Eastbourne Corporate Plan

Since the pandemic, and the economic challenges that followed it nationally, we have been working hard in particular to support people experiencing hardship due to the cost of living crisis. This work will continue, especially whilst the national economic situation continues to be difficult.

Eastbourne has experienced particular challenges in the provision of housing in recent years. The pandemic increased these pressures and the town continues to have significant difficulties in providing sufficient homes for those needing accommodation. The lack of new places to build properties, given the physical constraints of the borough, adds to these challenges. Given these issues, a new Local Plan to set out policies and proposals for new development is a priority.

Our key areas of focus will be:

• Support those on lowest incomes through housing benefit, council tax reductions and other assistance schemes.
• Provide information and advice to those needing extra financial support to let them know what is available and how it can be accessed.
• Using available data, and technology, to help identify those most at risk of falling into debt and who require welfare support, so that targeted offers of support can be provided.
• Reduce the reliance on temporary and emergency accommodation and improve prevention measures for those experiencing homelessness.
• Delivering a new Local Plan to support the provision of more social, affordable, sustainable, energy and resource efficient, climate resilient housing, delivering for our tenants and residents more effectively.
• Support independent living, including providing accessible housing for those with physical and additional support needs, and work with partners on integrated health, housing and care strategies to support this.
• Develop a pipeline of directly delivered homes by the council to support priority housing objectives.
• Prioritise regulatory and legislative compliance to ensure the council owned homes remain at a high standard.