Member Article

£140 million of capital investment to boost West Sussex infrastructure

West Sussex County Council is planning to spend more than £500 million next year on a range of services - including care for the elderly and vulnerable, young people, roads and transport, libraries and the fire and rescue service.

The council is also proposing to plough nearly £140 million of capital investment into the county’s roads, infrastructure, schools and the economy.

County Councillors will debate the council’s budget for 2015/16 - which also includes a council tax freeze for residents for the fifth year running – on Friday 13 February.

If agreed by Full Council, West Sussex County Council’s share of the council tax bill would keep the charge for all county council services to £1,161.99 a year for a Band D property.

The council is also planning to invest £6.4 million in high speed broadband capability across the county.

West Sussex County Council is also aiming to save £68million over the next two years by making efficiency improvements and productivity gains.

Michael Brown, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for Finance, said: “What will go before Councillors on Friday is a really strong budget that keeps money in our residents’ pockets with a council tax freeze and invests millions into vital services.

“Despite one of the most challenging economic climates, amongst the budget package we’re proposing measures that include £6.7million new investment in adults services’, £2.7million to help our children and young people and £3.4million into our residents’ services.

“This isn’t a budget about cuts, it’s a budget about investment for the future and it’s one that reflects prudent financial planning. We have a major programme of capital investment – none of which requires us to borrow a penny in funding from any third party.

“We are investing in our services to benefit residents, helping those who fall on hard times, and all whilst continuing to bear down on the burden of local taxation and coping with Government funding cuts.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .