Council will present update on current in-year financial position this week

A report will be presented at the Cabinet Meeting of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) on Friday, 23 September 2022 which will detail the Council’s current in-year finances.

Earlier this month, WNC set out that it is taking precautionary steps to manage financial pressures, in-line with many local authorities across the country as we face impacts from the continuing cost of living crisis, rising inflation rates and lasting impacts of the Covid pandemic.

The report highlights in-year pressures of £7.6 million. It also flags predicted further pressures which the Council may experience over the rest of the year. Included within the report are the actions that are being taken to manage these pressures and help to improve the position.

Cllr Malcolm Longley, Cabinet Member for finance at WNC, said: "As a Council we are taking the necessary steps to manage the financial pressures we’re facing. While we are not alone in this, and many organisations across the country are experiencing the effects from the cost of living crisis and rising inflation, we want to ensure we are on the front foot in managing this.

"We have carried out a robust and thorough financial review and implemented measures to manage and mitigate these issues as far as possible. By working closely with our teams we can continue to deliver vital services for our communities, whilst seeking to identify further opportunities to save money and generate income."

Work is ongoing to manage the financial picture across the Council. Senior managers and Cabinet members are continually monitoring the budget and spend for the authority.

Staff across the Council are supporting this work by following stricter spending controls, delivering transformation of services and identifying where further savings and efficiencies can be made.

The full Cabinet report is here: Agenda for Cabinet on Friday, 23 September, 6pm.