Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Finance.

Decision

(a)    That the Senior Leadership Team’s forecast as of July 2026 including progress in addressing demand for services and on the transformational and efficiency savings incorporated into the budget, be noted.

(b)    That the addition of the Wimborne Community Sports Hub capital budget (£2.289m) to the Capital Programme (Business case as set out in the report of 8 September 2026 at Appendix C), be approved.

(c)    That the addition of the Lyme Regis Environmental Improvement Scheme Phase 5 (The Cobb) capital budget (£8.365m) to the Capital Programme, be approved.

(d)    That the decision to extend the Mosaic contract which required a retrospective update to a September 2023 Cabinet record of decision (as at Appendix B), be noted.

(e)    That the number and extent of contract exemptions (as at Appendix B), be noted.

Reason for the decision

To enable Cabinet to consider the Council's current and projected financial position, approve the necessary amendments to the Capital Programme, and ensure that financial resources, reserves and future investment priorities were aligned with the Council Plan, supported sustainable service delivery, and informed the development of the Medium-Term Financial Plan and future budget strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Resources and Finance provided an update on the current financial position, noting the pressures that were affecting all councils, including inflation, rising fuel costs, increased demand for support and the wider cost-of-living impact.  He further highlighted the predicted budget pressures in areas such as adult and children's social care, emphasising that increased spending reflected the council's commitment to supporting vulnerable people and families.

At this stage, the Council was forecasting a net revenue overspend of £8.136m, representing 1.7% of the approved net budget of £466m. The Cabinet Member further advised that the reserves remained strong and debt levels remained stable.

At 6.42pm the fire alarm sounded and the meeting was adjourned to allow the evacuation of the building. The meeting reconvened at 7.14pm following confirmation that it was safe to re-enter the premises.

Responding to a question regarding the escalating Dedicated Schools Grant deficit, with costs rising sharply and the rate of increased acceleration, the Cabinet Member for Resources and Finance acknowledged the seriousness of the trend, noting government advice that funding would be proportionate but not unlimited. He confirmed that further clarification on repayment timing would need to be provided.

In response to comments made regarding opportunities to increase income or reduce expenditure through improved utilisation of Coombe House, the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education outlined current projections, the wider reform context and the forthcoming developments such as Osprey Quay opening in 2028.  She advised that she would discuss the more detailed questions raised with the councillor concerned outside of the meeting.

It was proposed by Cllr S Clifford and seconded by Cllr N Ireland

Decision

(a)    That the SLT’s forecast as of July 2026 including progress in addressing demand for services and on the transformational and efficiency savings incorporated into the budget, be noted.

(b)    That the addition of the Wimborne Community Sports Hub capital budget (£2.289m) to the Capital Programme (Business case in Appendix C), be approved.

(c)    That the addition of the Lyme Regis Environmental Improvement Scheme Phase 5 (The Cobb) capital budget (£8.365m) to the Capital Programme, be approved.

(d)    That the decision to extend the Mosaic contract which required a retrospective update to a September 2023 Cabinet record of decision (Appendix B), be noted.

(e)    That the number and extent of contract exemptions, be noted. (Appendix B)

Reason for the decision

To enable Cabinet to consider the Council's current and projected financial position, approve the necessary amendments to the Capital Programme, and ensure that financial resources, reserves and future investment priorities were aligned with the Council Plan, supported sustainable service delivery, and informed the development of the Medium-Term Financial Plan and future budget strategy.