RBC highlights further excellent financial monitoring for 25/26
Last updated: 8/7/2026
Rushcliffe Borough Council(RBC) has highlighted further excellent financial monitoring and responsible management for the year 2025/26.
The Council’s year-end position was outlined at a recent Corporate Overview Group meeting on June 16, linked to the closure of accounts ahead of many fellow local authorities, showcasing its healthy position but aware of ongoing risks to its budgets.
Its revenue budget has an overall revenue efficiency position of over £2.6m with service in-year efficiencies and improvements such as income at the Rushcliffe Oaks Crematorium, Edwalton Golf and the Council’s planning service, assisting the position. Additional Treasury Management income increased as interest rates did not fall as quickly as expected and a better than expected cashflow position.
These efficiencies have been allocated for significant risks for this financial year onwards including Local Government Reorganisation as the Council expects to hear a decision from central government on changes in the coming weeks.
The provision has also been set aside for the expansion of the Simpler Recycling project that is enabling residents to recycle ever more conveniently at the kerbside including food waste collections from October 2027. Risks also include continued concern over inflation and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
A Capital Programme overall efficiency position of over £4m was recorded mostly attributed to a number of schemes that have been requested to be carried over into 2026/27 including provision for social registered landlords, Edwalton Golf Course, Rushcliffe Oaks Crematorium and fleet vehicle replacement.
The Council received a fourth and final year allocation of £1.2m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund that has utilised 51 grants to support local business and community groups, to undertake capital works on play areas, open spaces and community buildings and to host the Council’s Lunar New Year and Film and Food Festival events.
Fuel and utility rises affected the figures and this has a knock-on effect to other costs, prompting a recommendation that £0.4m from the 2025/26 underspends be used to counter this.
The Council’s Transformation and Efficiency Plan also saw improved performance at its sites and its robust financial position enables it to fund service demand or cost pressures not identified in the budget.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance Cllr Davinder Virdi said: “The overall positive financial position is the culmination of sound and responsible financial management and we thank officers for their diligence.
“Good, accurate and timely financial statements underpin the accuracy of financial performance and we do not lose sight of this.
“The Council has continued to identify service efficiencies during the year to balance the additional pressures and has overachieved against its Transformation and Efficiency Plan target.
“The economic environment continues to be challenging, which impacts both residents and businesses and ultimately creates risks with regards to the Council’s budget.
“LGR will become the Council’s main focus of transformation, as we head towards vesting day in 2028, it is expected that this will require significant resources but the Council has a good track record in adapting to change.”
The news follows the Council recently receiving the best possible audit rating for their risk management, control and governance processes for 2025/26 in its annual internal audit report and complimented for its efforts to be a high performing local authority.
Auditors BDO praised the Council’s financial arrangements as ‘good’ for a fifth year running - the top of four possible ratings - and is exceptional to receive this high rating compared to the large number of other council clients BDO audit.