Council tax to rise

That means those living in a Band A property will pay 741.06 for the year, an increase of 116.22; Band B residents will pay 864.57, an increase of 135.59; Band C will play 988.08, an increase of 154.96; Band D will pay 1,111.59, an increase of 174.33; Band E will pay 1,358.61, an increase of 213.07; Band F will pay 1,605.63, an increase of 251.81; band G will pay 1,852.65, an increase of 290.55 and Band H will pay 2,223.18, an increase of 348.66.

The final figure takes in the borough council increase of 8.5 per cent, the county council's rise of 18.5 per cent and the Sussex Police precept of 39.9 per cent.

The budget was confirmed at a meeting of the full council last week.

Speaking about the rise in council tax, and increased charges such as parking and crematorium costs, and the use of council reserves, Tory leader Steven Waight said the ruling group had hit residents with a "triple whammy of costs".

He said: "This budget shows a lack of vision for the town.It doesn't take us into the 21st century in the way that Worthing deserves.

"If it was just an 8.5 per cent increase that would be all right. But there is also an increase in charges and this use of council reserves.

"This is a triple whammy of costs."

Council leader Sheila Player said, despite a disappointing financial settlement from central government, the budget would enable borough services to be maintained "at the current high level", and would aid the progress of "key priorities and strategic objectives".

Funding from central government increased by 3.8 per cent '“ below the national average of 5.9 per cent.

Miss Player said: "It is anticipated this trend will continue, leaving local authorities in this region to make difficult choices to balance budgets.

"As a consequence, council tax increases are likely to continue to be well above the rate of inflation."

Miss Player added the council was still committed to replacing the Aquarena and had set aside 2million for this.

Other priorities included graffiti removal, recycling schemes, charitable grants, enhanced public cleansing, improved leisure facilities, housing support and the ongoing implementation of the coast defence strategy.