Press Release

26 February 2024

Council tax set to rise in Fareham

Fareham Borough Council is committed to the responsible management of Council finances, in order to provide essential services and to meet both the current and future needs of Fareham residents.

Reduced government funding and surging inflation has left many councils in the UK with insufficient funds to pay for the delivery of their core services within the next year.

Fareham’s position is more secure as a result of forward-thinking prudent financial management over many years. More recent initiatives include various cost savings work, a comprehensive Opportunities Plan and other income generating opportunities such as the Daedalus business site and the purchase of the Fareham Shopping Centre.

Despite the foregoing, the Council continues to face significant financial pressure. Like almost all councils in UK, Fareham Borough Council will therefore be increasing council tax by 3% for all residents. This equates to an increase of around 1p per day for most homes in Fareham, making it the fifth lowest council tax in England.

While Fareham Borough Council collects residents’ council tax, it retains less than 10%. The majority is paid forward to Hampshire County Council, which provides services such as schools, adult social care and highway maintenance. Hampshire Police and Hampshire Fire and Rescue services also receive a share.

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “I fully appreciate that some residents will be frustrated that council tax is rising, but this is absolutely necessary to ensure that our core services continue to run seamlessly both now and in the future. Fareham’s Council Tax continues to be among the very lowest in England at around 30% below the national average.”

Further information about how the Council manages its finances is available on the Council’s website: https://www.fareham.gov.uk/pdf/about_the_council/statoa2223.pdf.

ENDS