URL: https://stroud.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=329

Decision Maker: Community Services and Licensing Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To present the 2025/26 forecast outturn position against the revenue budgets and Capital Programme that the Committee is responsible for, in order to give an expectation of possible variances against budget.

Content: The Accountant introduced the report which presented the revenue and capital outturn forecast against the current budget and detailed any variances which could impact the budget at year end. The following key points were highlighted: Table 1 on page 46, provided a breakdown of services under the Committee’s remit which detailed the original budget, revised budget, forecast outturn and any reserve transfers. Sports centres were showing the largest variance in budget as outlined at paragraph 3.12. Table 2 on page 49 identified any salary savings. The Capital outturn was displayed in table 3 of the report pack which included narrative for the two capital projects under the Committee’s remit.   In response to a question from Councillor Robinsons, the Accountant confirmed that no budget had been allocated for Abandoned Vehicles, as SDC invoiced the Fire and Rescue Service to recover costs from the Council’s contractor.   Councillor Boyle queried what the difference between the original and revised budget meant and the reason for the £357k budget change in Community Safety. The Accountant explained that the original budget was set for expected expenditure for the financial year, while the revised budget reflected any amendments made during the year. The Communities Development Manager advised that the £357k variance related to a grant received from GCC last year to change the Careline systems from analogue to digital. The project had now been completed and the budget spent.   The Chair, Councillor Brown, queried what the process was for revising the budget. The Accountant explained that it was undertaken through a budget monitoring and setting process.   Councillor Boyle queried whether the £292k underspend could be carried forward into next years budget or whether it would transfer into reserves. The Accountant explained that it was stated the current position for the budget for the end of the financial year as a best indication and any underspend left would be revised at the end of the financial year.   Proposed by Councillor Boyle, seconded by Councillor Hamilton.   Councillors Hamilton and Boyle thanked the Officer for the report.   On being put to the vote, the Motion was carried unanimously.   RESOLVED To note the outturn forecast for the General Fund Revenue budget and the Capital Programme for this Committee.  

Date of Decision: December 11, 2025