Since we approved the balanced budget for 2024/25 there have been a number of new costs and a reduction in council income. This has caused a forecast budget deficit of £7.7 million. The main reasons for this are:
- increased costs of Children’s Social Care, particularly related to Children’s Placements
- increased costs of Home to School Transport, linked to a rise in Children with special educational needs requiring an Education, Health and Care Plan
- a higher than budgeted pay award, which is decided nationally
- lower business rates income than previously forecast