Worthing Council reserves at critically low level as budget pressures continue

Worthing Borough Council’s reserves are at a “critically low level”, with the authority forecast to use £3.697 million of exceptional financial support during 2026-27, according to a financial report due to be considered by councillors next week.

The first-quarter revenue monitoring report shows homelessness and housing among the main pressures, with Worthing facing a forecast overspend of £1.507 million. The report says demand for temporary accommodation and limited access to affordable private and social housing can result in people remaining in temporary accommodation for longer. The councils also expect to cover £1.254 million in housing benefit costs which will not be reimbursed by the government, including £1.103 million relating to supported accommodation.

Worthing Crematorium is forecast to receive £490,000 less income from cremations than budgeted, while planning and development is projected to have a £214,000 shortfall. However, Worthing’s car parks are forecast to generate £539,000 more than budgeted despite the loss of the Grafton multi-storey last year. Adur is forecasting an overall £1.864 million underspend. The report, covering spending and income up to June 30, will be considered by the councils’ joint strategic committee on September 8.