COUNCILLORS discussed the impact of drastic budget savings in order to balance the books and mitigate against rising demands for vital services in Warrington.
Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet discussed on Monday night the Budget monitoring Quarter 2 for the financial year 2024/5.
The report, presented by Cllr Denis Matthews sought to provide councillors with a forecast financial position for the year ending March 2025 and against saving targets of £15.9m included within the current year Budget.
It stated that in February, the council approved a budget of £194.292m which included savings of £15.9m.
Councillors heard the Budget was set against a background of “low government funding and increasing social care demand, included within the 2024/5 budget were fundings pressures of £23.9m.”
The overspend was to cover “increasing demand, legislative changes, inflationary pressures and a continued reduction in funding.”
At the end of Quarter 2, Cllr Matthews said the forecast council Budget overspend is £28.1m.
“This is reflective of the national position dealing with adult social care demands and child social care, Special Educational Needs and homelessness.”
He emphasised that the actual overspend has not yet happened.
The council is expected to achieve £14m savings at the end of the year.
The senior leadership team will continue to review the Budget weekly. Among cost-saving measures is a recruitment freeze on non-essential jobs.
Council leader Cllr Hans Mundry said the position was “no different” to any other council and there were going to be “some tough decisions.”
He emphasised that the council is not £28m overspent and “it is going to take action to ensure that doesn’t occur.”
The proposal to support the Quarter 2 report was passed unanimously after a vote.
1 Comment
Had WBC not gambled PUBLIC money on.dubious investments that failed to produce they might not find themselves in this position.