Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Decisions:
RESOLVED:
That the Cabinet:
1) Note the revenue and capital budget monitoring positions and treasury management update as at October 2025 (Month 7) as set out in Part A of the report, furthermore, noting the actions proposed by officers.
2) Approve the financial recommendations as set out in Part B of this report below:
a. Approve acceptance of £166,583 of grant funding from the Department for Education (DfE) under the Building Stronger Independent Lives (BSiL) programme.
b. Approve acceptance of £25,000 grant funding to support the EBSNA Response and Enhanced Rehabilitation Outreach Service (EROS).
Reason for decision
The Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation introduced the Month 7 budget monitoring report, confirming that the overall position remained unchanged from Month 6, with an in-year deficit of £36 million. Minor movements had occurred, but service pressures continued to stem from adult social care, children’s services and homelessness. The 2025/26 savings programme faced £14 million of pressure, with 37% of savings rated red, 48% banked or on track, and £4.8 million in amber, expected to deliver in future years. The savings tracker was being fully reviewed as part of the budget-setting process.
Discussions with Government on Exceptional Financial Support were ongoing, and the Corporate Director of Finance confirmed that a Section 114 notice was not being considered at this stage. A decision on the 2024/25 support request was expected soon, while the 2025/26 outcome was anticipated in February.
The Dedicated Schools Grant position improved to a £10.6 million deficit, representing a £4.4 million improvement on the previous year, with measures taken by the Council beginning to show positive impact. The statutory override remained in place until March 2028, and government had indicated it would assume responsibility for DSG from 2028/29, though details were unclear.
The Cabinet Member advised that the capital programme for 2025/26 had 83% expected to be spent this year and the remainder rephased into 2026/27, subject to review.
The Vice-Chair welcomed the improved stability of the budget position.
Alternative options considered and rejected
None.
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Relevant Select Committee |
Corporate Resources & Infrastructure |
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Expiry date for any scrutiny call-in / date decision can be implemented (if no call-in) |
Cabinet’s decisions (2 a & b) on this matter can be called in by a majority of the select committee by 5pm, Monday 5 January 2026. If not called-in by then, Cabinet’s decisions can then be implemented. |
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Officer(s) to action |
Steve Muldoon |
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Directorate |
Finance |
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Classification |
Public - The report and any background papers relating to this decision by the Cabinet are available to view on the Council's website or by visiting the Civic Centre, Uxbridge |
Publication date: 24/12/2025
Date of decision: 23/12/2025
Decided at meeting: 23/12/2025 - CABINET
Effective from: 06/01/2026
Accompanying Documents:
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