Skip to main content

Agenda item

Service Performance Report 2025-26 Quarter 1

Purpose

To provide an update on progress on the Council’s priorities and service performance for Q1 2025-26 (April-June 2025).

 

 

Recommendation(s)

That Cabinet resolves to:

1.    Note overall progress on the Council priorities and service performance for Q1 2025-26 (April-June 2025).

Decision:

The purpose of the report was to provide an update on progress on the Council’s priorities and service performance

 

Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the item, which was for noting.

 

RESOLVED that Cabinet 

·         Noted overall progress on the Council priorities and service performance for 2025-26 Q1 (April-June 2025).

Minutes:

The purpose of the report was to provide an update on progress on the Council’s priorities and service performance Q1 (April to June 2025).

 

Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the item, which was for noting.

Cabinet considered the Service Performance Report for Quarter 1 (April–June 2025), which had also been reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The report highlighted key achievements, including the successful transition of staff back from Publica on 1 July 2025, delivery of the Parish and Town Council Summit in June with over 100 attendees, and continued success of the Crowdfund Cotswold initiative.

 

Performance data showed strong results in several areas, including non-domestic rates collection ahead of target, planning applications determined within timescales, and a reduction in missed bin collections to below target for the first time in over a year. Leisure centre visits had increased significantly, and gym memberships were broadly on target. Areas for improvement included planning appeals, where outcomes varied depending on committee and officer recommendations, and affordable housing delivery, which had achieved two completions in the quarter.

Officers confirmed minor amendments to the report, including updated information on biodiversity work at Cotswold Lakes and a correction to a chart legend.

Positive comments were made on the clarity of the report, the importance of improving affordable housing delivery, and the need to monitor planning appeals and enforcement more closely. Members also noted the value of cross-team working, improvements in climate action, waste management, food premises inspections, and the successful media campaign on fly-tipping. Metrics for planning enforcement were agreed to be included in future reporting.

Thanks and congratulations were extended to officers for their work across a wide range of service areas, with particular recognition of progress on climate change, waste management, planning performance, and the support provided to residents through initiatives such as the Low-Income Family Tracker.

 

Councillor Blomefield, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, was invited to make any comments around the report resulting from the Committee meeting on 1 September 2025.  There were no formal recommendations, however key points highlighted included:

  • Planning enforcement, which would be considered at the November meeting.
  • The value of the retrofit officer was emphasised, with concern that her contract was due to end in September; continuation of the role was encouraged if funding allowed.
  • Improvements in the Council’s relationship with Ubico were welcomed.
  • The importance of promoting wider awareness of the Low-Income Family Tracker was highlighted.
  • Adequacy of electric vehicle charging points was to be reviewed.
  • Monitoring of planning applications, including solar installations, was suggested and a greater uptake of renewable energy was encouraged

 

Members noted that the first meeting of the Moreton-in-Marsh Working Group was scheduled for the following week, with a wider meeting planned for later in September or early October, in line with the Local Plan timetable.

Cabinet noted that solar installations generally did not require planning permission except for listed buildings, and that monitoring could be explored using digital tools to identify trends and improve data collection.

Waste management pressures from increased takeaway outlets in Bourton-on-the-Water were discussed, including overflowing bins, and  Cabinet recognised the need to review wider tourism and litter management outside the peak season.

Members noted that waste vehicles were under detailed review, with replacement options to be considered, requiring robust decisions balancing climate commitments, finances, in the context of upcoming Local Government Reorganisation. It was also noted that any proposals would need full Council approval.

 

RESOLVED that Cabinet 

·         Noted overall progress on the Council priorities and service performance for 2025-26 Q1 (April-June 2025).

Supporting documents:

 

Related Pages