Issue - meetings

To note the overall performance of the Council, and progress as at year-end (2023/24) towards the Fairer Westminster Strategy ambitions, as well as priority actions for 2024/25 set out in the recently published 2024/25 Delivery Plan.

Cabinet noted the 2023/24 Fairer Westminster Annual Progress Overview.

The Chair noted that this is the first time in a number of years that the Cabinet has received such an update on the progress being made against the Council’s corporate strategy, noting a number of significant achievements.

Gerald Almeroth set out further detail on the report, noting that 85% of commitments made are either completed or on track.

The report was for noting.

To note the revised medium term financial planning forecast to 2027/28 and to agree the budget process approach as set out in the report.

Cabinet noted the Medium Term Financial Planning 2025/26 – 2027/28 report and approved the budget process for the year ahead.

Implementation date: 15/7/2024

The Chair introduced the time and invited Councillor Boothroyd and Gerald Almeroth to speak to the report.

Councillor Boothroyd set out that the report contains an up-to-date picture of the Council’s financial position and budget gap for 2025/26, while also noting that the report was drafted before the General Election and changes that may arise as a result of policy from the new Government will be subject to future updates.

Gerald Almeroth added that this is the first step in the annual budget setting process in the context of a three year overarching plan, adding that we expect the new Government to undertake a comprehensive spending review at some stage which will need to be taken account of.

Councillor Jude asked about the Government’s commitment to multi-year spending settlements and whether further updates will be given to Cabinet as further detail emerges. Gerald Almeroth confirmed that this is the first in a series of budget papers, culminating in a paper to Cabinet in February, and onwards to Full Council in March 2025, setting the budget for 2025/26, adding that Budget Scrutiny will take place in the intervening period.

Councillor Dimoldenberg asked about the situation with temporary accommodation costs. Gerald Almeroth noted that we are making prudent assumptions about temporary accommodation including around increased demand, but that needs to be kept under review based on what is experienced in the service.

RESOLVED: Cabinet approved the following recommendations

Noted the Medium Term Financial Planning 2025/26 – 2027/28 report and approved the budget process for the year ahead.