Budget 2026 to 2027
Our budget 2026 to 2027
We continue to work hard to balance our budget for the years ahead, to ensure we make best use of resources and can continue to invest in and deliver services that support our communities.
Our budget for 2026 to 2027 is expected to amount to over £2.2 billion which will be spent on services for our 900,900 residents and more than 42,500 businesses.
We provide around 80% of local government services and touch the lives of every resident and business in West Sussex, as well as tens of thousands of visitors.
Services provided by us include adults’ and children’s social care, education, public health, fire and rescue, roads, libraries, trading standards, economic development, and waste disposal and recycling. Our focus is to deliver services that support our communities and vulnerable people.
However, the demand for these services costs more than the funding available, which includes council tax paid by residents. For 2026 to 2027 a budget gap of £16.3m is currently projected assuming a 4.99% council tax increase.
It is the government’s intention to reform local authority funding from 2026 to 2027 onwards. We are working to fully understand the financial implications.
For further detail on previous expenditure within the key services shown, please see our budget books for previous years at: Our budget and Council Tax charges
Our priorities
Our Council Plan sets out our key priorities which shape the way we deliver services.
They are:
- keeping people safe from vulnerable situations
- a sustainable and prosperous economy
- helping people and communities fulfil their potential
- making the best use of resources
These priorities are all underpinned with a cross-cutting theme of protecting the environment.
Our council plan ensures we match available resources with the delivery of our priorities and provides assurance that we are making the very best use of the resources available.
It is proposed that a new priority be added to the Council Plan to:
- maximise the benefits of devolution and local government reorganisation for our residents and communities.
A decision on whether to include this new priority will be made at Full Council in February.
Read more about local government reorganisation and the future of local government in Sussex.
Budget timeline
- A provisional finance settlement is expected from government in December 2025.
- On 28 January 2026 the Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee will review the draft Council Plan and Budget Proposals.
- The Cabinet will meet on 3 February 2026 to recommend the Council Plan and Budget Papers for approval by Full Council.
- All members of the County Council will meet on 20 February 2026 to approve the Council Plan and final budget for 2026 to 2027.
Previous news
22/10/25: Cabinet agrees to proceed with devolution and hears latest budget position
12/8/25: West Sussex County Council Cabinet Members write to the government to call for SEND reforms
14/2/25: County council agrees a balanced budget without cuts to services
21/1/25: County Council leaders draw attention to serious challenges in adults’ social care
You can subscribe to receive our Residents’ eNewsletter, which is issued regularly and includes information about a wide range of council services, projects and initiatives, as well as budget updates.
Help and advice
There is help available if you need support with any aspect of your home finance or budgeting.
For advice and guidance on paying your council tax, contact your local district or borough council to see if you are eligible for a discount or exemption.
Further advice about local and national support can be found on our cost of living pages.