Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Link to further information in the Council’s Constitution

There were no declarations of interest made.

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 23 June 2026 were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

To answer questions submitted by citizens on the Council or its services.

There were no citizens’ questions.

To answer questions submitted by Opposition Group Leaders on items on the agenda.

Question from Councillor Chaplain, speaking as Deputy Group Leader of the Labour Group to Councillor Virdi.

“This report celebrates a £2.682 million revenue surplus, a £4.011 million capital underspend, increased reserves and exceeding the Council's savings targets. But what it does not celebrate is better services for residents. Throughout the report, the emphasis is on efficiencies, savings, reserves and financial resilience. Can the Portfolio Holder explain why this report gives the impression that the Cabinet's overriding priority is saving money rather than using that strong financial position to improve the services that residents actually rely on?

Councillor Virdi stated that he did not accept that the report suggested that the Council’s overriding priority was simply to save money, it demonstrated that it continued to manage public money carefully and responsibly, so it could protect and improve services residents relied on, both now and in the future. The update was focused on the Council’s financial position, but it sat alongside regular performance monitoring and scrutiny, by officers and quarterly reporting to the Corporate Overview Group, which had last considered it on 16 June. He advised that additionally, any particular service performance issues could be covered by specific scrutiny reviews for the relevant Scrutiny Group. Councillor Virdi emphasised that the Council did not see financial savings and service quality as competing priorities, its responsibility was to deliver high-quality services, whilst managing public money responsibly and ensuring the Council remained financially sustainable. Priorities were balanced and independently supported by audit assurance and had again received positive ratings from both external and internal auditors. He stated that many of the efficiencies reported related to re-phasing of capital projects, prudent financial management, improved treasury returns and additional grant income, and he referred to Rushcliffe Oaks Crematorium, which was helping to offset increased costs and reduced income in other service areas, as it was performing above budget. Councillor Virdi stated that in a difficult financial environment, with rising costs, inflationary pressures and funding not keeping pace with demand, the Council was proud of its well-managed financial position, with its good stewardship reducing waste, duplication and unnecessary cost, to ensure that resources could be focused where needed. That careful financial management was why the Council was not having to make service reductions, and why it had been able to support residents, including through a Council Tax freeze, whilst continuing to invest in priority services and facilities. He reiterated that service quality was not a second priority, the Council continued to improve services for residents and businesses, supported by strong performance across a range of areas. The challenge was not choosing between savings and service quality, it was achieving both through efficient, sustainable and well managed services and good financial management. 

Councillor Chaplain asked a supplementary question.

“If there are options for spending money, would Council consider maybe holding public meetings, citizens’ assemblies, as is done in other areas, to include residents in that decision-making process?”

Councillor Virdi felt that the Council already did what Councillor Chaplain was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)              the 2025/26 revenue position and efficiencies identified in Table 1 and Appendix A and B be noted;

b)              changes to the earmarked reserves as set out at Appendix G along with the carry forwards and appropriations to reserves in Appendix A be approved;

c)              the capital carry forwards outlined in Appendix D and F and summarised in Appendix H be approved; and

d)              the update on the Special Expenses outturn at paragraph 4.9 and in Appendix C be noted.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Virdi presented the report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services, outlining the year end position in terms of financial and performance monitoring for 2025/26, linked to the closure of the accounts process and previous financial update reports.

Councillor Virdi stated that this was a very positive report, demonstrating the overall strength of the Council’s financial position, its prudence and forward-looking financial management, during very challenging and uncertain times. He referred to the overall revenue efficiency position of £2.682m, earmarked for additional cost pressures as outlined in Table 1 and Appendix A to the report, which sat alongside the Capital Programme efficiency position of £4.011m, as outlined in Table 2 and Appendices D and F. Councillor Virdi reiterated that the capital position was largely due to project reprofiling, with the majority carried forward into this year. Treasury Management Performance was strong, with an additional £617k from treasury activities. The continued delivery of the Transformation and Efficiency Programme was noted, as detailed in paragraph 4.17, with higher than expected efficiencies of £177k, helping to increase resilience, whilst continuing to maintain excellent service quality. Councillor Virdi confirmed that the Council had taken a proactive approach regarding reserves, to ensure future resilience, particularly in preparation for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and Simpler Recycling, with £1.199m set aside.

Councillor Virdi concluded by reflecting on the Council’s very positive financial stewardship, medium-term planning and organisational discipline, which allowed it to continue to deliver excellent services whilst remaining financially resilient, with no external borrowing. The Council would not be complacent, it would continue to make hard decisions and savings, providing a platform to deal with challenging times ahead.  

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor J Wheeler referred to the significant money and officer time already spent on preparing for LGR, which could have been used to deliver more services. He referred to the may successes detailed in the report, and reiterated Councillor Virdi’s comment about the Capital Programme and the reprofiling of the underspend to next year, due to delays, which were outside the Council’s control. The Council would continue to invest, and residents should be reassured by the fantastic facilities already available, which everyone should be proud of.

Councillor Upton did not believe that Rushcliffe had cut any services, it continued to improve its already excellent services, and he referred to the recent award won by Streetwise and the Green Flag award, won for the first time for Bridgford Park, together with examples of other excellent Council services. He stated that reserves were also required to deal with any unexpected issues.

The Leader stated that the Council generally had very high customer satisfaction levels, which confirmed that it provided excellent services to both residents and businesses, as it was keen on supporting economic growth. Having efficient finances and resources available for investment ensured that the Council maintained its excellent services.   

It was RESOLVED that:

a)              the 2025/26 revenue position and efficiencies identified in Table 1 and Appendix A  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.