Decision details

The Committee received an update on the development of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2026–2030.

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.

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 Committee considered the draft savings proposals for the Economy and Growth area, as set out in Annex 1 to the report. During the discussions, the Committee asked questions in relation to the Tatton Park proposals to review the operating model which included looking at a trust model and partnership options. In response the Committee were informed that the savings figure was based on assumptions, and a detailed appraisal was due in March 2026. Engagement with the National Trust was ongoing and one of the options included closer collaboration with the Trust. It was suggested that an official campsite in the Park could be a potential income source.

The Committee referred to the assets’ disposal programme and it was reported that the current disposals exceeded the target for this year. Future disposals included farm buildings but there was no policy at present for disposal of the Farms Estate.

A request was made for improved reporting on the capital projects programme to allow for better scrutiny on the projects which could include costs, cost benefit ratio, risks, and delivery against project objectives as the timescale for these projects were often longer than the 4-year budget period.

RESOLVED: That the Committee

1               note the updated budget position for the period 2026/27 to 2029/30 as set out in Table 3.2 of the report.

2               note the list of Economy and Growth budget savings proposals that are contained in the budget consultation launched in November2025 as contained in Annex 1 to the report.

3               note the conditions for successful budget delivery, as approved by Corporate Policy Committee on 30 October 2025, which are set out in paragraph 12 of the report.