Hastings’ 2026-27 budget agreed

At Full Council on Wednesday 11 February, Hastings’ councillors unanimously agreed the budget for 2026-27. For the first time in many years, the proposed budget showed a small surplus with several growth items agreed during the budget process to work towards the priorities set out in the Corporate Plan 2025-2030. 

The final budget includes funding to appoint two additional wardens for the enforcement team, extra barrow hands and street cleaning, and work to St Mary in the Castle to support the pride in place priority; funding for work on the West Hill Lift and additional staff for planning enforcement to support us being financially stable.  

There is also funding to appoint a play officer and an anti-poverty officer, further roll-out of the work started by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and improved changing facilities for sports facilities and investment in local sports provision to help us tackle poverty and inequality. Funding has been agreed for the Town of Culture 2028 bid to increase pride in place. There is additional funding for replacement trees to tackle the climate emergency. 

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of the council, said: “I’m really pleased that our financial position has improved enough for us to be able to agree several growth items that help us work towards the five priorities in our Corporate Plan. Being financially stable was one of these five priorities and thanks to the hard work of officers and our administration we have been able to achieve this. 

“I’m also delighted that the budget and amendments from all groups were agreed by Full Council, it was an example of how we can all work together for the benefit of our residents.” 

Cllr Darren Mackenzie, lead councillor for finance, risk and ICT, said: “I want to say a big thank you to all the staff and councillors who have worked so hard to get this budget agreed. We have worked really hard as an administration with officers to get us into a balanced budget position which, combined with additional government funding in recognition of Hastings’ unique circumstances, has allowed us to put together this positive budget for 2026-27. Work on shared services and transformation will continue as we move towards local government reorganisation, which we hope will bring further savings and additional resources.” 

The budget includes an increase of 2.99% for the Hastings element of council tax – less than £10 for a band D property. Without this increase the council cannot set a balanced budget, and the government has told us that if we do not do everything within our power to increase our income, including the money we bring in through council tax each year, they will not agree to further financial support if we need it in the future. 

Council tax reduction will continue for those who need it and those who are unable to pay the full amount. 

Final council tax bills will include details from East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue and will be delivered to homes in early March. More information will be on our website and social media as bills are being delivered. 

You can watch the Full Council meeting again, and read the full papers.