Agenda item

For decision.

ORDERED that Executive:

1.     Approve the proposed changes to Executive actions as detailed at Appendix 1.

2.     Approve the proposed changes to the Council Plan 2024–27 supporting workplan actions as detailed at Appendix 3.

AGREED that Executive:

1.     Note the delivery status of the Council Plan 2024–27 supporting workplan as detailed at Appendix 2.

2.     Note the progress and position of the corporate performance disciplines.

3.     Note that, following agreement of the refreshed Council Plan 2026–29, activities in the work plan would be embedded within Directorate Plans once developed.

4.     Note the Strategic Risk Register as detailed at Appendix 4.

The Mayor submitted a report for Executive’s consideration.

The purpose of the report was to present an overview of corporate performance at Year-End 2025/26, including progress against Executive actions, delivery of the Council Plan 2024–27, the Strategic Risk Register, programme and project management, and wider compliance measures.

Executive was advised that the report formed part of its responsibility for corporate strategic performance and provided assurance on delivery against the Council Plan priorities and associated workplans.

Members noted that overall performance against the five corporate performance disciplines showed that one area had achieved the expected standard, while others remained below the 90% target. It was highlighted that performance in relation to Council Plan workplan delivery was above the expected threshold, with 93% of initiatives on track.

Executive heard that delivery of Executive actions had improved over the year, increasing to 85% at Year-End, although still below the expected standard. Several actions had been delayed or amended due to factors such as contractor delays, legal processes, funding pressures and the need to align with wider strategic developments.

It was reported that performance against Council Plan outcome measures remained below expectations, with 25% of measures achieving target. Members were advised that this reflected, in part, limitations in the indicators used, including reliance on data outside of the Council’s direct control and time lags in data availability.

Members noted that two risks had been removed following changes to the Council’s approach to partnership working and transformation.

Executive considered the position regarding programme and project management, noting that 78% of projects were on track, below the expected standard. It was highlighted that several projects were under review following the transition from a formal transformation programme to a continuous improvement approach.

In relation to wider compliance measures, Members noted mixed performance, including delays in responding to statutory information requests and complaints, partly due to increasing complexity and demand, including the impact of AI-generated requests.

The Executive acknowledged that the report supported effective governance, performance oversight and risk management, and that no significant financial, legal or data protection implications arose directly from the recommendations.

There were no questions or comments from Executive.

OPTIONS

Executive considered the option of not operating a performance management framework. This was not supported, as such an approach would place the Council at risk of failing to meet its statutory Best Value duty.

ORDERED that Executive:

1.     Approve the proposed changes to Executive actions as detailed at Appendix 1.

2.     Approve the proposed changes to the Council Plan 2024–27 supporting workplan actions as detailed at Appendix 3.

AGREED that Executive:

3.     Note the delivery status of the Council Plan 2024–27 supporting workplan as detailed at Appendix 2.

4.     Note the progress and position of the corporate performance disciplines.

5.     Note that, following agreement of the refreshed Council Plan 2026–29, activities in the work plan would be embedded within Directorate Plans once developed.

6.     Note the Strategic Risk Register as detailed at Appendix 4.

REASONS

The decisions were taken to enable the Executive to effectively discharge its performance management responsibilities, in line with the Council’s Local Code of Corporate Governance.