BRIDGEND County Borough Council (BCBC) has published a report that shows an almost £10 million predicted overspend in the annual budget during the first quarter of the 2023-24 financial year.
Councillors in attendance at a cabinet meeting on 18 July heard how the figures reported up until 30 June were projected to be around £9.727 million over their expected budget at this point – made up from a £12.788 million net overspend on directorates, and a net under spend of £3.061 million on council-wide budgets.
The projected overspend is reported as being “primarily due to ongoing pressures within the social services and wellbeing directorate,” as well as other pressures with the home to school transport budget.
Bridgend’s total net revenue budget for 2023-24 is worth £342 million. Several members expressed severe concerns, with Cllr John Spanswick of Brackla urging decision-makers to think twice before spending every penny from now on.
As part of the council’s performance management framework, budget projections are reviewed regularly by officers and reported to cabinet for assessment on a quarterly basis.
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The report read: “Whilst budget growth of £8.174 million was approved by council as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2023-24, the directorate continues to see an increase in demand and the budget growth confirmed is currently insufficient to meet the increase in demand, with current projections showing a £11.065 million overspend in 2023-24.
“Further consideration will be needed to be given by council to the sustainable resource required, specifically in children’s services to improve the quality of outcomes for children and families in Bridgend. There is a projected overspend on home to school transport of £1.3 million.”
This could now lead to what deputy leader Cllr Jayne Gebbie described as “difficult decisions,” to address the pressures. Officers said the pressures were also being felt by a number of local authorities across Wales.
Council leader Huw David said: “We will be convening a task and finish group that specifically looks at the financial pressures and challenges within social services, and try to provide some efficient support for that services and its on-going journey of remodelling and managing within the financial constraints that we are facing.”
By Lewis Smith, local democracy reporter
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