Cabinet, Tue 27 Jan 2026
The council’s meeting page ↗ · Agenda · Minutes
The papers
- Auditor's Annual (Value for Money) Report on East Sussex County Council 2024/25
It recommended: “note the Auditor’s Annual Report on East Sussex County Council 2024/25.”
The minutes record: Noted. “RESOLVED to note the report. Reason 54.3 The Annual (Value for Money) Report for 2024/25 in recognising the significant Financial Sustainability challenge the authority faces, has been able to provide positive assurance around Governance and Improving Economy, Efficiency and Effectiveness. One key recommendation has been reported and responded to by management.” minutes ↗
- Devolution and establishment of Mayoral Combined County Authority
It recommended: “Note the changes announced by the Minister to the proposal to devolve to Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority, in the letter of 4 December 2025.” (and more)
The minutes record: Noted. “RESOLVED to: 1) Note the changes announced by the Minister to the proposal to devolve to Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority, in the letter of 4 December 2025; 2) Reconfirm the approval of and consent to the establishment of the Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority; 3) Delegate authority to the County Council’s Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to agree the contents of, and consent to, the making of the Sussex and Brighton Combined Authority Order 2026; and 4) Delegate authority…” minutes ↗
- Reconciling Policy, Performance and Resources (RPPR): Draft Council Plan 2026/27, Revenue Budget and Capital Programme
It recommended: “recommend the County Council to:” (and more)
The minutes record: Agreed. “RESOLVED to: 1) Recommend the County Council to: i) Approve in principle the draft Council Plan 2026/27 at Appendix 1 of the report and authorise the Chief Executive to finalise the Plan in consultation with the relevant Lead Members; ii) Increase Council Tax by 2.99% in 2026/27; iii) Increase the Adult Social Care Precept by 2% in 2026/27; iv) Issue precepts to be paid by borough and district councils in accordance with the agreed schedule of instalments at Appendix 5 (draft) of the report; v) Approve the net…” minutes ↗
- The Conservators of Ashdown Forest 2025/26 forecast outturn position and updated medium term financial plan including the 2026/27 budget
It recommended: “note the Quarter 2 budget position for the Conservators’ 2025/26 Core Budget.” (and more)
The minutes record: Agreed. “RESOLVED to: 1) Note the Quarter 2 budget position for the Conservators’ 2025/26 Core Budget. 2) Note the Conservators of Ashdown Forest medium term financial plan. 3) Approve the 2026/27 Core Budget. Reasons 56.3 The report sets out the financial position of the Conservators of the Ashdown Forest (COAF) for 2025/26, against the approved budget agreed by the Board of Conservators at their meeting on 17 November 2024 and presented to Cabinet in January 2025.” minutes ↗