WORK to show how BCP Council will develop a balanced budget for next year by the end of the month are still on track, according to the local authority’s chief executive.

Members were due to discuss the financial challenges facing the council at a meeting on Tuesday, September 7.

This included details on the next steps in meeting the government’s initial requirements to apply for a capitalisation direction to borrow £20million in the current year for the transformation programme following the collapse of the controversial beach hut sell off plan.

As reported, councillors agreed not to go ahead with Tuesday’s full council meeting as a mark of respect to Her Majesty the Queen. The meeting has not been rescheduled, meaning full council is not due to take place until November.

Graham Farrant, BCP Council chief executive, said: “The cost-of-living increases, fuel prices rises and general inflation, coupled with changes to our financial plans, mean that we are currently facing a challenging financial environment.

“The council’s cabinet has agreed to bring forward to their September 28 meeting proposals to prudently position the council to deliver a balanced budget for 2023/24 from traditional local government financial management processes and revenue sources.

“We will communicate these plans as soon as we are in a position to do so.

“The rescheduling of Tuesday’s council meeting will not result in a delay to these plans as work is proceeding in the background.”