Rutland County Council has published its latest Quarterly Performance Report, providing an update on the progress being made against a range of targets and priorities.
This is the second Quarterly Performance Report to be produced for the year 2024/25. Following a refresh of the Council’s main Corporate Strategy in April, it reflects four main priorities:
- tackling the climate emergency
- creating a diverse and sustainable local economy
- supporting the most vulnerable
- providing good public services
The quarterly report monitors 61 performance indicators that give insight into areas of high importance and was presented to the Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 12 November.
The report indicates that Rutland County Council is meeting or exceeding its targets in more than two thirds (70%) of areas where data is available. In most cases where performance is currently below target, the Council has shown an improvement since its last quarterly report in June.
Some examples of where the Council’s performance is currently good include:
- the condition of Rutland’s A roads has increased and is now at 77% following the Council’s most recent highways survey
- 100% of all highway defects assessed as being an immediate hazard or needing urgent attention have been repaired within seven days, representing 204 reports repaired within timescales
- the percentage of Rutland young people aged 16-17 not in education, employment and training remains at only 0.3%
- 100% of children in need of protection have been seen on time
- 100% of people who have used the Council’s adult social care services report that these services make them feel safe and secure.
In the areas where Rutland County Council’s performance is currently off-target, the quarterly report gives an explanation as to why and details what action is being taken.
The number of Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) issued within the statutory 20-week timescale remains below Rutland’s 90% target. Performance in this area has improved since the end of June, with 26% of assessments now being completed on time. The main reasons for this performance are delays when consulting with schools, receiving advice from Educational Psychologists and getting input from health services. The Council’s SEND team have introduced a new process to spot and reduce these delays, where possible. The Council also continues to prepare each EHCP according to the specific needs of individual children, to achieve the best possible outcomes.
The percentage of children placed in permanent care arrangements is currently below the Council’s target of 75%, due to the number of children with plans for adoption awaiting court approval. While these children are not currently permanently placed, they have clear plans for permanent placement following court endorsement.
The number of Rutland residents in temporary accommodation due to homelessness remains higher than the Council’s target of six due to increased demand caused by higher private rental costs, as well as a lack of affordable and social housing. The Council has approved planning and allocated £1m in funding to affordable developments being built in Rutland, which will help families in temporary accommodation and those on the County’s housing register.
More than 100 new affordable homes are being delivered across five sites in Rutland between now and 2026, with 11 already complete this year. This is providing a mix of affordable housing for rent and affordable home ownership. Rutland County Council is currently supporting 17 people in temporary accommodation.
“It’s important that people can see how we’re performing against the targets we’ve set and we strive to ensure we are transparent about our performance. It’s clear from this latest report that there’s a huge amount of good work taking place, which is really having a positive impact on people’s lives. We also don’t shy away from the areas where we need to get better, although that’s not always entirely within our power. It’s equally important that residents know we have a handle on these areas and a clear plan to improve, wherever possible.”
Cllr Andrew Johnson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Governance and Resources
The agenda and reports presented at Cabinet on Tuesday 12 November can be read in full on our Meetings page.