EAST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL’S FORWARD PLAN
The Leader of the County Council is required to publish a forward plan setting out matters which the Leader believes will be the subject of a key decision by the Cabinet, individual Cabinet member or officer in the period covered by the Plan (the subsequent four months). The Council’s Constitution states that a key decision is one that involves
(a) expenditure which is, or the making of savings which are, significant having regard to the expenditure of the County Council’s budget, namely above £500,000 per annum; or
(b) is significant in terms of its effects on communities living or working in an area comprising two or more electoral divisions.
As a matter of good practice, the Council's Forward Plan includes other items in addition to key decisions that are to be considered by the Cabinet/individual members. This additional information is provided to inform local residents of all matters to be considered, with the exception of issues which are dealt with under the urgency provisions. Only key decisions to be taken by officers are included.
For each decision included on the Plan the following information is provided:
- the name of the individual or body that is to make the decision and the date of the meeting or relevant time period for an officer decision
- the title of the report and decision to be considered
- groups that will be consulted prior to the decision being taken
- a list of documents that will be considered when making the decision
- the name and telephone number of the contact officer for each item.
The Plan is updated and published every month on the Council’s website two weeks before the start of the period to be covered.
Meetings of the Cabinet/individual members are open to the public (with the exception of discussion regarding reports which contain exempt/confidential information). Copies of agenda and reports for meetings are available on the website in advance of meetings. Key decisions taken by officers will not be taken at a meeting – documents listed can be made available on request to the contact officer, with the exception of those which contain exempt/confidential information.
For further details on the time of meetings and general information about the Plan please contact Stuart McKeown at County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, BN7 1UE, or telephone 01273 481583 or send an e-mail to stuart.mckeown@eastsussex.gov.uk. For further detailed information regarding specific issues to be considered by the Cabinet, individual Member or officer please contact the named contact officer for the item concerned.
EAST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, BN7 1UE
For copies of reports or other documents please contact the officer listed on the Plan or phone 01273 335274.
FORWARD PLAN – EXECUTIVE DECISIONS (including Key Decisions) – 1 December 2023 TO 31 March 2024
Additional notices in relation to Key Decisions and/or private decisions are available on the Council’s website.
Cabinet membership:
Councillor Keith Glazier - Lead Member for Strategic Management and Economic Development
Councillor Nick Bennett – Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
Vacancy – Lead Member for Economy
Councillor Claire Dowling – Lead Member for Transport and Environment
Councillor Carl Maynard – Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health
Councillor Bob Bowdler – Lead Member for Children and Families
Councillor Bob Standley – Lead Member for Education and Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability
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Date for Decision |
Decision Taker |
Decision/Key Issue |
Decision to be taken wholly or partly in private (P) or Key Decision (KD) |
Consultation
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List of Documents to be submitted to decision maker |
Contact Officer |
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11 Dec 2023 |
Lead Member for Transport and Environment
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Community Match schemes 2024/2025 Agree 50% match funding is allocated towards applicants that have applied for match funding through the Community Match programme.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Victoria Rojanachotikul 03456 080193
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11 Dec 2023 |
Lead Member for Transport and Environment
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Rural Verges as Wildlife Corridors - Trial of Early Season Reduction in Rural Grass Cutting Decision to be taken on any permanent amendments to the rural grass cutting policy, following this year’s trial. The trial gave the option of reducing the grass cutting service of rural verges to all Parish and Town Councils, of which 27 areas decided to take part. This change meant that rural verges (except for visibility) would not be cut at a time when flowering is often at its peak and it is the most beneficial time for pollinators.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Dale Poore 01273 335506
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11 Dec 2023 |
Lead Member for Transport and Environment
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East Sussex County Council's Alternative Weed Maintenance Techniques Decision to be taken on the future weed maintenance techniques for East Sussex highways. Information will be provided on the alternative to Glyphosate weed maintenance trials that took place in 2023, including Volunteer, reactive and Road Sweeping.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Dale Poore 01273 335506
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11 Dec 2023 |
Lead Member for Transport and Environment
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Changes to the Chargeable Waste Service at Household Waste Recycling Sites East Sussex County Council operate a chargeable waste service at household waste recycling sites (HWRSs) for non-household waste (rubble, soil, plasterboard, tyres, and asbestos). In June 2023, Defra issued an update advising that they intend to limit councils from charging for DIY type waste. We are seeking Lead member’s approval to amend the Chargeable Waste scheme for it to remain legally compliant should Government proceed with the expected changes.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Anthony Pope 01273 481657
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12 Dec 2023 |
Cabinet
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Council Monitoring: Quarter 2 To consider the Council Monitoring report for the second quarter of the financial year 2023/24 as part of the Council's Reconciling Policy, Performance and Resources (RPPR) budget monitoring process.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Victoria Beard 07894 708914
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12 Dec 2023 |
Cabinet
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The LAC Annual Report 2022 - 2023 Cabinet are asked to receive and consider the Annual Report for the LAC service in their role as Corporate Parents. This will be presented on behalf of the Corporate Parenting Panel which is chaired by Cllr Kathryn Field.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Kathy Marriott 01273 481274
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12 Dec 2023 |
Cabinet
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Treasury Management Annual Report & Mid-Year Report To consider a report on the review of Treasury Management performance for 2022/23 and the outturn for the first six months of 2023/24, including the economic factors affecting performance, the Prudential Indicators and compliance with the limits set within the Treasury Management Strategy.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Ian Gutsell 01273 481399
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12 Dec 2023 |
Cabinet
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Scrutiny Review of School Exclusions To consider and comment on the report of the People Scrutiny Committee and agree the response to the recommendations of the review.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Rachel Sweeney 07561 267461
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12 Dec 2023 |
Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
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Consider a carbon offset framework The Council adopted a corporate Climate Emergency Plan in February 2023. The Plan includes a commitment to develop a framework that will guide the Council’s investment in carbon offsetting. The purpose of this report is to recommend the adoption of a carbon offset framework and steps to start to implement the framework.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Andy Arnold 01273 481606
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12 Dec 2023 |
Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
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Consider the updated Corporate Environment Policy The County Council has had a corporate Environment Policy since 2001. This report puts forward an updated corporate Environment Policy, to take account of related new policies and programmes that the County Council has adopted since 2001 and to enable the County Council to present a more up-to-date policy to meet the requirements of some external funders and suppliers.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Andy Arnold 01273 481606
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12 Dec 2023 |
Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
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Rother District Council: Council Tax reduction scheme consultation response Rother District Council are consulting on changes to their Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (LCTRS). As a precepting authority, we are able to provide a response to their consultation. Their proposal is to move from 2024/25 to a 100% Council Tax discount allowance from the current 80% allowance. The impact on the County Council is a potential ongoing loss of income of £960,000.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Ian Gutsell 01273 481399
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14 Dec 2023 |
Lead Member for Children and Families
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Children's Supported Accommodation Approved List Mini Competitions The decision being sought is to approve 6 (six) mini competitions off the Children’s Supported Accommodation Approved List (CSAAL). One of the CSAAL mini competitions is for 18+ (Model 3) a proportion of whom will be eligible for housing benefit which would be repaid to ESCC CSD, bringing the estimated total net costs down but the totals for the contract duration remaining above £500K each.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Lisa Schrevel 01273 481617
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14 Dec 2023 |
Lead Member for Children and Families
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ESCC Fostering Rates 2024-2025 To confirm the revised payment structure and allowance for East Sussex County Council (ESCC) foster carers for 2024-2025.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Fiona Lewis 07500 109143
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Between 8 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2023 |
Director of Adult Social Care and Health
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Agree selection of Lead Provider for East Sussex Mental Health Support Services (MHSS) The decision will be taken to agree the selected lead provider. An evaluation has been carried out to select the Lead Provider that will manage a network of mental health support (MHSS delivery) through partnerships and sub-contract arrangements. This model will improve and simplify ongoing procurement and funding allocation. The Lead Provider’s role will support and oversee future funding opportunities and service development. It will cultivate a responsive provider marketplace aligned to specialism, skills and local requirements.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Kenny Mackay 01323 463946
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December 2023 |
Director of Adult Social Care and Health
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Sexual Health Services Procurement Approve the award of the Specialist Sexual Health Contract that has been subject to competitive tender in line with the Lead Members decision to delegate the decision to the Director of Adult Social Care & Health on 20 April 2023.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Tony Proom 01273 335252
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December 2023 |
Chief Operating Officer
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Telephony Services contract award Contract award (jointly with Brighton and Hove City Council, and Surrey County Council) of: · A Call Plan (the main telephone service) · A replacement Contact Centre telephony solution (including licences) · Implementation services (specialist knowledge and expertise) · Microsoft Teams telephony licences (enabling the dial pad and unified comms experience to be added to the existing Teams interface). Decision, as delegated at the 31 March 2023 meeting of the Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Matt Scott 07552286752
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December 2023 |
Chief Operating Officer
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Award of property contract for Adult Social Care's Supported Living Programme- Phase 1 A key decision was approved in May 2023 for Westridge to undertake refurbishment/extension of 2 Adult Social Care properties (Beckley Close, Hastings, and Cregg Na Ba Battle). Works commenced on the properties, but unfortunately the contractor, Westridge, has now gone into administration. A decision is required to enter into a contract with an alternative contractor (or possibly a separate contractor for each site) to complete the works at both sites. The project comprises reconfiguration of 2 Bungalows to provide ensuite facilities for residents. This reflects a change from residential care to supported living offering people a home with security of tenure.
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P
KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Nigel Brown 07394 410630
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15 Jan 2024 |
Lead Member for Transport and Environment
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Response to Defra consultations on implementing Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, East Sussex County Council became the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) for the county. The LLFA role includes a statutory consultee to major planning applications. Parts of the Flood and Water Management Act have never been implemented and this includes Schedule 3, which will introduce additional duties and burdens to the County Council, including the statutory role of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Approval Body and Adopting Authority. The Government has recently indicated its intention to implement Schedule 3 and is due to consult on a series of documents in Autumn 2023, which will set out how Schedule 3 will work in practice, as well as setting out matters such as proposed transitional arrangements and any new burdens monies. The report to the Lead Member will set out the County Councils proposed response to this consultation.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Ed Sheath 01273 481632
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15 Jan 2024 |
Lead Member for Transport and Environment
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Review of fees and charges for East Sussex County Council's statutory planning consultee roles The Council’s Flood Risk Management and Transport Development Control teams perform statutory planning consultee roles, meaning that they have a legal obligation to respond to relevant planning application consultations. To improve the quality of applications that are received, a pre-application advice service is offered, which is a paid-for service. A review of the charges that are applied for this service has been undertaken and new charges are proposed together with an approach to lessening the burden/financial cost to the Council when it comes to providing flood risk/drainage advice to applicants to resolve matters associated with the development proposals.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Ed Sheath 01273 481632
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15 Jan 2024 |
Lead Member for Transport and Environment
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Petition for the introduction of traffic calming measures including a 20mph speed limit in Southfields Road, Eastbourne To consider a petition calling on the County Council to introduce traffic calming measures including a 20mph speed limit, relevant mandatory signs and occasional radar checks to deliver safety in Southfields Road, Eastbourne.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Victoria Bartholomew 01424 724284
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15 Jan 2024 |
Lead Member for Transport and Environment
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Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) - Bus Priority Measures Consultation Outcome Following the close of the BSIP – Bus Priority Measures Consultation on 25 September 2023, the Consultation and Engagement Report will be presented to Lead Member. A decision will need to be made on which bus priority schemes to take forward for further design work and construction.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Indi Hicks 07514 721385
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15 Jan 2024 |
Lead Member for Transport and Environment
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Hastings and Bexhill Movement and Access Package To note and approve the revised Hastings and Bexhill Movement and Access Package in line with the South East Local Enterprise Partnership Accountability Board decisions.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Ellie McDaniel 01273 335464
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15 Jan 2024 |
Lead Member for Strategic Management and Economic Development
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Getting Building Fund - Grant Agreements Seeking approval for East Sussex County Council entering into grant agreements to transfer funding secured from SELEP to East Sussex projects, subject to SELEP’s prioritisation of East Sussex schemes within its Getting Building Fund reserve pipeline programme at its meeting on 12 January 2024.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Alex Colbran 07729 108123
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15 Jan 2024 |
Lead Member for Strategic Management and Economic Development
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LEP Funded Capital Programme Financial Statement - Confirmed Spend for 2022/23 and Forecast for 2023/24 Consideration of the final spend for 2022/23 for the Local Growth Fund, Getting Building Fund and Growing Places programmes and the amount of funds re-profiled into the East Sussex County Council Capital Programme; and seeking approval for the confirmed scheme spend profiles for the Local Growth Fund, Getting Building Fund and Growing Places programmes for the 2023/24 financial year.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Alex Colbran 07729 108123
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23 Jan 2024 |
Cabinet
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Auditor's Annual (VfM) Report on East Sussex County Council 2022/23 To provide Cabinet with Grant Thornton’s Annual (Value for Money) Report for 2022/23
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Ian Gutsell 01273 481399
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23 Jan 2024 |
Cabinet
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SELEP Transition Plan The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) will be drawn to a close by April 2024. As such, many of the LEP’s functions will be transferred to local institutions, including to the County Council, working with Team East Sussex, our de facto local growth board. The SELEP Transition Plan, accompanied by our own local East Sussex Integration Plan, sets out precisely which functions will be transferred to East Sussex, and the actions necessary to integrate those functions over the coming months.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Richard Dawson 01273 482305
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23 Jan 2024 |
Cabinet
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Reconciling Policy, Performance and Resources (RPPR) 2024/25 Draft Council Plan Draft Council Plan, revenue budget and savings proposals 24/25 & new Capital programme with EqIAs, Financial monitoring update, Engagement and Scrutiny feedback.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Claire Lee 07523 930526
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23 Jan 2024 |
Cabinet
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Annual Accounts for Lewes Charitable Trust Requirement to report annually to Cabinet in line with the current practice where the County Council is a Corporate Trustee.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Samantha McManus 01273 482080
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23 Jan 2024 |
Cabinet
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Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25
To consider the Treasury Management Strategy for 2024/25. This includes setting the Prudential Indicators as set out in the Prudential Code and approving the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2024/25.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Ian Gutsell 01273 481399
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23 Jan 2024 |
Cabinet
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Scrutiny Review of Pothole Management To consider and comment on the report of the Place Scrutiny Committee and agree the response to the recommendations of the review. |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Martin Jenks 01273 481327
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January 2024 |
Chief Operating Officer
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School Meals contract extension The current school meals contract dated 01.08.2019 is approaching the end of its term of 5 years, with an option to extend for a further 2 years. A decision is required to enter into a 2 year extension to the current school meals contract which is due to expire on 31.07.2024. This service is delivered to schools, academies and corporate sites across East Sussex. |
P
KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Sarah Hungerford 07803500276
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6 Feb 2024 |
Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
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To approve the granting of a new Lease to the Trustees of the West Hills & District Community Centre The current Lease dated 12 March 2008 expires 11 March 2023 and it is proposed that ESCC grant the Trustees a new Lease for a period of 25 years which will allow the Trustees to be able to seek grant funding.
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P
KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Joanne Johnston, Zoe Tweed 01273 336621, 07701 021868
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6 Feb 2024 |
Lead Member for Education and Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability
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Admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools 2025-26 Following the relevant consultation, the Lead Member will need to determine the admission arrangements at the meeting in February 2024 in line with the requirements of the School Admissions Code.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Jo Miles 01273 481911
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February 2024 |
Chief Operating Officer
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Award a main contractor for The Joff Youth Hub, Peacehaven This is to appoint a contractor for works to extend, reconfigure and renew this existing youth hub. The works will increase the number of regular positive activities and clubs available to young people aged 11 to 19 (up to 25 for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) in the areas.
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P
KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Nigel Brown 07394 410630
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February 2024 |
Chief Operating Officer
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Award a main contractor for the Heathfield Youth Hub This is to appoint a contractor for works to demolish and replace the existing building with a state-of-the-art rural Youth Hub. The works will increase the number of regular positive activities and clubs available to young people aged 11 to 19 (up to 25 for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) in the areas.
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P
KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Nigel Brown 07394 410630
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5 Mar 2024 |
Cabinet
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Council Monitoring: Quarter 3 2023/2024 To consider the Council Monitoring report for the third quarter of the financial year 2023/24 as part of the Council's Reconciling Policy, Performance and Resources process.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Victoria Beard 07894 708914
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25 Mar 2024 |
Lead Member for Education and Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability
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East Sussex Childcare Sufficiency Duty 2024-2025
To approve the publication of the East Sussex Childcare Sufficiency Duty Report for 2024-2025.
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Jane Spice 01323 747425
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28 Mar 2024 |
Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
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Write-off of Debts 2023/24 To seek Lead Member approval for writing off certain debts in excess of £10,000. |
P
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Alina Dunn 01273 481250
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March 2024 |
Director of Communities, Economy and Transport
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Allowed for extension to the Services Agreement for the Provision of Tipping Points handling of dry mixed recyclables The Services Agreement for the Provision of Tipping Points handling of dry mixed recyclables is due to expire on 28 June 2024. The decision being made is to exercise the allowed for extension, provided by clause two of the contract ‘Commencement and Duration’, for a fixed period of two years. The new and final expiry date will be 28 June 2026.
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KD |
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Report, other documents may also be submitted
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Laura Tafa 07919 298462
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