Council tax increase of 4.49 per cent expected

A COUNCIL tax rise of 4.49 per cent '“ very close to the 4.3 per cent latest published retail prices increase - is expected to be recommended to West Sussex County Council at its budget meeting in February.

By The Newsroom

Published 8th Jan 2008, 13:18 BST

Updated 8th Jun 2018, 04:01 BST

If approved, it will mean that the average Band D taxpayer will have to find an extra 91 pence a week for the 80 per cent of public services provided by the County Council '“ such as schools, social services, roads, the Fire and Rescue Service, Libraries, waste disposal and recycling.

Last year's council tax increase was 4.9 per cent.

The 4.49 per cent will be the lowest percentage increase in West Sussex since council tax was introduced in 1993.

The recommendation will mean that the current Band D tax for County Council services will go up from 1,050.84 to 1,098.

Still to be added to that figure will be the amount needed by Sussex Police and individual District or Borough Councils.

Steve Waight, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said a 'focus on modernising and efficiency' was the key reason for a lower percentage increase for 2008/09, and no cuts in front-line services.

West Sussex County Council Libraries