Adur and Worthing Council Tax to Rise by 2.99% for 2025/26

Council tax bills in Adur and Worthing are set to rise by 2.99% for the 2025/26 financial year, following approvals by both local councils. The increase forms part of wider budget measures aimed at addressing financial shortfalls.

Both Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council approved the 2.99% rise in their respective meetings, alongside their draft capital and revenue budgets. In addition to this, residents will likely face a 4.99% increase in the West Sussex County Council precept and a 5.5% rise in the Sussex Police precept. The total annual council tax for a Band D property is set to increase from £2,301.58 to £2,411.16 in Adur and from £2,235.48 to £2,343.12 in Worthing.

Worthing Borough Council has also applied for exceptional funding support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to help address a £2.53 million budget shortfall. The council hopes to receive £2 million in additional funding, which would prevent the need to issue a Section 114 notice, effectively declaring bankruptcy. A decision on the funding request is expected by early March.

Meanwhile, Adur District Council has forecast a balanced budget for 2025/26 with a £162,000 surplus, which will be transferred into reserves. However, both councils face significant financial challenges beyond the next financial year, with Worthing projecting a £4.8 million shortfall in 2026/27 and Adur expecting a £1.41 million deficit. The final council tax rises will need to be approved by full council meetings on February 20 for Adur and February 25 for Worthing before they take effect on April 1.