We have identified 50 evidence-based social value themes for Lewes District Council (Lewes-Eastbourne likely indicates a combined search parameter) in South East across 35 service areas. These insights are derived from the latest council meeting transcripts and can inform your social value strategy for bids and tenders.
Persistent disclaimer opinion
The auditors said the 2025-26 accounts will again be disclaimed because prior-year assurance gaps remain, particularly over opening balances. The committee explored whether and when an unqualified opi…
“So because last year was the first year where we performed detailed audit procedures, and as it was highlighted in prior auditor's findings report as …”
External audit fee increase
Grant Thornton’s proposed fee for the 2025-26 external audit is £226,417, about £6,000 higher than the prior year. The committee received the audit plan, which sets the scope and timetable for the sta…
“The report in front of you is the external audit plan produced by Grand Taunton, and this is going to be for the 25 -26 audit. Again, in terms of the …”
Government Funding Settlement Shortfall
Local government financial settlement 2025-26 presents disappointing outcome with single-year settlement limiting strategic planning. Government provided £69bn funding nationally (6% cash increase, 3.…
“This year's budget has also been set within the context of a disappointing outcome of this year's local government financial settlement... In 2025 -26…”
General Fund Revenue Budget 2026-27 Balanced Budget Delivery
Cabinet approved balanced general fund revenue budget for 2026-27 and medium-term financial projections through 2029-30. Budget built on service budget rebasing, adjustments from fair funding review 2…
“Tonight, I am presenting a balanced budget for 2026 to 2027 and balanced projections through to 2029 and 2030. That reflects difficult decisions, firm…”
Journal approval threshold cut
In response to audit concerns about segregation of duties, the council reduced the threshold for senior approval of journals from £100,000 to £50,000. Officers said there is no hard system block on hi…
“And in terms of the journal entries, there was an issue that the auditors picked up effectively that users could both add and approve their own journa…”
Strategic Finance Programme - Savings Target and Achievement
Strategic Finance Programme has 2025/26 savings target of £8.063 million. To date £5.081 million savings achieved (63% of target), leaving shortfall of £2.982 million. Fundamental budget reviews being…
“With a savings target of just over 8 million pounds, 8.063 million, We have achieved a savings to date of 5.081 million, a level of 63% against the cu…”
Land north of Pevensey Bay Road - Outline Planning Permission for 250 Dwellings
Outline planning application (230526) for up to 250 dwellings with 30% affordable housing provision (75 units). Development includes access via bridge over Langley sewer, significant landscape and eco…
“This application is for land north of Pevensie Bay Road... for outlying planning permission for development up to not over 250 dwellings”
Section 106 Legal Agreement - Transport and Infrastructure Contributions
Outline planning for Pevensey Bay Road development secured Section 106 obligations including: 30% affordable housing (policy compliant), Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP), local equipped…
“30% affordable housing provision across the site. Policy compliance in terms of housing, the affordable housing provision... bus service contributions…”
Planning Application Deferral - Additional Information Required
Planning Committee voted 7-1 to defer application 230526 pending receipt of additional information addressing four key areas: (1) Water management strategy including surface water runoff implications …
“So the deferral is carried by seven votes to one... water management, first one, water management. Second one, how that might impact on a neighbouring…”
Mixed Residential Development - Transit Road Car Park
Outline planning permission approved for demolition of existing buildings and erection of 17 dwellings and 6 self-contained flats at Transit Road car park, New Haven. Site comprises hard-standing, car…
“The application site comprises areas of hard-standing use for open storage and car parking together with various storage buildings and the former Harb…”
Council Borrowing and Interest Costs
The council maintains substantial debt levels with total borrowing at £184 million (short-term £75 million, long-term £109 million) as of Q1 2025-26. Forecast total debt including housing debt is £218…
“Total borrowing at quarter 1 was £184 million, short-term £75 million and long-term £109 million...there's also £7 million of interest paid because of…”
Treasury debt reduction savings
The treasury report said the council repaid £25 million of debt and achieved about £1.49 million of annual revenue savings, made up of roughly £1.29 million from discount savings and £200,000 from low…
“This report is the annual treasury management that under the statutory requirements, every authority in the land needs to produce one. And again, it's…”
Treasury Management - Mid-Year Review Approval and Full Council Presentation
Treasury management mid-year review (Q2 2025-26) requires Audit Committee approval prior to presentation to Full Council in February 2026. Report covers investment and borrowing positions, cash balanc…
“We're asked to note and approve this report because it will then go to the full council in February”
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