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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.