Decisive action taken to tackle budget pressures

EARLY action is being taken to ensure Tameside Council stays within budget in the face of increasing demand for services.

An overspend of £15million has been forecast for 2026/27 due to rising demand, inflationary costs and specific service pressures. This is a prudent estimate with nine months of the financial year remaining in which to make savings and reduce the forecast overspend. 

The council has set aside a General Fund reserve of £15.7million – 5% of the budget – in case of overspends. Decisive action is being taken to avoid using reserves and ensure future financial sustainability.

This includes:

• A detailed assessment of planned savings to be realised over the remainder of the financial year including clear actions for delivery
• Targeted expenditure controls across all directorates, with a focus on reducing non-essential expenditure
• Enhanced financial monitoring to ensure the earliest identification of risks and opportunities
• Service-led transformation activity to support recovery and improve cost-effectiveness
• Engagement with partners and stakeholders to explore collaborative solutions and maximise opportunities.

Savings being made include reducing utility costs from installing energy efficient measures in council buildings, procurement efficiencies and replacing software.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Finance and Resources, Councillor Hugh Roderick said: “The forecast position is an early indication of the financial challenge we face this financial year, so we are taking clear and responsible action at the earliest opportunity to address the budget challenge and maintain financial stability.

“We’re working hard to ensure that frontline services are protected, to reduce non-essential expenditure, and to progress our transformation programme that will improve services for our residents.”

Tameside Council’s annual budget funds a wide range of vital services, including support for vulnerable residents; Adult and Children’s Social care; schools; waste collection; maintaining green spaces; and many more.