Further Detail on the Report Topic

Revenue

• Q1 net expenditure forecast was a flat position to budget of £44.0m, with lower pay costs offsetting higher non-pay costs.
• Lower pay spend reflects the gap between FTE actuals and their budgeted FTE figure. It has been forecasted that as forensics moves through the year they are expected to close the gap to nil by the end of 2024/25.
• Actual spend to end of P3 (end of June 2024) was £0.2m higher than budgeted, driven by pay vacancy factor being weighted heavily at the start of the year and several non-pay overspends.
• Forensics have implemented an efficiency plan to help with the various pressures in the revenue budget. This is targeted at £380k savings for 24/25 across the non-pay costs. Currently they are behind plan, however, this is monitored and revied monthly with focus on this being key to delivering a flat budget position at year end.

Capital

• Full year Q1 forecast is flat to budget at £1m. There are some projects which may not be achievable this year as we move through the months and the governance timelines become clearer. This will be incorporated into further forecasts. Currently, plans are in place to cover any projects that fall into next year.
• Actual spend to end of P3 (end of June 2024) was ahead of budget at £0.1m. The phasing of the remainder of the spend is spit equally between Q3 and Q4.
• Forensics have been asked if they would wish to bid for further capital if any allocation becomes available. Forensics has not come back with any bids as it was though prudent to focus on delivering the full year spend allocation already given.

         Reform      

• Overall spend is forecasted to be £0.4m under budget. This reflects less staff resources being available than required. Spend YTD on Forensic Services projects and the full year Q1 forecast is in line.