Southend-on-Sea City Council has published its Provisional Revenue and Capital Outturn Report for 2024/25 ahead of 16 June Cabinet.
The report (Cabinet, 16 June, item 16). highlights an improved financial position following a challenging year for local government across the country.
The report outlines key developments in the council's finances, including:
- a reduction in the forecast overspend from £8.1M in July 2024 to £3.4M by the end of the financial year. This includes a late adjustment to put right the impact of the Minimum Income Guarantee historic exceptional item Net £2.3M
- continued capital investment in key services and infrastructure across the city
- an improved ranking in the national Financial Resilience Index
- ongoing plans for service redesign, zero-based budgeting, and outcome-based financial planning
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, said: "We've made meaningful progress in improving our financial position in difficult circumstances including the exceptional Minimum Income Guarantee charging issue that we have discovered and rectified.
"The position has improved since our last projection and without this exceptional item would have improved the overall position much further. While challenges remain, particularly in social care and demand-led services, we are committed to reshaping the council to be more sustainable and more focused on delivering better outcomes for residents."
Cllr Paul Collins, Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets and Public Transport, added: "This year's outturn reflects determined work to control costs and deliver change. We know there's still a long way to go, but the direction is right. We will continue to invest in priority areas while working to reduce the need to use earmarked reserves in the years ahead."