Agenda item

(A report by James Gilbert, Service Director – Corporate Services)

The Chairman introduced the item and invited the Group Manager – Insights and Transformation to present the report.

The Group Manager – Insights and Transformation provided an overview of performance for Quarter 3 of the 2025/26 financial year, as detailed in the report and supporting information contained within the Appendix to the report, outlining progress against key performance indicators and service delivery objectives across the Council. Members were advised that the report formed part of the Council’s regular performance monitoring arrangements and was intended to provide assurance on service performance, highlight areas of concern, and identify emerging risks.

It was explained that the report and associated appendix included a range of quantitative performance measures supported by narrative commentary, enabling the Committee to assess how services were performing against established targets. Attention was drawn to areas where performance had been maintained or improved, as well as those where performance had not met expected levels, with accompanying explanations to provide context to the outcomes.

The Committee was informed that performance monitoring formed an integral part of the Council’s governance framework and supported both operational management and strategic oversight.

Following the presentation, the Chairman opened the item for questions and comments.

The Committee undertook a detailed review of the performance information presented, having regard to both the headline indicators contained within the main report and the detailed data and

 narrative. Members reflected on the overall position, acknowledging areas of positive performance alongside those requiring further attention.

During the discussion, particular focus was given to areas where performance targets had not been achieved. Members sought clarification on the underlying causes of underperformance and the actions being taken to address those issues. It was recognised that, in some cases, performance had been influenced by external factors or operational pressures, whilst in others there remained opportunities for service improvement.

The Committee explored how performance information was used to inform service delivery and decision-making, noting the importance of ensuring that data was both accurate, meaningful and clearly presented. Members emphasised that performance monitoring should not only provide a retrospective view but should also support forward planning and continuous improvement.

Consideration was also given to the presentation and accessibility of the performance information. Members noted that clear and concise reporting was essential to effective scrutiny, and that the supporting narrative was particularly valuable in providing context to performance data.

The Committee recognised that understand trends over time

was essential in identifying both progress and emerging areas of concern. Members further considered how the information could be used to inform its future work programme, including identifying  areas of underperformance, emerging risk or strategic importance for further more detailed scrutiny.

Throughout the discussion, the Committee emphasised the importance of maintaining a robust and transparent approach to performance monitoring, ensuring that both achievements and challenges were clearly reported and understood.

In drawing the discussion to a close, the Chairman thanked the Group Manager – Insights and Transformation for the report and the update provided.

The Committee recognised the importance of regular performance monitoring in supporting effective governance and service improvement and acknowledged the role of scrutiny in reviewing and challenging performance where appropriate.

Resolved:

That the the Quarter 3 2025/26 Performance Report be noted.