To receive the report on the outcome of the Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review, held on 28 May 2026, and to endorse the continued delivery of the council’s action plan in response to the original recommendations.

Councillor Stoddart cabinet member for finance and corporate services introduced the report.

The findings of the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review, undertaken on 28 May 2026 were presented. Members were reminded that the original review in June 2025 concluded that Herefordshire Council was a good council with a strong commitment to continuous improvement and identified five key areas for further development. In response, Cabinet had approved an action plan comprising 24 actions.

The Progress Review found that all actions within the plan were either complete or on track for completion and reinforced the positive assessment of the council’s performance and direction of travel.

Members noted the significant progress made over the preceding year, including the achievement of a Good Ofsted rating for Children’s Services, continued strong financial management, progress in delivering the council’s transformation programme, improvements in data use and performance management, and strengthened partnership working across the county and wider region.

The review also recognised the council’s effective financial management, enhanced transformation arrangements and active role in regional devolution discussions. While identifying areas for further development, particularly relating to data and organisational capacity, the peer team was positive about the progress being made and the council’s ongoing improvement journey.

Thanks were expressed to officers, Members and partner organisations for their contribution to delivering the improvement programme and supporting the council’s continued development.

Comments from cabinet members:

Members noted that the Leader had engaged fully with the Corporate Peer Challenge process and demonstrated a strong commitment to continuous improvement. The review process was described as a positive and constructive experience for the council.

The findings of the review were welcomed and highlighted the value of embracing external challenge and feedback as a means of driving improvement.  The importance of listening to partners and stakeholders through engagement forums and using their feedback to identify issues and shape solutions was positively noted. Members agreed that open and constructive challenge helps strengthen the council’s performance and supports ongoing improvement across the organisation.

Group Leaders were invited to offer their views:

The representative for Independents for Herefordshire outlined the views of their group and raised that:

It was noted that, while the Corporate Peer Challenge review was positive overall, it also contained important areas for improvement that should not be overlooked. Key observations included the need for a clear transformation delivery plan, continued work to strengthen the use of data and performance information, and ensuring the council has sufficient capacity and capability to deliver its ambitions.

Positive findings were highlighted in relation to staff engagement, awareness of the need for transformation, and the council’s continued strong financial management. Members welcomed recognition of efforts to engage staff in understanding the council’s financial position and acknowledged the positive feedback regarding partnership working and the development of the Business Growth Board.

It was recognised that the purpose of the Peer Challenge process is to identify opportunities for further improvement as well as areas of success. Members therefore emphasised the importance of maintaining focus on the recommendations relating to transformation, data, organisational capacity and future challenges, including those associated with devolution and service delivery. While progress to date was welcomed, it was noted that further work remains to be done to achieve the council’s longer-term ambitions.

The Green Group Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

No Comment

The Liberal Democrat Group Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

No comment

The True Independents Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

Not present

In response to the comments made:

A member observed that the Corporate Peer Challenge should be viewed as a constructive check on the council’s progress rather than an expectation of perfection. It was noted that the council had actively sought external feedback to assess its direction of travel, identify areas for improvement and ensure continued progress. Members welcomed the willingness to reflect on the findings and take action, recognising that the council remains committed to learning, improving and delivering the best possible services for residents.

It was acknowledged that the Corporate Peer Challenge findings formed part of an ongoing improvement journey rather than a one-off exercise. It was noted that the council reports regularly on its performance and has been open and transparent about the need to further improve its use of data and delivery of the transformation programme. Members heard that work is underway to address these areas and confidence was expressed that significant progress would be made over the coming months.

The Deputy Leader of the Council concluded the discussions. Councillor Stoddart proposed the recommendations, the Deputy Leader seconded. The Leader directed that the decision to be put before Cabinet is:

That:

a)    Cabinet receives and notes the report arising from the Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review held on 28 May 2026; and

b)    Cabinet endorses the continued delivery of the council’s action plan in response to the original recommendations.

The recommendations were unanimously approved.