Independents question budget plan for next four years

NOTTINGHAM City Council's independent opposition has questioned the Labour authority's draft budget and financial plan.

- By JOSEPH CONNOLLY Local democracy reporter

Councillor Andrew Rule raised his concerns about forecast future overspending, in light of praise lavished by the city's Labour councillors on the projected £1m underspend for 2026/27.

The council, which declared effective bankruptcy in 2023, expects to no longer need exceptional financial support from the Government after next year. That support allows councils to sell property and land and use the proceeds for day-to-day spending, something not typically allowed outside exceptional circumstances.

But despite plans to spend less than it needs to for the next three years, documents show the council is projecting a £14m overspend in 2029/30.

Speaking as the plans were brought to the executive board, Councillor Rule said: "Despite the forecasted underspend, our communities still face the spectre of past budget cuts that have come into effect this year.