West Sussex council approves 4.99% tax rise

However, the local authority faces budgetary pressure into the future

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) has said it will not cut front-line services as it has balanced its upcoming budget.

However, the local authority will increase council tax by 4.99% in April, pushing the authority's portion of the bill for an average Band D property up by £85.59 to £1,800.54.

Jeremy Hunt, WSCC cabinet member for finance, said the rise was "not ideal".

"But unfortunately... to not do this would leave us out of pocket and could ultimately mean we would be forced to cut services instead," he added.

Council spending on day-to-day costs will be £827m for the 2025/26 budget, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

This represents an increase of £58.7m on the previous year.

Nearly £119m will be invested into roads, highways, schools, council buildings, IT and digital infrastructure.

Mr Hunt said the budget supported "those most in need" and saw the council "investing in the future of this fine county."

Adults services, involving support for the elderly, people with disabilities, mental health issues, or substance abuse problems, and the homeless, are the largest expense for the council.

Its budget will increase to £292m, up from £263m in 2024/25.

Amanda Jupp, cabinet member for adults services, warned pressures on adult social care would continue.

A budget gap of between £50m and £191m – depending on the level of council tax – is forecast between 2026/27 and 2029/30.