Agenda and minutes

16.1     The Lead Member approved as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 8 July 2025.

Disclosure by all Members present of personal interests in matters on the agenda, the nature of any interest and whether the Members regard the interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct

17.1     There were none.

Notification of any items which the Lead Member considers urgent and proposes to take at the appropriate part of the agenda.

18.1     There were none.

19.1     Reports referred to in the minutes below are contained in the minute book.

Report by the Chief Finance Officer

20.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Finance Officer.

DECISIONS

20.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

(1) Approve the proposed consultation response; and

(2) Delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer to make any further minor amendments and to submit the final response by 15 August 2025.

REASONS

20.3     The Council has considered the government’s proposed funding reforms, which are likely to mean a loss of settlement funding for 2026/27. While aspects of the reforms are welcome, East Sussex County Council has concerns with some of the proposals and how this will impact the Council’s financial position over the settlement period.

20.4     East Sussex County Council hopes that the response, together with those of other authorities within the Council’s networks, will be reflected in the government’s policy statement and final settlement due before the end of 2025.

20.5     The proposed response set out at Appendix 1 of the report is in draft format. Further work continues in consultation with other local authorities and network bodies.

Report by the Chief Operating Officer

21.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.

DECISIONS

21.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

1) Declare the Phoenix Centre, Lewes (the Property) to be surplus to the Council’s requirements; and

2) Agree that the Property be let in accordance with s123 of the Local Government Act 1972.

REASONS

21.3     The Council has no ongoing operational use for the Property. The Property is surplus to the Council’s requirements and the letting of it will reduce revenue liabilities relating to the management and holding costs of this surplus asset, as well as providing the Council with an income stream.