Senior councillors at Horsham District Council’s Cabinet meeting on 21 January 2026 are expected to support proposals for a balanced financial and capital budget for the year ahead which will also deliver the lowest Council Tax charge in Sussex.
The proposed budget not only improves financial stability but also prioritises support for the most vulnerable residents, whilst investing in key capital projects.
Despite ongoing pressures as a result of inflation, the Council is on track to deliver a balanced budget for 2026/27, with a projected £1.6 million surplus which will be invested in an enlarged capital programme.
Thanks to ongoing prudent financial management and healthy reserves, the Council remains well-positioned to protect essential services, support those in need, and invest in projects that enhance the quality of life of residents across the Horsham District.
The budget includes a significant £35 million capital investment programme over two years. This will fund vital infrastructure improvements such as home repairs, disabled facility improvements and housing enabling grants, completion of a £10.2 million refurbishment of The Capitol theatre, building upgrades to the Rec Rooms, a new community centre for Highwood, and enhanced community facilities in Billingshurst, as well as the purchase of new waste collection vehicles.
To help meet rising costs, fees and charges across Council services will increase, resulting in a modest £5.15 annual rise (2.94%) for a Band D property.
Horsham District Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources Cllr Mark Baynham commented:
“We know how much residents value high-quality local services, and we’re proud to be delivering a budget that protects those services whilst keeping Council Tax the lowest in Sussex.
This budget reflects our deep commitment to supporting our communities, especially those residents most vulnerable, whilst also investing in the future of our towns and villages.
“Despite the financial challenges we face, we’ve worked hard to ensure that every pound is spent wisely. The proposed modest increase in Council Tax is necessary largely due to inflation, a significant reduction in central government support and service delivery pressures, including the statutory introduction of food waste collections, but we’ve kept it as low as possible.
We remain focused on listening to our residents, learning from their feedback, and delivering a sustainable, balanced budget that helps us achieve our shared ambitions for Horsham District.”
These proposals, if agreed, will mean the proposed budget for 2026/7 will then go before full Council on Monday 23 February for a final decision.