A freeze on council tax for the third year in a row and huge capital funding for economic development, roads, schools and broadband in East Sussex has been approved this week by the County Council.

The Council has agreed its budget for 2013/14 and is sticking to its plans to boost economic prosperity, keep a lid on council tax and make £60 million worth of revenue savings over the next three years.

Deputy Leader Keith Glazier said: “Our budget has been approved and we promise to continue to boost the East Sussex economy – with better road links, such as the Bexhill Hastings Link Road, and better broadband through our go-esussex initiative.

“I’m also delighted that we’ve frozen council tax for the third year in a row. It is so important that we help people as they try to manage their household budgets where every pound counts.”

However, Councillor Glazier is not ducking the issue of tough times ahead for the Council’s revenue budget.

“We are in the same boat as every council in the UK in terms of having to make some very tough choices on our revenue budget,” said Councillor Glazier. “Our plans to save £60 million over the next three years will mean changes and reductions in some services and more job losses.

“We are clear though that we’ll do our very best to mitigate any cuts and protect our key frontline services. We are determined to protect the most vulnerable in our county.”

For further information please see the County Council meeting papers – 12 February 2013, item 5.

You can also watch the budget debate by looking at the archive of our webcast of the County Council meeting as soon as it is available (click on webcast library).