Agenda item - Chair's Communication

14.1 The Chair gave the following communication: Today we are beginning the process of scrutinising the council’s budget, with an update from Cllr Jacob Taylor and officers on the council’s financial situation. As set out in the report, it would be helpful if members could limit questions to remain within the remit of this committee. A similar report is going to the Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee where issues within their remit will be covered.

We will then be looking at the renewal of the Section 75 Agreement on mental health services between the council and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Before we begin, I want to make members of the committee aware that the council is still in the pre-election period ahead of the Queen’s Park Ward by-election on 18th September. Therefore, I would urge members of the committee and cabinet members presenting to us to refrain from making any comments which could be seen to encourage or discourage support for any party or candidate standing in the election.