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 green belt requirements.  The strategic case for phase 2 was now scheduled for June 2025.  In August 30 sites were surface dressed across the county.

Regarding the theme of ‘Growth’, it was confirmed that out of 42 milestones, 10 were completed, 24 were on target, 3 were at risk of missing a deadline and 5 were not on target.  It was noted that significant efforts were underway to develop affordable housing.  Land is being secured for the improvements to the Great Western way pathway.   Engagement with businesses at Skylon Park regarding future management arrangements was also underway.  A local framework has been established as a procurement tool for the towns investment related to the greening the city initiative. 

Regarding the theme of ‘Transformation’, it was confirmed that out of 24 milestones, 7 were already completed and 17 were on target. It was confirmed that significant technological advancement were in progress including testing the new telephony system, developing a project plan for the new website, piloting the migration to Microsoft 365, enhancing digital functionality and customer services and piloting the use of  artificial intelligence.  The future council operating model was launched at the

employee conference and efforts are ongoing to develop the transformation strategy and the strategic transformation programme to facilitate its implementation and delivery. The employee survey conducted in quarter 2 showed an increase in the employee engagement score to 3.7, up from 3.56 in 2022.   It was noted that some of the data published by the office for local government (Oflog) and office for the ministry for housing communities and local government was historic and should be interpreted with caution.  The council had selected 10 indicators to demonstrate a more meaningful indication of the latest performance.  It was noted that the KPI for two of those were flagging as red.  The first one related to the percentage of social work assessments completed within 45 days which was due to the impact of higher case loads in June due to staffing vacancies.  It was confirmed that case loads were reduced and there will be an improvement in quarter 3.  The other issue was with regards to affordable homes and the delivery of affordable housing, it was confirmed that this is expected to vary from quarter to quarter due to inclement weather and shortages on skilled workers.  It was noted that two large development sites, where the contractors had gone into administration, caused a delay in the delivery of the properties. 

There were comments from Cabinet members.

It was highlighted that 40% of resurfacing works was only up to quarter 2, and it would now be much higher.  It was noted greater efficiency would be obtained during the summer months and next year, work will look to start earlier in the year as well.  It was confirmed the full programme or resurfacing works will be completed by the end of the financial year and at the end of November 94% of the roads will be completed. 

It was noted that the rough sleepers shelter will be open at the beginning of December and this is supported significantly by a number of voluntary sector organisations. 

It was highlighted that the planning software procurement was progressing well, and the allocation list has decreased from 350 in April to under 50 this week, with the team continuing to meet the statutory reporting requirements. A full response to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was submitted and the outcome was awaited.  The mandatory housing targets in Herefordshire had also been challenged.  The council’s carbon journey was at 63% and this was progressing.  It was noted that the environment team was now at a point of publishing survey and mapping opportunities.  Regarding phosphate mitigation a contractor has been commissioned for Tarrington and this will start when the weather permits. It was confirmed that other mitigation schemes will be coming forward and anticipate releasing more credits next year.  It was confirmed there are currently 742 houses released to date.  Also, the river conference was successful.  Congratulations were also extended to the team for the RTPI award for excellence in planning. 

Group leaders gave the views of their groups. Congratulations were extended across all the portfolios for the work that was on track and that welcomed progress had been made over 6 months.

Concerns were expressed regarding electric charging points and impact on residents who cannot park outside their house and the cost for dropping the kerb for those residents who can park on their driveway. It was also raised regarding the amount of traffic lights in Hereford. 

It was raised that it would be beneficial for resurfacing works to take place in the spring/summer months.  Similarly, if timing can be considered for the flood mitigation and phosphate mitigation works as well. 

It was raised why the council was not delivering to target in terms of supporting young people not in education, employment or training and the delay with the delivery of traffic regulation orders and spending on section 106.  It was noted that the public realm contract re-tendering was showing as amber and delivering on sustainable travel projects was also behind target.  It was raised that the great western way pathway improvements were behind and the heads of terms were not signed for the Wye Valley Trust on the education centre.  It was also raised that there was no urgency regarding partnership working with parishes and the lengthsman scheme or public rights of way. It was raised that communication with Parish Councils needed to be improved and more consistent.  

It was raised that there was no mention of funding to help with drainageand it was noted that phase 2 of the bypass was showing as red.  The naming and title of the bypass was also queried in terms of funding and policy. It was noted that the Golden Valley Parkway was showing at red and it was unclear if the Hereford and Worcester group training centre was going ahead.  It was queried why the new transport model was still under wraps. It was also raised how the transformation targets could be marked as ‘on track or delivered’ when the budget report set out the risks with in-year savings. 

Regarding natural flood management it was queried if there would be an opportunity for mentoring schemes between farmers and landowners. 

In response to the queries, it was noted that in respect of charging points and dropped curbs clarification would be provided.  Similarly, the point regarding the number of traffic lights would be covered after the meeting.

It was noted regarding partnership working there would be some delay due to certain projects but it was confirmed that the progress was being monitored. 

It was confirmed that cabinet were keen to invest in the lengthsman scheme and were keen to invest in paying for drainage solutions for Parishes, as well as ensuring that issues within public rights of way were finalised. It was acknowledged that Parish Councils play a critical role in ensuring drainage issues were fixed.  It was also acknowledged that getting communication right with Parish Councils was important, and it was equally important in providing them with investment.  It was confirmed that this work will continue, and 67 Parish Councils had been successful in their bids so far.  It was confirmed that further announcements on the councils flooding strategy would be provided when finalised. 

Regarding the timing of the resurfacing works, it was noted that next year this will start earlier in the year.

It was also confirmed that the phosphate credits for Tarrington were already being traded in advance of the project.

That Cabinet

a)    review performance for Q2 2024/25