A message from Keith Glazier

"Every home and every business in East Sussex has been hit by Covid-19 - often severely.

"That’s why many people are relying more than ever on public services like care for the elderly and vulnerable, support for businesses or help with education.

"Knowing this, I’m pleased to say that my intention is for East Sussex County Council to keep its core offer to residents unchanged in our next budget. If agreed in February, this would be the first time in more than a decade that we’ve avoided seeking new savings. We’re still hard-pressed financially, but we think this is not the time to further reduce the services we can offer.

"This ambition is only possible because of the enormous effort we’ve made with our partners in recent years to keep providing services that people rely on, while meeting our duty to be financially prudent. We’ve absorbed drastic cuts in our funding from central government and the demand for our services keeps rising.

"I won’t deny that the core offer we plan to protect next year is basic: there’s so much more I wish we could do.  But it’s an achievement to be able to propose no further reductions for now, at a time when many people particularly need support.

"We still face huge uncertainty – a shortfall of almost £22 million by 2024 unless the government responds better to the needs of people in East Sussex. Nor do we fully know the long-term effects and costs that Covid-19 is having on our county. Rest assured that I will keep government ministers aware of our difficult situation.

"In the meantime I hope stability in our level of services, the plans we have together for East Sussex to reset and recover and, above all, the talents and energy of the people who live and work here can encourage us all through these difficult times.

"Thank you for the support and patience you’ve shown, and please stay safe."

Cllr Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex County Council

Read more: agenda for cabinet on Friday 2 October

A new drive-through and walk-though coronavirus testing facility opens today at 1-7 Wainwright Road in Bexhill, This new site will be run by Sodexo and replaces the site at nearby Wainwright Road car park which has operated since April.  

You are asked only to attend the site if you have an appointment and only to book a test if you have symptoms. A national shortage of laboratory capacity means  the number of appointments is limited and the national test and trace service has asked for patience if one is not immediately available. 

Other testing sites in Sussex include Gatwick and Tangmere near Chichester. A mobile testing unit also visits East Sussex and will be publicised in advance.

National test booking

A new national NHS phone app has been launched today to help trace and restrict cases of Covid-19.

It can be freely downloaded by Android or Apple (IoS) users. The app will advise you to self-isolate if you have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for the virus and it allows users to check symptoms and get testing advice.

Many premises and businesses in East Sussex are now displaying posters with a QR code. App users can scan these codes with their phone when they visit so they can be easily be contacted if a nearby positive case is confirmed. 

More details on the app and how to use it