Council to consult public over planned cuts

The council says cuts have been made by other authorities to reduce spending

Council tax payers in Eastbourne are to be consulted about planned cuts to services.

Eastbourne Borough Council has voted through plans to save £2.7m, on top of previous savings of £3m.

The public consultation will cover the proposed cuts to discretionary services.

The council said the savings are needed because of inflation, high interest rates, falling income from business rates and the cost of providing temporary accommodation for the district's homeless.

Public toilets could be replaced by a community toilet scheme, with the cost of providing them and repairing vandalism standing at £400,000 a year.

Other options include looking at the number of swimming pools being operated at the Sovereign Centre and changes to charges and operating hours at car parks.

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Council leader Stephen Holt said: "While savings are sadly now unavoidable, this consultation gives people the chance to say how the proposed reductions would impact them and to offer ideas and suggestions for alternative ways to reduce our spending.

"Putting these proposals into perspective nationally, all have been implemented by various other authorities that, like us, have to urgently reduce their spending."

The consultation runs until 31 October.

It can be filled in online, or in person at a drop-in event at the town hall on 10 October, between 12:00 BST and 19:00.

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