Eastbourne Borough Council to seek extra financial support

The report says the council is requesting this additional financial support in light of a sharp rise in its homelessness costs

Eastbourne Borough Council says it will be seeking "exceptional financial support", as it looks to balance its budget for the coming year.

On 7 February, cabinet members are set to consider a report setting out the authority's budget proposals for 2024/25.

The budget proposals ask the council to endorse four potential options.

A full council meeting will take place later in the month to decide the outcome.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service says the final course of action will depend on the level of financial support it receives from the government.

Four potential options

• The government fully funds the additional temporary accommodation costs

• The government provides exceptional financial support (EFS) and allows a 7.99% council tax increase

• The government provides EFS but not does not allow the council tax increase

• The council receives no EFS from government and is forced to use its reserves.

The report says the council is requesting this additional financial support in light of a sharp rise in its homelessness costs, specifically the costs of providing temporary and emergency accommodation.

A council spokesperson said: "In Eastbourne Borough Council it has become increasingly apparent that the cost of homelessness and temporary accommodation placements is totally disproportionate to the level of funding the council would normally receive."

The council says this increased demand has led to a £4.364m overspend in 2023/24.

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