Issue - meetings

John Betts (Interim Corporate Director Finance), Cath Head (Head of Finance Operations) and  Joe McKay (Acting Chief Accountant) were in attendance for this item

1.    Mr Collins (Deputy Leader of Kent County Council) introduced the report that provided details of the Council’s financial position as at Quarter 1 of 2025/26. A forecast outturn variance of £27.9 million overspend was reported, representing 1.8% of the overall budget. The most significant pressure was within Adult Social Care and Health, due to unachievable savings due to be met in-year and wider service-related challenges. A small overspend was also forecast in Children, Young People and Education, primarily linked to high-cost packages for looked-after children with disabilities. Minor overspends were noted in Growth, Environment and Transport, and the Chief Executive’s Department, offset by underspends elsewhere. Of the £121.5 million savings target, £102.6 million (84%) was expected to be delivered in-year. The Schools Delegated Budgets position reflected ongoing demand for special educational needs support, funded through the Dedicated Schools Grant. An announcement from Government was expected later in the year. The capital forecast showed a £1.2 million underspend, comprising a £31.9 million real variance and a £33.1 million rephasing variance.

2.    RESOLVED that Cabinet agree to:

(a)  NOTE the revenue and capital forecast outturn position for 2025-26 as detailed in the report, and accompanying appendices

(b)  AGREE the revenue and capital budget adjustments detailed in the report

(c)  DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Finance to take required actions as necessary to implement all decisions arising from the report

(d)  DELEGATE authority, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, for the management of the Extended Producer Responsibility Grant (held in reserves) to the Corporate Director of Finance in 2025-26 – subject to relevant government guidance or requirements