Purpose

The number of applications received by DESSS represents 0.03% of the population of East Sussex (558,400). An application was last approved in June 2019. There is no scope to expand the criteria within the existing budget for the scheme, and it no longer appears to be fit for purpose. There are alternative means of obtaining assistance, for example, through the Household Support Fund, foodbanks, hardship payments and charitable organisations.

The provision of grants to the District and Borough Councils was always intended to be a reducing scheme. The funds provided were also intended to be loaned, recouped and reused for deposits and rent in advance on an ongoing basis. East Sussex County Council is no longer in a financial position to continue to provide these annual grants.

Decision

The decision is to end the provision of the Discretionary East Sussex Support Scheme and make savings of £130,000.

Alternative options considered

There is no scope to expand the criteria within the existing budget for the scheme, and it no longer appears to be fit for purpose. There are alternative means of obtaining assistance, for example, through the Household Support Fund, foodbanks, hardship payments and charitable organisations.

The Household Support Fund is being used in East Sussex for many of the purposes that the DESSS was intended for. There are alternative means of obtaining assistance with food and utilities such as foodbanks, hardship payments and charitable organisations.

In the autumn 2024 budget the Government committed additional funding for District and Borough authorities to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping.