Decision

The Cabinet has decided to endorse the latest budget position and address the growing deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant, acknowledging the ongoing progress towards a balanced budget for 2026/27.

Analysis

outcome: Recommendations Approved

summary: The Cabinet has decided to endorse the latest position regarding the developing 2026/27 Budget and MTFP position, acknowledge ongoing progress towards a balanced budget, and note the update on the SEND deficit.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to endorse the latest budget position and address the growing deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant, acknowledging the ongoing progress towards a balanced budget for 2026/27.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves financial planning and potential deficits which could impact services provided by the council.

affected_stakeholders: ["Council members", "Finance department", "Local residents receiving services"]

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: No explicit mention of political parties in the decision.

URL: https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=855

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED that Cabinet: - (a)           Endorses the latest position regarding the developing 2026/27 Budget and MTFP position. (b)           Acknowledges the ongoing progress being made to ensure a balanced budget position for 2026/27 is presented to Council in February 2026. (c)           In respect of the SEND deficit, note the update and acknowledges the action taken by the Leader and the Director of Finance. Voting: Unanimous Portfolio Holder: Finance Reason To comply with accounting codes of practice and best practice which requires councils to have a rolling multi-year medium term financial plan. To provide Cabinet with the latest high-level overview of the 2026/27 Budget and 3-year medium-term financial plan. To provide an update on the 11 June 2025 Comprehensive Spending Review (SR25) and the consultations documents issued on 20 June in respect of the local government funding formula and the modernisation of council tax. To acknowledge that the current and growing deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) as it pertains to the expenditure on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) service continues to be an existential threat to the financial sustainability of the council.  

Date of Decision: July 16, 2025