What do you think about our suggestions for savings?

People in East Sussex are being asked for their views on proposals to cut £60 million from the County Council's budget over the next three years.

The County Council says that, just like every authority in the country, it has to make cuts as a result of the very difficult economic situation and reduction in funding from central government.
Councillor Keith Glazier, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “We understand that these are very difficult decisions but we have a finite amount of money and have to make these cuts to live within our means.

“If we don't cut from one area we'll have to reduce budgets elsewhere – so we're keen to hear what people think of our proposals as we fine tune our plans over the coming months.”
Comments can be given either online, by post or email. Visit our page –

• What do you think about our suggestions for savings? http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/yourcouncil/consultation/2012/rppr/default.htm

– and click on the links under ‘how to take part'. You can contact us at:
£60m savings
East Sussex County Council
FREEPOST NAT 20637
County Hall
Lewes, BN7 1BR
Email: budget.consultation@eastsussex.gov.uk .

The Council says it is not planning to increase council tax for 2013/14 – which, if agreed, will be the third council tax freeze in a row. The authority says its priorities are to:

• drive economic growth
• keep vulnerable people safe from harm
• build resilience for individuals and families to live independently
• make the best use of resources.

“We've reflected these priorities in our budget proposals,” said Councillor Glazier. “We'd now like to hear what our residents and businesses think and if they disagree what they would change”.
The deadline for comments about the County Council's budget proposals is Monday 31 December 2012.