Wealden District Council’s Cabinet has proposed a council tax freeze to help make the district “a greener, kinder, fairer place”.
Its Cabinet is proposing using its reserves (savings) to support residents with the continuing cost of living crisis, instead of raising council tax.
But before you go out and celebrate with the windfall, remember that although Wealden administers the bill and collection of payments, its share of the bill is only nine percent.
The biggest chunk of the bill, by far, goes to East Sussex County Council (72 per cent) which has said it is facing “the most difficult financial position” ever with a multi-million pound budget deficit. The situation is so dire for ESCC that it has been forced to seek exceptional financial support from the government.
It will start considering its budget and spending options for 2026-27 at the end of January but given its financial context, it would be unwise to bet your mortgage on it following Wealden’s lead. Last year ESCC increased council tax by 4.99 per cent.
But, even though it won’t make a huge difference to our pockets, Wealden says it is time to stop building up reserves and give tax payers a break.
Cllr Greg Collins, lead councillor for finance said: “For many years this council has built up reserves which were unspent whilst, almost without exception, increasing the burden on local residents by increasing their council tax. Today that changes.
“A zero-tax rise is affordable and does not jeopardise Wealden’s future. We are using Wealden’s reserves, whilst we still can, to make the district a greener, kinder, fairer place.”
Wealden District Council collects the full council tax amount on behalf of all authorities, but its share is just a small portion of the final bill. The remainder is allocated to East Sussex County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and parish or town councils. Of your council tax payment the following receive:
East Sussex County Council (including Adult Social Care Precept): 72%
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner: 10%
Wealden District Council: 9%
Local Town or Parish Council (Crowborough Town Council): Average of 5% (this exact percentage may vary slightly by specific parish)
East Sussex Fire Authority: 4%
The decision will need to be ratified at a full council meeting in February 2026.