Agenda item - General Fund Budget Planning & Resource Update - 2026-27 to 2029-30

15.1 Cllr Jacob Taylor gave a broad overview of the council’s financial position. He said that the general fund was forecast to increase by £16m but that the levels of pressure faced by the council was also set to increase providing a budget gap. Cllr Taylor said that the pressures where mainly coming from service areas covered by the People committee and made clear that this increased pressure was not the fault of the service users. He talked on recent TBM reports, the fairer funding review and the possibility of thinking outside of the box on temporary accommodation with ideas such as bringing more in house. John Hooton, Interim Director for Property & Finance, spoke on working with other local authorities on children’s places, investing in IT and digital to save money, and saving money on property.

15.2 Following the presentation Cllrs asked questions on the following issues: levels of reserves, school transport, temporary accommodation, SEND, fairer funding, business rates, work with the voluntary sector, use of s106 money, student landlords, instances of overpaying for social care, wider social care costs, LGR, 2^nd home premium rates, EIAs, the need to consult with the voluntary sector early in the budget process.

15.3 Proposed Cllr Shanks seconded Cllr O’Quinn. RESOLVED:

People Overview & Scrutiny Committee recommend that the Cabinet Member for Finance & City Regeneration begin earlier discussion with the voluntary sector on budget recommendations, ideally by December.

15.4 RESOLVED:

People Overview & Scrutiny Committee agreed to note the report.