| West Sussex County Council has set out how it plans to close a previously reported £16.3m budget gap and balance the budget for 2026–27. The draft proposals were discussed at today’s Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee and will now go to Cabinet on 3 February, followed by Full Council on 20 February. Both meetings will be held publicly and webcast from County Hall, Chichester. Council Leader Cllr Paul Marshall highlighted ongoing financial pressures, including rising demand in social care and SEND services, alongside a £30m reduction in government funding over three years. Despite this, the council has been able to put forward a balanced budget for the year ahead. For 2026–27, the council expects to spend £2.3bn on day‑to‑day services, with an additional £34.7m to meet demand and cost pressures. A proposed 4.99% council tax increase—2% for Adults’ Social Care and 2.99% for other services—forms part of the balancing strategy alongside £30.4m in budget reductions. Cllr Jeremy Hunt, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, said the budget includes £16.9m for service pressures, £26.8m for pay and inflation, and £142.3m in capital spending. With Government plans for Local Government Reorganisation across Sussex by 2028, the Council Plan will be extended to 2028 with a new priority focused on maximising the benefits of devolution. The five priorities for 2026–27 are: Keeping people safe in vulnerable situations A sustainable and prosperous economy Helping people and communities fulfil their potential Making best use of resources Maximising the benefits of devolution and reorganisation All are underpinned by the theme of protecting the environment. The council has also launched new Connected Council transformation programmes to improve efficiency and resident experience. While 2026–27 is balan ced, a £72.5m gap remains through to 2030–31, so the council will continue lobbying to ensure local needs are understood nationally. More information is available at www.westsussex.gov.uk/budget. You can also sign up for email updates from the county council. |
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