Rushcliffe Borough Council has reported a year-end revenue efficiency position of more than £2.6m for 2025/26, alongside a capital programme efficiency position of more than £4m.
The figures were outlined at a Corporate Overview Group meeting on June 16 as part of the council’s financial monitoring and closure of accounts process.
The revenue position was supported by in-year savings and additional income from services including Rushcliffe Oaks Crematorium, Edwalton Golf and the council’s planning service. Treasury management income was also higher than expected, with interest rates not falling as quickly as anticipated and the council reporting a stronger cashflow position.
The council says the efficiencies have been allocated towards financial risks from this year onwards, including Local Government Reorganisation. A decision from central government on future council structures is expected in the coming weeks.
Provision has also been set aside for the expansion of the Simpler Recycling scheme, which will include food waste collections from October 2027. The council also identified inflation and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as continuing financial risks.
The capital programme position was largely attributed to schemes requested to be carried over into 2026/27. These include provision for registered social landlords, Edwalton Golf Course, Rushcliffe Oaks Crematorium and fleet vehicle replacement.
The council also received a fourth and final allocation of £1.2m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The funding has supported 51 grants for local businesses and community groups, capital works at play areas, open spaces and community buildings, and events including Lunar New Year and the Film and Food Festival.
Fuel and utility cost increases affected the council’s financial position and have had an impact on other costs. As a result, a recommendation has been made for £0.4m from 2025/26 underspends to be used to address these pressures.
The council said its Transformation and Efficiency Plan had contributed to improved performance at its sites and that its financial position allows it to respond to service demand or cost pressures not identified in the budget.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, Cllr Davinder Virdi, said: “The council has continued to identify service efficiencies during the year to balance 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.
“Local Government Reorganisation will become the council’s main focus of transformation as we head towards vesting day in 2028. It is expected this will require significant resources, but the council has experience in adapting to change.”
The update follows the council’s annual internal audit report for 2025/26, which gave its risk management, control and governance processes the highest rating available.
Auditors BDO also rated the council’s financial arrangements as “good” for a fifth consecutive year, the highest of four possible ratings.
