The Cabinet paid tribute to former Borough Councillor Barry Taylor, following the news of his death.

Barry was first elected to Eastbourne Borough Council on 12 August 1993, serving for 30 years until his decision not to stand for re-election in May 2023. He was also the East Sussex County Councillor representing the Meads Ward.

The Cabinet held a minute’s silence in memory and sent their condolences to Barry’s wife Christine and other members of his family and friends at this sad time.

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2023 were submitted and approved and the Chair was authorised to sign them as a correct record.

None were reported.

None were declared.

Report of Chief Executive

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Stephen Holt

(Non-key decision):

To note the Local Government Association report and the council’s response to its recommendations.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive, detailing the report provided by the Local Government Association (LGA) and the council’s response to the recommendations.

The LGA Corporate Peer Challenge took place in September 2022. Thanks were expressed to the LGA and all who engaged in the process.

An executive summary of the Corporate Peer Challenge was detailed at section 2.3 of the report. The Cabinet described the report by the LGA into the council’s performance as an incredible achievement and expressed thanks to all those involved in achieving the positive report. Further monitoring of the recommendations from the LGA and other external bodies would be considered by the cross-party Recovery and Stabilisation Member Board.

Visiting members, Councillors Goodyear and Shore, addressed the Cabinet on this item.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

To note the Local Government Association report and the council’s response to its recommendations.

Reason for decision:

The LGA report is intended to provide the council with suggestions and advice that may help support future improvement.

Report of Director of Service Delivery

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Robin Maxted

(Key decision):

That Cabinet, with the objective of implementing a revised Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2024/25:

(1) Authorise the Chief Finance Officer to enter into consultation with the major precepting authorities

(2) Authorise the Director of Service Delivery to produce a draft scheme that calculates a Council Tax Reduction of 100% of a person’s council tax liability, removes the Minimum-Income Floor for the self-employed and removes the £5.00 minimum award

(3) On completion of the consultation and drafting authorised under (1) and (2) above, authorise the Director of Service Delivery to consult with other interested parties.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Service Delivery, seeking their approval to commence the statutory consultation process that the Council would need to follow to make changes to the current Local Council Tax Reduction scheme.

Visiting member, Councillor Shore, addressed the Cabinet on this item.

Following comments raised, the Cabinet reiterated the importance of the equality, diversity, and inclusion aspect of the public consultation, particularly in relation to those hard-to-reach individuals, including the digitally excluded.

Resolved (Key decision):

That Cabinet, with the objective of implementing a revised Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2024/25:

(1) Authorise the Chief Finance Officer to enter into consultation with the major precepting authorities

(2) Authorise the Director of Service Delivery to produce a draft scheme that calculates a Council Tax Reduction of 100% of a person’s council tax liability, removes the Minimum-Income Floor for the self-employed and removes the £5.00 minimum award

(3) On completion of the consultation and drafting authorised under (1) and (2) above, authorise the Director of Service Delivery to consult with other interested parties.

Reason for decisions:

Any billing authority wishing to revise its Council Tax Reduction scheme for the working-age must follow the statutory process as set out in the report.