Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 20, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet is recommended to: (1)         noted the forecast revenue outturn position; (2)         noted the forecast Housing Revenue Account (HRA) outturn position; (3)         noted the forecast Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn and cumulative deficit position; (4)         noted the forecast Capital Programme outturn position; (5)          approved the adjusted capital programme budget of £161.35 million for 2024/25 (an increase of £6.35 million) and £656.73 million for the 10-year programme (an increase of £24.94 million); and (6)         approved the use of £3.644 million of the Budget Strategy Reserve (BSR) to fund improvement and transformation costs to deliver the scale of change required in the organisation and to manage the Medium-Term Financial Plan. All requests are supported by business cases and scrutinised by SLT. ·         SEND improvement – to manage caseload backlogs and improved commissioning arrangements (£0.718 million). ·         Business support – to conclude and implement the final phases of the review (£0.654 million). ·         Family first transformation for 2025/26 to enhance practices and create resources for children on the edge of care (£0.252 million). ·         ASC transformation delivery (commissioning, technology, brokerage, and financial assessment resources) (£0.440 million). ·         Oracle stablisation (£0.354 million). ·         Resources to deliver transformation (£0.900 million). ·         Feasibility studies for asset transformation programmes (£0.240 million). ·         Development of the Place target operating model (£0.050 million).   Options and Alternatives Considered Much of this report is concerned with provision of information, for which alternative options is not a relevant consideration.