Fareham Borough Council is committed to the responsible management of Council budgets and continues to plan to meet the current and future needs of Fareham residents, while continuing to provide excellent levels of service.

Reduced government funding and the country having been ravaged by inflation has, however, presented the Council with a significant financial pressure. As a result, it is costing significantly more for the Council to provide the same core services.

While Fareham Borough Council collects residents’ Council Tax, 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. In fact, only around 9% of the Council Tax paid goes towards the the budgets for services provided by Fareham Borough Council.

It is important that the Council is open and transparent about how it manages its finances. That’s why it is asking Fareham residents to find out more about, and comment on, its plans to address these challenges by completing this short survey:

https://online1.snapsurveys.com/interview/226a9166-fe3c-4128-8f28-ef7c7eebdfc3

The survey can be completed until 12 February and paper copies can also be obtained during opening hours at the Fareham Borough Council Civic Offices.

Cllr Seán Woodward, Leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “Fareham continues to be among the lowest Council Tax for district councils in England and is currently 30% below the national average.  This survey not only provides an opportunity for residents to have their say on how we continue to deliver quality services, but also allows us to explain how our finances are allocated, as this can be quite confusing.  I encourage residents to spare a few minutes of their time to take part.”