Agenda item

The Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Officer presented the Quarter One Revenue and Performance Report 2025/26 for Members’ consideration.

It was noted that this report had been pre-scrutinised by the Finance and Budget Working Group (FBWG) at the meeting held on 5^th September 2025.

During consideration of this report, Members were informed of the following:

·       As of the end of Quarter 1, the Council was forecasting a £0.173 million revenue overspend for the full financial year.

·       The Council had delivered £0.398 million of its £0.913 million savings target.

·       Treasury Management Position – the Council had no long term debt and had complied with all prudential indicators.

·       Ward Budget Spending Quarter 1, which was running under 10%.

Members' attention was drawn to recommendation 3. There was some concern that the Council may not achieve all of the savings by the year-end.  However, this would be closely monitored by Officers.

Members were further informed that the Quarter 2 Finance and Performance Report 2025/26 would be more detailed separate reports for further transparency.

Members referred to paragraph 4.4.8 of the report, which detailed ‘…. as a result of the introduction of the 2-hour free parking’, which was incorrect.  Officers agreed to amend the report prior to consideration at Council, as the free parking was for 30 minutes. 

In response to Members, the Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Officer briefly explained external debt / borrowing compared to internal borrowing, using Capital expenditure.

The Policy Manager subsequently presented the performance monitoring information.

The Policy Manager stated that with regards to performance monitoring it was the responsibility of service areas to take ownership of their measures and to liaise with her.

The report had evolved further with more targets and more RAG rating.  A lot of hard work was being carried out in order to achieve this.  There were one or two measures that could be beneficial to Portfolio Holders.  Work was also being carried out with Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) in respect of fly-tipping, and Economic Development to improve and include further context.

Freedom of Information (FOI) measures would be included in Quarter two and future reports.  Going forward each Assistant Director would look at including data from any Corporate surveys for Members consideration.

The Leader took the opportunity to thank Officers. 

RESOLVED Cabinet note  

1)    the current Revenue position of £0.173 million unfavourable variance.

2)    the current Capital spending of £3.326 million against a revised budget of £21.876 million.

3)    the current savings delivery was £0.398 million against an annual target of £1.733 million for 2025/26.  This was included in the above Revenue position

4)    the Earmarked Reserves balances of £11.266 million.

5)    the Ward Budget allocation position to date with 6 approved allocations at £5,450, leaving a balance of £56,550 to be allocated before year end.

6)    there was an updated procurements position set out in Appendix D, with any new items over £200,000 to be included on the forward plan.

7)    the position on Council Tax and Business Rates.

8)    the position on benefits processing.

9)    the Performance data for the period April to June 2025 (Quarter 1).

RECOMMENDED following the amendment, in respect of the free car parking, as detailed in the preamble above, that

10) the Balance Sheet Monitoring Position for Quarter 1 be noted – which was the Treasury Monitoring Report and was required to be reported to Council.

(During consideration of this item, Councillor K. Taylor left the meeting.)