Agenda item

Matthew Wagner (Chief Analyst) was in attendance for this item

1.    Mr Wagner outlined the report for Quarter 3 (Q3, 2025/26) which covered the period up until December 2025. Of the 39 KPIs reported, 18 were rated Green (2 fewer than the previous quarter) 15 were rated Amber (one more than the previous quarter) and 6 were rated Red (one more than the previous quarter). With regards to Direction of Travel, 6  indicators showed a positive trend, 29 were stable or with no clear trend, and 4 showed a negative trend. Mr Wagner addressed the KPIs that were rated RED and the mitigating actions for these were set out in the report. In comparison to the most recent six quarters, more indicators showed a positive direction of travel than a negative one, indicating overall stabilisation and improvement in performance over time.

2.    A full review of KPIs has been undertaken across Kent County Council as part of preparation for 2026/27 (as detailed in Appendix 2); 7 indicators were proposed for removal and 11 new indicators were proposed for addition which represented a net increase of 4 indicators.

3.    A new Commercial and Procurement section had been introduced to the Quarterly Performance Report, with three new KPIs, which aimed to provide greater transparency and scrutiny around commercial activity and the value for money being achieved.

4.    Work was also underway to review how far KCC’s indicators aligned with the new Local Outcomes Framework recently announced by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This framework included around 130 national metrics intended to measure progress across government priority areas. While KCC did not need to align fully, given that the Council already held data not captured nationally, officers were assessing overlap and gaps. A further report on this alignment would be brought to the Policy & Resources Cabinet Committee in July.

5.    Mr Watts (Deputy Chief Executive) highlighted that performance against FoI and SAR indicators had improved despite a continued increase in volume and complexity of requests. The work that had been undertaken to improve SAR performance was now starting to show results. Mr Wagner also commented that whilst the FoI volumes had also increased, improved performance has been achieved through sustained effort from service teams.

6.    Further to questions and comments from Members the discussion included the following:

(a)  In response to whether the detail had been published on the Local Outcomes Framework, Mr Wagner confirmed that the proposed metrics were published in mid-February, noting that some measures were still in development, particularly where new or non-standard datasets were required. The intention was to draw as far as possible on existing national statistics and data KCC already reported on.

(b)  With regard to whether there would be an additional burden on the organisation, given the scale of the proposed metrics, Mr Wagner confirmed that while much of the framework drew on existing data, there was still uncertainty around whether some new measures could create additional reporting pressures. This would only become clear once final requirements were confirmed.

7.    It was RESOLVED that Cabinet agree to note the Quarter 3 Performance Report and the actions being taken to address areas where performance is not as targeted, and the proposed indicators for 2026/27