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 at risk of missing a deadline, 8 were completed and 1 was paused.  A review of the council’s commissioning approach was underway alongside the development of a new Strategic Commissioning and Commercial Strategy.  It was noted that the council was building a data and performance driven culture to support informed decision making to improve efficiency and demand.

It was noted that the council was working on a response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) new Local Government Outcomes Framework.  The new outcomes framework will be shared once it was completed.  In the interim, the council would continue to report on the top ten indicators previously stated and outlined in paragraph 23 of the report. 

It was noted that Appendix A set out a completed updated status of Quarter 2 Council Plan Delivery Plan. 

Comments from cabinet members.  It was noted that the number of individual rough sleepers continued to fluctuate and this was a snapshot at the time of the month.  However, a number have no recourse to actual funds which limits ability to help with supported accommodation and the council’s team were actively supporting these individuals.  There has also been a rise in people with no local connection to Herefordshire and this will continue to be monitored. 

Regarding Highways for structural attention and surface dressing 58 miles had been completed for 2025/26 and 36 miles had been completed for resurfacing.  Thanks were extended to the officers and contractors. 

It was noted that whilst Peterchurch Primary School had flooded again with the recent bad weather, it was noted that when the school is rebuilt it will include flood defences.  It was also positively noted that officers who attended properties that experienced flooding did a great job.

It was highlighted there was a positive skills conference in October 2025 with a 100 business and skills providers present and congratulations were extended to the team in organising it.  It was also highlighted that the council has a ‘small sparks fund’ which is aimed to benefit small community groups and makes a difference to the county’s marginalised families.  The Talk Community newsletter also included notice of small grants which had been identified. 

Thoughts were with residents impacted by the recent flooding.  It was noted that the council has £1m already invested in the flood risk response programme but there was more to do in Quarters 3 and 4. 

Group leaders gave the views of their groups.  It was welcomed to see so many green performance targets. Regarding the ‘Alternative Provision’ for children requiring support to return to mainstream education it was queried if the deliverables should be red rather than amber, as the report stated that a proposal would be considered as part of the council’s capital programme for the next financial year and it wasn’t being delivered this year.  It was also raised if local organisations would be supported in bidding for this framework rather than larger out of county providers. 

It was raised whether the amount and condition of the accommodation for rough sleepers was adequate to meet the reality of the demand.  And assurance was sought that cabinet was managing the spike in rough sleepers.

It was queried if the promised workshop on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy would take place. 

It was raised that the report didn’t comment about the impact and if the report could show trend data.

In response to group leaders, it was noted that the Alternative Provision milestones related to developing and discussing with prospective providers, it was right for it to join up with the capital programme and it was confirmed that it remained a key priority for cabinet.

Regarding the outputs, it was confirmed these had to align with the MGCLG outcomes framework, paragraphs 18-22.  Once these are confirmed, then the outcomes will be aligned 

 It was noted that the trend data and formatting of the document would be looked at.

Regarding the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, it was noted that agreement of Natural England was required before it could be shared more widely with all members and the public.  It was envisaged that by end of January 2026 further consultation can take place.  Regarding a Political Group Consultation and/or an all member briefing it was asked which would be preferred.  However, it was raised that the issue was regarding engagement with Local Parishes and wards and that was the reason for requesting consultation on the document in advance.  It was noted that some work had occurred with some Local Parishes, but it was perhaps a case that it could be revisited and doing more. 

In respect of hospital discharges, it was confirmed that the council had no control over this as it depended on the individual and their needs. 

Regarding rough sleepers it was noted that a spike was always present in the summer months.  It was commented that the accommodation was believed to be sufficient, it accommodated 16 men and 4 women.

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

That Cabinet:

a)    review performance for Q2 2025/26