Issue - meetings

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

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

(b)    That an additional capital budget allocation of £482,829 from the Capital Contingency Fund to meet the unforeseen asbestos remediation costs incurred as part of the demolition and site clearance works at Bridport Connect (see section 26 of the report of 10 November 2026), be approved.

(c)    That an addition to the capital programme: Countryside & Greenspace Mowers and Equipment up to £1.0m (see section 26 of the report), be approved

(d)    That the number and extent of contract exemptions (as set out in Appendix B of the report), be noted.

Reason for the decision

Although the report was primarily for noting the outturn position, Cabinet approval was required for the changes to the Capital programme.

The report did not seek Cabinet approval of the forecast of the financial position.  The information contained in the report was critical in informing the refresh of the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and the development of the 2027/28 and 2028/29 budget strategy. It was important for Cabinet to review the risks the organisation now faced and to consider areas where it wished to make strategic investments and/or to repurpose and prioritise its reserves to facilitate these aims.

It is also important for Cabinet to understand the developing financial performance and projected position this year.  This ensured that resources were deployed to deliver the Council’s services in line with the Council Plan priorities, and so that the organisation remains in good financial health and that service delivery remains sustainable.  The Council makes a significant contribution in supporting employment, training and economic prosperity, as well as being a provider and commissioner of critical public services.  Balancing all of these strategic, and often, competing priorities is a responsibility taken extremely seriously.