43.1 The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Executive.
43.2 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 further savings proposals set out in Appendix 2 of the report;
4) note the reserves summary set out in paragraph 3 of the report;
5) note ongoing engagement with MHCLG in relation to Exceptional Financial Support as set out in paragraph 4 of the report; and
6) agree to undertake further lobbying of Government for sustainable funding to meet the needs of the residents of East Sussex.
Reasons
43.3 The report reinforces the substantial challenges the Council faces, including a projected funding gap which means we must seek further savings and service reductions, as well as preparing to request Exceptional Financial Support from Government in order to be in a position to set a balanced budget for the year ahead.
43.4 The Council will not have certainty on the financial position until we receive detailed funding allocations and can factor these into our planning, alongside other emerging developments which will impact on the environment we will be operating within during the coming year and beyond.
43.5 Our updated analysis will feed into final proposals for the 2026/27 budget and Council Plan to Cabinet in January for consideration, and Council in February for decision.
43.6 Members will continue to be involved in developing plans through Cabinet, County Council, Scrutiny Committees, and specific engagement sessions throughout the 2025/26 RPPR process.