Appendix 2 - Performance Information (KPI) Executive Summary 2025-26
Perth and Kinross Council · 7 October 2026
Back to Scrutiny and Performance Committee — 7 October 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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KPI Executive Summary: Annual Performance Report 2025/26 1 PKC - GENERAL Key Performance Information (KPI) Executive Summary Annual Performance Report 2025/2026 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequalities
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KPI Executive Summary: Annual Performance Report 2025/26 2 PKC - GENERAL Executive summary During 2025/26, Perth and Kinross Council continued to work towards its ambition of creating a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality. Despite sustained financial pressure, increasing demand and complex social and environmental challenges, the Council and its partners delivered targeted support for residents, invested in prevention and strengthened services across the seven priorities in the Corporate Plan. This Executive Summary uses information from the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the Corporate Plan to give an overview of where we are performing well compared to the previous year’s data, or where there has been a decline in performance. This is intended to offer an ‘at a glance’ summary of our performance. However, to fully understand the context and the wider activity being undertaken to support our key priorities it is important to read the full Annual Performance Report. Overview of KPI trends The tables within the full APR provide an overview of changes in performance within the KPI data between 2024/25 and 2025/26, or the most recent year available. Of these, 46% are moving in a favourable direction, 39% in an unfavourable direction, 9% remain static and 6% are either not available or not it’s not appropriate to make a comparison. Compared with last year, there has been a 15% reduction in the number of KPIs showing improvement and a 17% increase in those showing a decline, indicating a shift in overall performance trends. Caution should be applied when interpreting this data, as these are only indicative of performance. Changes in performance should be considered in the context of the current operating environment, challenges and whether we control, influence or are informed by the data. Tackling Poverty Tackling Climate Change Economy Children and Young People Protect and Care Physical and Mental Wellbeing Communities 1 5 5 4 5 3 2 5 2 1 2 3 3 5 2 3 3 KPI TREND OVERVIEW Favourable Change Unfavourable Change Static N/A
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KPI Executive Summary: Annual Performance Report 2025/26 3 PKC - GENERAL Tackling Poverty During 2025/26, the number of affordable homes delivered exceeded target, with 239 homes completed against a target of 210 helping more individuals and families access safe, secure and affordable housing. The number of households receiving energy efficiency and low-carbon heating advice also exceeded target, with 908 households supported against a target of 500. Strong performance was supported by a range of preventative interventions. Welfare Rights secured £8.9 million in additional benefit income for residents, more than 1,200 tenants received financial inclusion and tenancy support, and Futures for Families helped 259 parents access employability, training and income- maximisation support. These activities contributed to improved financial resilience and helped households avoid crisis and homelessness. However, several KPIs highlight continuing pressures on low- income households. Although Perth and Kinross continues to perform comparatively well and remains below the Scottish average for child poverty, the proportion of children living in poverty after housing costs increased from 12.6% to 13.3%. This measure is based on revised national reporting arrangements and currently has only two years of comparable data available. Nevertheless, the increase points to ongoing financial pressures for some families. This is reflected in rising demand for crisis support, with Scottish Welfare Fund Crisis Grant applications increasing by 5% to 8,268. Benefit income secured through Welfare Rights reduced slightly from £9.2 million to £8.9 million, reflecting a planned shift towards income protection during Universal Credit managed migration and delays in benefit appeals. To address these challenges in 2026/27, the Council and its partners will expand advice services in schools serving communities most affected by poverty, strengthen coordinated support for households experiencing financial hardship, develop improved referral pathways for people with no recourse to public funds, and provide more targeted employability support to help parents access sustainable employment. Fair Work expectations will also be strengthened to increase access to Real Living Wage employment and improve household incomes. Promote and encourage principles of the Scottish Government Fair Work Action Plan Maximise income from benefits and concessions Mitigate cost of living pressures for households experiencing and at risk of poverty Prevent and mitigate the impacts of poverty for children 1 1 1 2 1 KPI TREND OVERVIEW: POVERTY Favourable Change Unfavourable Change Static N/A
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KPI Executive Summary: Annual Performance Report 2025/26 4 PKC - GENERAL Tackling climate change and supporting greener sustainable places Performance across KPIs was broadly positive during 2025/26. Carbon emissions from the Council's non-domestic estate fell from 8,976 to 8,160 tonnes of CO₂e, exceeding target, while the area of Council-managed grassland supporting biodiversity increased from 121.5 to 205.5 hectares. The proportion of Council fleet vehicles using electric or other zero-direct-carbon technologies remained above target at 4.33%. This progress was supported by investment in cleaner transport, energy-efficient housing, biodiversity projects and climate resilience measures. All refuse collection vehicles transitioned from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel, while major flood protection schemes and energy-efficiency improvements continued across Perth and Kinross. However, some KPIs remain below target. The proportion of Council housing meeting the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing increased from 8.0% to 8.27% continuing the steady improvement achieved over the past four years, although the 9% target was not fully achieved. The Climate Change Assessment Tool score improved from 74% to 77%, although this remained below target. The number of publicly charging devices (per 1000,000 population) increased from 175.4 to 246.7, however, remains below target. The latest verified household recycling rate of 50.9% remains below target but is above the Scottish average of 44.3%. To address these challenges in 2026/27, the Council will target investment towards homes with the lowest energy efficiency ratings, strengthen sustainable procurement, refresh the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, expand biodiversity initiatives and progress climate adaptation activity through the Climate Ready Tayside partnership. To adapt to and mitigate the impact of climate changes on… To conserve and enhance the biodiversity of our natural… Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings, and encourage our… Support the prioritisation of sustainable, cleaner, and… 1 1 2 1 1 1 KPI TREND OVERVIEW: CLIMATE CHANGE Favourable Change Unfavourable Change Static N/A
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KPI Executive Summary: Annual Performance Report 2025/26 5 PKC - GENERAL Developing a resilient, stronger and greener local economy Performance across KPIs was positive during 2025/26. Business Gateway-supported start-ups increased by 12.6% to 285, exceeding the target of 265, while gigabit broadband coverage rose from 55% to 62.6%, exceeding the target of 60%. Employability programmes remained stable with 19.9% of unemployed participants progressing into work and 1,763 adult learners achieving outcomes, significantly exceeding target. Strong performance was supported by targeted business, skills and employability activity. Perth and Kinross was ranked as the UK's top local authority for business growth potential, 587 businesses received support through Business Gateway and GrowBiz, and 263 people entered employment through Council-supported employability programmes. Investment also continued in clean growth and innovation initiatives to support long-term economic resilience. However, some KPIs highlight areas where further progress is needed. The number of creative industries businesses remained unchanged at 355 and below target, while growth in energy-sector businesses was slower than anticipated. Data on serviced employment land and economic development investment is not yet available, limiting assessment of progress in these areas. Visitor numbers to libraries, museums and galleries remained strong at 704,000 visits and exceeded target, although they were lower than the exceptionally high levels recorded in 2024/25 following the opening of Perth Museum. To address these challenges in 2026/27, the Council and its partners will strengthen business support, progress clean growth and regeneration projects, improve pathways into skills and employment, and promote Perth and Kinross as a destination for business growth, investment and tourism. Support people into work and encourage business to access initiatives to create new opportunities Promote what our city and towns have to offer to businesses, investors and tourists Invest in innovative green power and smart technology solutions Support and promote business growth and investment 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 KPI TRENDOVERVIEW: ECONOMY Favourable Change Unfavourable Change Static N/A
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KPI Executive Summary: Annual Performance Report 2025/26 6 PKC - GENERAL Enabling our children and young people to achieve their full potential Performance across KPIs was mixed during 2025/26. The proportion of children meeting expected developmental milestones on entry to primary school increased from 75.6% to 78.1%, while the percentage of primary pupils achieving expected levels in literacy and numeracy increased from 80% to 82%, exceeding the target of 80%. Participation in learning, training or work among 16 to 19-year-olds remained high at 94% and above the national average. Strong performance was supported by investment in inclusive education, early intervention and additional support needs provision. Early Learning and Childcare provision continued to outperform national benchmarks, 98% of funded settings were graded good or better, and inspection findings highlighted strengths in inclusion, wellbeing and leadership. Progress also continued through the Additional Support Needs Transformation Programme, including the expansion of intensive support provision and improved support for children and young people with complex needs. However, several attainment-related KPIs remain challenging. The proportion of school leavers attaining one or more qualifications at SCQF Levels 5 and 6 remained below target and unchanged from the previous year. The poverty-related attainment gap at both SCQF Levels 5 and 6 widened in 2024/25, reflecting stronger improvements among learners from the least deprived communities than those from the most deprived communities. While outcomes for care-experienced children and young people have improved, further progress is required to achieve outcomes comparable with their peers. To address these challenges in 2026/27, the Council will focus on raising attainment and attendance, reducing inequalities in educational outcomes, progressing Additional Support Needs transformation, strengthening support for neurodivergent children and families, and improving outcomes for care-experienced children and young people. Priority actions include developing clearer support pathways, implementing the Apprenticeships and Career Education programme, increasing secondary school attendance and providing targeted support for looked after young people with low attendance. Ensure that Looked After Children and children and young people with additional support needs achieve comparable outcomes Reduce the poverty-related attainment gap Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning 1 3 2 1 2 KPI TREND OVERVIEW: CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE Favourable Change Unfavourable Change Static N/A
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KPI Executive Summary: Annual Performance Report 2025/26 7 PKC - GENERAL Protecting and caring for our most vulnerable people Performance across KPIs was mixed during 2025/26. Positive progress was seen in safeguarding and support outcomes, with the proportion of children remaining on the Child Protection Register for more than 12 months reducing from 6% to 5%, and the rate of children on the Child Protection Register continuing its downward trend. The percentage of affordable homes built to wheelchair- accessible or adaptable standards increased from 11% to 17%, exceeding the 10% target. Adult satisfaction with care and support also improved, with 72.1% of adults rating services as good or excellent. Strong performance was supported by investment in safeguarding, early intervention, housing support and community-based justice services, helping vulnerable people access support earlier and maintain independence. However, several indicators highlight ongoing pressures. Demand for adult protection services increased, with Vulnerable Person Reports rising from 2,255 to 2,309, while homelessness presentations increased slightly from 861 to 878 households. The percentage of Adult Support and Protection Initial Referral Discussions completed within timescales fell from 86% to 83% and remained below target. In addition, the percentage of adults supported at home who felt services improved or maintained their quality of life decreased from 76% to 71.1%. To address these challenges in 2026/27, the Council, Health and Social Care Partnership and partners will strengthen safeguarding and multi-agency support pathways, improve support for people with complex needs, enhance housing and resettlement services, and improve continuity of care for people in custody and returning to the community. Work will also focus on improving outcomes and quality of life for adults receiving care and support. Ensure that people get the right care and support where and when they need it. Ensure we quickly identify children, young people and adults at risk of harm and abuse and take the necessary actions to keep them safe. (Adults) Ensure we quickly identify children, young people and adults at risk of harm and abuse and take the necessary actions to keep them safe. (Children and young people) 2 1 2 2 1 KPI TREND OVERVIEW: PROTECT & CARE Favourable Change Unfavourable Change Static N/A
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KPI Executive Summary: Annual Performance Report 2025/26 8 PKC - GENERAL Supporting and promoting physical and mental wellbeing Performance across KPIs was mixed during 2025/26. Leisure facility attendance increased significantly from 951,000 to 1.108 million, exceeding the target of 950,000, while resident satisfaction with local leisure facilities remained high at 73%, above the 70% target. Satisfaction with parks and open spaces remains strong and above Scottish and family group averages. Active Schools participation data for 2025/26 is not yet available. Strong performance was supported by investment in sport, physical activity, outdoor spaces and community-based wellbeing services. Improvements to parks, play areas and green spaces increased opportunities for recreation and active travel, while expanded community-based models of care helped more people remain independent in their own homes and communities. However, several indicators highlight ongoing challenges. Waiting times for access to mental health services increased from 42 to 65 weeks, largely driven by rising demand for assessments. While people generally reported positive experiences of health and social care support, accessibility and coordination of services remain areas for improvement. Satisfaction with parks and open spaces has also declined gradually, although it remains above national benchmarks. To address these challenges in 2026/27, the Council, Health and Social Care Partnership and partners will improve access to wellbeing support through strengthened community-based care models, more integrated referral pathways and the development of a public Single Point of Access. Work will also focus on increasing participation in sport and physical activity, expanding outdoor learning opportunities and continuing investment in parks, play areas and community greenspaces to support physical and mental wellbeing and maintain high levels of resident satisfaction. Improve health and wellbeing in Perth and Kinross by ensuring that people have access to wellbeing support when they need it Improve health and wellbeing in Perth and Kinross by increasing overall participation in sport and physical activity and promoting the wellbeing benefits of time spent in our natural surroundings 1 2 1 2 KPI TREND OVERVIEW: WELLBEING Favourable Change Unfavourable Change Static N/A
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KPI Executive Summary: Annual Performance Report 2025/26 9 PKC - GENERAL Working in partnership with communities Performance across the community partnership KPIs was mixed during 2025/26. Rural housing delivery exceeded target, with 90 affordable homes delivered in rural areas against a target of 80, while support for Community Development Trusts increased from four to six organisations. The number of community groups with resilience plans also exceeded target. Strong performance was supported by place-based working and community capacity building. Fairer Futures activity expanded across six priority localities, community-led rural housing projects progressed in several areas, and support for community ownership and asset transfer helped strengthen local resilience and community-led decision-making. However, some indicators highlight areas where further progress is needed. The number of community groups supported to increase their capacity rose from 110 to 144 but remained below the target of 270. The number of groups receiving community investment funding fell from 115 to 79 and remained below target, highlighting the need to strengthen the reach and sustainability of community support. To address these challenges in 2026/27, the Council will increase support for community organisations through capacity-building activity, community empowerment initiatives and participatory decision-making opportunities. Fairer Futures activity and multidisciplinary locality working will be expanded to strengthen community resilience, improve coordination of local support and help more community groups access the resources they need to deliver locally led solutions. Continued support for community-led rural housing projects will also help meet local housing needs. Develop and expand our approach to working with communities Increase the supply and availability of rural housing 1 1 4 1 KPI TREND OVERVIEW: COMMUNITIES Favourable Change Unfavourable Change Static N/A