A North Staffordshire council is forecasting to end the financial year with a more than £900,000 overspend.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is expected to be £929,300 over budget at the end of 2026/27 after funding and reserves have been taken into account.

The figures were included in the first quarter financial, procurement and performance review, which was considered by council leaders.

The report also showed that £576,850 in efficiencies has been identified, resulting in a £9,770 cumulative surplus in the overall efficiency programme.

In total, five service areas are projecting significant overspends of more than £50,000. Development services is forecasting an overspend of £379,800, falling to £209,000 after reserves.

The main loss of income is due a shortfall in major planning application fees. There is also a further warning around the risks of significant planning appeal costs.

Waste collection is forecasting a £257,000 overspend, falling to £216,470 after reserves have been contributed. The chargeable garden waste service began at the end of June, but the council expects a £197,000 shortfall in net income this year because three months of income received during 2026/27 must be accounted for in 2027/28.

Leisure centres across the district are forecasting a £411,450 overspend.

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This includes a £192,970 income shortfall linked to the anticipated closure of Cheadle Leisure Centre and a £162,690 overspend at Biddulph Valley Leisure Centre relating to the decarbonisation project.

Cash investments held by the council at the end of June stood at £14.8 million, while external borrowing was £17.1 million. A £50,000 deficit is also forecast on net interest income, this was due to fluctuations in the rate of interest.

Cabinet member for finance, Councillor Chris Wood said: "It's a difficult position that we're in, in terms of finances. We haven't done as well as anticipated in some areas of government grants but the Alliance leadership team, myself and the director of finance meet on a regular basis for updates on where we are, especially around efficiencies and savings and that will continue throughout the financial year."