Eastbourne Community Toilet Scheme Set for Decision
Council leader 'confident' that seafront toilets will remain open
Savings proposals are set to be considered by Cabinet councillors at Eastbourne Borough Council as unprecedented levels of temporary accommodation threaten the financial viability of the authority.
The cost of living crisis and no-fault evictions are both key factors that have led to rising numbers of residents unable to pay their mortgages and rent, leaving them in need of accommodation. The council is currently spending nearly £5 million a year on temporary accommodation, which is 49p in every pound collected in council tax.
Over the last two months, the council has been consulting with residents and groups on a range of measures to save £2.7 million in this current financial year.
Proposals that include a new community toilet scheme and a reconfiguration of the Sovereign Centre will go before the council's Cabinet on November 13.
Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said:
"I have repeatedly said that I agree with the calls made to protect the toilets in Eastbourne and have been laser focused on doing exactly that. And I am now confident that we can keep all the seafront toilets open.
"We are also negotiating with partners on keeping the other public toilets open across the town. Officers are bringing forward plans that could see more publicly accessible toilets than ever before. We are discussing 19 potential toilet locations, including in areas where there hasn't been provision before.
"The response to our proposed community toilet scheme has been heartening, and I'd like to thank the businesses and community groups who have been so positive, whether about running council toilets or offering their facilities for public use."
A range of other proposals have also been considered as part of the consultation, including changes to the operation of the Sovereign Centre.
Councillor Holt said:
"While over a thousand publicly accessible pools have closed since 2010, I can confirm that swimming will continue at the Sovereign Centre.
"We have had to evaluate how to maintain essential activities, against the significant investment needed in parts of the old infrastructure. However, we are fortunate to have a six lane gala pool at the Sovereign Centre that can accommodate swimming lessons, school and lane swimming."
The council is also working with Wave Active to develop plans for new activities at the Sovereign Centre, especially for younger children.
Councillor Holt added:
"We are not alone in having to find savings, the majority of UK councils are in the same boat. East Sussex County Council is currently consulting on savings to address a £55 million funding gap.
"I was very disappointed that the Chancellor did not announce specific measures to support the many councils like Eastbourne that are dealing with unprecedented temporary accommodation costs.
"I will continue to lead my national campaign about this crisis and encourage the government to work with us, in order that we can properly resource our public services in the long term."
For more information visit www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk
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