The Council Plan’s annual performance review moves forward with an update on how the authority will measure progress against its strategic priorities.
Medway Council’s Full Council meeting has discussed the 2026-27 Key Performance Indicators for the One Medway Council Plan 2024-28. This annual refresh ensures the authority continues to track performance effectively against its strategic objectives over the remainder of the four-year planning period.
The One Medway Council Plan was formally adopted by Full Council on 15 May 2024, establishing five interconnected strategic priorities to guide the authority’s work through 2028. These priorities focus on delivering quality social care and community services, benefitting from good education and quality jobs, enjoying clean and safe communities, improving health and wellbeing, and living in good quality affordable homes. Each priority is supported by sub-priorities and specific indicators that measure progress and outcomes.
Performance indicators form a crucial part of the Council Plan’s framework. They provide measurable targets that allow the authority to assess whether it is achieving its objectives and to identify areas requiring adjustment or additional focus. The indicators are reviewed and updated annually to ensure they remain relevant and continue to drive performance effectively.
During the 2025-26 refresh cycle, which was considered by the Business Support and Digital Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 30 January 2025 and by Cabinet on 11 February 2025, the Council maintained 93 key performance indicators without change. This approach allows for incremental progression towards the aspirations established for 2028, whilst ensuring continuity in measurement and tracking.
The development of the One Medway Council Plan involved significant consultation internally, with partner agencies, and members of the public. The plan is underpinned by the Council’s stated values and behaviours: being proud to be Medway, showing care and respect, being trusted, ambitious for Medway, and collaborative in approach.
Full Council has authority to approve changes to the Council Plan when required. However, the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, has delegated authority to agree final details of performance indicators and interim targets, ensuring the authority can respond efficiently to any necessary adjustments between full Council reviews.
The One Medway Council Plan sits at the centre of the authority’s strategic framework and is supported by several key corporate strategies covering areas such as children and young people’s services, adult social care, housing, economic development, transport, and homelessness prevention.
Key Takeaways
- The One Medway Council Plan 2024-28 contains five strategic priorities that guide Medway Council’s work through 2028.
- Annual Key Performance Indicator reviews ensure the authority can measure progress and adjust its approach where needed.
- The 2025-26 refresh maintained 93 indicators unchanged to allow for incremental progression towards 2028 targets.
What This Means for Kent Residents
The annual review of performance indicators demonstrates Medway Council’s commitment to accountability and transparent measurement of its performance. By establishing clear targets and regularly reviewing progress, the authority aims to ensure that its resources are directed effectively towards achieving its stated priorities. Residents can access information about the Council Plan and performance against its indicators through the Council’s official channels, allowing for informed scrutiny of the authority’s progress.
