URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2000

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet considered the report of the Assistant Chief Executive which outlined the Council’s performance in relation to the missions set out in the ‘Play your part in a stronger future’ Borough Plan 2024-2028.  The report focused on performance over the first period of the financial year, from 1 April to 31 July 2025.   Cabinet noted that a significant majority of the actions and measures reported at period one were shown as green which meant that performance was better than their target and that actions that had been completed or on track against agreed milestones. The ‘Starting Well’ mission was highlighted as an example of this where the mission had progressed well, with fifteen measures and activities showing as green, five amber, and nine red. In other areas, performance reflected the financial pressures that the Council faced but that action plans were in place and progress was being made to address the challenges. The work undertaken had enabled more opportunities for residents and fairer communities and this would be continued. Members noted that all scrutiny committees would continue to undertake ‘deep dive reviews’ in their chosen areas to assess performance and hold the Council to account and this was welcomed by Cabinet.    Visiting Members: Councillor Charles Hardy spoke in relation to the item.   Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of the Council, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.   Cabinet welcomed the report and acknowledged that challenges had been identified that the council faced, but was encouraged by the actions being undertaken, outlined further in the dashboard information contained within the report. Cabinet thanked Council officers across all services in the Council for all they did, despite increasing workloads, to drive improvement and change   DECIDED:    That   1)            the performance of the Council at period one (1 April to 31 July 2025) against the missions set out in the ‘Play your part in a stronger future’ Borough Plan 2024-28 be noted; and 2)            Overview and Scrutiny Committees be provided with the performance information set out in the report so that they can understand and challenge performance and consider using it to inform scrutiny work programmes across all committees.   Reason for Decision   To ensure that up to date performance information is available to enable the Cabinet, wider Members, senior Council officers and the public to understand progress against the Borough Plan. This includes work being undertaken to address any areas of challenge, and to support any necessary discussions about reallocating resources to better achieve the missions set out within the Borough Plan.   Alternative Options   The report includes recommendations. Members could choose not to approve the recommendations. However, this could adversely impact future performance.

Date of Decision: September 10, 2025