Agenda and decisions

Disclosure by councillors of personal interests in matters on the agenda, the nature of any interest and whether the councillor regards the interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct.

To deal with any questions received from members of the public in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11 (if any).

To consider recommendations from the meeting of the Full Council on 4 March 2025 in relation to the Southern Water Panel Report.

(Non-key decision):

To accept the recommendations from Full Council, on 4 March 2025.

Report of Chief Executive

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Zoe Nicholson

(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 EastSussex area, subject to public and stakeholder engagement, and clarity on population size by MHCLG

(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.

Report of Director of Finance and Performance

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Zoe Nicholson

(Non-key decision):

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

Report of Director of Finance and Performance

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Chris Collier

(Non-key decision):

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

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Christine Robinson

(Non-key decision):

That Cabinet notes the achievements and activities of the E&L CSP in 2024/25.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Mark Slater

(Non-key decision):

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

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Emily O’Brien

(Key decision):

(1) To approve a hybrid approach for future grounds maintenance delivery, which includes contracting to an external provider for the council’s grounds maintenance core service provision via a joint procurement exercise with Eastbourne Borough 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.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Zoe Nicholson

(This report contains an exempt appendix. Any discussion of this must take place at item 17 following exclusion of the public)

(Key decision):

(1) To note the current position regarding land and property assets at:

i) Southover House, and

ii) the North Street Quarter

(2) To approve entering into a long lease of Southover House with Charleston Lewes Limited, subject to ongoing due diligence and agreed final terms.

(3) To authorise the Assistant Director – Property and Development, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and Leader of the Council, to:

·        conclude commercial negotiations in relation to Southover House, including determining final terms, and

·        enter into a lease of Southover House on the terms agreed, including all associated documents.

(4) To authorise the Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Director of Finance and Performance, and Head of Legal Services, to assess options to further the delivery of the North Street Quarter development as set out in Appendix 2 to the report (exempt).

(5) To agree that compliance with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules is waived in the event that any agreed rent, or turnover rent, exceeds £25,000 per annum.