Observer column 2 January 2026

Cllr Natalie Gaimster, lead councillor for engagement, equality and opportunity

As we start 2026, I wanted to look forward to some of the local matters that we will be asking for feedback on in the coming weeks and months. 

The first of these will be our budget proposals for 2026-27. Across the council we have continued to identify efficiency savings while maintaining services. As has been the case for the last few years, housing and temporary accommodation continues to be our biggest challenge.  

Alongside the budget, we want to hear from residents to see if there’s anything in our latest Corporate Plan that requires updating. We will be updating our website and social media to let you know when the consultation period for this is open. Any feedback you provide will be discussed by councillors as part of the budget setting process, so please let us know your thoughts. 

We are also preparing the new draft Local Plan to go out to consultation towards the end of January. The plan sets out how Hastings could grow and change up to 2041. It guides what we need to build, where it can be built, and how building should benefit local people. It is really important that you provide us with your feedback on the Local Plan, whether positive or negative. We have been set very challenging new home targets by the government, and we are working hard to balance the need for more homes to tackle the housing crisis with the need to protect our green spaces and meet our climate change targets. We are planning face-to-face events where you can come and find out more about the Local Plan and how it might affect you, whether it’s job opportunities, health provision or providing new homes. Again, we will be updating social media and our website to promote the consultation across the borough at the end of January. 

Alongside this work, officers and councillors continue to work on the government’s plans for local government reorganisation which is the biggest change to how councils will work in 50 years. There’s still time for you to let the government know your thoughts on their potential options for how things change in East Sussex. They are asking for comments on two options – a single council covering the current East Sussex footprint, or five councils across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton. The consultation closes on Sunday 11 January. Read full details of each proposal and have your say online. 

We are also expecting a planning application for work to the West Hill Café to be submitted in February as part of the Town Deal funded project on the castle site. This means you will be able to see what is planned for the site. Updates on the project are available on the Town Deal website and the West Hill project site. 

Finally, on the first day back after the Christmas break, Cabinet councillors will be discussing an updated Climate Action Plan at the Cabinet meeting. This sets out the steps we’ve already taken and the work that will be done as we address the climate emergency, alongside balancing our budget and tackling the housing crisis. 

Find details of all our consultations and have your say.