Council tax bills for Horsham district households set to rise again this year
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The change was recommended by members of the cabinet following a meeting on Thursday (January 26).
If approved by the full council later this month, it would see the bill for a Band D property rise by £4.85 from £162.09 £166.94.
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Hide AdWhile the council is confident it will balance its budget in 2023/24, the future does not look so clear.
In 2024/25, a deficit of £180,000 is forecast, rising to £1.98m in 2025/26 and £3.08m in 2026/27.
Acting leader Tony Hogben said the situation would need ‘close attention’ over the next 12-18 months to close the gaps.
He added: “The situation is not helped by significant uncertainties around future government funding and the costs and timing regarding the collection of food waste.”
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Hide AdPraising the council’s ‘sustained, prudent and sensible financial management’, he added that its ‘healthy’ reserves put it in a position to be able to invest.
The finances for 2023/24 include a £13.513m net revenue budget – £1.2m higher than the previous year – and an £8.5m capital programme.
A £15m environment and infrastructure reserve has been earmarked to tackle decarbonisation and environmental improvements as well as ongoing infrastructure work.
And £1m of reserves will be used to support people who are having problems with the cost of living rises.
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Hide AdThe cabinet also recommended that a list of increase to various fees and charges be approved.
They included increasing the cost of garden waste collection from £44 to £49 for the first bin and from £35 to £41 for subsequent bins.