East Sussex Council Explores Sale of Outdoor Activity Service Amid Cost-Cutting Efforts

An outdoor activity provider operating in East Sussex, known for its popularity, may be divested as part of the council’s measures to reduce expenditures. Councillor Bob Standley, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for education, is scheduled to review a report next week concerning the future of Buzz Active. This non-profit organization, managed by the council, incurs an annual cost of £100,000. The service, which offers a diverse array of outdoor activities from three locations in Eastbourne, Hailsham, and Cuckmere Haven, records approximately 20,000 visits annually. However, a report submitted to Mr. Standley indicates that officers believe the council must assess the service’s long-term viability due to broader “financial pressures.” Within the report, a council spokesman stated: “Given the financial pressures the council is facing, it is necessary for departments to review all of their expenditure, especially spending on non-statutory services.“The Buzz Active service, whilst non-statutory, makes a positive contribution to the residents of East Sussex and the council has therefore explored ways to ensure the continuation of this valuable service in the future.” According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the report identifies the sale or transfer of the service as the “most effective” method to secure an alternative provider. The report specifies that the council intends to meticulously evaluate the feasibility of any prospective buyers and to appraise proposals aimed at sustaining the current level of provision. Furthermore, the council states it will assess offers based on “the aims and ethos of Buzz Active,” with higher consideration given to those that prioritize “competitive pricing,” the continuation of the council’s Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) inclusive offers, and support for vulnerable children. Officers suggested that engaging external providers could render the service “more economically viable.”