Purpose

The report sets out the
recommendations of the Budget and Finance Scrutiny
Committee from its meeting on 21 January 2026 in relation to the
county council's draft budget for 2026/27.
 
The committee will also meet on
5 February 2026 to consider the 2025/26 Quarter 3 Financial
Monitoring Report and any recommendations from the committee as a
result of this will be reported at the Cabinet meeting.
 
County Councillor David Shaw,
Chair of the Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee, will attend the
Cabinet meeting to present the recommendations of the
committee.

Content

Resolved: That
 
 
i. 
The Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee be thanked for its
recommendations, and that it be noted that this was an important
and new part of the diligent work to prepare a draft budget for
Full Council approval, and that the responses to the
recommendations, as set out above, be noted and reported back to
the committee;
 
ii. 
It be noted that the consultation was closed and gratitude be
expressed for the feedback and engagement from all stakeholders
throughout the listening process;
 
iii. 
The timetable for future decision making including an April 2026
Cabinet report on the outcome of the consultation and the options,
and a September 2026 Cabinet report on the business case be noted;
and
 
iv. 
The ongoing engagement with stakeholders and potential partners to
explore options for the services and facilities across the whole
portfolio of direct provision be noted.