Content

12.1

The Committee considered a report of the
Assistant Director of Finance
and Accounting which provided an overview of
the financial position of the Council’s Adult Social Care
(ASC) budget, focusing on the contributing
factors to the £31.3m in-year budget
variance reported at Q1. It examines the underlying causes,
governance and planning processes, policy
compliance, external audit assurance, and the
transformation programme.
The report aimed to offer transparency,
assurance, and clarity to the Adult Health and Social Care Policy
Committee.

 

 

12.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That
Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee: -
 
a)   
Note the current budget position for Adult Social Care,
highlighting
the significant overspend reported for 2024/25
and the underlying factors such as increased demand, complexity of
care needs, and funding volatility.
b)   
Acknowledge the business planning adaptations being
implemented to address ongoing financial
pressures, including
targeted budget monitoring and management
interventions aimed
at improving the in-year financial outlook
c)   
Recognise the governance arrangements and oversight in place,
ensuring robust scrutiny of financial and operational
performance,
and supporting the delivery of sustainable
Adult Social Care services.

 

 

12.3

Reasons for
Decision

 

 

12.3.1

To ensure compliance with section 25 of the
Local Government Act 2003, which requires the Chief Finance Officer
to assess and report on the robustness of budget estimates and the
adequacy of financial reserves. In addition, this decision provides
assurance regarding the strength of
internal governance arrangements, incorporates
assurance from external
audit processes, and reflects the
Council’s planning approach, all of which are linked to the
statutory requirement to set and deliver a balanced budget
based on sound assumptions. Collectively,
these measures support the Council in maintaining reserves at an
appropriate level, meeting legal and financial obligations, and
ensuring that budget-setting is transparent,
robust, and accountable for the forthcoming
year.

 

 

12.4

Alternatives
Considered and Rejected

 

 

12.4.1

The Council is required to both set a balance
budget and to ensure that
in-year income and expenditure are balanced.
No other alternatives were
considered.