To review performance for Quarter 3 2022/23 and the forecast budget outturn for the year; and

To provide assurance that progress has been made towards delivery of the agreed revenue budget and service delivery targets, and that the reasons for major variances or potential under-performance are understood and are being addressed to the cabinet’s satisfaction.

Cabinet considered the budget and performance report for the third quarter of 2023/24. The cabinet member finance, corporate services and planning introduced the report and highlighted the forecast increased overspend in the children’s services area. The cabinet member set out the background to the increase and mitigation in place. She also highlighted a number of other key points in the report.

Cabinet members discussed the report and noted that the delivery of capital projects within budget have improved and that while there are concerns about the increased costs in children’s services it is hoped that the investment will deliver improvements and savings down the line.

Group leaders gave the views and comments of their group. In response to queries raised it was noted that:

·       The investment in children’s services is showing results in more permanent staff and reduced caseloads. The improved infrastructure will give the council something to build on and progress will continue to be monitored;

·       The high cost of placements is a national problem, dedicated finance staff have been deployed in the children’s services directorate to try to improve data capture and make sure forecasting is as accurate as possible;

·       The investment from reserves into children’s services was on budget, it is the pressure in delivery, especially residential placements, that are showing in the overspend.

It was resolved that:

Cabinet, having reviewed performance and financial forecast for year 2022/23, as set out the in appendices A-E, have not identified any additional actions to be considered to achieve future improvements.