Service redesign will avoid need for large council tax increase in Adur
Released: Thursday, 25 January 2024
New ways of working are being designed to allow Adur District Council to maintain public services without the need for significant council tax rises.
Our draft revenue budget for 2024/25 sets out how a rise of 2.99% would be enough to balance our books if services for the community are redesigned.
The average Band D council charge payable to us has increased by just £50 over the last 10 years, to £324 for the current financial year. A 2.99% rise next year would add £9.72 a year to the bill - the equivalent of less than 19p per week.
We're facing tight financial restrictions caused by a reduction in central government funding and increasing pressure outside our control from inflation and cost of living challenges, like every other local authority in the country.
We're continuing to prioritise our spending through new tighter controls on expenditure and postponing or cancelling some work in favour of funding frontline services for the community.
A report to be considered by Adur's cabinet on 1st February 2024 sets out where a service redesign by us will allow £891,000 to be saved next year.
The redesign will include reducing the need to use agency staff and contractors, reviewing contracts, making greater use of digital to improve our processes, and cutting print and postage expenditure, as well as continuing to generate income. We've a strong track record in delivering savings in these areas, in particular on the use of digital and contracts.
The continued pressure on our housing service from more residents needing to be found somewhere to live means the budget for the housing needs team would increase. There would also be more investment in economic development to encourage business growth and regeneration across the district.
The budget proposes increases in some fees and charges, including beach hut rents and the collection of bulky waste and commercial waste. There would be no increase in green waste collection charges, to encourage more residents to use the service rather than driving to the tip.
We will borrow £1.65m to create a new sports pavilion for Buckingham Park in Shoreham using government money repayable at a lower interest rate. We hope to work with West Sussex County Council to invest in community improvements in Lancing and funds will also be set aside to rebuild our reserves.
The draft revenue budget will be considered by Adur's cabinet from 6:30pm on 1st February at the Shoreham Centre. To read the report see:
(PR24-012)
Page last updated: 16 April 2024