Issue - meetings

Report for decision.

ORDERED that Executive:

1. Approve proposed changes to the Executive actions, detailed at Appendix one of the report.
2. Approve the proposed changes to the Council Plan 2024-27 supporting workplan actions, detailed at Appendix of the report.

AGREED that Executive:

1. Note delivery status of the Council Plan 2024-27 supporting workplan, detailed at Appendix two of the report.
2. Note the progress and position of the corporate performance disciplines, including activity within the Transformation Portfolio.
3. Note the Strategic Risk Register, at Appendix four of the report.

The Mayor submitted a report for the Executive’s consideration, which advised Members of corporate performance at the end of Quarter Two 2025/26 and, where appropriate, sought approval for any changes within the Executive’s authority. The report primarily set out how effectively the Council was delivering activities to achieve the priorities, aims, and ambitions of the Council Plan, along with the underpinning workplan activities.

The Council’s Scheme of Delegation gave the Executive collective responsibility for corporate strategic performance. The report provided information to enable the Executive to discharge its performance management responsibilities, including progress against priority performance disciplines and actions to address issues identified. It was noted that financial outturn was reported separately, with plans in development to integrate performance, risk, and financial reporting in future years. The Leadership Management Team had implemented monthly reviews of corporate performance using a Directorate Performance Dashboard, with outputs reflected in quarterly updates to the Executive.

Overall performance at Quarter Two 2025/26 showed mixed progress. Two of five corporate performance disciplines met the expected 90% standard: the Council Plan workplan achieved 97% of initiatives on target, and Strategic Risk Register compliance stood at 95%. Executive actions improved to 75% but remained below standard, as did Council Plan outcome measures at 25% and Programme and Project Management at 79%. Trends indicated improvement in most areas except Programme and Project Management, which declined compared to Quarter One.

Progress in delivering Executive actions showed 75% of live actions on target, with 15 amendments proposed for approval. Council Plan delivery was monitored through milestones and success measures, with performance against outcome measures at 20% and workplan initiatives at 97%. Two initiatives were off-track, and four amendments were proposed. The Strategic Risk Register contained 15 risks, reviewed quarterly, with directorates managing escalations and new actions.

Programme and project performance was below standard, with 79% of projects on track. Corporate projects achieved 81%, and transformation projects 67%, indicating a need for stronger governance and continuous improvement. Six project gateway approvals were completed during the quarter. Compliance monitoring highlighted delays in audit actions and statutory information requests, though improvements were expected following system upgrades.

OPTIONS

1. The Council is required to operate a performance management framework in order to ensure delivery of its best value duty; to not do so would place the council at risk of failing in its statutory responsibility in this regard.

ORDERED that Executive:

1. Approve proposed changes to the Executive actions, detailed at Appendix one of the report.
2. Approve the proposed changes to the Council Plan 2024-27 supporting workplan actions, detailed at Appendix of the report.

AGREED that Executive:

1. Note delivery status of the Council Plan 2024-27 supporting workplan, detailed at Appendix two of the report.
2. Note the progress and position of the corporate performance disciplines, including activity within the Transformation Portfolio.
3. Note the Strategic Risk Register, at Appendix four of the report.

REASONS

To enable the effective management of performance and risk in line with the Council’s Local Code of Corporate Governance.