Full Council decisions made

At last week's Full Council meeting, councillors discussed several key decisions, including bringing the building cleaning contract in-house and the lease for the Bowling Green and Pavilion in Alexandra Park.
Councillors debated the decisions at a virtual meeting and the decisions will be made by Managing Director Jane Hartnell through emergency powers, following the results of the votes at the meeting.
The building cleaning contract being brought in-house will mean that the council has more control over the service, including working conditions and flexibility of the service.
Hastings-based Arts on Prescription CIC has been awarded the lease for the Bowling Green and Pavilion within Alexandra Park. This will enable the group to run more services to help local residents with their mental health.
Councillors also agreed that the revised licensing policy should be adopted. Following a consultation with the public and other interested parties, officers had recommended that the saturation zone should be extended to cover Queens Road, Wellington Place and Cambridge Road. This was agreed at the meeting.
Councillors discussed several other cabinet decisions, including the Neighbourhood Planning Scheme of Delegation, fees and charges, the Afghan Relocation Programme and the Omicron hospitality and leisure business grants.
Cllr Kim Forward, Leader of the Council, said: "The decision to bring building cleaning in-house means that we can ensure the staff are under our council terms and conditions, including our pay structure and benefits.
"The Arts on Prescription bid for the Bowls Pavilion and Green will offer residents a vital service at a time when many have been struggling with their mental health due to the pandemic. We are pleased to be able to support them in the work they are doing and look forward to seeing the benefits of this contract."
Councillors will be discussing the budget and corporate plan update at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 16 February at 6pm. This can be watched online.