Arun District Council budget promises positive news
At a meeting held on 31 January, Members of Arun District Council’s Overview Select Committee heard that the 2018/19 budget held positive news.
Amongst several items being taken to Cabinet on Monday 12 February is the news that, in spite of a challenging financial environment, the Council has achieved a balanced budget for 2018/19.
Property issues form a key element of the new budget with part of the ground floor of the Civic Centre in Littlehampton now being occupied by the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Community Rehabilitation Company (Probation Service), resulting in additional rent income for the Council. The Council also now owns the Arcade in Bognor Regis and is looking to make this a profitable and viable space in line with the planned regeneration of the area. There are also plans to purchase ten residential units in Wick to improve the quality, supply and cost of temporary accommodation.
Another key focus for the Council over the past two years has been to provide core savings through the 2020 Vision programme. Due to smarter working practices, more effective contract management and senior management restructuring, significant savings have been made, all without affecting the high level of front line services provided. These services will continue to be provided in 2018/19 with a Council Tax increase of £5.13 per annum (10p per week) for a typical Band D dwelling.