Decision details

To consider the proposed spend of the Crisis Resilience Fund in East Sussex, including services for adults.

30.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Adult Social Care and Health.

DECISIONS

30.2        The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

1)  Note the background to Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF) and the work that is completed and ongoing to develop our local East Sussex CRF Delivery Plan as set out in the report and the supplement;

2)  Agree to the overall approach and high-level Delivery Plan Framework, noting that detail will be further developed and appropriate approvals sought for specific elements of the scheme;

3)  Delegate authority to the Director of Adult Social Care and Health to determine the use and distribution of the additional CRF top?up allocation of £567,211 announced on 16 March 2026, to enable immediate support for residents in acute need arising from increased heating oil costs; and

4)  Delegate authority to the Director of Adult Social Care and Health in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services to take any actions necessary in relation to the implementation of the Crisis and Resilience Fund Delivery Plan.

REASONS

30.3        The Crisis and Resilience Fund provides a significant opportunity to support residents and households in East Sussex and support a number of objectives of East Sussex County Council and system partners.

30.4        Delegation of authority to the Director of Adult Social Care and Health to determine the use and distribution of the additional CRF top-up allocation of £567,211 announced on 16 March 2026 will allow the Council to act at the pace expected by Government, who state support should be made available “from today” to households in crisis. Officers need to quickly establish application routes to support households at risk.

30.5     There is an expectation that services will be provided as soon as possible from the beginning of the Fund period (1 April 2026). To meet this requirement and to ensure residents and households in East Sussex have access to support as soon as possible, the rapid development and mobilisation of a number of new or enhanced services is required.