on target, 10 were at risk of missing a deadline, 12 had been completed, 4 had not yet started and 3 were paused.  It was noted that delays within the Environment Agency had led to the Nutrient Management Plan delivery being delayed. A review of the Herefordshire Cultural Partnership was underway and consultation findings of the new service vision for the new Herefordshire Library Strategy was being shared with staff and stakeholders.  The final strategy document was progressing in parallel. 

For the third Council Plan theme of Growth, it was confirmed that out of the 39 miles tones, 31 were on target, 1 was at risk of missing a deadline, 6 had been completed and 1 had not started.  The viability of a new railway station was being explored with partners at the Golden Valley Parkway Task Force.  It was noted that a range of measures was being used to help prevent homelessness which included the provision of transitional accommodation. 

For the last Council Plan theme of Transformation, it was confirmed out of the 40 milestones, 28 were on target, 3 were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7