Agenda and minutes

7.1 The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 25 June 2019 were agreed as a correct record.

8.1       An apology for absence was received on behalf of Councillor Claire Dowling.

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

Report by Chief Executive

10.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Executive.

10.2     It was RESOLVED to:

1)            note the evidence base on demographics (appendix 1 of the report) and the National and Local Policy and Resources outlook (appendix 2);

2)         review the priority outcomes and Core Offer which form the basis of the Council’s business and financial planning set out in paragraph 4 of the report and appendix 3;

3)         agree the revised Medium Term Financial Plan as the basis for financial planning (appendix 4);

4)         continue the work on lobbying and communications based on the Core Offer and the need for sustainable funding for the county;

5)         agree to receive reports on more detailed plans for the next three years in the autumn when there is greater certainty about funding; and

6)         agree the updated Capital Programme set out in appendix 5.

Reason

10.3     The State of the County report is part of the Council’s Reconciling Policy, Performance and Resources (RPPR) process, its integrated business and financial planning cycle. The report sets out the context and provides an overview of the latest position in preparation for more detailed planning for 2020/21 and beyond. It builds on our recent year-end monitoring report to reflect on our achievements over the last year, the challenges in the year ahead arising from both local and national factors and in the light of all of this begins to refine our plans for the next three years to guide our business planning and budget setting processes.

Report by Director of Communities, Economy and Transport

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

11.2     It was RESOLVED to – agree the County Council’s response on the Transport for the South East’s formal consultation on their draft proposal to Government as set out in paragraphs 2.7 to 2.13 of the report.

Reason

11.3     the establishment of Transportfor the south east (TfSE) provides an opportunity to support and grow the economy through the delivery of their transport strategy – a programme of integrated transport projects and programmes to unlock growth, boost connectivity and speed up journeys whilst improving access to opportunities for all and protecting and enhancing our region’s unique environment.

11.4     Through the proposed range of powers and responsibilities being sought, TfSE will enable the council to more directly influence how and where money is invested by strategic transport providers, and help drive improvements for the travelling public and for businesses in the county, so helping to secure delivery of longstanding transport infrastructure ambitions.  In doing so, TfSE will provide a more co-ordinated strategic role that speaks with one voice for the region to government.

11.5     TfSE has set out their draft proposal to government for how they would achieve their ambition which is currently out to consultation.  Overall the county council is supportive of the draft proposal, and has a number of detailed comments as set out in sections 2.7 to 2.13 of the report which would form the basis of the county council’s formal response. 

Report by the Chief Operating Officer

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

12.2     It was RESOLVED to – note the internal audit service’s opinion on the Council’s control environment.

Reason

12.3     The report gives an opinion on the adequacy of East Sussex County Council’s control environment as a contribution to the proper, economic, efficient and effective use of resources. Reasonable assurance can be provided that East Sussex County Council had in place an adequate and effective framework of governance, risk management and internal control for the period 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019.

13.1     The Cabinet agreed that agenda item 5 should be reported to the County Council.

[Note: The item being reported to the County Council refers to minute number 10]