Dorset Council is expected to spend £50 million less than planned on capital projects this year due to what officers described as “higher than expected slippage” in the £434 million programme. The update was shared during a mid-year financial review presented to councillors.
Figures also showed a rise in external borrowing, up from £225 million at the start of the year to £292 million.
Councillor Gary Suttle, chair of the audit and governance committee, said he could not see how anyone could be happy with current performance, with most budget lines marked in red and financial targets not being met.
Councillors also raised concerns over the council’s transformation programme, which aims to deliver long-term savings, and whether it is adequately funded.
Around 300 job losses are planned, with voluntary redundancies expected to save £3 million this year. A consultation with staff began two weeks ago and some organisational changes are expected to take place in the autumn.
Finance portfolio holder Simon Clifford said the organisation must rebuild public trust and improve transparency.