Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 3, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED     A. To ensure actions taken by officers under the declared Financial Emergency are focussed to ensure all spending and income generation over the remainder of the financial year is scrutinised to actively improve the Council’s projected year end position. Action must predominantly focus on reducing spend, increasing income, delivering remaining savings and mitigating in-year spending pressures.     B. To support the continued use of Operations Boards, which have been in place from August 2025, to challenge all in-year spending, and more recently have been further enhanced to bring greater Service Director scrutiny. The impact of these boards will continue to inform future Finance Monitoring reports.     C. To consider the projected spend over budget at Period 7 of £50.746m.     D. To consider the indicative level of savings delivery at Period 7 of £20.917m (34.94%).     E. To support the proposal for a minimum value of £5m for the General Fund Balance and the ringfencing of a Contingency Fund of £5.478m.     F. To support the proposed application for Exceptional Financial Support of £71.361m made up of £21.466m for revenue monitoring pressures, up to £10m for transformation activity and up to £38.895m for NWRR write off costs (should this be necessary). The decision on the final application will be made by the s151 Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance.