URL: https://democracy.rochdale.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2616

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Services which provided an update on the Revenue Budget 2025/26 to 2027/28.   The Senior Officer was in attendance to present the information and to answer the questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.   The current forecast gap for 2025/26 was £5.887m rising to £24.678m in 2027/28 based on the latest information available. Significant pressures in the budget related to Children’s Services and Adult Social Care. The position reflected the known pressures and assumptions around Government funding made ahead of the Policy Statement / Provisional Settlement due to be announced in November / December 2024.   The Medium Term Financial Strategy provided the latest budget position for the Council, set out the key financial challenges and issues which would be faced over the period, and provided details of the assumptions and estimates which underpined the budget.   Resolved: 1.    That the updated Revenue Budget Position 2025/26 to 2027/28, including the forecast budget gap for 2025/26 being £5.887m. Further work is required to set a balanced budget at Budget Council in February 2025 after the announcement of the provisional and final settlement be noted; 2.    That the update on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy be noted; 3.    That the business as usual budget efficiencies in Appendix 2 of the report be noted; 4.    That the efficiencies requiring Consultation in Appendix 3 of the report be agreed.   Reason for decision: Cabinet members were required to recommend a balanced 2025/26 Revenue Budget to Budget Council, and provisional budgets for 2026/27 to 2027/28. The Council is required to set a balanced budget for 2025/26 by 11th March 2025. The Revenue Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy were key elements of the budget setting process.  

Date of Decision: December 17, 2024