Issue - meetings

Report by the Chief Executive.

45.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Executive together with a summary of the consultation meeting held with Trade Unions which was received after publication of the Cabinet agenda.

45.2        It was RESOLVED to:

1.              recommend the County Council to:

i)          Approve in principle the draft Council Plan 2025/26 at Appendix 1 and authorise the Chief Executive to finalise the Plan in consultation with the relevant Lead Members;

ii)         Agree to incorporate Climate Emergency Action Plan activities and key performance measures within the Council Plan;

iii)        Increase Council Tax by 2.99% in 2025/26;

iv)        Increase the Adult Social Care Precept by 2% in 2025/26;

v)         Issue precepts to be paid by borough and district councils in accordance with the agreed schedule of instalments at Appendix 5 (Draft);

vi)        Approve the net Revenue Budget estimate of £579.6m for 2025/26 set out in Appendix 2 (Medium Term Financial Plan) and Appendix 3 (Draft) (Budget Summary) and authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, Leader and Deputy Leader, to make adjustments to the presentation of the Budget Summary to reflect the final settlement and final budget decisions;

vii)       Agree the Reserves Policy set out in Appendix 6;

viii)       Approve the Capital Strategy and Programme at Appendix 8;

ix)        Note progress with the Council Plan and Budget 2024/25 since quarter 2 set out in section 4;

x)         Note the Medium Term Financial Plan forecast for 2025/26 to 2027/28, set out in Appendix 2;

xi)        Note the comments of the Chief Finance Officer on budget risks and robustness, as set out in Appendix 6;

xii)       Note the comments from engagement exercises set out in Appendix 7;

xiii)       Note the schedule of fees and charges that have increased above 4% at Appendix 9; and

2.         Agree to continue lobbying as strongly as possible for sustainable funding to meet the needs of East Sussex residents, using all available avenues.

Reason

45.3     This Council has a firm foundation of sound and prudent financial management over many years, endorsed by external assessments. We have taken difficult decisions when we needed to in order to balance the books and make best use of stretched resources. Our robust RPPR process has enabled us to direct spending towards priorities and core services, in particular protecting services for the most vulnerable in our county.

45.4     However, despite this strong record, the scale of the challenge the Council now faces is substantial. The continuing escalation in costs and demand for statutory services, due to factors beyond local control, has not been matched with sufficient increased funding. Despite the action we have taken locally to address pressures wherever we can, there is a very significant deficit and substantial risk in the coming years. There also remains considerable uncertainty about the future funding regime for local government, as well as wider service and structural reforms, and how any changes will impact on the Council.

45.5     There is continued national reliance on raising funding for core pressures, particularly growing demand  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45