Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 10, 2026

Purpose:

Content: DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST RELATING TO THIS ITEM:   None   RESOLVED: That Cabinet:   1.    Noted the forecast total revenue outturn variance for the General Fund of £19m, comprising £10.72m base budget pressures and £8.312m non?delivery of savings. 2.    Noted the net DSG forecast of a £3.2m overspend. 3.    Noted the net Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast surplus of £1.791m. 4.    Noted the forecast General Fund and HRA capital expenditure of £393.8m, which equated to 72.9% of the total 2025/26 Quarter Three revised budget position. 5.    Approved the revenue budget virements and receipt of grants as set out in Appendix?8. 6.    Approved the proposed budget adjustments and virements to the capital programme as set out in Table?5 and Appendix?8. 7.    Noted the debt write?offs in Quarter Three 2025/26, which had been approved by the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources under delegated authority, or, for those above £50,000, by the Cabinet Member for Finance, as set out in Appendix?9 and in accordance with the Constitution. 8.    Noted the Finance Response and Recovery Plans and progress against actions as at Quarter Three, as set out in Appendix?10.   Reason for Decision   A strong financial management framework, including oversight by Members and senior management, was an essential part of delivering the council’s priorities as set out in the Corporate Delivery Plan and in meeting its statutory duties. This was made more critically important than ever because of the uncertainties surrounding the Council’s challenging financial position, which was being impacted by Government funding, high demand for services—particularly for the most vulnerable—and the wider economic outlook. This created an ongoing reliance on Exceptional Financial Support in the current year and across the MTFS period.   Alternative Options Considered   The management of the Council’s financial resources was a key part of the role of the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources (Section?151 Officer) in helping Members exercise their role, and no other options were therefore considered. The remainder of the report and its accompanying appendices set out the forecast budget position in more detail.