Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) granted to Worthing Borough Council
What is Exceptional Financial Support (EFS)?
Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) is a form of temporary financial assistance provided by the government to local councils facing significant financial challenges. It allows councils to manage budget shortfalls while continuing to deliver essential services. This support is not a grant - it takes the form of permission to borrow or use capital receipts to fund day-to-day services.
Will Worthing Borough Council have to pay this money back?
EFS is not a direct grant it involves government permission to borrow money or use capital resources for revenue spending. This means the council will need to manage these funds carefully and work towards a more sustainable financial position.
Why does Worthing Borough Council need Exceptional Financial Support?
Like 30 councils across the country, Worthing Borough Council has faced rising costs and increased demand for services while income from some sources, such as business rates and government grants, has declined. To ensure financial sustainability, the council applied for EFS as part of our budget planning process.
How much Exceptional Financial Support has the government provided to Worthing Borough Council?
The government has confirmed the level of support we will receive, and this will be factored into the final budget decision made by the Full Council next week. Full details will be shared after the Council meeting.
Does this mean the council is bankrupt?
No. Seeking Exceptional Financial Support does not mean the council is bankrupt. It is a temporary measure to allow the council to manage financial pressures while working towards a sustainable long-term financial plan. Many councils across the country have been granted EFS to help balance their budgets.
Will services be affected by this?
The council has been working hard to support services while addressing financial challenges. While some difficult decisions have been necessary, EFS allows us to continue supporting our communities and invest in long-term solutions.
How long will the council need this support?
Exceptional Financial Support is a one-off measure to help address immediate financial challenges for the 2025/26 financial year. The council is implementing a financial recovery plan to ensure that services are sustainable in the long term without relying on additional government support.
What happens next?
The Full Council will formally vote on the budget at its meeting next week.
After this, we will publish full details on what the budget means for local services.
The council will continue to implement measures to improve financial resilience.
Where can I find more information?
We will provide updates on our website and through council communications following the Full Council meeting. You can also review the Budget Estimates 2025/26 Report:
Page last updated: 21 February 2025