A council is seeking residents’ views on looming budget cuts of almost £40 million.

In July West Sussex County Council revealed that it was facing a £60 million projected budget deficit for the 2025-2026 financial year ahead.

The figure has now been reduced, although the authority still needs to make £38.5 million in savings to balance its books.

The council said that the deficit could be reduced to £8.2 million if it raised council tax.

It has set out its key priorities for the budget including keeping people safe from vulnerable situations, a sustainable and prosperous economy, helping people and communities fulfil their potential and making the best use of resources, all underpinned by the protection of the environment.

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Councillor Paul Marshall, leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “We remain committed to delivering services that support our communities and vulnerable people, but we will face tough decisions if levels of funding are not addressed nationally.

"Uncertainty with inflation, interest rates, a new government, and the longer-term outlook for local government funding, means setting our budget for the years ahead is challenging.

“We will continue to lobby the government for sufficient, long-term funding for our residents and businesses.”

Councillor Jeremy Hunt, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for finance and property, said: “We are continuing to feel the pressure of increased demand on our services and the increasingly complex needs of the residents in our care.

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“We are also working hard on transformation programmes that will make the council more efficient including children’s and adults’ services improvement programmes, smarter working, a new digital strategy, and increased highways funding.

“Residents’ input is vital to the budget process, and we want to hear whether people think we are spending the right amount on services and what approach they think we should take to balance our budget.”

People can share their views via a survey on the West Sussex County Council website.

The consultation will run until December 15.

A final decision on budget and council tax rates will be made at a full council meeting on February 14, with survey contributions taken into consideration.