Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 10, 2025

Purpose:

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.