The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee of Wiltshire Council met on 28 January 2026 to review the Q3 performance and risk monitoring report for 2025/26, discuss the executive's response to a rapid scrutiny exercise on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and consider a proposal for a new task group to review Area Board grant funding. The committee also received updates on various task group activities and the forward work programmes of select committees.

Performance and Risk Monitoring Report 2025/26 Q3

The committee reviewed the quarterly report detailing Wiltshire Council's performance against its strategic priorities and its strategic risk summary. While acknowledging positive performance in areas like leisure centre visits, concerns were raised about the clarity and presentation of the data, with suggestions for simplification and the creation of a public-facing document. The committee noted that the formatting of the scorecard, including the use of red lines for targets and blue bars for data, would be refined for better understanding. Discussions also touched upon the experience of road conditions despite a green national rating for pothole repairs, with the time taken for repairs and the role of Parish Stewards being key points. Recycling and landfill targets were discussed, with questions raised about acknowledging underperformance and adapting policies. The committee also noted concerns regarding the increasing number of 16 and 17-year-olds presenting as homeless and the development of disadvantaged learners, with a new strategy planned. Sickness absence and call handling times were also discussed, with plans for additional training and the exploration of AI for customer service. The committee requested that Cabinet ensure all measures in future reports are presented and described as clearly as possible, and noted the commitment to an annual review of Our Wiltshire Plan which would incorporate a wider range of measures and partnership activity.

Executive Response to the Report of the Corporate Performance Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Rapid Scrutiny Exercise

The committee considered the executive's written response to the findings and recommendations of the rapid scrutiny exercise on KPIs. While acknowledging the ongoing refinement of KPIs and the annual review process, the committee expressed some disappointment that there were no immediate plans to expand the list of performance measures to cover every commitment in Our Wiltshire Plan . The executive confirmed that the scope of KPIs would remain focused on activities within the council's direct control, though efforts would be made to ensure accessible language. The committee noted the executive's commitment to a written response at their next meeting, including a clear definition of the purpose and scope of the KPIs, and agreed to include consideration of the quarterly performance scorecard reports in their future work programme.

Proposal for an Area Board Funding Task Group

The committee discussed a request from the Executive to establish a task group to review the grant funding model used by Wiltshire Council's Area Boards. The proposal aims to ensure the most effective and efficient use of investment in communities, exploring options such as piloting crowdfunding platforms, establishing a central Wiltshire Council Community Fund financed by social value contributions and lottery proceeds, simplifying grant criteria, and streamlining funding streams. Councillors Alan Hagger, Ian Blair-Pilling, Jerry Kunkler, Graham Wright, and Ruth Hopkinson expressed interest in joining the task group. The committee agreed to establish the task group, with its membership to be delegated to the Chair and Vice-Chair, and its terms of reference to be formally approved at the next meeting.

Management Committee Task Groups

Updates were provided on two task groups:

• Stone Circle Task Group: The task group has made considerable progress, reviewing business plans and evidence related to the Stone Circle Development Company. They aim to present an interim report in March 2026. Amendments to the task group's terms of reference were proposed and approved, including a focus on the transparency of information, criteria for land development decisions, the distinct purposes of Stone Circle Housing and Stone Circle Development, and the management of financial risk. Perry Holmes, Director Legal and Governance, agreed to source information on properties owned by Stone Circle for all members.
• MyWilts App Task Group: The task group has reviewed the user experience of the app, identifying areas for improvement and ranking priorities for development. They are working towards a report to be presented to the Management Committee in March 2026, focusing on issues from a public perspective.

Forward Work Programme

Updates were received from the Chairmen of the Children's, Environment, Finance & Procurement, and Health Select Committees regarding their forward work programmes. The Children's Select Committee noted ongoing scrutiny of the Safety Valve Programme and positive feedback on a summer swimming pilot. The Environment Select Committee highlighted ongoing scrutiny of waste service changes and a rapid scrutiny group examining the proposed closure of two Household Recycling Centres. The Finance & Procurement Select Committee's upcoming agenda includes budget monitoring and treasury management. The Health Select Committee's work includes a rapid scrutiny of urgent care, adult social care KPIs, and changes to the Integrated Care Board (ICB). The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee approved the overall forward work programme.