The financial position of Bracknell Forest Council is stable with an underspend despite pressures on caring for adults and children.
Bracknell Forest Council has managed a stable financial position this year, posting an underspend despite the challenges of caring for adults and children.
Throughout the year, the council closely monitors its budget to keep spending in check. For the 2024/25 financial year, which concluded in March, it was the only council in Berkshire to record an underspend.
A report from the Labour-run cabinet highlighted an end-of-year expenditure of £96.614 million, resulting in an underspend of £742,000 against the approved budget, which will be audited by KPMG.
As for the current financial year (2025/26), from April to June, an initial predicted underspend of £2.275 million could turn into a £410,000 overspend due to rising care costs for children and adults.
Chief Executive Susan Halliwell remarked on the complexities within services, stating, “We’re seeing a much better position for Q1 than last year, but we do forecast a slight overspend primarily related to people’s services.” She assured that they are managing the budget closely.
Additionally, Councillor Caroline Egglestone noted a shortfall in new housing, with only 126 homes completed between April and June, falling short of the 150 expected. Mrs Halliwell explained the delivery of homes depends on developers submitting planning applications and warned that targets for this year may not be met unless market conditions improve.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
