Decision details

Cabinet will consider the Conservators of Ashdown Forest Quarter 2 budget position for 2025/26, and the Conservators’ medium term financial plan. Cabinet will also consider the 2026/27 Core Budget.

56.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.

56.2     It was RESOLVED to:

1) Note the Quarter 2 budget position for the Conservators’ 2025/26 Core Budget.

2) Note the Conservators of Ashdown Forest medium term financial plan.

3) Approve the 2026/27 Core Budget.

Reasons

56.3     The report sets out the financial position of the Conservators of the Ashdown Forest (COAF) for 2025/26, against the approved budget agreed by the Board of Conservators at their meeting on 17 November 2024 and presented to Cabinet in January 2025.

56.4     The current 2025/26 Core budget projections indicate that no additional contribution from East Sussex County Council will be required.

56.5     The current Countryside Stewardship (CS) budget is forecast to overspend by £88,589 this year. This is more than the budgeted overspend of £24,726. The forecast assumes a CS funding gap from January to March 2026. However Natural England have just announced an extension of the funding which should reduce the forecast 2025/26 overspend.