Foreword
As we present this year’s One Coventry Performance Report, I reflect on both the significant progress we’ve achieved and the challenges that continue to shape our city’s journey toward 2030.
This report demonstrates our unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability. While we celebrate successes – such as our record-breaking visitor economy worth £855 million, doubling the number of residents we’ve helped into employment through our Job Shop, and achieving a 51% reduction in our carbon emissions – we also acknowledge where we must do better.
The data shows that 67% of our performance indicators have improved or remained stable, reflecting real progress across the majority of our commitments. Our approach to setting deliberately ambitious targets means we don’t always meet every goal, but this drives the excellence our residents deserve. From supporting 2,560 people affected by domestic abuse to helping 772 children access Free School Meals they were entitled to but not receiving, these numbers represent transformed lives.
Our economic foundations are strengthening. Employment rates have risen to 74.7% while unemployment has fallen to 4.9%, outperforming national trends despite challenging economic conditions. The £400 million City Centre South regeneration and our pioneering all-electric bus fleet position Coventry as a leader in sustainable urban development.
However, we face persistent challenges. Like elsewhere in the country, child poverty affects too many families, recycling rates need improvement, and some of our most vulnerable young people still need better support. These issues cannot be solved by the Council alone – they require the continued partnership approach that defines the One Coventry vision.
The role of local government continues to evolve, and we’re adapting accordingly. Our strategic partnerships, from the ground-breaking joint venture with E.ON to our collaboration with universities and businesses, demonstrate how we’re leveraging every resource to benefit our communities.
As we look ahead, major investments in housing retrofit, transport infrastructure, and skills development will deliver lasting change. But our success ultimately depends on working together – Council, partners, businesses, and residents – as One Coventry.
This report shows we’re making progress, but there’s more to do. I’m confident that by maintaining our ambition, transparency, and collaborative approach, we’ll continue building a city where everyone can thrive.
Cllr George Duggins
Leader, Coventry City Council
