Use the search options below to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by the Council’s Cabinet and Lead Members, and delegated decisions taken by officers.
Upcoming decisions of the Cabinet and Lead Members can be viewed in the Council’s Forward Plan, which is updated every month.
Decisions involving the procurement of goods or services can also be viewed on the Local Government Transparency Code For Contracts and Purchase Orders Over £5k webpage.
The Officer Decision has been made to approve
the preferred purchaser and sale terms. This is as required by the
Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change decision of 11 October
2022 which declared the property surplus and delegated the decision
to Chief Operating Officer.
Decision Maker: Chief Operating Officer
Decision published: 01/02/2023
Effective from: 08/02/2023
Decision:
Following the marketing of the 1 Southview
Close and the access road which closed on 6 December 2022, East
Sussex County Council will be selling the property to the preferred
purchaser subject to the legal process now to be carried
out.
Lead officer: Ros Parker
To provide contracted bus services on routes
254, 304 and 305 in place of withdrawn Stagecoach
services.
Decision Maker: Director of Communities, Economy and Transport
Decision published: 30/01/2023
Effective from: 07/02/2023
Decision:
Stagecoach withdrew a number of bus services
at the end of October 2022. These were operated on a commercial
basis up to that point. These are key routes which support an
important public transport need. To maintain the service East
Sussex County Council (ESCC) have urgently adopted them as
contracted services paid for by ESCC.
Without the Council's intervention large parts of East Sussex would
have no access to a bus service.
Lead officer: Rupert Clubb
To allow SGN to carry out works, East Sussex
County Council have made an Order under Sections 14(1) and 15(1)(b)
of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, which will
temporarily close the following length of road;
Decision Maker: Director of Communities, Economy and Transport
Decision published: 27/01/2023
Effective from: 03/02/2023
Decision:
Temporary Road Closure
Green Street - from its junction with U2092 Chamberlain Road to its
junction with U2091 Birling Street
A safe route will be provided for pedestrians and vehicular access
for residents and to properties maintained whenever possible with
an alternative route for through traffic via U2090 Green Street -
C695 Victoria Drive – A259 Church Street.
The Order commences 6 February 2023 and lasts for a period of 18
months, or until works are completed, whichever is earlier.
However, it is anticipated works will be undertaken between 6
February & 31 March 2023 depending upon the weather
conditions.
If you require further information telephone Network Management on
0345 60 80 193.
Lead officer: Rupert Clubb
New Lease for St Marks House, Eastbourne
Decision Maker: Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
Made at meeting: 24/01/2023 - Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
Decision published: 24/01/2023
Effective from: 31/01/2023
Decision:
68.1 The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.
DECISIONS
68.2 The Lead Member RESOLVED to:
1) approve the proposed ‘agreement for a lease’ and new lease terms of St Mark’s House, Eastbourne; and
2) delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer to approve the final lease negotiations; the signing and completion by the Council of the lease to the Property; any agreement for lease and related documentation; to take any other actions considered appropriate to give effect to the above to secure best value in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999.
REASONS
68.3 To allow for continuation of corporate use of St Mark’s House for the Children's Services Department and their partnerships.
Divisions affected: Eastbourne - Upperton;
Lead officer: Zoe Tweed
To consider the final report of the People Scrutiny Committee review of the use of digital and technology in ASCH.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 24/01/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 24/01/2023
Effective from: 31/01/2023
Decision:
39.1 The Cabinet
considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive and a report
by the Director of Adult Social Care and Health with observations
on the Scrutiny Committee’s report.
39.2 It was RESOLVED
to:
1) note and welcome the report of the Scrutiny Committee;
2)
recommend the County Council to welcome the report of the scrutiny
Committee and to agree the response of the Director of Adult Social
Care to the recommendations and their implementation as set out in
the action plan attached as Appendix 1 to the Director’s
report.
Reason
39.3 The Scrutiny
review has been welcomed as it provided an opportunity to review
the use of digital and technology in Adult Social Care and
Health.
Lead officer: Beth McGhee
Requirement to report annually to Cabinet in line with the current practice where the County Council is a Corporate Trustee.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 24/01/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 24/01/2023
Effective from: 31/01/2023
Decision:
40.1 The Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.
40.2 It was RESOLVED to:
1) note the final note the final accounts for 2021/22 for the Lewes Public Library and Museum Charitable Trust; and
2) note that there are no issues that require any further action by the County Council as the Corporate Trustee.
Reason
40.3 The report fulfils the requirement for the annual accounts for the Lewes Public Library and Museum Charitable Trust to be submitted to the Cabinet.
Divisions affected: Lewes;
Lead officer: Samantha McManus
To ask Cabinet to (i) approve the draft Council Plan, Council Tax levels, Revenue Budget, Capital Programme for 2023/24 for recommendation to the County Council (including Savings Proposals, Equality Impact Assessment, Engagement and Scrutiny feedback) and (ii) agree to the investment in and implementation of the Family Safeguarding model.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 24/01/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 24/01/2023
Effective from: 31/01/2023
Decision:
36.1 The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Executive together with a summary of the consultation meeting held with Trade Unions which was received after publication of the Cabinet agenda.
36.2 It was RESOLVED to recommend the County Council to:
1) Approve in principle the draft Council Plan 2023/24 at Appendix 1 and authorise the Chief Executive to finalise the Plan in consultation with the relevant Lead Members;
2) Increase Council Tax by 2.99% in 2023/24;
3) Increase the Adult Social Care Precept by 2% in 2023/24;
4) Issue precepts to be paid by Borough and District Councils in accordance with the agreed schedule of instalments at Appendix 5 (Draft);
5) Approve the net Revenue Budget estimate of £501.4m for 2023/24 set out in Appendix 2 (Medium Term Financial Plan) and Appendix 3 (Draft) (Budget Summary) and authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, Leader and Deputy Leader, to make adjustments to the presentation of the Budget Summary to reflect the final settlement and final budget decisions;
6) Agree the Reserves Policy set out in Appendix 6;
7) Approve the Capital Strategy and Programme at Appendix 8;
8) Note progress with the Council Plan and Budget 2022/23 since quarter 2 set out in section 4;
9) Note the Medium Term Financial Plan forecast for 2023/24 to 2025/26, set out in Appendix 2;
10) Note the comments of the Chief Finance Officer on budget risks and robustness, as set out in Appendix 6;
11) Note the comments from engagement exercises set out in Appendix 7; and
12) Note the schedule of fees and charges that have increased above 4% at Appendix 9.
Reason
36.3 Based on a
firm foundation of sound financial management over many years, and
with additional Government funding for the coming year, the Council
can again offer service stability for our residents. Whilst the
additional national funding is welcome, it is short term, with
uncertainty about the level and distribution of funding in future
years. Coupled with major reforms to key services, the implications
of which remain unclear, this creates significant risk and
uncertainty for the future and we must continue to do all we can
now to prepare for the demands ahead.
36.4 There is continued reliance on raising funding for core pressures, particularly growing demand in adult social care, through local Council Tax which is unrelated to social care need and unsustainable.In this context we must again ask local people to contribute more to protect services for the most vulnerable for the future.This recommendation is not made lightly, given the current pressures on household budgets, but it is essential if we are to protect services for the years to come.Support will continue to be available through local Council Tax Support Schemes for those residents eligible and we will continue to work with partners to signpost residents to sources of support with the cost of living, including access to benefits they may be entitled to.
36.5
The budget presented is for one year, with significant uncertainty
remaining about the outlook beyond this. Looking further ahead, we
still face a significant gap between the funding we currently
expect to have and the cost of providing our services as well as
the undefined impacts of reforms. The proposals set out in the
report put us in the best position we can to manage this situation
and maintain our support to residents, particularly the most
vulnerable children and adults, as well as making provision for
investment to help manage future demand in Children’s
Services and achieve the best possible outcomes for
families.
36.6 In this context, we will need to continue to work with our local, regional and national partners to highlight the specific needs of East Sussex and to press for fair and sustainable allocation of funding that enables us to continue to meet the needs of our residents. Core to this is a requirement for Government to ensure sustainable, needs-based funding for growth in demand. Until this is delivered our medium term financial position will remain very challenging. Lobbying to ensure that our residents and businesses have what they need to be successful in the future will be fundamental to achieving a strong recovery from current economic challenges and reducing the need for County Council support and services in future.
Lead officer: Claire Lee
To consider an updated Corporate Emergency
Plan
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 24/01/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 24/01/2023
Effective from: 31/01/2023
Decision:
38.1 The Cabinet considered a report
by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport and the Chief
Operating Officer.
38.2 It was RESOLVED
to:
1) agree the final draft of the corporate Climate Emergency Plan as set out in appendix 1; and
2) agree the draft summary version of the Climate
Emergency Plan as set out in appendix 2.
Reason
38.3 In October 2019 the County Council set a target of achieving carbon neutrality from its activities as soon as possible and in any event by 2050. In June 2020 Cabinet approved a corporate climate emergency action plan for 2020-22. In 2021-22 Cabinet agreed an additional £9.9m to address corporate climate change up to March 2025. The report covers an updated corporate Climate Emergency Plan covering 2023-25. The final draft of the Climate Emergency Plan is set out in Appendix 1 of the report and a summary version is set out in Appendix 2 of the report.
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Lead officer: Andy Arnold
To consider the Treasury Management Strategy
for 2023/24. This includes setting the Prudential Indicators as set
out in the Prudential Code and approving the Minimum Revenue
Provision Policy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for
2022/23
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 24/01/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 24/01/2023
Effective from: 31/01/2023
Decision:
37.1 The Cabinet
considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.
37.2 It was RESOLVED to recommend the County Council to:
1) approve the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy Statement for 2023/24;
2) approve the Annual Investment Strategy for 2023/24;
3) approve the Prudential and Treasury Indicators 2023/24 to 2025/26;
4) approve the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement 2023/24 at Appendix A (Section 3).
Reason
37.3 This policy sets out the acceptable limits on ratings,
investment periods, amounts to be invested and the borrowing
strategy. The financial position is kept under constant review and
if at any time it is felt that any of these limits represent an
unacceptable risk appropriate and immediate action will be taken
accordingly.
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Lead officer: Ian Gutsell
To allow East Sussex Highways to carry out
works, East Sussex County Council have made an Order under Sections
14(1) and 15(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as
amended, which will temporarily close the following lengths of
road;
Decision Maker: Director of Communities, Economy and Transport
Decision published: 20/01/2023
Effective from: 27/01/2023
Decision:
Temporary Road Closures - between 19:00hrs and
06:00hrs
Albert Road - from the junction with A259 Denmark Place to the
junction with A2101 Queens Road.
Restriction is anticipated to be in place for one night between 10
& 16 February 2023.
Diversion via A259 Denmark Place / Fountain roundabout / Breeds
Place / Pelham Place / Marine Parade / East Parade / East Beach
Street / The Bourne / Old London Road / C551 Priory Road –
C457 Mount Pleasant Road - C215 Elphinstone Road - A2101 Queens
Road and vice versa.
Brede Hill / Brede Road - from the junction with U6962 Doleham Lane
to the junction with U6021 Stubb Lane.
Restriction is anticipated to be in place for one night between 7
& 13 February 2023.
Diversion via A28 Main Road / Church Lane / Westfield Lane - A21(T)
Ebdens Hill / Kent Street / Whydown Hill - B2244 Tollgate Road /
The Street / Sandrock Hill / Hawkhurst Road / Compasses –
B2165 Cripps Corner Road - B2089 Catts Green / Whorne Woods / Tank
Hill / Chitcombe Road - A28 Cackle Street and vice versa.
Landgate / Tower Street - from the junction with A268 Rye Hill to
the junction with U6433 Rope Walk.
Restriction is anticipated to be in place for one night between 6
& 28 February 2023.
Diversion via A268 Cinque Ports Street - Wish Street - A259(T)
Strand Quay - A268 Fishmarket Road.
Military Road - from the junction with A268 Rye Hill to the
junction with U6435 North Salts.
Restriction is anticipated to be in place for one night between 6
& 10 February 2023.
Diversion via A268 Rye Hill / Fishmarket Road - A259(T) New Road /
Guldeford Road / Folkstone Road / Guldeford Lane / Rye Road /
Brookland bypass / Straight Lane - B2080 Rhee Wall / Rhee Wall Road
/ Station Road - C267 Military Road - C296 Military Road and vice
versa.
Powdermill Lane - from the junction with A2100 Lower Lake to the
junction with U6953 Telham Lane.
Restriction is anticipated to be in place for five nights between
13 & 21 March 2023.
Diversion via A2100 Lower Lake / Upper Lake / High Street - A271
North Trade Road / Beechdown Wood - B2204 Tellis Coppice / Horns
Corner and vice versa
A safe route will be provided for pedestrians and vehicular access
for residents and to properties maintained whenever possible.
The Order commences 31 January 2023 and lasts for a period of 18
months, or until works are completed, whichever is earlier.
However, it is anticipated works will be undertaken as detailed
above depending upon the weather conditions.
If you require further information telephone Network Management on
0345 60 80 193.
Lead officer: Rupert Clubb