13th November 2024
A22 MRN Bid Active Travel Consultation
Earlier this year, we learned that the Conservative government had granted “Outline Business Case” approval for the local A22 MRN bid. You can access the original 2021 MRN project proposal details here:https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/economy-transport-environment/a22-a2290-improvements/
Around £38 million has been set aside by the Department for Transport (DfT) to fund the project, with a further £7 million coming from CIL/Section 106 funds from past developer contributions associated with local housing developments.
To progress the project to "Final Business Case", the County Council needs to finalise its proposals for Active Travel (walking and cycling infrastructure).
The proposed active travel measures package comprises:
- Cuckoo Trail access improvements in Hailsham
- Cycling scheme - Polegate High Street
- Cycling scheme - Dittons Road, Stone Cross
- Hailsham Core Walking Zone
- Hempstead Lane Traffic Management and cycling improvements
- Measures identified in the East Sussex Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).
I have impressed upon officers the need for traffic calming measures in and around Hempstead Lane, in the lower sections of Anglesey Avenue and at the four-way mini-roundabout/junction at Leap Cross. Much of this looks set to be delivered.
The public consultation is scheduled to run from 4 November 2024 to 8 December 2024. Click here to access the Consultation
Burfield & Phoenix School Merger Update
The proposal to amalgamate Burfield and Phoenix schools has moved from the Advisory Board to the Department for Education (DfE). A determination is anticipated within the next week or so.
County Council Consultation on Potential Savings for FY 2025/26
Amid unprecedented rising demand for local services dominated by Home to School Transport, Children’s Services, and Adult Social care, which is likely to present us with a £55 million funding gap in the year 2025/26, East Sussex County Council agreed at Cabinet on 4th October to open consultation with residents on where savings might be found in the future. The Labour Chancellor’s October Budget brought very modest support for local authorities which is likely more than outweighed by increased costs imposed by her rise in Employers NI on contracted local services like waste, social care & highways. We await the local government settlement in December for the final detail. You can read more here about the consultation & why it is taking place here: https://www.eastsussexconservatives.org.uk/news/approval-consult-has-been-agreed-conservative-run-east-sussex-ahead-2025-financial-settlement
Adult Social Care
ESCC approve plans for the Household Support Fund
Plans for the allocation of funds from the Household Support Fund (HSF) were agreed by the council this month. The Household Support Fund, intended to support those who are struggling with bills and essential costs, was extended last month by central government. East Sussex County Council has been allocated just under £3.9 million over the next six months to support eligible residents.
This grant will see continued allocation to a range of needs including food banks and vouchers, providing support to vulnerable families and children, and helping pensioners and disabled people who are at risk of food and fuel poverty. Over recent years the cost-of-living pressures have grown and are now affecting more people and families. The allocation of funds considers the increased financial pressures on all households and partners over the winter period. Consultations with delivery partners will help to ensure the best use of the funds.
Funds will be distributed through a variety of partners, including District and Borough Councils and the voluntary sector, who have helped to administer previous funds. Engaging with the same partners will provide continuity and aid with the effective administration of the fund.
More information regarding the Household Support Fund can be found here.
Children’s Services
More students to take steps to success
Pupils from across East Sussex have been selected to join a programme which supports young people as they move from school into work, training and further education.
Between September 2024 and August 2026, the Steps to Success programme will work with 315 current year 10 students to develop personal and career development goals to help them with finding opportunities at the end of year 11.
The county council has been awarded over £480,000 for the scheme, which is phase two of a national research programme into supporting young people with their post-16 options. After phase one nine out of ten participating students in East Sussex progressed to sustained post-16 education, employment or training.
From September, the Phase Two project will work with groups of students who are eligible for free school meals and are either persistently absent from school or have a special educational need or disability (SEND). Students will receive 1:1 coaching to help develop personal and career development goals.
More information regarding the scheme can be found here.
New film pays tribute to foster carers
A new film released this month pays tribute to the unsung heroes of the foster care system. “Everything” highlights the difference one individual can make to the lives of many through fostering. The fictional story played out in the film centres on foster carer Mike and his family. Mike’s wife organises a surprise 60th birthday party for him and invites two of the children they looked after, who are now adults.
The film has been produced by a partnership of councils and children’s trusts across the country to promote local authority fostering. The project is the largest public sector fostering film collaboration to date, with over 100 participants including East Sussex County Council.
Help and advice is available to county council foster carers, day or night and every foster carer has a dedicated social worker who is locally based in East Sussex. In addition, a 24-hour telephone helpline is available, seven days a week
More information on fostering with East Sussex County Council is available here and the film can be viewed here.
Communities, Economy and Transport
Apprentices invited to celebrate success
Apprentices from across East Sussex are invited to celebrate their achievements at this year’s graduation ceremony. The evening event will acknowledge the commitment and hard work of local apprentices of all ages and levels, across all sectors.
The East Sussex Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony will take place at the Winter Garden’s Floral Hall in Eastbourne on, 21 November from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.
Apprentices who have, or will have, achieved their apprenticeship between 1 November 2023 and 1 November 2024, and live or work in the local authority
area of East Sussex, are eligible to graduate and are invited to this year’s event.
The Apprenticeship Graduation Awards acknowledge the contribution of those involved in making apprenticeships a success in East Sussex and will be presented at the ceremony. Former apprentices, businesses that employ apprentices, and training providers who deliver apprenticeships are also invited to join the 2024 graduates and celebrate with them.
More information regarding the event and how to register can be found here.
County Wide Public Consultation on Household Waste Recycling Sites
VIEWS are being sought on proposals to introduce a booking system at household waste recycling sites across the county. The move could reduce queuing at sites, help save East Sussex County Council as much £50,000 a year and help ensure only residents’ waste is being disposed. The proposals are part of the authority’s work to identify areas where savings can be made to address an expected £55 million funding gap next year.
The proposal would see the introduction of a booking portal on which residents would be able to book a time to visit one of the county’s 10 household waste recycling sites. Residents will also be able to book via telephone. As well as helping the county council make much-needed savings, the new system would reduce queuing at busier sites, help stop trade waste being taken to sites and stop people from outside the county using the facilities to which they do not contribute.
The consultation opened on Monday, October 28 and will run for eight weeks, closing on Sunday, December 22. Your views will be taken into account when council makes a decision in February2025. Access the consultation here; https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/economy-transport-environment/booking-system-household-waste-recycling-sites/
Any questions or concerns please always feel free to email me at: [email protected]
Gerard Fox
County Councillor
Hailsham New Town
Conservatives
