27.1
The Cabinet considered a report by the
Chief Executive.
27.2 It was RESOLVED to:
1)
note the updated policy context as set
out in paragraph 2 of the report;
2)
note the updated Medium Term Financial
Plan as set out in paragraph 3 and appendix 1 of the
report;
3)
note the reserves summary set out in
paragraph 3 of the report;
4)
note the savings proposals set out in
paragraph 4 and appendix 2 of the report;
5)
note the capital programme update as set
out in paragraph 5 and appendix 3 of the report;
6)
note recent lobbying activity and agree
to continue pressing Government for sustainable funding to meet the
needs of the residents of East Sussex, particularly in light of the immediate review of funding in light
of local deprivation and need; and
7)
note our ongoing commitment to work with
partners to make best use of the resources we have and to identify
ways to mitigate the impact of savings proposals wherever
possible.
Reasons
27.3 The Council’s financial position continues to be highly challenging, despite indications of some additional national support. This report outlines the substantial financial gap we continue to face which means we must propose further reductions to our services and the support we provide to local people.
27.4 Much is still to be determined around specific funding allocations for the coming year, and the funding outlook for 2026/27 onwards, the impact of new and ongoing national reforms, and the medium to longer term impact of the increases in demand and cost our services continue to experience.
27.5
Work will continue into the winter to
understand the detailed funding picture as it emerges, the
implications of national policy developments, and to refine our
understanding of the county’s needs. This analysis will feed
into our ongoing business and financial planning, ahead of final
proposals for the 2025/26 budget and Council Plan being brought to
Cabinet in January for consideration, and Council in February for
decision.
27.6
We will also progress the savings proposals set out to Cabinet
through our consultation, governance and decision making processes, to ensure that Members
have the information necessary to take budget decisions in the new
year.
27.7 Members will continue to be involved in developing plans through Cabinet, County Council, Scrutiny Committees, and specific engagement sessions throughout the 2024/25 RPPR process.