An ambitious Lib Dem Annual Plan and accompanying balanced budget for 24/25 agreed by Horsham District Council

At a meeting of full Council on 21 February 2024 Horsham District Council councillors passed both a balanced budget for 24/25 and the Council’s Annual Plan 24/25, as proposed by Liberal Democrats.

The net revenue budget requirement for 2024/25 is £14.5m which is an increase of £0.8m or 5.5% over the current year. While the increase is largely a reflection of inflationary costs, there will also be no cuts to the services residents expect.

Additionally, through careful oversight and control of spending, Horsham District Council is now forecasting a surplus for the year 23/24.

Horsham District’s portion of household Council Tax was also agreed, rising by 2%, less than the government’s 3% cap on second tier councils, adding £3.34 annually to an average Band D property.

The budget was passed along with an ambitious 24/25 Annual Plan, which lists projects and actions that are either continuing from last year, or which will begin in the coming year, including several multi-year projects.

Cllr Mark Baynham (Billingshurst), Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources said:

“Yesterday we passed a budget that is not only realistic and prudent, but that also provides the means to deliver our ambitious plans to improve the whole of our District. In doing so we have been able to restrict the rise in Council Tax to just 2% - this is both the lowest rise and lowest rate in Sussex."

Speaking on the second Annual Plan of HDC’s Lib Dem administration, Cllr Martin Boffey (Trafalgar), Leader of Horsham District Council added:

“Since the election last May we’ve already committed over half a million pounds to local initiatives. Now we’re announcing more projects to support our businesses and communities than ever before.

"We aim to help people to live their lives to the full, and enjoy everything that our beautiful District has to offer including good jobs, homes and health, accessible countryside and affordable fun.”