September Cabinet meeting

The Cabinet of Hastings Borough Council will meet on Monday 7 September to discuss a range of reports and updates. 

The next stage of the Local Plan process (covered in a separate press release), the renewal and minor changes to the Dog Control public space protection order (PSPO), an update on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), NPO grant funding acceptance and the regular financial update are all on the agenda. 

The Dog Control PSPO covers where dogs are allowed to be on and off lead and other restrictions on dog fouling and how many dogs can be walked by one person. It needs renewing every three years. The council consulted on the renewal and two changes in the summer. Public feedback supported renewing the PSPO for a further three and to require anyone walking a dog to have the means to clean up dog fouling, and to allow dogs on leads at the Hastings Castle site. Cabinet is being asked to agree the renewal and additions to the PSPO. 

Following the Government’s decision to move forward with an East Sussex unitary on a modified geographical footprint, Cabinet will receive an update on LGR and shared services. All six East Sussex councils are working together to prepare for vesting day in 2028 and ensure the new authority is safe, legal and operational from day one. 

The Q1 Financial Monitoring update shows the forecast is for a balanced budget with projected increase in general fund reserves for this financial year. High temporary accommodation costs are still causing increased spend in housing, but other areas of the council are showing underspend and meeting the budget. Officers across the finance service and housing department are working together to minimise the projected overspend. 

Hastings Museum & Art Gallery has been invited by Arts Council England to extend its National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) programme for a further year, covering April 2027 to March 2028. The extension will allow the museum to maintain and expand a programme of activity aligned with both ACE strategic priorities and the museum’s business plan. Cabinet is asked to agree to accept the funding and a delivery plan for 2027-28 before making a further application for funding for 2028 to 2033. 

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of the council, said: “These reports tell some great stories about the excellent work being done across the council - the financial paper in particular shows some positive progress with a balanced budget and increased reserves. 

“We are lucky to have such an excellent museum here in Hastings. The team are doing amazing work with the community, and the extension of funding will allow them to continue this work and expand in the future. 

“Officers are working hard on LGR across all six East Sussex councils.  We are making sure that Hastings-specific matters, including Cinque Ports status, are clearly identified and addressed through the relevant legislative and implementation processes. We know these are important issues for residents, community groups and organisations in Hastings.” 

You can watch the meeting online, or attend in person from 5.45pm at Muriel Matters House. You can read the full reports. 

Following a change in procedure, public questions need to be submitted in advance before Cabinet meetings, no new questions can be asked at Cabinet.