East Sussex households face another council tax rise

The county council is proposing a 3.49 per cent rise to its share of bills in 2021/22, made up of 1.99 per cent for general revenue and 1.5 per cent for the adult social care precept.

For a Band D property this would equate to an extra £52.02 a year on top of any increases added on by district, borough, town and parish councils as well as the police and crime commissioner.

East Sussex County Council’s cabinet will consider the draft budget for 2021/22 next week, which it says includes no new cuts beyond those already considered last year.

If the recommendations are agreed they will be presented to a Full Council meeting next month for final sign-off.

According to ESCC, council tax increases are needed to protect services that many people rely upon amid growing demand for support and increasing costs.

The added social care spending would include further support for people in East Sussex suffering the effects of Covid-19, part of growing pressure on the care system.

Central government has allowed local authorities to raise the adult social care precept by a total of three per cent across the next two financial years.

Referring to the adult social care precept, the Cabinet report says: “We are able to propose spreading the precept over two years. This balances the need to maintain our essential support to the most vulnerable, whilst also recognising the additional pressures currently faced by our residents as a consequence of Covid-19.”

A council spokesman added: “Despite the devastating impact of Covid-19 and its effect on council services, the recommended 2021/22 budget does not drop below the council’s core offer - a minimum level of service the authority says residents should be able to expect.

“Over the past decade the council has had to make savings of £138 million and has face some difficult decisions. With careful financial planning and increased partnership working, Cabinet is able to consider a budget which recommends no new cuts to services and would give people in East Sussex some stability in difficult times.

“Despite being able to maintain the core offer for the coming year, council leaders continue to lobby central Government for more sustainable funding and highlight the challenges East Sussex faces in future years.”