Issue - meetings

This report covers this Committees financial position over the medium term (2025 – 2028) as at Period 3 (end of June 2025).

The Period 3 comprehensive Budget Management report has already been presented to the Policy & Resources Committee at its meeting on 8 September 2025 which sought approval to a change in the Council’s 2025 - 2028 medium-term financial plan.

Recommendation

That Members note & comment on the contents of the report.

The Finance Business Partner introduced the report.

Members enquired about staff vacancies indicated in the report. The Head of Customer Experience explained that a key vacancy arose in June, and efforts are underway to realign the staffing structure, with recruitment expected to complete by early next year.

Budget concerns were raised regarding discrepancies in forecast figures for the Watersmeet Theatre between different reports. The Head of Customer Experience clarified that the Watersmeet report is covering previous years in terms of the position currently, and the financial forecasting is for future years. The officer also highlighted the challenges in financial forecasting and the impact of mathematical predictions versus actual delivery outcomes.

Members raised questions about the underutilisation of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund grant, which the Associate Director for Environment explained, had eligibility constraints on properties and the rule that only spent amounts can be claimed.

In response to a question regarding Watersmeet budget differences for 2026-2028 compared to 2025-2026, the Finance Business Partner clarified that there was a £14,000 budget allocation for the maintenance and replacement of fire doors. The officer explained that this budget was a one-time allocation aimed at improving fire doors.

Councillor Chris Lloyd moved the recommendation as set out in the report. The Committee noted and commented on the contents of the report.

RESOLVED:

That Members note & comment on the contents of the report.