Purpose

To inform Cabinet, and the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, of the Children’s Services outturn 2025/26 financial position, detail of issues that are impacting on the directorate, and an update on the recovery plan.

Decision

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Children’s Services, which sought to inform of the Children’s Services current forecast 2025/26 financial position, detail of issues that were impacting on the directorate, and an update on the recovery plan. The report contained details of quarter four 2025/26 financial position, 2025/26 recovery plan and medium-term recovery plan.

The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services and Education introduced the report.

The Assistant Director Children’s Social Care attended the meeting to present the information and address questions and comments from Cabinet Members.

Resolved that the outturn financial position for 2025/26 and related service commentary, and plans for the medium term be noted.

Reason for decision:

Cabinet Members should be kept updated on the financial position of all Council directorates, as effective budget management was critical to ensuring financial resources were spent in line with the budget, and were targeted towards the Council’s priorities.

Alternatives considered and rejected:

No alternative as financial reporting ensured the Council complied with CIPFA’s Financial Management Code and its standards for management of financial resources in the short, medium and long term, management of financial resilience to meet unforeseen demands on services, and management of unexpected shocks within financial circumstances.