Decision details

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation presented a report regarding the 2025/26 forecast positions as at 31 December 2025. There was a forecast overspend of £7.932m, an increase of £2m since quarter 2, owing to an increase in demand in both children’s and adult’s social care. These were national issues and have been flagged as risks throughout the year. The analysis and mitigations in those areas were not apparent yet but were expected to have an impact in the next financial year.

In response to Councillor questions, it was noted that rising inflation, energy costs, fuel prices, etc, would be unlikely to be felt by the Council until the next financial year. Estimates had been made against rising costs, but effect was never linear and was therefore difficult to account for. The ongoing impact on Council budgets was beyond anyone’s control and would continue to be monitored and picked up against the in-year position as we move forward.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Noted the 2025/26 forecast revenue outturn position as at 31 December 2025 of a £7.932m overspend (3.32%) against a net budget of £238.988;

2.    Noted the 2025/26 forecast savings position as at 31 December 2025 of a forecast underachievement of £2.511m (-22.15%) against an agreed target of £11.344m;

3.    Approved the in-year updates to the capital programme, revising the capital delivery programme for 2025/26 to £119.614m which will form the basis for future in-year monitoring and reporting of performance;

4.    Noted the 2025/26 forecast Collection Fund Position as at 31 December 2025 of a surplus of £3.924m of which £3.746m relates to Bury’s share; and

5.    Noted the 2025/26 forecast HRA revenue outturn position as at 31 December 2025 of a £1.638m underspend against a net budget underspend of £3.790m.

Reasons for the decision:

To update members on the Council’s budgetary position and actions taken or being taken to ensure budgetary targets are achieved. This report is in accordance with the Council’s financial procedure regulations.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

N/A