MORE than 40 people and their families are expected to continue benefitting from a day service in Eastbourne after councillors agreed it should remain open.

The decision to continue the valued service at Linden Court for people with learning disabilities and autism was made after detailed consultation with people who use the service and their families and carers.

The county council had reluctantly considered closing the centre to help meet a huge budget gap caused by rising cost and demand for services which far outstrips available funding.

Following the decision by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday (July 15), everyone currently using the Eastbourne centre will be able to continue attending.

Full-time weekly capacity is limited to 25 places, but with some users only visiting on certain days, the 43 people who currently attend the service can continue attending each week.

Councillor Carl Maynard, lead member for adult social care and health, said: “I’m glad that everyone who already benefits from this service will be able to continue to do so.

“We’re acutely aware of the help it brings them and their families who are often hard-pressed to find the right care for their loved ones.

“Examining the future of Linden Court was one of those extremely tough choices forced on us by the inadequate funding of local government but through discussion and assessment with service users and their families we’ve found a way to reduce costs while keeping the service running for them.”

The agreed proposal achieves just under half the planned saving of £327,000 a year and the remaining £182,000 will need to be found elsewhere.

The county council is making savings of £16 million this year, including £7.5 million from Adult Social Care.

The full report and decision considered by Cabinet members is online at Agenda for Cabinet on Tuesday, 15th July, 2025, 10.00 am | East Sussex County Council