Decision

The Scrutiny Committee Corporate and Strategic considered the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2027/28 – 2031/32 and RESOLVED to support the recommendations as approved by the Executive on 7 October. That Executive:

a. Noted the updated budget gap.

b. Noted the revised financial planning assumptions incorporated within the MTFP.

c. Noted the timetable for development of the 2027/28 Budget.

d. Approved the other updates to the Medium Term Financial Plan (paragraphs 19-23 of the report to Executive).

In addition, the Committee RESOLVED to recommend to the Executive:

·         That the Executive’s draft budget proposals are considered at each of the four Scrutiny Committees.

·         That the Executive and Section 151 Officer provide the Committee with further assurance and information regarding how the remaining budget gap is intended to be addressed, given that the total value of the proposed new savings does not fully close the projected budget gap.

·         That a MTFP workshop be convened for Scrutiny Members before December 2026 to review progress towards the development of a balanced budget and support the identification of key lines of enquiry ahead of the finalisation of the budget proposals.