Adur and Worthing Councils Address Budget Challenges with Sustainable Plans

Adur and Worthing Councils have revealed strategies to address significant budget shortfalls for 2025/26, aiming to build a sustainable financial future while maintaining essential services for residents.

Adur District Council faces a £754,000 deficit, while Worthing Borough Council confronts a £2.982m shortfall for the next financial year. Both councils are working to bridge these gaps before budget-setting early next year, with Worthing Borough Council seeking exceptional financial support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Officials cite rising costs, increasing demand, and inadequate government funding as critical challenges.

Key initiatives include transforming housing services to prevent homelessness, developing sustainable infrastructure projects like the Worthing Heat Network, and fostering partnerships with community groups to improve neighbourhoods. Asset rationalisation, contract reviews, and fee rebalancing are also being implemented to ensure cost-effectiveness and maximise community benefits.

The financial update will be discussed at the Joint Strategic Committee meeting on 10th December 2024 at Worthing Town Hall, where residents can engage with the plans. The councils remain committed to delivering essential services while creating a more resilient future for Adur and Worthing.