Eastbourne Borough Council considering immediate funding cuts
The authority say the cost of providing temporary accommodation is hitting them hard
Last updated 6th Sep 2024
The leader of Eastbourne Borough Council has said the authority is being forced to make 'painful' cuts to services as part of efforts to balance its budget.
Stephen Holt has re-iterated calls for more government support on supporting the homeless and costs on temporary accommodation, warning they are placing an 'unprecedented' strain on local government finances across the country.
Bosses are considering savings of ÂŁ2.7 million in the upcoming year, in addition to ÂŁ3 million already made in the 2024/25 budget.
The authority has said the changes would come from areas such as reducing funding for the Towner Art Gallery, immediately closing the heritage centre at Beachy Head, sales of assets and further efficiencies in events and seafront services.
That decision is set to be made on September 18th, while cabinet members are also set to consider a second round of cuts on November 13th.
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.
The authority has pledged to carry out a full public consultation over these proposals.
Cllr Holt 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."