BCP Council is tightening checks on spending, recruitment and agency workers as it works to reduce a forecast overspend linked mainly to rising social care demand. Spending controls are being tightened at BCP Council as it tackles a forecast budget overspend. A budget monitoring report published yesterday says the authority is now forecasting a £31.7 million overspend, up by four point seven million pounds since the previous quarter, with social care demand and placement costs creating the largest pressures. Non essential spending has been stopped, while purchases, recruitment and agency wo
Spending controls are being tightened at BCP Council as it tackles a forecast budget overspend.
A budget monitoring report published yesterday says the authority is now forecasting a £31.7 million overspend, up by four point seven million pounds since the previous quarter, with social care demand and placement costs creating the largest pressures.
Non essential spending has been stopped, while purchases, recruitment and agency worker spending face tighter checks, and senior leaders are reviewing care costs, workforce spending, income and savings every week.
Mike Cox CBE, the council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said the position is “a serious financial challenge”, and added that the council had been “transparent about the position” while putting a recovery programme in place.
Children’s Services is forecasting an £18.4 million overspend, while Wellbeing Services is forecasting seven million pounds, and Operations is forecasting four point six million pounds, which reflects lower than expected parking income and other pressures.
The council says it is on track to deliver £10.4 million of its £14.1 million savings programme this financial year, and independent reviewers are examining the finances before Cabinet considers the report on 16 November.
