Purpose

This report estimates the Council’s year
end position based on information on Quarter 2.

Decision

RESOLVED:
 
A.   
To ensure emergency action is continued by all Officers in the
second half of the financial year to improve further the Quarter 2
forecast of a projected spend over budget of £47.069m (30th
September 2025). Such action should predominantly focus on reducing
spend, increasing income, delivering remaining savings and
significant mitigating actions to control in-year spending
pressures.
B.   
To support the continued use of Operations Boards, which have been
in place from August 2025, to challenge all in-year spending, and
more recently have been further enhanced to bring greater Service
Director scrutiny. Further details to be included in future Finance
Monitoring reports.
C.   
To consider the Period 6 position (as at the end of September)
forecast indicative level of savings delivery of £21.304m
(36%),
D.   
To continue to review the projected General Fund Balance which is
forecast to be negative (-£12.789m), indicating a potentially
illegal financial position by the end of the financial year if
proposed action does not improve this position.
E.   
To continue to support, in light of the Council’s current
financial position and ongoing engagement with MHCLG, the active
discussions regarding Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) are
continuing.