Subscribe to updates
You'll receive weekly summaries like the ones below about this council every week.
If you have any requests or comments please let us know at community@opencouncil.network. We can also provide custom updates on particular topics across councils.
Please note, emails for this council have been paused whilst we secure funding for it. We hope to begin delivering them again in the next couple of weeks. If you subscribe, you'll be notified when they resume. If you represent a council or business, or would be willing to donate a small amount to support this service, please get in touch at community@opencouncil.network.
Weekly updates
East Sussex Council Approves EV Charging Points and Property Sales
This week, the East Sussex council held several meetings, each addressing important aspects of governance and public service. Here’s a detailed look at the most impactful discussions and decisions made:
Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
The Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change met on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, and made two significant decisions impacting local properties.
Proposed Sale of Land at 98 South Coast Road, Peacehaven
The Lead Member agreed to sell a piece of land at 98 South Coast Road, Peacehaven. This land, adjacent to the car park of Domino's Pizza, is currently used by the company to park delivery vehicles. The land was registered to East Sussex County Council in 1974, but no record of its acquisition survives. It is designated as a 'Key Service Area' under the council's Local Transport Plan 3, which aims to manage the impact of development on the transport network. The decision to sell the land was driven by the need to remove liabilities such as fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour, and to provide a capital receipt for the council.
Proposed Grant of a New Lease of Brampton Road Store, Eastbourne
The Lead Member also agreed to grant a new 10-year lease on the shop at 1 Brampton Road, Eastbourne, currently let to the Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA). SCDA uses the shop to sell various items and reinvests the profits into services for adults with learning disabilities. The decision to grant a new lease at a subsidised rate aligns with the council's legal duty under the Homelessness Act 2002 to prevent and relieve homelessness.
Governance Committee
The Governance Committee met on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, and made several key decisions regarding internal governance and committee appointments.
Appointment of Councillors to Committees
The committee approved the allocation of seats on various council committees. A motion to allocate the Chairs of Scrutiny Committees to opposition party members was defeated in a tied vote.
Appointment to Outside Bodies
The committee appointed an officer to represent the council on the Greater South East Net Zero Hub, a collaboration aimed at accelerating the transition to net zero.
Amendments to the Constitution
The committee approved changes to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee's Terms of Reference to ensure compliance with local government regulations. They also discussed a new Flexible Retirement policy, allowing some staff to draw pensions while remaining employed, and agreed to review its impact after 12 months. Additionally, concerns about the scrutiny of appointments to outside bodies were raised, particularly regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Cabinet
The Cabinet met on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, and made significant decisions regarding electric vehicle infrastructure and the council's finances.
Electric Vehicle Charging Points
The Cabinet agreed to begin procuring electric vehicle charging points using £4.4m from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund. The plan is to install around 800 charge points at 280 sites across the county, focusing on areas without off-street parking. Concerns were raised about the placement of charging points and their impact on local residents, as well as the usability of the charging infrastructure.
Council's Financial Position
The Cabinet noted a challenging financial position, with an overspend of £10.5m in the 2023/24 financial year, which will be covered by using reserves. The council faces a projected funding gap of £83.6m by 2027/28. Discussions highlighted the difficulties of budgeting with limited long-term financial certainty from the government.
Other Meetings
The Lead Member for Children and Families meeting scheduled for Monday, 24 June 2024, was cancelled. The Lead Member for Strategic Management and Economic Development met on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, but no video was provided. The Sussex Police and Crime Panel met on Friday, 28 June 2024, but no video was provided.
Implications and Themes
This week's meetings underscore the council's ongoing efforts to manage resources effectively and address local needs through strategic decisions. The sale of land in Peacehaven and the lease agreement in Eastbourne reflect a pragmatic approach to property management and support for community services. The Governance Committee's decisions highlight the importance of robust internal governance and the need for transparency in appointments and policy amendments.
The Cabinet's focus on electric vehicle infrastructure aligns with broader environmental goals, while the discussions on the council's financial challenges emphasize the need for sustainable financial planning and advocacy for more predictable government funding.
As these themes develop, they will continue to shape the council's approach to governance and public service, impacting the residents of East Sussex in meaningful ways.
East Sussex Council Approves Key Pension Policies and Reviews Investment Options
This week, the East Sussex council held several meetings, with the Pension Committee on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, being the most impactful. Here’s a detailed look at the discussions and decisions made:
Pension Committee
The Pension Committee convened to discuss various aspects of the council's pension fund management. Key points from the meeting include:
Review of Investment Options
The committee reviewed the performance of the pension fund's investments. One significant discussion was about the use of an external Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) consultant to evaluate the default fund and other offerings, such as corporate bonds. This review aims to ensure that the fund's offerings are appropriate and beneficial for its members.
Governance Report
A governance report was presented, highlighting updates on the McLeod guidance and the Scheme Advisory Board's directives. The report also noted that a new employer representative for the Pension Board is expected to be appointed by the Governance Committee next week.
Training and Compliance
The committee approved several key policies, including the training policy, governance and compliance statement, and the amended exit credit policy. These approvals are crucial for maintaining high standards of governance and ensuring that committee members are well-trained to manage the pension fund effectively.
The committee is recommended to approve the training policy, to approve the governance and compliance statement, and to approve the amended exit credit policy.— Meeting Transcript
Pension Administration
The pension administration report highlighted improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs), with a notable increase from 79% to 82.5% in performance. The report also discussed the challenges and progress in managing pensioner records and the implementation of new systems to enhance efficiency.
We are on the road to recovery, if you like. I think we suggested that we would have expected to see that by the end of March. And you can see that that trend has very much started.— Paul, Pension Administration
Other Meetings
The Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health meeting scheduled for Thursday, 20 June 2024, was cancelled. Additionally, the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) met on Tuesday, 18 June 2024, but no video broadcast was available for this meeting.
Implications and Themes
The discussions and decisions made by the Pension Committee reflect ongoing efforts to ensure robust governance and effective management of the pension fund. The focus on reviewing investment options and improving administrative efficiency aligns with the council's commitment to transparency and sustainability.
The approval of key policies and the emphasis on training highlight the importance of equipping committee members with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the pension fund responsibly. This is particularly relevant in the context of the broader trend towards responsible investment and ethical governance.
As these themes develop, they will continue to shape the council's approach to managing public funds and ensuring the well-being of its employees and pensioners. The cancellation of the Adult Social Care and Health meeting and the lack of a broadcast for the SACRE meeting are reminders of the challenges in maintaining transparency and accessibility in local governance.
Future updates will provide more insights into how these decisions impact the residents of East Sussex and the council's strategic goals.
East Sussex Council's Week: Pension Fund Success, Health Scrutiny, and Strategic Governance
This week, the East Sussex council held several meetings, each addressing important aspects of governance and public service. Here’s a detailed look at the most impactful discussions:
Governance Committee
The Governance Committee met on Tuesday, 04 June 2024. While the transcript is not available, the committee typically oversees the council's internal governance arrangements, ensuring that the council operates effectively and transparently. Key topics likely included updates to governance policies and reviews of internal procedures.
Pension Board
The Pension Board convened on Wednesday, 05 June 2024. This meeting was particularly detailed and covered several critical areas:
Investment Performance and Responsible Investment
The board discussed the quarterly performance of the pension fund, highlighting that the fund scored highly on the Principles of Responsible Investment (PRI), achieving four out of five stars in all areas. This indicates a strong commitment to ethical and sustainable investment practices.
Economic Activity of Public Bodies Bill
Michael Covenant reported that the Economic Activity of Public Bodies Bill did not survive the wash-up process after the general election was called. This bill would have had implications for how public bodies, including pension funds, could invest. The board will monitor any re-emergence of this legislation post-election.
Pension Board Membership
Tim Oliver, an employer representative, stood down in May. The board is in the process of finding a suitable replacement to maintain quorum and effective governance.
Governance and Efficiency
A significant discussion point was a letter from the Minister of Local Government, which implied inefficiencies in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The board members defended the scheme's governance, emphasizing robust local arrangements and the challenges of comparing costs across different public sector schemes.
We believe as a fund ourselves we have very robust governance arrangements.— Pension Board Member
Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee
The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 06 June 2024. Although the transcript is not available, this committee typically reviews health services and public health initiatives, ensuring they meet the needs of the community. Topics likely included updates on local health services, public health campaigns, and scrutiny of health service providers.
Cabinet
The Cabinet also met on Tuesday, 04 June 2024. The Cabinet is responsible for making key decisions on council policy and strategy. While details are pending, typical agenda items include budget allocations, strategic initiatives, and responses to pressing local issues.
Discretionary Transport Appeal Panel
The Discretionary Transport Appeal Panel met on Thursday, 06 June 2024. This panel reviews appeals related to discretionary transport services, ensuring fair access to transport for residents who may not meet standard eligibility criteria.
Implications and Themes
The discussions this week highlight ongoing themes of governance, investment in responsible practices, and scrutiny of public services. The Pension Board's focus on responsible investment and robust governance reflects a broader trend towards sustainability and transparency. The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee's role in monitoring health services underscores the council's commitment to public well-being.
The Governance Committee and Cabinet meetings, though less detailed in this dispatch, are crucial for setting the strategic direction and ensuring the council operates efficiently and effectively. The Discretionary Transport Appeal Panel's work ensures that vulnerable residents have access to necessary transport services, reflecting the council's commitment to inclusivity and support for all community members.
As these themes develop, they will continue to shape the council's approach to governance and public service, impacting the residents of East Sussex in meaningful ways.
Key Decisions and Leadership Changes at East Sussex Council: Insights from the Latest Full Council Meeting
This week, the East Sussex council held a significant Full Council meeting on Tuesday, 07 May 2024, where several key decisions were made that will influence the governance and operational dynamics of the council.
Election of Council Officers
The council elected Councillor Gally as Chairman and Councillor Azad as Vice Chairman. The elections were conducted smoothly with minimal opposition, suggesting a consensus or at least a strong majority support for these candidates. This leadership will be pivotal in steering the council's activities over the coming period.
Committee Appointments and Scrutiny
A notable decision was the rejection of a proposal to have opposition members chair scrutiny committees. The vote was close, with 25 against and 21 for the proposal. Councillor Glazier defended the status quo, arguing:
Changing this could lead to dysfunction, as seen in other councils.
This decision is significant as it maintains the current power dynamics within the council and could influence how effectively the council is held to account.
Children's Services
The council reviewed a recent Ofsted inspection report which rated Children's Services as 'good' with some 'outstanding' aspects. This is a positive outcome and reflects well on the council's management of services for vulnerable children. It supports the continuation of current strategies and operations within this department.
Infrastructure and Public Utilities
The council addressed the recent water outage in Hastings, managed by Southern Water. The outage had a significant impact on residents and businesses, highlighting the need for robust crisis management and better coordination with utility companies. Councillor Daniel emphasized the need for:
better crisis management and compensation mechanisms.
This discussion underscores the council's role in advocacy and support for communities, even when direct control over utilities is limited.
Implications and Themes
The decisions made in this meeting, particularly regarding leadership roles and committee appointments, will likely affect the council's internal dynamics and its efficiency in governance. The rejection of the proposal to change committee chairmanship arrangements could be a recurring theme, as it speaks to broader issues of power, transparency, and accountability within the council.
The discussions on public utilities also continue a theme we've seen before—the council's ongoing struggle with infrastructure issues and its limited but crucial role in managing crises that affect public services.
Overall, this meeting encapsulated a blend of routine governance and critical decision-making that will have lasting impacts on the council's function and its service to the community.
East Sussex Council's Busy Week: Key Meetings and Pending Details
This week, the East Sussex council convened for several meetings, although detailed summaries are still pending for most. Here’s a brief overview of the council's activities:
Full Council Meeting (Monday 29 April 2024): The entire council gathered to discuss various agenda items. The specifics of the discussions are yet to be summarized.
Lead Member for Education and Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability (Tuesday 30 April 2024): This meeting focused on educational policies and support mechanisms for special educational needs and disabilities. Details from this meeting are still being compiled.
Lead Member for Children and Families (Tuesday 30 April 2024): This meeting was scheduled to address issues concerning children and family services but was cancelled. No further information on the rescheduling or the agenda has been provided yet.
Lead Member for Strategic Management and Economic Development (Friday 03 May 2024): The meeting aimed to tackle topics related to strategic management and the economic development of East Sussex. As with the others, we are awaiting a detailed summary.
The lack of available summaries this week limits the depth of analysis possible. However, the scheduling of these meetings indicates ongoing council efforts in key areas such as education, family services, and economic development. As more information becomes available, it will be crucial to assess how decisions and discussions in these meetings align with the council's long-term strategic goals.
This being the first dispatch, subsequent emails will aim to build on the themes discussed, providing a clearer picture of the council's progress and how it impacts the residents of East Sussex.
Recent meetings
Pension Committee - Thursday, 21st November, 2024 10.00 am
We do not yet have a summary for this meeting. Since it is very recent, this may be because we have not yet processed it. Please check back later.
Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) - Tuesday, 19th November, 2024 2.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
People Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 19th November, 2024 10.30 am
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change - Tuesday, 19th November, 2024 3.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Lead Member for Transport and Environment - Monday, 18th November, 2024 10.00 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
East Sussex Schools Forum - Friday, 15th November, 2024 8.30 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
County Consultative Committee (Governors) - Wednesday, 13th November, 2024 3.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Cabinet - Wednesday, 13th November, 2024 10.00 am
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Governance Committee - Wednesday, 13th November, 2024 10.30 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Planning Committee - Tuesday, 12th November, 2024 10.30 am
This meeting has been cancelled.
Upcoming meetings
Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health - Friday, 22nd November, 2024 2.00 pm
Lead Member for Economy - Monday, 25th November, 2024 12.30 pm
Place Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 28th November, 2024 10.30 am