Purpose

Quarter
3 financial management report.

Content

(a)          
That the Senior Leadership Team’s forecast as of
December 2025 including progress on the transformational and efficiency savings
incorporated into the budget, be noted.

 

(b)          
That the capital programme for 2025/26, be
noted.

 

(c)          
That the number and extent of contract
exemptions, be noted.

 

Reason for the decision

 

To ensure the Council could set and deliver a balanced budget, this
report provided an update on the forecast financial position for 2025/26 and
the significant operational and financial pressures facing the organisation. In
a challenging national context for local authorities, effective oversight of
activities and budgets was essential to maintain financial sustainability,
support delivery of Council Plan priorities, and ensure the Council continued
to provide vital services and wider economic benefits.