The Cabinet approves recommendations in the Annual Performance Report, addressing achievements and areas for improvement in services.

URL: https://democracy.middevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1425

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet had before it a report * from the Corporate Performance and Improvement Manager and the Head of People, Performance & Waste on the Annual Performance for 2025/2026.   The Leader of the Council outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:    The Annual Performance Report reviewed performance against the Corporate Plan, highlighting achievements and areas for improvement. The Council delivered strong performance across services despite financial and operational challenges. Planning performance remained strong, with progress made on Plan Mid Devon, biodiversity net gain, and enforcement activities. Commitment to climate change and sustainability was demonstrated through EV charging points, green grants, biodiversity projects, and other practical initiatives. External funding of £472,000 was secured for community carbon reduction projects, nearly five times the target. Recognition was given to Town and Parish Councils, housing support services, voluntary organisations, and resident engagement initiatives. These partnerships and services were acknowledged as having a significant positive impact on residents. Housing remained a key challenge, with investment in existing homes, delivery of new homes, and support for homeless applicants continuing. Progress was not always as rapid as desired, but the Council maintained a strong commitment to housing delivery. A net gain of 75 homes, including 36 net-zero homes, was achieved. The 550 priority applicants on Devon Home Choice highlighted ongoing housing need and the importance of continued investment in affordable housing. Continued support was provided to local businesses, town centres, the Tiverton Work Hub, Visit Mid Devon, and major infrastructure projects. The Council supported 270 businesses through non-financial assistance during the previous year. This support was provided voluntarily to help sustain small businesses in rural communities. Thanks were expressed to officers and frontline teams, particularly in Waste and Recycling, Revenues, and Leisure Services. Strong service performance was attributed to staff efforts and residents’ positive engagement with Council services. Members were referred to Appendices 1–5 for detailed information on Corporate Plan objectives.   Discussion took place with regards to:   Clarification regarding the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VSCE) sector and the information provided in the report. It was explained that, while the Council remained committed to supporting organisations through its grant schemes, funding available to the VCSE sector was reducing due to the ending of larger programmes such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It was clarified that this reflected a decrease in available funding streams rather than any reduction in the Council’s commitment to supporting the sector. Members acknowledged the process that the Council had shown through the performance report and asked for a press release to be published via the Communication Team.  That the resident survey in relation to how the Council ran services had remained broadly consistent with the previous year. Concerns was expressed that satisfaction levels remained below the Council’s 70% target, and it was suggested that there should be greater promotion of the Council’s achievements through the residents’ app, social media and other communication channels to help improve public awareness and increase satisfaction levels.   RESOLVED that:   Cabinet reviewed and scrutinised the performance indicators and information detailed in the report. Consideration to the proposed changes to performance indicators outlined in section 3 of the report were APPROVED.   (Proposed by the Leader)   Reason for Decision: Corporate Plan priorities and targets were managed and scrutinised on a regular basis using appropriate performance indicators as detailed in the report.   Note: *Report previously circulated  

Date of Decision: July 7, 2026