East Sussex
Main towns: East Sussex, the area administered by East Sussex County Council, is broken down into five districts: Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Rother and Wealdon.
Demographics: East Sussex has the highest proportion of over 75 and over 85 people in England. The proportion grows year on year and puts increasing pressure on health, care and support services. Only 55.6% of the county’s population is working age, compared with a national average of 62%. The county has a lower proportion of under 16s than usual, with the figure standing at 18.3% compared to the national average of 19.3%.
Young people in the county are also ‘frail’, according to an Audit Commission report, with 19.8% of working age residents complaining of disabilities or long-standing illness, compared to the regional figure of 16.4% and the national figure of 18.6%.
5.4% of the county’s population is described as being black or minority ethnic. The county is seeing increasing numbers of Eastern European migrant workers settling as well.
The county also suffers levels of disadvantage unusual for the South East of England, with pockets of severe deprivation. Thirteen localities in the county fall into the top 10% most disadvantaged localities in the country. Hastings has the highest proportion of deprived areas of any part of the South East. This leads to variable life expectancy, high teenage pregnancy rates, low skills levels and higher localised crime rates.
Population: East Sussex has an estimated population of 497,900 people. The population is expected to rise modestly over the next twenty years.
Places of Interest: Situated in the South East of England, East Sussex has become a big draw for commuters and pensioners. Offering sprawling, green landscapes, over half of the county has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. The region comprises a mixture of market towns and villages as well as a coast offering chalk hills and sandy beaches. Hastings Castle is a place of enormous historical significance as it was built in 1066 immediately after the infamous battle. It became the first permanent Norman castle in England.
House/Flat Prices: The average property price in East Sussex, including houses and flats, is £242, 100. Five years ago, in February 2004, the figure stood at £191,000.
Planning issues: East Sussex County Council is to consider plans for a new library and improved day care facilities for older residents in Seaford next week. The £5million proposal would see the existing library demolished and replaced by a brand new building in Sutton Park Road. The plan also includes the relocation of facilities for Homefield Place, a county adult social care centre. If plans are approved, construction could begin by 2010/11 but could disrupt services at Homefield Place.