Decision Maker: Cabinet, Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 21, 2026

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   i)          The Council Tax Base for 2026/27 be approved as set out below:   a.     for the whole Council area as 65,900.6 (Item T in the formula in section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”) and b.     for dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish Precept or Special Expenses relates as shown below:     Parish 2026/27 tax base Amberley 358.8 Ashington                                        1,173.5 Ashurst                                           148.8 Billingshurst                                        4,570.1 Bramber                                           420.5 Broadbridge Heath                                        2,339.5 Coldwaltham                                           479.4 Colgate                                        2,110.5 Cowfold                                           875.6 Henfield                                        2,743.0 Itchingfield                                           814.9 Lower Beeding                                           571.0 North Horsham                                        9,112.5 Nuthurst                                        1,114.6 Parham                                           145.6 Pulborough                                        2,625.3 Rudgwick                                        1,441.8 Rusper                                           957.6 Shermanbury                                           319.2 Shipley                                           659.7 Slinfold                                           980.4 Southwater                                        4,865.5 Steyning                                        2,599.3 Storrington & Sullington                                        3,349.5 Thakeham                                        1,202.7 Upper Beeding                                        1,439.7 Warnham                                        1,024.4 Washington                                        1,184.0 West Chiltington                                        2,217.1 West Grinstead                                        1,315.9 Wiston                                           106.8 Woodmancote                                           275.5 Horsham Town                                         12,358 Total                                      65,900.6       ii) That a) the increases to fees and charges set out in Appendix G(i), G(ii), G(iv), G(v), G(vi) and G(vii), and, (b) all relevant remaining fees and charges as previously set are approved.     RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL ON 23 FEBRUARY   i)               That the level of Council Tax for the Council’s own purposes for 2026/27 increases from £174.95 by £5.15 (2.94%) to £180.10 at Band D.   ii)              That the net revenue budget set out in Appendix A for 2026/27 of £21.240m is approved.   iii)             That Special Expenses of £501,630 set out in Appendix B and no increase of the Band D charge of £40.59 are agreed in respect of the currently unparished area for 2026/27.   iv)             That the capital expenditure for the projects contained within the £26.67m capital programme as set out in Appendix C be approved and authority delegated to the Director of Resources to programme this across 2026/27 and 2027/28 accordingly.   v)              That the projected future budgets on the revenue account in 2027/28 to 2029/30 are noted and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy continues to be reviewed and refined to ensure a balanced budget is set in 2027/28 and 2028/29.   vi)             That the Minimum Revenue Provision Statement set out in Appendix D is approved and adopted.   vii)           That the Capital Strategy, Treasury Strategy, Investment Strategy and prudential indicators and limits for 2026/27 to 2029/30 set out in Appendix E are approved and adopted.   viii)          To note the Section 25 statement on the robustness of the estimates and adequacy of reserves in Appendix F.   ix)             That a) the increases to fees and charges set out in Appendix G(iii), and, (b) all relevant remaining fees and charges as previously set are approved.   REASONS   To meet the Council’s (statutory) requirements to (i) approve the budget and the prudential indicators before the start of a new financial year, (ii) adopt related financial strategies and statements (or the noting thereof), (iii) approve the increase in various fees levied by the Council and (iv) to approve the council tax base and special charge and increases to the council tax.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED AS IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT   Making cuts to popular non-statutory services such as parks and countryside, and cultural and leisure services was considered. This was rejected because the Council is able to set a balanced budget in 2026/27 and the scale of any deficit in the future is uncertain.