Cost of homelessness in Worthing and Adur to be discussed
Homelessness and temporary accommodation are expected to cost Adur and Worthing councils £2.26million more than budgeted this financial year.
Budget monitoring figures show projected overspends of £1.5million in Worthing and £760,000 in Adur, with both councils identifying homelessness as a major pressure on their finances.
The figures were highlighted in a report which is set to be discussed by the councils’ joint overview and scrutiny committee on Wednesday, November 4. Councillors have questioned when the overspending could be brought down and, if so, how it will be reduced.
The report also looks at the councils’ wider financial positions as they work on their budgets for 2027/28.
Across all council services, Worthing Borough Council overspent by £3.785million in 2025/26, while Adur District Council spent £385,000 less than budgeted.
Worthing’s finances were also supported by an estimated £4.75million in Exceptional Financial Support from the Government in 2025/26. The report explains that when this support was included in the figures, the council’s budget showed an underspend.
The councils’ latest budget forecast show Worthing is expected to use £3.697million of this support in 2026/27, while Adur is expected to have an overall underspend of £1.864million.
Councillors have asked officers about housing and homelessness funding, the possible impact of changes to renters’ rights legislation and additional Government funding to help tackle rough sleeping.
It comes as the Chancellor announced a further £430million to help people sleeping rough, saying the funding will help keep open the Government’s offer of a route off the streets for the remainder of this current Parliament.
A finance working group made up of councillors is continuing to examine the councils’ spending and plans for next year’s budget. It is due to report back to the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee in January 2027.