New Cabinet announced

New Leader of Hastings Borough Council, Cllr Julia Hilton, has named her new Cabinet.

Cllr Julia Hilton - Regeneration, Culture, Tourism, Climate Action, Governance.
Cllr Glenn Haffenden - Environment, Community Safety, Health, Equalities, HR and Deputy Leader.
Cllr Simon Willis - Housing.
Cllr Paul Barnett - Finance.
Cllr Ali Roark - Foreshore Trust (Chair of the Charity Committee).

It had already been agreed by all group leaders in the negotiation discussions prior to electing a new leader of the council that it was particularly important to have continuity in the Housing and Finance portfolio holders. Now the remaining portfolios have been agreed.

In addition, to extend wider involvement of the councillor body and cross-party participation in the decision-making process, committees of cabinet will be established with deputy chairs to lead on the following:

1. Local Plan - chaired by a Green party councillor.
2. Tourism and festivals - chaired by a Hastings Independent councillor - working on replacement to Visit 1066 Country, tourism promotion and festivals.
3. Cultural assets (chair to come from another party or a non-Hastings Independent Group Independent) - Including Castle project, SMIC and White Rock Theatre transition and Museum.
4. Climate action - chaired by a Green party councillor - to focus on developing climate action forum with community expertise.

All councillors will be invited to express their interest in taking part according to their interests and skills. These Committees of Cabinet will not have decision making powers but will enable feedback and involvement from the wider community into these important areas of the council's work.

Further details will be announced at the Full Council meeting on Wednesday 24 January.