Purpose

To consider the 2025/26 Outturn report.

Decision

(a)    That the draft revenue and capital outturn and the financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, be noted.

(b)    That the movement of the £0.169m surplus at the year end to general reserves be approved.

Reason for the decision

Although the report was primarily for noting the outturn position, Cabinet’s approval was required for the transfer of the £0.169m surplus to general reserves.

While the report did not seek Cabinet approval of the outturn, the financial position at 31 March 2026 was critical in informing the next Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) update and the development of the 2027/28 and 2028/29 budget strategy, in line with the multi-year settlement announced in 2025/26.

In addition to reporting outturn, with the financial performance for the year materially complete, it was important for Cabinet to review the risks the organisation now faces and to consider areas where it wishes to make strategic investments and/or to repurpose and prioritise its reserves to facilitate these aims.