The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on 1 September 2025, to discuss the council's financial performance, budget guidelines, and various policy updates. Councillors reviewed the first quarter financial performance for 2025/26, noting a forecast pressure of £3.935 million, and approved budget guidelines and a timetable for the 2026/27 budget. The committee also discussed updates to the Mobile Device Management Policy and cloud security measures.

Here's a more detailed look at the key topics discussed:

Financial Performance and Budget Planning

The committee reviewed the Quarter 1 Finance Update 25/26, which highlighted a forecast revenue pressure of £3.935 million. This pressure was attributed to overspends in Children's Services, Economy and Place, and Corporate Services, offset by savings in treasury income. Key points included:

• A significant £5.8 million overspend in Children's Services, which will be addressed in a separate report to the September cabinet meeting.
• A forecast Collection Fund surplus of £1.868 million, with £1.687 million allocated to the council.
• An underspend of £1.909 million in Finance Control, mainly due to reduced borrowing needs and higher investment income.

The committee approved budget pressure requests and noted updates on the Health and Social Care Pooled Budget. They also reviewed and approved net capital budget changes of £24.025 million and a capital re-phasing of £120.385 million into future years. A switch of funding from Economy to Townships of £3.5 million was also approved to support priority projects in each of the 20 wards.

The committee also discussed the Budget 2026-27 to 2028-29 Guidelines, Timetable and Budget Update, which set the framework for the upcoming budget cycle. Key decisions included:

• Approval of the proposed budget timetable.
• Approval of revenue assumptions, including a 4.99% increase in council tax.
• Approval of revenue and capital budget principles.

The report also noted the ongoing Local Government Funding Reforms and associated consultations.

Children's Services Financial Update

The committee reviewed the Children's Services Q4, 2024/25 Revenue Monitoring Update, which highlighted an overspend of £3.114 million. Pressures included:

• Placement costs: £1.705 million overspend.
• Staffing: £1.312 million overspend.
• Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND): £14.822 million overspend, particularly in SEN transport and High Needs Block¹.

The report also detailed recovery plans and service commentary, including efforts to manage placement costs, improve the quality of social work practice, and address rising demand for SEND services.

Adult Social Care Financial Update

The committee also reviewed the Adult Social Care Q4 24/25 Revenue Monitoring Update, which reported a £2.066 million overspend. Key factors contributing to this included:

• Increased demand for adult social care services.
• Growing levels of complexity leading to high-cost packages of care.
• Increased demand for nursing provision.

The report outlined savings and recovery plans, including improved contract management, technology-enabled care, and strength and asset-based approaches².

Mobile Device Management Policy

The committee discussed the Mobile Device Management Policy v1.2 - Jul 2025, which outlines the council's approach to managing and securing mobile devices used by its employees. The policy aims to ensure data security, protect against cyber threats, and enable efficient mobile working.

Cloud Security

The committee considered a report on cloud security, along with supporting documents including a Cloud Security Overview, a Cloud Security Policy, a Cloud Security Procedure, an ICT Supplier Cloud Security Form Standard, and a Cloud Security Form Lightweight. The discussion covered measures to protect council data and systems when using cloud-based services, including risk management, supplier due diligence, and security protocols.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Scrutiny Committee Minutes

The committee reviewed the minutes from the GMCA Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 25 June 2025, and 23 July 2025. These minutes provided an overview of regional issues and decisions, including discussions on integrated water management and the safety of women and girls on public transport.

Work Programme

The committee considered its draft Work Programme 2025/2026, which outlines the key areas of focus for the coming year. The programme includes items such as directorate plan updates, policy reviews, and financial scrutiny.