Decision

The Executive agreed the recommendations as outlined above namely:

1. To note the report.  
2. To require the respective directors and Chief Executive to continue to closely monitor and manage service financial and operational performances of Council services and the wholly-owned companies.
3. To note the Scrutiny Leadership Board will continue to independently review the financial and operational performances of Council services.
4. To continue to lobby central government (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Department for Health and Social Care and Department for Education in particular) along with local authority peers and networks and the Local Government Association for the funding necessary to cope with the burdens and demands presenting as a result of inflationary pressures and demographic demands upon statutory services.
5. To continue to work towards target working balances of £7.8m by 1 April 2027.