Agenda, decisions and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2025 were submitted and approved and the Chair was authorised to sign them as a correct record.

None were reported.

Councillor Holt declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in agenda item 11 (Eastbourne & Lewes Community Safety Partnership – Annual Report (Eastbourne), as his employer worked closely with the CSP.

Councillor Holt declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in agenda item 12 (Homes First – Performance & Outlook), as his sister-in-law currently worked for a contractor undertaking work for the Council in tackling homelessness.

Report of Chief Executive

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Stephen Holt

(Key decision):

(1) To agree the Interim Plan, set out at Appendix 2 to the report.

(2) To approve the continued development of proposals for the establishment of a single tier authority for the East Sussex area, subject to public and stakeholder engagement, and

(3) To agree that the Chief Executive, in conjunction with the Leader, provide a formal response to the consultation on Sussex and Brighton Devolution currently being undertaken by central government.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive, seeking its approval of an Interim Plan, in conjunction with other East Sussex district and borough councils, and East Sussex County Council (ESCC), for submission to

Central Government regarding proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in East Sussex and to seek its agreement to continue to progress, working with other relevant authorities, to develop a full proposal for a single tier authority for submission to Central Government by 26 September 2025.

Serena Stallard, member of the public, addressed the Cabinet on the item on the risks of devolution, the role of elected mayors, range of powers, decisions taken on sustainability, and its subsequent impact on local communities.

Visiting member, Councillor Smart, addressed the Cabinet on the item. He outlined the two proposals for devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) and highlighted the advantages and disadvantages to both. He referenced the published Assurance Review report, undertaken by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and financial position of the Borough Council. He concluded by supporting the Interim Plan, set out at Appendix 2 and sought cross-party partnership working and public engagement in the 6-month period prior to submission of full detailed proposals to central government, in addition to exploration of a town council in Eastbourne.

In response, Councillor Holt confirmed that work was underway on forming a cross-party working group for LGR. He also highlighted the importance of public and stakeholder engagement prior to submission of detailed proposals, in recognising the scale of the change, particularly in identifying the correct custodian of specific assets and viability of a town council. He added that the council’s submission was based on the current criteria set out by central government on LGR.

Thanks were expressed to fellow county, district and borough leaders and officers in East Sussex for their partnership working in formulating the plan.

The Head of Democratic Services (and Monitoring Officer) addressed the Cabinet on the separate process that would explore the option of a town council in Eastbourne, through a Community Governance Review.

Resolved (Key decision):

(1) To agree the Interim Plan, set out at Appendix 2 to the report.

(2) To approve the continued development of proposals for the establishment of a single tier authority for the East Sussex area, subject to public and stakeholder engagement, and

(3) To agree that the Chief Executive, in conjunction with the Leader, provide a formal response to the consultation on Sussex and Brighton Devolution currently being undertaken by central government.

Reason for decisions:

The plan appended to the report is also being considered by the county council and other district and borough councils in East Sussex, and if approved by all authorities will be submitted to central government to enable continuation of plans towards the, with a view to development of a unitary authority for East Sussex.

Report of Chief Executive

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Stephen Holt

(Key decision):

(1) To note the progress of the Strategic Finance Programme, in addressing the council’s financial challenges.

(2) To note the progress made in addressing the matters identified through the Assurance Review

(3) To approve the grant of a lease (as set out in section 3.3 of the report) to Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) of the Sovereign Centre together with any associated documentation and to agree delegated authority for the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure, Accessibility and Community Safety, to conclude arrangements with GLL, including authorising the signature of all documentation.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive, reporting an update on the Strategic Finance Programme and the results of the Assurance Review undertaken by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) in the summer of 2024.

Since publication of the report, the Chief Executive reported that the formal Assurance Review from CIPFA had been published and that a report would be considered at the next Cabinet meeting to report on progress against its recommendations through an action plan.

The Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 17 March 2024, considered the report and made the following resolution for Cabinet’s consideration:

·        The Scrutiny Committee supports the Councill’s negotiations with GLL for management of the Sovereign Leisure Centre but would like to reiterate its desire that pool opening opportunities are maximised wherever possible.

Cabinet thanked Scrutiny Committee for its contribution and agreed with its sentiments.

Resolved (Key decision):

(1) To note the progress of the Strategic Finance Programme, in addressing the council’s financial challenges.

(2) To note the progress made in addressing the matters identified through the Assurance Review

(3) To approve the grant of a lease (as set out in section 3.3 of the report) to Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) of the Sovereign Centre together with any associated documentation and to agree delegated authority for the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure, Accessibility and Community Safety, to conclude arrangements with GLL, including authorising the signature of all documentation.

Reason for decisions:

For Cabinet to be advised of the progress and recent achievements of the Strategic Finance Programme.

Report of Director of Finance and Performance

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Stephen Holt

(Non-key decision):

To note progress and performance for Quarter 3 2024/25.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Finance and Performance, considering the council’s progress and performance in respect of service areas for the third quarter of the year (October – December 2024), as shown at Appendix 1 to the report.

Cabinet members commented in further detail on key performance indicators under their portfolio, including council tax/business rate collection, call handling times, time to process benefits claims, work on void properties and rent arrears.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

To note progress and performance for Quarter 3 2024/25.

Reason for decision:

To enable Cabinet members to consider specific aspects of the Council’s progress and performance.

Report of Director of Finance and Performance

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Daniel Butcher

(Key decision):

(1) To note the revised forecast outturn position for 2024/25 and associated risks.

(2) To delegate authority to the Director of Finance and Performance and the portfolio holder for finance to apply the required budget virements to support effective management of the overall budget.

(3) To note the 2024/25 Capital Programme and forecasts

(4) To note Appendix 1 and 2 to the report.

The Cabinet considered the Director of Finance and Performance, reporting on the expected annual performance against the budget for 2024/25 at the midpoint of the year, incorporating key financial risks, issues and opportunities for the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and setting the basis for preparing a balanced General Fund budget for 2025/26.

Thanks were expressed to officers for their work as part of the Strategic Finance Programme in reducing spend.

Since the last meeting, Councillor Butcher updated the Cabinet that himself and Councillor Small had met with Eastbourne Foodbank to discuss what further support the Council could provide to the most vulnerable.

 Resolved (Key decision):

(1) To note the revised forecast outturn position for 2024/25 and associated risks.

(2) To delegate authority to the Director of Finance and Performance and the portfolio holder for finance to apply the required budget virements to support effective management of the overall budget.

(3) To note the 2024/25 Capital Programme and forecasts

(4) To note Appendix 1 and 2 to the report.

Reason for decisions:

To enable Cabinet members to consider the Council’s financial performance for 2024/25.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Margaret Bannister

(Non-key decision):

To note the achievements and activities of the E&L CSP in 2024/25.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, enabling Cabinet to consider the 2024/25 performance of the Eastbourne and Lewes Community Safety Partnership (E&L CSP).

The importance of reporting shoplifting was highlighted, so additional resources could be provided by Sussex Police and partners. The Lead for Housing, Homelessness & Community Safety also commented on the increased reporting of sexual offences and reported that the increased figures was largely administrative but that it would be closely monitored.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

To note the achievements and activities of the E&L CSP in 2024/25.

Reason for decision:

For Cabinet to consider progress on delivery of the current Community Safety Plan.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Peter Diplock

(Non-key decision):

To note the summary of performance, operating challenges, and the key activities that Homes First is taking to address these.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, providing it with a summary of Homes First’s current performance.

The Lead for Housing, Homelessness & Community Safety clarified a small amendment to section 4.3 of the report and advised that it was a stated ambition from Government that all social housing must hold an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C or above by 2030, rather than a mandatory requirement.

The continued pressures of homelessness was highlighted, with reference made to a proposed cut at East Sussex County Council in relation to their floating support service that had assisted with homelessness prevention work.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

To note the summary of performance, operating challenges, and the key activities that Homes First is taking to address these.

Reason for decision:

To provide information about the current operating performance and challenges.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet members: Councillors Stephen Holt and Jenny Williams

(Key decision):

(1) To note the key findings from the public consultation undertaken in summer 2024, which provides public opinion on the future of Eastbourne seafront.

(2) Agreement to undertake further engagement exercises on options through stakeholder workshops

(3) To support an application to the National Lottery Heritage fund to enable pipeline planning for assets and development to deliver local community heritage across Eastbourne.

(4) To support the establishment of a new Seafront Stakeholder Group comprising key partners to support the implementation of the evolving strategy.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, that outlined the findings of the summer consultation on the Eastbourne Seafront Strategy 2050 and provided progress updates on the next stages of consultation and delivery.

Resolved (Key decision):

(1) To note the key findings from the public consultation undertaken in summer 2024, which provides public opinion on the future of Eastbourne seafront.

(2) Agreement to undertake further engagement exercises on options through stakeholder workshops

(3) To support an application to the National Lottery Heritage fund to enable pipeline planning for assets and development to deliver local community heritage across Eastbourne.

(4) To support the establishment of a new Seafront Stakeholder Group comprising key partners to support the implementation of the evolving strategy.

Reason for decisions:

To provide key progress updates and secure the necessary approvals required to take forward the next steps for consultation and delivery.

Report of Chief Executive

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Colin Swansborough

(Key decision):

To agree the release of funds from the NCIL pot, as recommended by the CIL Advisory Board.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive, seeking approval to release Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funds, as recommended by the CIL Advisory Board, to help deliver infrastructure projects in the Borough.

The Chair added that officers had been instructed to explore whether the larger strategic pot could be allocated towards improvement works on the seafront and/or leisure facilities.

Resolved (Key decision):

To agree the release of funds from the NCIL pot, as recommended by the CIL Advisory Board.

Reason for decision:

To help deliver the right level of infrastructure to support the delivery of Community Infrastructure.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Colin Swansborough

(Key decision):

(1) To approve the procurement of an external contractor to deliver Eastbourne Borough Council’s Grounds Maintenance provision via a joint procurement exercise with Lewes District Council.

(2) Give delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Leader and portfolio holder to develop and progress operational and procurement plans to ensure new service arrangements are in place for April 2026, including all contractual and ancillary arrangements.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, considering and determining the future operation and management of the council’s ground maintenance arrangements.

Resolved (Key decision):

(1) To approve the procurement of an external contractor to deliver Eastbourne Borough Council’s Grounds Maintenance provision via a joint procurement exercise with Lewes District Council.

(2) Give delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Leader and portfolio holder to develop and progress operational and procurement plans to ensure new service arrangements are in place for April 2026, including all contractual and ancillary arrangements.

Reason for decisions:

To meet the council’s financial and service needs in the most efficient and economically viable manner, as recommended by professional advisors.

As it was her last meeting before leaving Lewes and Eastbourne Councils, the Cabinet formally expressed its thanks to Becky Cooke, Director of Tourism, Culture and Organisational Development, for her work and efforts and wished her all the best for the future.