Council promises lowest council tax in Sussex for 2026

Horsham District Council's proposed 2026/27 budget aims to keep the lowest council tax in Sussex, with a Band D rise of £5.15 (2.94%) and a forecasted £1.6 million surplus to help fund a £35 million capital programme.

Horsham District Council has put forward its 2026/27 financial plan, which aims to keep the lowest council tax in Sussex while balancing protection of essential services with targeted investment. The plan will be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday 21 January. Councillors say the budget responds to reduced central government support, inflation and service pressures, including the statutory introduction of food waste collections. The council reports it has sought to keep the proposed council tax rise modest. Key details: - The proposed budget forecasts a £1.6 million surplus for 2026/27. - The surplus will help fund a £35 million capital investment programme over the next two years. - Spending priorities include infrastructure improvements, home repairs, disabled facility adaptations, housing enabling grants and district community enhancements. - Projects named in the plan include a £10.2 million refurbishment of The Capitol theatre, a new community centre for Highwood and upgraded facilities in Billingshurst. - To meet rising costs, fees and charges will increase and the plan cites reduced central funding and the new food waste collection duty as pressures. - The budget would result in an annual council tax rise of £5.15 (2.94%) for a Band D property. Summary: If the cabinet approves the proposals on 21 January, the final budget will be considered by the full council on 23 February. The council says the package is intended to protect essential services while allowing continued, targeted investment across the district. Reported rises in fees and charges and the modest Band D increase are included to help address inflationary and service delivery pressures.