🎉 Great news for Pembrokeshire! The council is set to finish this financial year with an unexpected bonus—an astounding £2.2 million underspend! 💰👏
After years of struggling with budget overspends, this turnaround is music to our ears. Back in November, predictions were looking gloomy with an overspend of £3.9m, which later went down to £1.4m in February. Thanks to some strategic efforts, the tide has turned, and the financial outlook is now brighter.
Councillor Alistair Cameron recently shared insights at the latest cabinet meeting about how this success was achieved. The council’s savviness in managing social care and housing budgets has played a significant role—areas that typically gulp down revenue but are now close to balancing the books.
But it’s not just good fortune! The efforts to keep costs low in School ALN provisions, Children’s, and Adult Services are finally paying off, with hopes that these steps will continue to ease demand in the future.
While it’s time to celebrate, there’s still some work to do. The council faces funding challenges such as increased National Insurance contributions, pay rise pressures, and a looming gap of £18.3m for next year, which could grow to £50.6m long-term. Yet, the progress in social care and expected fulfilment of 75% of budgeted savings are positive signs of what’s to come.
Time for a massive shoutout to Chief Executive Will Bramble and the entire team for their monumental efforts in making this financial recovery possible. It just goes to show that with dedication and strategy, even the biggest financial challenges can be tackled. 🏆💼
Let’s keep following this inspiring journey! #PembrokeshireWin #BudgetSuccess #LocalAchievements