Cheap bus fares cost Worthing £2million
This brings the borough's total annual bus scheme liability to 2million out of a total budget of 16million.
And council leader Keith Mercer, complaining about this reassessment, told the Herald: "We are not a bus company, we are a council."
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMr Mercer made his comment after the new borough council tax increase of 3.9 per cent was approved for 2009-10.
Borough's share
This represents a figure of just over 210 for a Band D property.
The budget is being set to raise 8,117,110.
A budget report to the cabinet said the current recession is having a "profound effect" on council finances in three main areas.
Area's hit
Increased demand for some services such as temporary housing.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFalling demand and associated income (150,000 less) from services such as land charges and development control.
Lower interest rates resulting in less investment income (a drop of 180,000) for the council, far outweighing the reduced cost of borrowing.
Inflation down
On a plus side, the reducing inflation rate gives the council the opportunity to review the amount set aside for pay inflation, and reduce the allowance further from 2.5 per cent to two per cent.
In addition, the county council is expected to confirm a council tax increase of 3.99 per cent, and Sussex Police Authority is expected to announce its precept on February 12.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdVillages in the Worthing Herald area will be adding their own precepts to the county, district council and Sussex Police precepts.
-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Worthing news.
Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.
Email the Herald: [email protected]
Click here for the Herald staff directory.
Want to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.