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The panel scrutinised the council's Quarter 1 budget monitoring report for 2025/26 and its Quarter 1 performance report. The budget report forecasts a net service overspend of about £3m, with pressures in social services and place, and a £5m underspend in capital financing. The minutes record discussion only, with no formal decisions on either report.
There were no disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests.
None.
There were no public questions received.
The Leader and Ben Smith attended to give an overview of the report. · The overall financial position estimates a net service overspend for the year of £3m, a significant improvement from the previous year’s overspend this time last year. with an underspend forecast for the whole year, however there are still pressures in services. · The Local Government Pay Award was settled at 3.2%, higher than the assumed 2.5%, impacting National Insurance and overall costs. · A base provision of £3m was made in the contingency fund, with an additional £18m carried over from the previous year. This is not forecast to all be spent in the current year. · In capital financing a £5m underspend is forecast due to elevated base rates (on cash deposits) and strategic borrowing decisions (deferral of borrowing). · Risks persist regarding the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) with overspending on repairs and rent setting challenges which has been offset with the capital programme. A deeper review is planned. Concerns were raised about high maintenance costs despite recent capital investments to meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard. · The initial £14m draw from reserves is now expected to be reduced to less than £6m. · The £10m Economic / Local Growth Fund will be brought to Cabinet and Council for discussion. · The risks and management of Lender Option Borrower Option (LOBO) loans were explained with the Council exercising its option to repay rather than accept higher rates, due to strong cash reserves.
Cllr Andrew Williams and Lee Wenham attended to give an overview of the report. · Overall performance at Quarter one was positive with 71% of delivery steps and 84% of success measures on track. 50% of performance indicators are on target, with a further 20% within 5% of target. · Safeguarding People from Harm: Progress has been made in transforming adult and children’s services and hospital discharge times have improved. Workforce resilience remains a red risk. · Improving Education and Skills: Attendance and behaviour are improving, and exclusions are down. Welsh medium uptake and literacy/numeracy remain challenges. · Economy and Infrastructure: Business grants are fully allocated, and major events have boosted the economy. Risks remain around project costs and Welsh Housing Quality Standard compliance. · Tacking Poverty and Enabling Communities: Over £500,000 in grants have been distributed. The free bus scheme was successful, and 670 people have been supported into work. Housing supply and temporary accommodation are ongoing concerns. · Nature Recovery and Climate Change: LED street lighting is nearly complete and nature recovery progressing. Net zero remains a critical red risk. · Transformation and Financial Resilience: Medium Term Financial Plan is on track, digital transformation is delivering benefits and governance is robust. Sickness absence and savings delivery require continued focus. · 71 risks have remained static, 19 increased and 10 decreased. · The Panel requested a key to be included in the report. · Reliance on external residential placements, challenges in growing Welsh medium education, progress on Castle Gardens and percentage of staff completing safeguarding training were discussed.
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