Leader's weekly update transcript - 17/09/21

Hi, it's Kim, I hope you are well and have had a good week.

As usual, a reminder that the virus is still with us and two vaccinations, two lateral flow tests a week, wearing a mask in indoor public spaces and crowded areas and keeping our distance from others will help stop the spread of COVID in our town. The pop-up vaccination clinics are still here, please check our website for details. Let's continue to be kind and considerate and keep each other safe.

This weekend is the start of Great Big Green Week where communities are encouraged to celebrate the actions they are taking on climate change and Recycle Week begins on Monday. The climate emergency is the biggest crisis facing humanity and we need to keep our focus on what we're doing to reduce our impact on the environment. You can find useful links and suggestions on the climate change pages on our website.

The recent IPCC's report which signalled a Code Red for humanity means we all realise that the climate emergency needs urgent action. Governments and countries must work together to enact the legislation that is needed and provide the funding to tackle climate change. Post pandemic we must have a green recovery and keep the temperature of our planet under control.

Pre pandemic Hastings Borough Council declared a Climate Emergency and set a target of carbon neutrality for our borough by 2030. Our latest climate change report will be published soon and discussed at next month's Cabinet meeting. We are committed to working with our partners to bring down emissions in our town.

We are very concerned about the housing crisis here and indeed in our country. Not only are people struggling to find suitable rented accommodation but if they manage to find somewhere it is often unaffordable. We need much more truly affordable housing and a fair rent system in our country so that everyone can have a decent, secure home.

The government needs to address this situation urgently with a range of measures; only they have the power to affect real lasting change and ensure everyone is housed in a home that they can afford. Hastings Council along with many other councils continues to lobby the government for the changes we need.

We are appealing for landlords who have empty properties to let them through the council's social lettings scheme which gives guaranteed rent for three years, even if the property is empty. Contact  housingadvice@hastings.gov.uk for more information.

This weekend is our lovely Seafood and Wine Festival held on the Stade Open Space where you'll find great music, cooking demos and children's activities and of course delicious food and wine. There are measures in place to make the event as safe as possible. You can find more details on the Visit 1066 website.

Thanks for listening.