Aldwick Parish Council Newsletter – March 2026

Budget 2026-27

The final budget and precept (council tax) was decided at the January Council meeting.

The new precept from 1st April 2026 is £135,349, which equates to a Band D (the average used) council tax charge per year of £25.07. This is an increase on last year of £2.66 annually or 5p per week (for Band D). We do try our best to keep costs down whilst providing the best value we can for residents. Parish Councils don’t receive direct government funding, instead receiving a precept from the District Council. Some of the things your parish council tax is spent on include: Staffing to manage the council’s affairs; Maintenance and utility bills for the council premises; Allotments at The Nurseries – maintenance, water supplies; Open space improvements such as replacing public benches, bus shelters, tree planting, floral planting at Rose Green and West Meads; Contributions towards keeping public toilets open; Play/youth activities scheme at local parks, Remembrance Day commemoration, Christmas tree and lights; Grant funding to community organisations. To continue these, and to build other projects in so we can do more for the community, we’ve needed to make this small raise. We hope you’ll agree that it’s still good value. If you have suggestions for more projects and improvements the Council could consider do let us know.

Free skateboard coaching

The free skateboard coaching sessions last summer were popular and we’re hoping to bring these back to Avisford Park during the Easter school break in early April. Plans are yet to be finalised so we can’t confirm yet – check out our website and parish notice boards for announcements, or contact the office for the latest news.

Cost of Living survey

How is the rising cost of living affecting you and your household? The Citizens Advice West Sussex Partnership is running a county-wide survey to understand what challenges residents are facing this year. Your feedback helps shape real support for local people. Have your say today and share the survey with others in West Sussex! https://www.arunchichestercab.org.uk/current-surveys Your voice matters.

Dementia Advice Bus

The Community Wayfinder Bus is back on Thursdays 19th March, 9th April, 7th May and 4th June, offering professional support and advice about dementia. It will be in the car park at Pryors Lane (behind Grove House Surgery, Library, Community Centre and Parish Council) from 10am-12pm. Drop in to speak to a Wayfinder about dementia or visit www.dementiasupport.org.uk/bus for more information.

Councillor Surgery

Continuing our regular drop-ins for residents on the last Friday of the month, in the Council meeting room, 10am-12noon, the next one is Friday 27th March 2026. Residents raised several things at the last one and it’s a great chance to have a chat with one or two of your council members if you’ve got a query or something you’d like advice on. Don’t forget also, you can ask questions at council meetings - see below for next meeting dates.

Council Meetings: Please check our website for details in case of changes. Public are welcome to attend, and there’s a short adjournment for public questions on agenda items. Planning Committee, Tuesdays, 7pm - 3rd March, 7th April 2026. Full Council, Tuesdays, 7pm – 24th March 2026, 21st April 2026.