PLANS for a leaner county council will be discussed by leaders when they meet next week.
East Sussex County Council’s Cabinet will be asked to consider proposals for how possible savings of £23million could be made in the next financial year as part of wider plans to save up to £90million by 2019.
While details of savings have yet to be decided, the plan aims to target resources, in partnership with others, where they are most urgently needed to deliver the council’s priorities.
“The level of savings the county council has to make over the next three years will undoubtedly mean changes to the services we deliver and, in some cases, stopping services altogether,” said Cllr David Elkin, deputy leader and lead member for resources.
“We have a strong track record of delivering change and believe that we are well placed to identify savings in line with our key priorities of protecting the most vulnerable, driving economic growth, making the best use of our resources and empowering communities.”
Cabinet will discuss the future shape of the authority which will include savings across all departments, and may include a reduction in its workforce of around 250 over the next three years.
Cllr Elkin added: “We want to be as open as possible with the public about what these savings will mean to them and want to assure people that we will work hard to concentrate resources on those members of our community that need them most.
“This is just the start of a lengthy process and no decisions have been made. We are keen to hear from members of the public about what they think our priorities should be and welcome their ideas and suggestions.”
The Cabinet meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 13, at County Hall in Lewes and will be available to watch online at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/webcasts
A final three-year budget will be discussed by scrutiny committee, Cabinet and full council before it is agreed early in 2016.
For more information on the savings and how to make comments and suggestions, visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/savings