A number of new budget savings proposals contained in this report Cabinet agenda (item 14 – Budget Savings Proposals 2025 to 2026 to 2029 to 2030), were put forward for discussion at the meeting.
Cabinet agreed to refer the proposals to the Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Resources, which will consider them when it meets on Monday 13 January.
The budget savings proposals could, if agreed, save millions of pounds and support the setting of a balanced budget for 2025 to 2026.
While hard work continues to control spending and be as efficient as we can be in all areas of our work, we continue to face significant budget pressures due to a number of factors which are beyond our control. These include pay and price inflation and rising demand for services, particularly in adults and children’s social care.
As well as a current forecast overspend for 2024 to 2025 of £28.1 million, there is a predicted shortfall in our budget for the year ahead (2025 to 2026) of £18.6 million which has led to the new savings proposals being put forward.
The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Resources will provide feedback to Cabinet on the proposals, and they will be considered again, along with the budget-setting report, when Cabinet meets again on Thursday 30 January.
The budget-setting report will then be considered by Full Council when it meets on Wednesday 12 February.
Many of the new proposals, if it is agreed for them to go forward, will follow their own timescales, with further reports going to Cabinet and consultation taking place as appropriate.
If you have any concerns about details in the report please speak to your manager.