Adur Council agrees 2021/22 budget

A commitment to help communities bounce back stronger from COVID-19 is at the heart of budget plans agreed by Adur District Council.

A majority of councillors agreed to a balanced budget for the next financial year on Friday night to ensure the continued delivery of more than 150 services with support available to residents when they need it most.

Spending is also being set aside to support a series of longer-term ambitions, such as the creation of more than 100 council homes; bringing gigabit internet speeds to the area; and responding to the climate emergency.

Recognising the impact the pandemic has had on the Council's finances, a 1.98 per cent increase in Council Tax - which equates to an extra 12p a week for a Band D household - was also agreed.

The budget plans include grants to community groups and charities, upgrades to playgrounds and parks, support for leisure facilities and town centre improvements.

It will also ensure the Council can provide a range of assistance, such as Council Tax support, wellbeing MOTs, homelessness outreach, home adaptations and employment coaching.

Nearly £20 million will also be set aside to improve the Council's housing stock over the next three years while the authority will continue its digital transformation project to reduce costs and make prudent commercial investments to generate income.

Councillor Neil Parkin, Leader of Adur District Council, said:

“I want to thank councillors for supporting the budget. It's about delivering quality public servicesand helping those in need today, as well as ensuring prosperity tomorrow.

“I am immensely proud of everything the Council has achieved in the last 12 months. Unlike many other authorities, we've continued to deliver all of our services throughout lockdown - meaning bins have been emptied, award-winning parks maintained and hundreds securely housed. We've also provided vital COVID support to thousands of vulnerable residents and paid millions of pounds to local businesses.

“But we cannot escape the difficult truth that the pandemic has affected the Council's bottom line, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to increase the Adur portion of the Council Tax. This will help us continue to provide residents with more than 150 services, all delivered to a high level.

“We know that the next 12 months will continue to be challenging. But I'm confident if we continue to work together Adur will bounce back stronger from this pandemic.”

Taxpayers in both Lancing and Sompting will also pay an additional sum which will go towards their Parish Councils.

The new round of billing comes into effect from 1st April 2021.