Decision details

The Committee noted the assessment by the designated Section 151 Officer of the Council's Going Concern status for the purposes of the Statement of Accounts 2025/26. Members were advised that the assessment had had regard to the Council's current and projected financial position, its governance arrangements, and the regulatory and control environment, and that on this basis the Council's financial position remained sound and it continued to be regarded as a going concern.

Members raised concerns regarding the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on service delivery and questioned whether the Council's reserves might be used for the benefit of Broxtowe residents in advance of any transfer to a new unitary authority. The Section 151 Officer confirmed that LGR was not, at this stage, considered to have an impact on the Council's going concern status, and that the transfer and use of reserves and balances under LGR would be considered further through work with other finance officers in the run up to vesting day, whilst continuing to safeguard public funds and maintain a sustainable financial position.

Members also queried the potential impact of staff turnover linked to uncertainty over LGR, and were advised that this was being managed as a strategic risk through the Strategic Risk Register, to be considered later in the meeting.