Cabinet meeting Monday 22 July

Councillors will meet on Monday 22 July at Cabinet to discuss reports covering the asset management plan and the future of 22 Wellington Square, and updates on the Long-term Plan and the Hastings Housing Company.

The asset management plan was suggested as part of the Local Government Association (LGA) peer review in March 2023, to set out the council's vision, aspiration and objectives for the land and property it owns. The plan also outlines a multiyear plan for achieving these outcomes.

The building at 22 Wellington Square was being used by the council as temporary accommodation. It had been included as part of the Town Deal programme, but it has now been decided that the building does not meet the council's requirements and the report recommends selling it as the income from the sale would be better invested in more accessible, higher quality and cost-effective accommodation to meet housing need.

Councillors will also hear update reports on the Long-Term Plan. The Hastings Board, which has been set up to oversee the Long-Term Plan, has been working with community groups across the town to put together the vision for the plan. Officers will provide a presentation to the meeting updating on the progress so far as the council is the accountable body for the programme.

The Hastings Housing Company, which was set up under the previous administration, will also be discussed. Councillors will consider improvements to the management and performance of the company including producing a revised business plan in the next six to nine months.

Cllr Julia Hilton, leader of the council, said: "Cabinet members will be discussing several key items, including the work that has been done on a strategic asset management plan, which councillors have been keen to see for some time. The update on the Long-Term Plan is important to the future of the town and improvements that we hope to make. I hope we have some members of the public at the meeting to ask questions and hear the discussion and debate."

The meeting will start at 6pm at Muriel Matters House. There will be half an hour at the start of the meeting for residents to ask questions. The full agenda and reports are available online. You will be able to watch the meeting online.