Council budget

Was the evening last year I spent listening to the debate on the proposed withdrawal of 50 per cent of Arun’s grant of £147,165 in 2015/16, and reduction to 0% in 2016/17 somehow imagined?

It is clearly stated in Arun’s medium term financial strategy that this is what they intend to do.

It was a proposal which opposition councillors objected to, requiring a special meeting to consider the proposal, and opposition objections were voted down.

Arun District Council at the present time is being given a Government grant to freeze its council tax, combined with a substantial income stream from a new homes bonus and business rates from new supermarkets.

The advice given to Littlehampton Town Council councillors was that a precept increase of three per cent (£3.21/annum on Band D) over the next few years would assist in alleviating serious service reductions when this grant reduction is implemented.

Yes, of course, it is up to Arun to revisit its financial strategy at any time it wishes.

However, as of now they have not and the proposal stands. It is therefore entirely sensible for the town council to make provision for the grant reduction, as well as seeking efficiencies where they can be achieved.

Derrick Chester

Worthing Road

Littlehampton

• Want to share your views? Send your letters by email: [email protected] or post to Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA.