East Sussex council jobs and services face axe

More than 100 job cuts, a reduction in adult care and children’s services and council tax rises are being considered by East Sussex County Council.

The authority is also considering increasing council tax for the first time in four years, either by 1.45% or 1.95%.

As well as the proposed tax increase, the majority of departments will be subject to severe cuts. This includes a seven per cent cut in both adult social care (down to £158.4million) and children’s services, which includes schools (down to £66.2million).

Elsewhere, the council’s community, economy and transport department – which includes roads and libraries – will suffer an eight per cent cut (down to £61.5million). Spending on business service will drop 12 per cent to £23.2million and governance service nine per cent to £7.2million.

The only department to see an increase in its budget under the plans for 2014-15 is public health, which would be afforded a modest three per cent rise to £24.4million.

The council’s cabinet will discuss the proposals for 2014/2015 today with a final decision being made by the full council on 11 February.