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The Committee received a

presentation on the 23/24 Children’s Services budget as
at the end of July 2023 (Month 4).
 
The 23/24 Children’s
Services (General Fund) has a net budget of £123.1m and has
forecast overspend of £8.8m (7.1% of budget). This variance
is in External Placements. The full year projection is
£131.9m.  The key cost drivers,
risks, issues and opportunities were
highlighted.
 
Referenced the Dedicated
Schools Grant (DGS) which has £14.1m forecast in year
deficit; cumulative £34.8m deficit. The key cost drivers
including with the High Needs Block, risks, issues and opportunities were
highlighted.
 
The Committee asked a number of
questions and made a number of comments and that going forward the
information be provided in advance of the meeting.