Council mulls cutting care for elderly and disabled

Day centres for older people could be cut if the council accepts the report's proposals

Services for elderly and disabled people could be cut under proposals being considered by a cash-strapped council.

East Sussex County Council's cabinet will meet on Thursday to discuss options to fill a £55m funding gap expected next year.

A council report said "significant savings" needed to be made in adult social care, which is 48% of the budget.

The document said the local authority is facing "the most difficult financial outlook" it has ever faced and is in a "stark and urgent position".

The report proposed the closure of two day services for older people and two day centres.

Cuts to community support services and employment training for people with learning disabilities were also recommended.

Plans were also outlined to stop on-site help in supported accommodation for vulnerable adults and adults with mental health needs.

Services to help adults with learning disabilities into employment could be cut

A reduction in funding for drug and alcohol recovery services were also recommended.

A booking system for the council’s household waste recycling sites, a system already in place in neighbouring authorities, could also be put to public consultation if the cabinet agrees.

The council said it had already taken measures to reduce day-to-day spending but needs to urgently save £4m.

It added that "rising demand and costs coupled with reductions in Government grant" had left it with an expected budget gap of £83.6m over the next three years.

"Any delay would worsen the council’s financial position," it said.