Performance report shows Council ‘is delivering for people in many ways’

A detailed report showing strong performance across its priorities and key indicators was the highlight of Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet meeting on Thursday 20 November 2025.

Some 85.8% of key milestones for the second quarter (Q2) of the 2025-26 financial year, covering July, August and September this year, have already been met, or are well on track.

Cllr Pete Stoddart, Cabinet member for Finance and Corporate Services, highlighted major improvements in performance - ranging from children’s social work assessments and building affordable homes, to support for businesses, and partnership working with health services to keep older people safely at home, out of hospital. Exceptional progress in delivering the Council’s Capital Investment Programme includes 100+ projects now under way.

Cllr Stoddart said:

“We’re delivering for people across Herefordshire in many different ways. It’s essential we hold ourselves to account, and report transparently against the ambitious goals we set to make a difference now - and build for Herefordshire’s future.

“There’s a lot still to do, and we face significant budget challenges through cuts to our funding from the government and increased demand on our services. However, we are delivering on our promises from bringing capital projects into construction to improving how effectively we look after people of all ages who need extra support.

“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in quarter two, and people can be assured we are committed to doing even more.”

Service Performance Indicator highlights include:

• Children in Care Reviews: 99.38% of children in care have an up-to-date review
• Major Planning Applications: 88.46% processed within target timescales v 70% target
• Non-Major Planning Applications: 83.48% processed on time v 80% target
• Affordable Homes 166 homes delivered, 27% increase on target
• Business Grants: £1 million support for local businesses, nearly double £560k projection
• Children’s Social Work Assessments: 80.92% completed within timescales
• Hospital Discharge Support: 75.21% of older people at home 91 days after discharge

Capital project highlights include:

• Hereford Transport Hub: Construction started and is already 23% complete and progressing well, including demolition and drainage works
• Integrated Wetlands for Phosphate Mitigation: Second wetland at Tarrington is almost complete, helping protect and restore the River Wye
• Schools Capital Maintenance Programme: Eight projects finished in Q2, and further seven nearly completed including:
  • Peterchurch Primary School: Temporary classrooms installed; demolition and playground development underway for the new school building
  • Aylestone School Expansion: Refurbishment of three classrooms completed
  • Hampton Dene Primary School: Extension to Learning Resource Centre under way

Full details of the Council’s Q2 Performance Report and cabinet papers are available online.