City council's finances in best shape in years, according to report

POSITIVE OUTLOOK, IT IS CLAIMED, IS BECAUSE OF 'RESPONSIBLE' LEADERSHIP BY LABOUR ADMINISTRATION

- By NIGEL SLATER

A NEW report says Derby City Council's finances are in the best shape in years.

It states that the city council is forecasting an end-of-year "underspend" of just over £1.3million, which leaders say is a "significant" moment.

The council states there has not been a reported underspend for a financial year since 2020/21 when Covid money was utilised. In recent years, an overspend has been forecast by the council because of increasing pressure on its services especially in social care.

The leading Labour group says its bright financial picture is a result of "responsible leadership" since taking back control of the authority in 2023. The council's newly published quarter one financial report comes just weeks after council leader Nadine Peatfield called the authority's finances "outstanding" at a meeting.