Decision details

RESOLVED

To note the changes detailed in this report in the Council’s financial position in 2024/25 and medium-term financial strategy.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

i)      Subject to Council’s approval of recommendation iii, to approve (a) the introduction of overnight tariffs in Piries Place and Swan Walk car parks, (b) the extension of the car parking charging period from 6pm to 8pm in North Parade car park, (c) the introduction of season tickets to New Street car park and North Parade car park, and, (d) the introduction of pay per hour (alongside season tickets) at Jengers Mead car park.

ii)     That the charges from 1 April 2025 for the garden waste subscription service are increased from £54 to £59.

iii)    To increase the prices of car parking charges from 1 April 2025 as set out in Appendix II.

iv)    Subject to the scheme status quo remaining and a similar settlement to 2024/25, (i) approve that the Council remains in the West Sussex Business Rates pool in 2025/26 and (ii) to delegate authority to the Director of Resources in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance to (a) agree the operational details of the pooling arrangements with participating authorities, and, (b) enter into any required documentation to give effect to this proposal.

REASON

i)               The Council needs to acknowledge the effects that inflation, cost growth and reduced income will have on its financial position both in the short and medium-term. Deficits are predicted unless action is taken on fees and charges and savings are made. Given the level of uncertainty in the projections, the economy and proposed Government action, the report does not recommend direct action to drastically reduce expenditure, but does recommend the need to take decisions like these when setting the 2025/26 budget in January 2025, should the Settlement in December 2024 be unfavourable.

ii)              and iii) Council is required to approve fees and charges, and expenditure as per the constitution. iv) Remaining in the West Sussex Business Rates pool should benefit the County and therefore the district by retaining locally generated business rates, using it to further support the economic regeneration of the wider West Sussex area.