Agenda and draft minutes

66.1     The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 25 February 2025 were agreed as a correct record.

Disclosures by all members present of personal interests in matters on the agenda, the nature of any interest and whether the member regards the interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct.

67.1     Councillor Glazier declared a personal interest in item 7 as the chair of Transport for the South East. He did not consider this to be prejudicial.

68.1     Copies of the reports referred to below are included in the minute book.

Report by the Chief Executive

69.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Executive.

69.2     It was RESOLVED to note the latest monitoring position for the Council.

Reason

69.3     The report sets out the Council’s position and year-end projections for the Council Plan targets, Revenue Budget, Capital Programme, and Savings Plan, together with Risks at the end of December 2024.

Report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport

70.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport together with a verbal update from the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport who recommended that Cabinet defer the decision regarding Exceat Bridge so that new potential opportunities can be explored.

70.2     It was RESOLVED to:

1) Defer consideration of this item in light of the developments; and

2) Ask officers to look into the issues and potential solution that has been raised and bring a report back to Cabinet.

Reason

70.3     Since the publication of the report, one of the principal bus operators in East Sussex has indicated that Exceat Bridge is a higher priority for them than some of the proposals within the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). It is therefore possible to explore the opportunity to use some BSIP funding for the original Exceat Bridge replacement scheme, subject to further discussions and agreement from the Department for Transport.

Report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport

71.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

71.2     It was RESOLVED to approve the County Council’s draft response on Transport for the South East’s formal consultation on their draft Transport Strategy 2025 as summarised in paragraphs 2.9 to 2.13 of the report and outlined in more detail at Appendix 3 of the report.

Reason

71.3     The delivery of the Transport for the South East’s refreshed transport strategy provides an opportunity to support and grow the economy, boost connectivity and speed up journeys whilst improving access to opportunities for all and protecting and enhancing our region’s unique environment. As it is finalised, it will also need to be cognisant of the fast-moving picture arising from the devolution and local government reorganisation proposals for East Sussex, the proposed combined Mayoral Authority for Sussex as well as other parts of its geography.

71.4     Transport for the South East has set out their overall approach to achieving their vision in their draft Transport Strategy which is out for consultation. Overall, the County Council is supportive of Transport for the South East’s draft revised strategy. The Transport Strategy if adopted by Transport for the South East and its constituent authorities, will support the delivery of the East Sussex Local Transport Plan 4 2024 – 2050 and have a significant benefit on people living and working across the County.

72.1     It was agreed that item 5 should be reported to the County Council.

[Note: The items being reported to the County Council refer to minute number 69]