Arun’s share of council tax set to rise

The 2.65 per cent rise was given the nod during a meeting of the cabinet on Monday (February 8) and will be put to the full council next week for final approval.

Coupled with a Police and Crime Commissioner increase of £15 and an expected increase of £71.82 from West Sussex County Council, this will see Band D bills rise by a total of £91.77.

Leader Dr James Walsh told the meeting: “I think we’ve done well for Arun’s taxpayers to keep our council tax increase to this relatively low amount.”

Also on the agenda at full council will be the budget for 2021/22.

Despite the major financial hardships caused by the pandemic, officers reported that the budget would be balanced – as required by law – without having to draw on reserves.

A contingency pot o  £538,000 will be included to deal with any potential Covid costs.

As well as a rise in council tax, council house tenants will see their rent increase by 1.5 per cent and garage rent by five per cent.

This will take the standard charge for a garage up to £12.93 per week (excluding VAT).

One problem on the horizon will be the loss of the New Homes Bonus, which is expected to have dropped to zero by 2023/24.

The bonus was introduced by the government in 2011/12 as an incentive to local authorities to deliver sustainable housing growth in their areas.

At its peak, it earned the council £4m but it is now being phased out.

Alan Peach, group head of corporate support, told the meeting that this year’s bonus would be £1.04m.

While the loss of funds would be partially offset by a Lower Tiers Service Grant of £677,000, Mr Peach stressed that this was likely to be a one-off payment only so could not be relied on in future years.

The full council meeting will be held at 6pm on Wednesday (February 17).