Issue - meetings

To consider the report which updates on the progress of the budget setting for 2026-30 and approve the Budget Consultation and engagement process and material for the four years 2026-2030.

The committee received an update on the development of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026–2030. Members noted that the Council continued to face significant financial challenges, with a forecasted budget gap of £18.2m for 2026/27, reduced from £33.3m following recent refinements.

The report outlined key updates to financial assumptions, including revised growth allocations for Adult Social Care and Children’s Services, the introduction of a 5% vacancy factor across staffing budgets, above-inflation increases in fees and charges, and the reprofiling of transformation pump-priming budgets funded through capital receipts. Additional service budget adjustments and contingency for inflation were also highlighted. It was clarified that senior managers would apply professional judgement when considering the application of a 5% vacancy factor to ensure that critical frontline services, such as refuse collection and children’s social care, were not impacted. Further assurance was provided in relation to Children’s Services and Members noted that the Children’s Improvement Board (Chaired by the Department of Education) considered regular performance reports particularly in relation to workforce which provided a further level of scrutiny around this process.

The committee considered the draft savings proposals, which totalled £57.8m for 2026/27, with further savings planned through to 2029/30. It was emphasised that successful delivery of the proposals would require robust programme management, clear delivery plans, a strong performance culture, and regular Member oversight through quarterly review sessions. Members were informed that a programme of public consultation and engagement would take place between November 2025 and January 2026.

Members welcomed the commitment to making significant improvements to consultation and engagement noting that this included Members of Parliament, the Youth Council, Adult Services Reference Group, online surveys, residents, businesses and key stakeholders. Members were pleased to learn that to date, over 2000 responses had been received in response to the budget prioritisation survey and urged officers to continue to encourage participation. The committee noted that the budget prioritisation survey remained open until 9am on Monday 3 November 2025

The recommendations were proposed and seconded and debated by the committee. Members were encouraged to submit further proposals during the consultation process. The S151 Officer also confirmed that he would be happy to attend political group meetings to ensure that Members were fully informed throughout the consultation and budget-setting process.  

RESOLVED (by majority):

That the Corporate Policy Committee

1. Note the updated budget position for the period 2026/27 to 2029/30 as set out in Table 3 of the report.

2. Approve the list of budget savings proposals ready for consultation launch in November 2025 as contained in Annex 1.

3. Note and approve the conditions for successful budget delivery as noted in paragraph 8 of the report.