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 Hannah Matthews at County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, BN7 1UE, or telephone 01273 335138 or send an e-mail to hannah.matthews@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 335089.
FORWARD PLAN – EXECUTIVE DECISIONS (including Key Decisions) – 1 March 2026 to 30 June 2026
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
Councillor Penny di Cara – 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
|
Date for Decision |
Decision Taker |
Decision/Key Issue |
Decision to be taken wholly or partly in private (P) or Key Decision (KD) |
Consultation
|
List of Documents to be submitted to decision maker |
Contact Officer |
|
2 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
|
Playing field adjacent to the Tilling Green Community Centre - Decision regarding disposal of the freehold interest On 25 September 2025, the Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change considered the outcome of the responses from members of the public concerning the intention to dispose of the site. Approval was given to market the site on the open market. Following a marketing period, the Lead Member will consider offers made and the analysis. A decision will be made regarding the organisation that is to purchase the site. |
P
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Rebecca Lewis 07955 312371
|
|
2 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
|
Award of contract for school meals catering Approve the award of the school meals catering contract to the successful bidder following a competitive tender process. This contract award will be for a period of 5 years plus an option for an additional 2 years. The 2-year extension will be subject to contract performance.
|
P
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Johnny Parish 07849 303899
|
|
9 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Strategic Management and Economic Development
|
Eastbourne Fisherman's Quayside and infrastructure development project - reprofiling finances To consider proposals to reprofile the Growing Places Fund and East Sussex Invest loans for the Eastbourne Fisherman’s Quayside and infrastructure development project.
|
P
|
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Alex Colbran 07729 108123
|
|
9 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Strategic Management and Economic Development
|
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act ('RIPA') and Investigative Powers Act ('IPA') update Set the policy for the year ahead as required by the Policy in relation to the use of covert investigative techniques.
|
|
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Robert Freeman 01273 336715
|
|
10 Mar 2026 |
Cabinet
|
Council Monitoring Quarter 3 To consider the Council Monitoring report for the third quarter of the financial year 2025/26 as part of the Council’s Reconciling Policy, Performance and Resources (RPPR) budget monitoring process.
|
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Victoria Beard 07894 708914
|
|
16 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Transport and Environment
|
East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Record Office Collections Policies Approval of updated 2025 collections policies for the East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Record Office, as required to maintain The National Archives’ Accredited Archive status.
|
|
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Anna Goddard 07734 301730
|
|
16 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Transport and Environment
|
Capital Programme for Local Transport Improvements 2026/27 and allocation of Bus Service Improvement Plan Capital Grant for 2026/27 to 2029/30 To seek Lead Member approval, following consultation with local members, on the local transport schemes and associated expenditure included in the capital programme for design and/or delivery in 2026/27 and the allocation of the bus service improvement plan capital grant for the period up to 2029/30. |
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Andrew Keer 01273 336682
|
|
16 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Transport and Environment
|
Experimental Traffic Regulation Order for Eastbourne Town Centre Movement and Access Package Phase 2a Terminus Road (Cornfield Road to Langney Road) Further to the Lead Member approval for Eastbourne Town Centre Movement and Access Package Phase 2a to progress to detailed design and construction, a further decision is required on the proposal to implement an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) on Phase 2a. This would facilitate a trial of the operating hours for the local traders and/or residents and pedestrians to identify the most suitable hours. |
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Emma Oakman 01273 481170
|
|
17 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Economy
|
Adult Skills Fund: 2026/27 Grant allocation and delivery Arrangements The Department for Work and Pensions is inviting East Sussex County Council to oversee an additional allocation of Adult Skills Fund (ASF) to commission training in the academic year 2026/27. The Lead Member for Economy will consider approval to delegate authority to the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport to take any actions necessary in relation to the implementation of the additional ASF funds.
|
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Holly Aquilina 01323 463538
|
|
20 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health
|
Crisis Resilience Fund To consider the proposed spend of the Crisis Resilience Fund in East Sussex, including services for adults.
|
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Mark Hendriks 07701 394501
|
|
20 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health
|
Extension of specialist sexual health services contract Consideration of a 2-year extension of specialist sexual health services contract as agreed at award. Current contract commenced 1 October 2024 on a 2+2+1 agreement. This represents the first extension of 2 years.
|
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Tony Proom 01273 335252
|
|
20 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health
|
Contract for the Circle Room young person's sexual health clinic service Award of contract to provide the Circle Room young person’s clinic for 2 years, commencing on 1 April 2026.
|
P
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Tony Proom 01273 335252
|
|
20 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health
|
Contract for the Online sexual health service The current Online sexual health services contract ends on 31 October 2026. A decision is required to award a new contract which will be a 2+2 year contract ending on 31 October 2030. This means that an extension may be needed in 2028.
|
P
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Ross Boseley 07872 014434
|
|
23 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Education and Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability
|
East Sussex Childcare Sufficiency Duty 2026/2027 To seek Lead Member approval to publish a Childcare Sufficiency Duty report for 2026/27. The childcare sufficiency duty is a legal requirement for local authorities in England, under the Childcare Act 2006. Local authorities have a statutory duty to secure sufficient childcare places "so far as is reasonably practicable".
|
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Jane Spice 01323 747425
|
|
23 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Children and Families
|
Crisis Resilience Fund To consider the proposed spend of the Crisis Resilience Fund in East Sussex, including services for Children and Families
|
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Mark Hendriks 07701 394501
|
|
31 Mar 2026 |
Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
|
Write-off of Debts 2025/26 To seek Lead Member approval for writing off certain debts in excess of £10,000.
|
P |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Alina Dunn 01273 481250
|
|
March 2026 |
Chief Operating Officer
|
Oracle Programme Resources Modification of existing contract to incorporate the 2026/27 resource envelope, required to deliver the Oracle Programme. |
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Ros Parker 01273 481412
|
|
March 2026 |
Director of Adult Social Care and Health
|
Contract for the provision of a county-wide Welfare Benefits and Money Advice Service To consider the use of a direct award to the current provider of the Welfare Benefits and Money Advice Service which would ensure the continuation of the service for a further 12 months following the end of the current contract so that a full tender process can be undertaken to meet the agreed objectives of the co-design and co-commissioning groups.
|
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Tamsin Peart 07881 282732
|
|
March 2026 |
Director of Adult Social Care and Health
|
Allocation of Government Funding for Substance Misuse Services 2026/27 The Council has received government funding for local substance misuse services. This decision will agree how that funding will be allocated so that specialist commissioned services can meet the aims of the Government’s drug strategy, reduce drug and alcohol‑related deaths in East Sussex, and support people affected by substance misuse to achieve positive outcomes.
|
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Caz Kearton-Evans 07879 117579
|
|
Between 20 Mar 2026 and 31 Mar 2026 |
Director of Adult Social Care and Health
|
Modification to contract for the provision of the East Sussex Mental Health Support Service (MHSS) A national five year programme to expand and invest in Individual Placement and Support (IPS). IPS funding is increasing, but other Mental Health Support Service (MHSS) areas’ funding is flat. With no uplift investment, commissioners have negotiated with the provider to adjust delivery within the same financial envelope. This modification is recording adjusted staffing levels (Full Time Equivalent), adjusting delivery arrangements and setting lower performance targets.
|
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Mandi Edwards 07725 478260
|
|
9 Apr 2026 |
Lead Member for Education and Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability
|
Post-16 Transport Policy Statement 2026-2027 Approve the Post-16 Transport Policy Statement for the 2026-27 academic year following the required consultation.
|
KD |
Public consultation between 27/2//26 – 30/3/26 Areas - All Areas Audiences – Any interested parties Interests - Children and young people, Learning disability or difficulty, Support for parents, carers and young people, Public Transport
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Ian Crudge 03003 309472
|
|
April 2026 |
Director of Communities, Economy and Transport
|
Award of the Services Agreement contract for the processing and disposal of dry mixed recyclables The current Services Agreement for the processing and disposal of dry mixed recyclables expires on 28 June 2026. The decision is to award the contract to the successful bidder following a competitive open tender process under the Procurement Regulations 2023 for a 10 year contract (5 plus 3 plus 2). |
P
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Laura Tafa 07919 298462
|
|
April 2026 |
Director of Communities, Economy and Transport
|
Modification of the Integrated Waste Management Services Contract (IWMSC) with Veolia to include tipping point services for the handling of dry mixed recyclables (DMR) The current contractual arrangement for the tipping and handling of DMR at local tipping points in East Sussex expires on 28 June 2026. A deed of variation is being drafted to continue to provide this service through the Integrated Waste Management Services Contract (IWMSC). The decision is to consider modification of the IWMCS with Veolia to include tipping point services for the handling of DMR. |
P
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Laura Tafa 07919 298462
|
|
May 2026 |
Director of Communities, Economy and Transport
|
Hastings Town Centre Public Realm and Green Connections Construction Procurement To award the contract for the construction of Hastings Town Centre Public Realm and Green Connections following a competitive tender process. The tender will be advertised via the Hampshire Gen 5 Framework early 2026. This decision was delegated by the Lead Member for Transport and Environment to the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport at a decision-making meeting on 10 November 2025. |
P
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Ellie McDaniel 01273 335464
|
|
12 Jun 2026 |
Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health
|
Changes to the process for disability-related expenditure within non-residential financial assessments To approve changes to the East Sussex County Council’s disability-related expenditure process, to ensure all adults have an appropriate allowance for disability-related expenditure and allow the Council to reduce risk and comply with legal advice. If agreed, the changes would apply in new assessments from August 2026 and be applied to existing financial assessments as part of the annual review process, planned to begin in summer 2026.
|
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Ben Baker 07923 382464
|
|
22 Jun 2026 |
Lead Member for Transport and Environment
|
East Sussex Local Flood Risk Management Strategy 2026-36: Public Consultation To consider the draft East Sussex Local Flood Risk Management Strategy 2026 – 2036 and authorise public consultation on the draft strategy to commence.
|
|
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Natalie Jamfield 01273 481409
|
|
30 Jun 2026 |
Cabinet
|
A22 Major Road Network Corridor Package - Full business case and construction contract procurement To seek Cabinet approval to delegate to the Director for Communities, Economy and Transport, in discussion with the County’s Section 151 Officer, to submit the full business case to the Department for Transport in relation to the A22 Major Road Network Corridor Package to secure Government funding towards the delivery of the scheme. In addition, Cabinet will consider whether to delegate approval to the Director for Communities, Economy and Transport, to contract the construction of the scheme following Department for Transport approval of the full business case.
|
KD |
|
Report, other documents may also be submitted
|
Jon Wheeler, Rebecca Newby 01273 482212, 01273 336434
|