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.  Good progress was being made in completing estates and schools capital programs from previous years and a number of new projects within the 25-28 program had started, and were on track to be completed within the year.  

It was noted that the Office of Local Government (Oflog) was now closed.  The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced they were launching a new local government outcomes framework.  In the meantime, the following top 10 indicators would be reported on:

1.           Percentage of services users aged 65 plus, discharged from hospital with Home First and were still at home 91 days after discharge. The Q1 figure was 76%. The projection was 80%.

2.           Percentage of children and young people social work assessments completed within 45 days.  Q1 figure was 74.43%.  The projection was 85%.

3.           Percentage of children in care with an up-to-date review. Q1 figure was 99.7%. The projection was 95%.

4.           Percentage of major planning applications dealt within 13 weeks or 16 weeks if subject to an environmental impact assessment or with an agreed extension.  Q1 figure was 90.91%. The projection was 70%.

5.           Percentage of non-major or minor and other planning applications dealt within 8 weeks.  Q1 figure was 79.84%.  The projection was 80%. 

6.           Number of kgs of waste not sent to reuse, recycling or composting. Q1 figure was 494.51kgs.  The target was 480kgs.

7.           Number of affordable homes delivered. Q1 figure was 133.  The target was 86. 

8.           Number of people rough sleeping.  The Q1 figure was 8.  The target was 8. 

9.           The value of grants awarded to businesses to support viability and enable growth through the UK shared prosperity fund.  The Q1 figure was zero. 

10.        The average day sickness per FTE.  The Q1 was 8.37.  The target was 9.

Regarding the value of grants awarded to businesses, it was noted that whilst no grants were awarded in Quarter 1 this reflected the planned focus on setting up the schemes, delivering guidance and inviting applications.  The first grants were expected to be awarded from Quarter 2 onwards. 

It was noted that Appendix A included the refreshed Delivery Plan for 2025/26.  

Comments from cabinet members.  In Adult Social Care it was noted that the evaluation of technology enabled pilots had been completed was feeding into the programme of supporting people in their own homes.  The expression of interest for the community spaces capital grant schemes had been assessed, and the successful applicants had been invited to submit full applications and business plans.  Work around the transformation program for people with learning disabilities continued in Quarter 1, this included supported accommodation and community activities. 

In Childrens and Young People, it was noted that family group conferences have been delivered for over a year, 127 family group conferences took place during 2024/25.  It shows the council’s commitment to working restoratively.  Regarding, social work assessments are marked on completion.  It was noted that as of 1 September, the service had no social work assessments over 45 days. 

Regarding the flood risk response programme, it was confirmed a PGC was held, and the decision was made this month.  Therefore, the funding is now available to be spent and parishes are being consulted. It was also noted that the Public Realm Contract was on track with a view of awarding the contract in December. The Parish council grant schemes, the drainage scheme deadline of 28^th September and it appears the full funding pot will be allocated. 

Group leaders gave the views of their groups.  No red indicators was positively noted against the four themes.  Although red assessments against social work assessments and rough sleepers were disappointing.  It was queried when the launch event for the Tree, Hedgerow and Woodland Strategy would be, as the report referred to September. 

Ongoing concerns were noted regarding reporting and actual delivery, outcomes were also requested to be linked in the report. 

It was queried how the Tree Planting strategy would be incorporated into the new Public Realm contract.  Regarding the workforce strategy it was suggested that a key part of enhancing and building a motivated work force was to encourage staff to attend Plough Lane. 

In response to group leaders, it was noted that it was a performance report based on a Delivery Plan, measuring delivery. It was discussed whether impact of delivery could be reflected upon for Quarter 2 and it was noted that the outcomes table would hopefully be included in Quarter 2. 

It was noted that the decision date for the Herefordshire, Tree, Hedgerow and Woodland Strategy was now due in October, not September.  Regarding the Tree Planting Strategy this will be checked within the Public Realm Contract.  

In respect of the workforce, positive feedback was received from staff surveys, and one attraction was the flexible working arrangements.  However, it was also positive to have staff in the building and it was a balancing act.

Councillor Lester proposed the recommendations, and it was unanimously resolved that:

That Cabinet:

a)    review performance for Q1 2025/26