URL: https://democracy.adur-worthing.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1285

Decision Maker: Joint Strategic Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Before the Committee was a report by the Interim Director for Core Services, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 6.   In July 2025 the councils approved their financial strategy which built on the new strategy approach adopted from 2025/26 with key supporting strategic reviews that are aimed at delivering better long term strategic direction in key areas and enabling more coordinated and realistic programmes of activity which deliver on the priorities of the two administrations and the statutory obligations of the councils   The Medium Term Financial Plan and the 2026/2027 revenue budgets were being developed with the strategic reviews informing that work, together with other economic factors.   Work continued to ensure a balanced budget while acknowledging the ongoing uncertainties around future funding arrangements. The report before members presented the next step in the reporting process and represented ‘work in progress’ and a milestone in the budget process. This report represented a snapshot of the budget development in order to provide greater transparency. The work plan for the implementation of the new financial strategy ensured that the different elements of the new strategy would be live and active in order to support the setting of the 26/27 budget and help the organisation look beyond that point with more certainty. While the financial situation continued to be challenging the budget reflected the considerable work going on to deliver greater long term financial resilience for the councils.   Decision:   1.    That the contents of the report be noted including the working 5 year forecasts as at appendix 1.     Call In: The call-in deadline for decisions will be 5.00pm on 21 October 2025.

Date of Decision: October 9, 2025