Corporate Plan update 2026-27

Leader's Foreword

This update sets out progress and direction of travel against the priorities in the Corporate Plan, highlighting where good progress is being made and where further work is required. It reflects delivery during a period of significant challenge and change for the council, including ongoing financial pressures, high demand for services and uncertainty at a national level. 

Alongside delivery of the Corporate Plan, the council continues to provide a wide range of day-to-day services that residents, businesses and communities rely on. This includes providing essential services, processing applications and licences, and responding to the needs of communities across the borough. This work remains a core part of the council’s role and underpins delivery of our longer-term priorities. 

During the lifetime of this Corporate Plan, the council is also operating within potential Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution. While the shape and timing of any future arrangements are still emerging, the council remains fully focused on delivering for Hastings’ residents and communities. Our priority continues to be achieving the best possible outcomes for the borough, both now and as we plan for the future. 

Across all themes, the council and its partners have continued to deliver against the actions set out in the Corporate Plan. There are clear examples of positive progress, including targeted support for residents facing cost of living pressures, investment in housing and homelessness prevention, visible improvements to places and communities, and the embedding of climate and nature considerations into our work. 

At the same time, we recognise that significant challenges remain. Service demand pressures, particularly in areas such as housing and homelessness, continue to be influenced by wider national factors. This update therefore presents a balanced and realistic picture of progress, showing where momentum is building and where further focus is needed. 

Public feedback is an important part of shaping our next steps. This consultation provides an opportunity for residents, partners and stakeholders to comment on progress to date and to help inform how priorities are delivered for Hastings in the period ahead. 

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of Hastings Borough Council.

Corporate Plan update

A financially stable council that delivers high-quality, responsive services in co-operation with local people 

Progress against the Corporate Plan priority on financial stability remains broadly on track, supported by strong governance and financial management arrangements. Key actions are being delivered to manage pressures, maintain essential services and plan ahead in a challenging national funding environment. The council has continued to take a prudent approach to budgeting and financial planning, while keeping risks under regular review. The focus remains on sustaining financial resilience and responding effectively to future uncertainty. The work done so far alongside some additional government funding means the proposed budget for 2026-27 shows a small surplus.

Tackling homelessness and ensuring good quality housing 

Delivery against housing and homelessness actions is progressing, with a range of programmes in place to prevent homelessness and support residents at risk. While demand pressures remain high and reflect national housing challenges, good progress has been made in strengthening prevention, partnership working and access to support. The council continues to focus on targeted interventions for those most in need, alongside longer-term work to increase housing supply. Managing demand and sustaining progress remain key priorities. Work continues on the housing development and acquisitions fund which will receive additional funding under the proposed budget for 2026-27.

Tackle poverty and inequality 

The council and its partners continue to make progress against actions aimed at reducing poverty and inequality. Targeted support has been delivered to help residents manage cost of living pressures, supported by strong partnership working across the borough. Activity has focused on reaching vulnerable residents and communities most affected by disadvantage. This work will continue to be a priority, alongside longer-term action to address the underlying causes of inequality. 

Take action to tackle the climate and nature crisis 

Good progress has been made in putting in place the foundations to deliver the council’s climate and nature ambitions set out in the Corporate Plan. Key actions have focused on embedding climate considerations into decision-making and preparing for delivery at scale. Work is now underway to progress initiatives that support carbon reduction, environmental improvement and biodiversity. The focus remains on maintaining momentum and delivering long-term sustainability outcomes. 

Ensure that Hastings encourages and supports pride in place 

Progress continues against the Corporate Plan ambition to strengthen pride in place, with investment supporting regeneration, neighbourhood improvement and community activity. A number of initiatives are delivering visible improvements to local areas and supporting economic and social wellbeing. Work is focused on ensuring investment reaches communities across the borough and contributes to inclusive growth. Further activity will continue to build on this progress. The proposed budget for 2026-27 includes additional barrow hands to help tackle street cleaning and additional planning enforcement staff to help us tackle people who are not following the planning rules. There is also extra financial support proposed for the West Hill Lift and towards St Mary in the Castle and funding for tourism with a new website and branding to encourage visitors to our town.

Please let us know if there's anything missing in our online survey, or email consultation@hastings.gov.uk.

Read details of our proposed budget for 2026-27. You can send feedback on the budget through our online survey, or email consultation@hastings.gov.uk.

All responses will be shared with councillors and senior officers before the update and budget for 2026-27 are discussed at Budget Cabinet on Monday 2 February and Budget Full Council on Wednesday 11 February.