Norfolk County Council will end the 2025-26 financial year with a balanced budget after early overspending pressures in children's services and adult social care were brought under control, Cabinet heard at its March meeting.

The council's Period 10 financial monitoring report — covering figures up to January 2026 — showed 100% delivery of planned savings for the year.

General balances are forecast to stand at £28.9 million at 31 March 2026.

Cabinet also confirmed that the government has approved a capitalisation direction for the Norwich Western Link. This allows the council to treat certain costs as capital expenditure rather than revenue spending, providing significant financial relief.

The capital programme has grown by £13.9 million since the last report, the largest single addition being £12.2 million in additional Department for Transport funding for active travel schemes across the county.

Auditors were unable to conclude their audit of the 2024-25 accounts by the statutory deadline after receiving new information, but are working to complete the process as soon as possible.

Cabinet also approved the write-off of £171,600 in bad debts.