19.1 The Cabinet
considered a report from the Chief Executive.
19.2 It was RESOLVED
to:
1)
Note the updated planning position and the actions being taken to
support the Council’s financial position as set out in the
report;
2)
Agree that the Council consults where required on the savings
proposals set out in the report and at appendix 1 of the
report;
3)
Agree that Chief Officers continue to identify further potential
savings as set out in section 5 of the report;
4)
Agree to continue lobbying vigorously through all available avenues
for sustainable funding to meet the needs of the residents of East
Sussex.
Reasons
19.3 The
Council’s current and forecast financial position requires
urgent action. The report outlines measures already being taken and
the exceptional steps required to bring forward savings proposals
ahead of the new financial year, in order to support the
Council’s legal duty to set a balanced budget.
19.4 We recognise the
significant impact the proposals identified for consultation will
have on local people, our staff and partners and on our ability to
manage and respond to future need for services. These are not
proposals we would want to make if there were other choices
available to us and they are not made lightly.
19.5 Work will
continue to develop and progress further savings. Another report
will be brought to Cabinet in November with more detail on this
work, as well as an overview of the latest national policy and
financial context, our latest assessment of the Council’s
medium term financial plan position and an update on the capital
programme.
19.6 Members’ involvement will continue throughout the process through Cabinet, County Council, Scrutiny Committees, and specific engagement sessions.