This page contains information about Community Strategy targets and the progress made to date:
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The LSP (Local Strategic Partnership) started in 2003 with a set of 21 clear targets. At the end of 2005 we checked our progress against these targets and you can view the results below.
We are in the process of reviewing our targets for the next milestones in 2008 and 2013.
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Take our five most deprived wards out of the worst 10% nationally by 2013.
2005: 0 wards
2008: 1 ward
2013: all 5 wards
Progress 2005/2006 - Four wards have been taken out of the 10% most deprived. Progress has been much better than expected.
Increase the percentage of local people satisfied with their neighbourhood as a place to live to 85% by 2013.
2005: 73%
2008: 78%
2013: 85%
Progress 2005/2006 - Surveys have shown that 76% of people are satisfied with their local neighbourhood. We have reached the target for 2005.
Halve the gap between child poverty rates for Hastings and for East Sussex as a whole (measured as the proportion of children aged under 16 living in households dependent on means-tested benefits).
2005: 44 (6% gap)
2008: 42% (5.5% gap)
2013: 37% (4.5% gap)
Progress for 2005/2006 - The calculation for this target has been changed to make it more meaningful. The new targets are shown in brackets above. The new calculation measures the percentage of children under 16 living in households in receipt of income support.
Our 2005 target was to reduce the gap between child poverty in Hastings and child poverty in East Sussex to 6%. The actual gap at the end of 2005 was 6.12%, so the target was narrowly missed.
Increase the proportion of young people who think the town is a good place for them to live in. Identify 15 to 20 clear, measurable targets to improve young people's lives.
2005: complete (by end of 2003) a comprehensive Youth Strategy including clear and measurable targets for change and carry out a baseline study of young people's views
2008: Repeat baseline survey. Review progress of Youth Strategy against targets
2013: Repeat baseline survey. Review long term impact against baseline and targets
Progress 2005/2006 - An audit/survey has been completed and the results at the end of 2005 show that 48.6% of young people think the town is a good place to live in. Specific targets for 2008 and 2013 have now been set. We want 58% of young people to be satisfied by 2008 and 73% by 2013.
Halve the gap between overall crime rates per 1000 for Hastings & St Leonards and the average for England & Wales.
2005: 160 crimes per 1000 people
2008: 145 crimes per 1000 people
2013: 130 crimes per 1000 people
Progress 2005-2006 - At the end of 2005, there were 142 crimes per 1000 people, so the 2008 target has already been achieved.
Increase the percentage of residents who feel safe walking alone in their local neighbourhood at night.
2005: 40%
2008: 50%
2013: 60%
Progress 2005/2006 - At the end of 2005, a survey was conducted which found that 52% of residents felt safe in their neighbourhood at night. The target for 2008 has already been achieved.
Reduce average unemployment in the town to the East Sussex level by 2013.
2005: 1.44% above East Sussex average
2008: 0.9% above East Sussex average (Target changed to 1.2% above)
2013: At East Sussex average
Progress 2005/2006 - In 2005 Hastings average unemployment in Hastings was 1.5% above the county average. We have slightly missed our target for 2005, but there has been a significant improvement, with the gap between Hastings and East Sussex continuing to narrow.
Increase average weekly earnings to national levels by 2013.
2005: 83% of UK average
2008: Same as East Sussex average (now £377.40 p.w)
2013: Same as UK average (now £419.70 p.w)
Progress 2005/2006 - The target was to reach average earning figures 83% of the national earning average by 2005, in fact we reached levels 95% of the national average. Earnings in Hastings have increased at a faster rate than the whole of East Sussex. Weekly earnings have increased by £20 in Hastings, compared to the £2 increase for East Sussex. We have changed the way we measure earnings from a percetnage of the national average to use the median gross weekly wage figure.
Increase the percentage of 15 year-olds achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A* - C or equivalent from 40% in 2001 to 55% in 2013.
2005: 43%
2008: 49%
2013: 55%
Progress 2005/2006 - By the end of 2005 42.1% of 15 year olds achieve, so the target for 2005 was just missed.
Increase the number of residents who feel people from different backgrounds live harmoniously in the town
2005: Survey in 2003 together with the setting of targets
2008: Target to be set from survey baseline
2013: Target to be set from survey baseline
Progress 2005/2006 - At the end of 2005 a survey had been completed, which showed that 51.9% of residents were thought the town was harmonious to live in. The target for 2008 is to increase this to 59.4%.
Ensure that residents of each ward have ready access to a community facility throughout the year.
2005: Audit of facilities in 2003/04 together with clear prioritisation for future provision
2008: All wards in worst 20% having suitable provision
2013: All wards have suitable provision
Progress 2005/2006 - The audit had been completed at the end of 2005.
Ensure that 80% of residents have a neighbourhood forum or similar body so they can influence services and take decisions affecting their local area by 2013.
2005: 50%
2008: 70%
2013: 80%
Progress 2005/2006 - At the end of 2005, 51% of residents had access to a community forum or similar body. This figure is due to rise to 100% during 2006.
Reduce death rates from circulatory disease (coronary heart disease and stroke) and cancer in people under 75, by at least 40% and 20% respectively by 2013.
2005: Circulatory disease 25% down, Cancer 12% down
2008: Circulatory disease 30% down, Cancer 15% down
2013: Circulatory disease 40% down, Cancer 20% down
Progress 2005/2006 - In December 2005, there were 110/100,000 deaths from circulatory diesease compared to 147/100,000 in 2003. The target for a 25% reduction has therefore been achieved. In 2005 there were 122/100,000 deaths from cancer compared to 157/100,000 in 2003. Therefore a 22% reduction has been achieved, which exceeds the target for 2013.
Reduce the under 18 conception rate by 50% by 2013.
2005: Reduce by 15%
2008: Reduce by 25%
2013: Reduce by 50%
Progress 2005/2006 - A 25% reduction has been achieved since 2003, far exceeding the target for a 15% target and reaching the 2008 target.
Reduce drug related deaths by 10% by 2005 and 20% by 2013.
2005: Reduce by 10%
2008: Reduce by 15%
2013: Reduce by 20%
Progress 2005/2006 - There were five drug related deaths recorded in 2003, in 2005 there were two drug related deaths. The target to reduce deaths by 10% has therefore been exceeded.
Build 3300 new homes by 2013.
2005: 600 new homes
2008: 1600 new homes
2013: 3300 new homes
60% (1980) on previously developed land (brownfield) and 25% (825) affordable homes for young people and others in housing need.
Progress 2005/2006 - There were 661 new homes were built during 2005, exceeding the target. Over 74% of these were built on previously developed land (compared to the 60% target). Unfortunately only 7% were affordable homes, missing the 25% target.
Remove the gap between our town and the national average for unfit homes.
2005: 265 homes made fit
2008: 685 homes made fit
2013: 1385 homes made fit
Progress 2005/2006 - A total of 739 homes had been made fit by the end of 2005, exceeding the target for 2008. These targets will now be reviewed.
Eradicate the use of Bed & Breakfast accommodation for all homeless households, except in emergency (measured as nonemergency households placed in B&B as a percentage of all households placed in temporary accommodation).
2005: 28%
2008: 15%
2013: 0%
Progress 2005/2006 - During 2005 only 10.43% of households were housed in Bed & Breakfast accomodation as an emergency measure. This meets the targets for 2005 and 2008.
Increase the total number of bus passenger journeys by 20% compared with 2001 levels.
2005: Increase by 4%
2008: Increase by 10%*
2013: Increase by 20%*
* Targets will need to be reviewed after 2006 end date of Quality Bus Partnership Action Plan
Progress 2005/2006 - There was a 6.75% increase in the number of bus journeys, meeting the 4% target.
Give 90% of households access to open space such as parks, Local Nature Reserves, public gardens and play areas or the beach, within 300m of their homes by 2013.
2005: Complete open spaces audit across the town
2008: Target to be set in context of audit results
2013: 90% of households have access to open space within 300m of their homes
Progress 2005/2006 - An audit has been completed and results found that 94% of people had access to an open space within 300m of their home. The 2013 target has therefore already been met.
Increase the amount of household waste recycled and composted to 30% by 2013.
2005: 18%
2008: 22%
2013: 30%
Progress 2005/2006 - The actual figure for recycling in 2005 was 11.2%, which misses the target of 18%. However, at the end of 2005, we were very near to achieving the 18% target.
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In 2003, eleven people who shared a commitment to our town became our change correspondents. Change correspondents help to demonstrate the real change that is happening to people’s lives.
We’ve got in touch with some of our correspondents at the end of 2005 to get their view of how things have changed.
'Overall I think that Hastings has moved forward since 2003. The town has definitely become more multicultural. There is good community spirit, but this needs to be channelled into action. There are so many good ideas out there in the community, but they need proper backing to succeed.'
'I am now working right at the heart of the community in Greater Hollington. I run an inspirational youth project called R2 (r squared). We are trying to respond to some of the needs of the community, there is still a lot to do.'
'There has been quite a bit of good change. Agencies in the community are working much more closely together. Statutory agencies are now working alongside voluntary agencies, and this is an important step forward. Hastings is still under the microscope and there is still a lot to be done, but all in all good progress has been made since 2003.'
'Since 2003 there have been noticeable improvements to Hastings & St Leonards, to its buildings, open spaces and facilities. Hastings is a pleasant and healthy environment to live in and is actually good for you, despite negative press comments to the contrary. But more progress needs to be made in tackling social problems. I feel that some of the momentum for change has slowed down since 2003. Community spirit needs nurturing.'
'People need to be encouraged to feel part of the regeneration that’s taking place. My son is almost 11 and I’d like to see more activities and facilties for children and young people, which help make education and participation ‘cool’. Low pay and a lack of job opportunities are still problems holding the town back. For these reasons I still work in London.'
'Since 2003, I feel the ‘new dawn’ feeling has been lost slightly. We need to engage everyone in the change that’s happening and focus on the positive.'
'Living among it, change is sometimes difficult to notice. Change is happening in areas, but it takes time to have a major impact. It is noticeable that some of the people that were involved in community work a few years ago are no longer involved; I think this is mainly due to burnout. There is a real need to grow community members for the future. There has been some positive development in terms of service provision. Service providers are realising the need to work with the community. Similarly, I think the community are realising their right to be involved.'.
'The main factor that needs to be improved is communication. In my eyes, a few people know a lot and most people know very little. There is a need for different groups to pool resources and make the best use of existing resources. I think the town’s image is probably the same as in 2003. Negative media coverage is still a problem, which sometimes affects community spirit'.
'We have seen some changes but obviously there is still some way to go. The seafront is looking better but the real problem is still the A21 and the fact they’ve cut the train service. Hastings is improving and getting better. We have noticed that the park is much better for the children, especially during the summer.'
'I do think Hastings looks better, though I am disappointed with the state of the pavements around town. I’ve been working for the South Saxons Wetlands for many years. I think everyone can get involved in improving the town and we’re organising a big clean up for the wetlands. We all need a green space within ten minutes of our front door. People find there’s always something to see and hear. If you walk around South Saxon Wetlands you always feel a lot better.'
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For further information on any matter relating to the Community Strategy, please contact our Community Strategy section.
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This page last updated: 03/05/2006