Agenda and decisions

That Cabinet note, with thanks, the feedback from the Performance and Overview Scrutiny Committee.

Division/Wards Affected: All

Purpose: To develop a preventative strategy, for adoption across the whole authority, aimed at supporting resilient, healthier communities.

Author: Jane Rodgers, Strategic Director

Contact Details: janerodgers@monmouthshire.gov.uk

That Cabinet to endorse the strategy ‘Living Well Monmouthshire’.

That Cabinet task officers with implementing the strategy and establishing a programme board to oversee delivery.

Division/Wards Affected: All

Purpose: To inform Cabinet of the Connect to Work programme and proposed Lead Local Authority – Cardiff City Council to act as the accountable body to manage and administer the grant from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

Author: Rory Clifford Adult Employment & Skills Lead

Contact Details: roryclifford@monmouthshire.gov.uk

That Cabinet agrees that Cardiff City Council (CCC) acts as the Lead Local Authority for the Connect to Work programme for the ten Local Authorities across the Southeast Wales region.

That Cabinet agrees that the preferred option for delivery is in house by the Economy, Employment & Skills team as detailed in the report.

Division/Wards Affected: All

Purpose: To provide Cabinet with an update of the progress against the Councils revenue budget for the 2025/26 financial year.

Author: Jonathan Davies, Head of Finance (Deputy Section 151 officer)

Contact Details: jonathandavies2@monmouthshire.gov.uk

That Cabinet note the forecast revenue budget overspend of £533,000, representing a forecast 0.2% variance against the approved budget for the year.

That Cabinet note the budgetary risks that are inbuilt into this forecast, namely:

·        The volatility of demand for high-cost services, particularly in Adults & Children’s Social Care;

·        Higher inflation levels currently being experienced than originally budgeted for;

·        The risk of further non-delivery of the £10.7m of budgeted savings targets, with services currently forecasting 92.1% delivery;

·        The trend of reducing debt recovery, particularly within Council tax and Social Care where there has been a slowing down in collection rates, and where there are increasing numbers of discounts and exemptions being awarded;

·        The potential impact upon the Council’s financial resilience from the forecast increase in the cumulative schools reserves deficit that is being carried on the Council’s balance sheet.

That Cabinet notes that confirmation has been received for funding related to the increased cost of Employers’ National Insurance Contributions, resulting in a funding shortfall of £811k or 24% compared to the actual cost increases. The Council will use its contingency budget of £850k to address this shortfall, as reflected within this forecast.

That Cabinet note the forecast increase in the deficit on cumulative schools reserves as outlined in Appendix 4 of this report of £2,835,000. This would result in school balances ending the financial year in a deficit of £6,926,000, with eighteen of thirty-five schools forecast to be in a deficit balance.

That Cabinet note that schools which are budgeting to end the 2025/26 financial year in a deficit balance are required to bring forward recovery plans by October half term to ensure that the proposed actions to address their budget shortfalls are instigated.