Councillors to consider first round of 'unavoidable savings'

They will consider immediate spending cuts and operational changes to achieve extensive budget savings.

The authority has repeatedly warned that the costs of homelessness and temporary accommodation placements are causing an unprecedented strain on council finances and has led a national campaign calling for government support.

Despite including over £3m of savings in the 2024/2025 budget, additional savings of over £2.7m are needed. The focus of the savings is on discretionary services, the areas of work the council isn't required to provide, as opposed to statutory services that the council must provide by law.

On September 18, councillors will consider a significant reduction in grant funding for the Towner, an immediate closure of the heritage centre on Beachy Head, the transfer of operation of conferencing and catering at Devonshire Quarter, changes to the operation of the theatres, sales of assets and further efficiencies in events and seafront services. 

Following further assessments and in consultation with employees and stakeholder groups, a second round of savings will be on the Cabinet agenda on November 13. This will include proposed changes to swimming provision at the Sovereign Centre, alternative arrangements for public conveniences, changes to rent support grants and council grants to voluntary and community organisations and increases in car parking charges. A full public consultation will be carried out over these proposals.

Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said:

"I am saddened and frustrated that we are forced to make such painful savings. The savings proposed have been, or are being repeated in other authorities across the UK, all reflecting the lack of support given to councils by the previous government.

"When I made it clear that unavoidable savings were needed, the new government issued a statement acknowledging the financial challenges that homelessness is causing many local authorities, including Eastbourne, and said it would take action to tackle these issues.

"I was encouraged by the government's response and hope that we will see the action it is talking about soon, otherwise these unsustainable costs put every public service we deliver at great risk."