To review performance for Q4 2023/24 and to report the performance position across all Directorates for this period.

The cabinet member for finance and corporate services provided an overview of the report and noted that this is the final report on the previous administration’s County Plan and its associated Delivery Plan for 2023/24.  It was confirmed that the performance reports based on the 2024/25 financial year will be based on the Council Plan themes of People, Place, Growth and Transformation.  The measures will be detailed in the Delivery Plan.  Noted where comparisons can be made with last year, performance was generally better than 12 months ago.  It was confirmed that where the status of items was amber or red, there is a corresponding comment from the relevant project manager explaining why. 

Within Economy there are 52 activities on the Delivery Plan, 27% were completed, 37% are on track, 35% are on amber and 2% were red.  Where performance measures were set 58% are on target which was an improvement on the 50% at Quarter 3. 

Within Environment there are 37 activities on the Delivery Plan with 33% complete, 46% are green, 19% are amber, none are red and 3% are currently paused.  It was noted that Environmental Health and Planning continued to carry vacancies which has impacted performance and confirmed that both services are part of the transformation program to improve efficiencies, introduce new planning and regulatory software and review structures.  In respect of the new household waste contract, FCC has been appointed as the Council’s new provider for the collection of household waste and the new contract will provide the Council with new vehicles across the fleet and two electric vehicles will operate in the city centre. 

Within Community there are 84 activities on the Delivery Plan, 38% are complete, 36% are green, 20% are amber, none are red and 6% are paused.  Progress is continued to be made in relation to short breaks for children including mobilisation of new providers offering group based activities and one to one daytime support.  In February 2024, Ofsted carried out their fourth monitoring visit focusing on children in care aged 16 and 17 and care leavers.  It was noted that the Council’s practice is still too variable and whilst some children and young people received a better service, not enough did.  Ofsted acknowledged improvements had been made but not all quick enough and basic practice is not consistent for all children and young people.  Improved practice across the service is focusing on the quality of assessments, the quality of plans and planning, supervision and management oversight, purposeful visiting and safely reducing numbers of children in the Council’s care.  It was confirmed that the Ofsted annual conversation has been moved to 21 August 2024 and the self-evaluation form was being prepared.  A fifth Ofsted monitoring visit is likely to take place in the summer and the SEND inspection is also anticipated.  The refreshed improvement plan is due to be presented to Cabinet in June 2024.  Confirmed that Deborah McMillan has taken over from Gladys Rose White as the Council’s DfE improvement advisor and Eleanor Brazil remains a children’s commissioner, the progress review report was published in December 2023.  The next review is expected to take place in June 2024.

Within Corporate the percentage of invoices paid within target was 92.26% for the 12 months of this financial year, this was better than target and performance at the same point last year.  Confirmed this was despite the increase in invoices being processed.  The processing of new housing benefit claims and change of circumstances continued to remain steady and within target.  Council Tax collection rates hit target for 2023/24 and the business rate collection gap is closing significantly.  Whilst response rates to complaints is still behind target, it has improved during the last couple of months and there has been significant improvement in the response times across all directorates.  Through the last year the annualised sickness absence rate has increased from 8.81days at the end of February 2023 to 9.17 days at the end of February 2024. The service continues to proactively manage absence and greater focus is being given to supporting employees to be healthy in order to improve attendance. Workplace stability is improving, with turnover decreasing from 18.18% at the start of the year to 12.65% in February 2024.  The Council approach to reward and recognition continues to be reviewed to ensure that the overall employment offer is competitive and that Hereford Council is seen as an employer of choice.  Noted the continued move to parking transactions taking place by card or phone, 62.02% of transactions have been made by card or phone in the last 12 months.  The Office for Local Government (Oflog) provides information about the performance of local government and the Council has improved across most metrics, these are reported in Appendix B. 

Cabinet members discussed the report and it was noted that in respect of the Home Upgrade Grant there was slow processes within the Department of Energy which has prevented the Council from proceeding at a faster pace.  It was noted from the 60 Local Authorities within the Consortium, the Council has been the top performer by a significant margin.  The Council are inviting more households to take advantage of this grant. 

Group leaders gave the views of their groups. It was noted there was an improvement in the performance figures.  Queries were raised regarding what the estimate of cost of sickness absence would be and whether discounted membership for Halo can be provided as a preventative step and to help improve staff wellbeing.  In respect of tourism, it was queried what steps are being taken to build up tourism and support in the County.  Concern was expressed that deliverables and measures of performance in the Children’s and Young Persons directorate had not been given the sufficient attention it required.  It was raised that meaningful milestones need to be put in place alongside identifying performance measures. It was hoped that the Scrutiny Management Board can assist when the Delivery Plan is considered.  It was acknowledged that the statistics within Oflog were not wholly reflective of the Council’s actual position. 

In response to the queries it was noted that there was no cost associated with sickness as the Council doesn’t back fill and the activity cost will be looked at separately. It was confirmed that Halo membership is already offered to all employees at £37.75 per month and the first six weeks are free.  Noted access to leisure and fitness facilities were important for physical and mental wellbeing.  It was important for staff to be made aware of all offers available and the matter will remain to be reviewed by management.  In respect of the tourism query, it was confirmed that Cllr Matthews would be put on the circulation list regarding Destination Bid which covers what they have achieved. 

It was unanimously resolved that:

a)    To review performance for Quarter 4 2023/24, and identify any additional actions to achieve future performance measures