Full Council meeting 19 July 2023

At last night's Full Council meeting, councillors debated two motions and discussed a range of Cabinet decisions, including the reports on Hastings United Football Club and the White Rock Theatre.

Cllr Paul Barnett, Leader of the Council, also read part of an open letter he has written to the CEO of Southern Water about the continuing issues across town.

He said: "We continue to see a series of major disasters in Hastings. Some of these may well be due to the age of your infrastructure, some will be down to the way our town has grown and developed, and others will be because of how you manage the service. I have come to the conclusion after your two recent letters of apology that a reset is needed in order for Southern Water to regain the trust of our residents.

"I feel it is time for you to make Hastings a priority, work with us and ensure our residents know what is going on. Where is your investment plan? Why is our sea still so polluted?
We are in your hands; you have the expertise and the funding. Will you work with us?"

Councillors voted unanimously to agree the Treasury Management Outturn Report for 2022/23.

Cllr Tony Collins introduced a motion asking the council to commit to developing policies and procedures to help reverse the decline in biodiversity including ensuing that the Local Plan sets out the criteria for adopting British Standard swift bricks for relevant planning permissions and approvals. Councillors debated the motion and voted unanimously in favour of adoption.

Cllr Claire Carr introduced a motion supporting Trans Pride Hastings ahead of their first festival, including a commitment for equalities training and continuing to fly the trans flag on appropriate dates. Councillors debated the motion, and a vote was taken with 25 in favour and three abstentions.

Residents and councillors also had the opportunity to ask Cabinet members questions. There were questions on the recent sewage problems in Alexandra Park, litter across the town, the future of cycling, St Mary in the Castle, the Harrow Lane housing development and the council's financial situation.

You can rewatch the meeting online and read the papers online.