Telford and Wrekin Council finance cabinet member Zona Hannington has reported that the council is forecasting it will remain within its approved 2026-27 budget while keeping its £21.7 million Budget Strategy Reserve untouched.
A financial monitoring report will go to Cabinet on 15 October. The forecast therefore remains subject to the council’s formal decision-making and to spending pressures during the rest of the year.
The report identifies rising demand and costs in adult social care and children’s services as significant risks.
Investing in essential services
Hannington said the projected position would allow the council to continue investing in essential services while retaining its reserve.
The approved budget includes nearly £150 million for social care as well as spending on SEND places, veterans’ homes, support for a dedicated cancer centre, capped £2 bus fares and neighbourhood improvements.
The council says it has delivered more than £195 million of efficiencies and savings since 2009-10. The monitoring report is intended to test whether current plans remain affordable rather than announce new funding.
