Issue - meetings

The Committee considered a joint report of the Managing Director, ESPO and the Consortium Treasurer which provided an update on the 2025/26 financial outturn and sought approval for the 2026/27 budget. It was noted that the Finance and Audit Sub-Committee had considered the budget for 2026/27 at its meeting on 25 February 2026 and had approved the budget for submitting to the Management Committee in March 2026 for consideration and approval. A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 10’ is filed with these minutes.

The exempt report was not for publication as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of a particular person (include the authority holding that information).

Members offered congratulations to the team, noting that setting a standstill budget in a contracting market was a strong achievement and expressing confidence for the year ahead.

It was moved by Cllr. Bridgwood and seconded by Cllr. Wyatt that the budget report provided by the Managing Director and Consortium Treasurer be noted.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the financial outturn for 2025/26 be noted.

b)    That the budget for 2026/27 be approved.