Hastings Borough Council's Full Council met on 24 September 2025, to discuss local government reorganisation, community involvement in planning, and financial monitoring. The council agreed to submit three proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) to the government, adopted the updated Statement of Community Involvement, and noted the Financial Monitoring Report for 2025/26.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

The council debated three proposals for the future of local government in East Sussex, as part of the government's Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process¹. The government is requiring areas like East Sussex and Brighton to submit proposals to replace the two-tier system of local government with a single unitary tier.

The three proposals being considered were:

• One East Sussex – Single Unitary, developed by all six East Sussex councils.
• Federated District & Borough Model, developed by the Hastings Independent Group.
• Coastal Unitary Model, developed by the Hastings Labour Group.

The council resolved to submit all three proposals to central government, accompanied by a covering letter setting out Hastings' position.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee had previously reviewed the draft proposals and provided comments on each of the models. Councillor Hilton and Councillor Edwards presented the Single Unitary model, Councillors Barnett and Batsford presented the Federated District and Borough model, and Councillors Kay and Rogers presented the Coastal Unitary model.

During the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Webb asked about Wealden Council's position, and Councillor Hilton clarified that Wealden had paused their support rather than withdrawn it. Councillor Turner expressed concern about the level of public engagement and the potential impact of the changes. Councillor Jobson questioned the coastal unitary model, specifically regarding housing targets. Councillor Kean asked how the proposals address failing services in East Sussex. Councillor Rankin raised concerns about the future of Hastings' existing asset base.

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)

The council resolved to adopt the updated Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), which outlines how the council will engage with the public in planning matters. The decision included incorporating any comments received after the Cabinet meeting up to the consultation closing date of 10 September.

The SCI is a statutory document that must be reviewed every five years. It sets out how the council will encourage participation and engagement in planning, including developing the new Local Plan, consulting on planning applications, and supporting neighbourhood planning. The updated SCI reflects the council's commitment to inclusive, transparent, and effective engagement, using digital technologies to reach more people. It also acknowledges that some groups are harder to reach and require additional consideration.

The Planning Consultant, Mr James, presented the report, noting that the updated SCI supports the upcoming stages of the Local Plan process. Councillor Horn asked when the last SCI was conducted, and officers confirmed it was five years ago. Councillor Rogers asked the Cabinet to make it clearer that the consultation is open until 10 September.

Financial Monitoring Report for 2025/26

The council noted the Financial Monitoring Report for 2025/26, which provided a summary of the financial outturn position for services at the end of June 2025 (Period 3). The report highlighted a forecasted adverse variance to budget of £735,023 for direct service expenditure, partially offset by the use of unbudgeted earmarked reserves.

The council resolved to approve the Asterisk Capital Programme Schemes which have been agreed by the Capital Assurance Board (CAB).

The Chief Finance Officer, Kit Wheeler, presented the report, noting a significant overspend in housing due to ongoing pressures. Councillor Collins asked if the council should be more ambitious with PIER review savings in the future.

The key points from the Executive Summary of the Financial Monitoring Report were:

• The forecasted outturn for the 12 months to 31st March 2026 is an adverse variance to budget of £735,023 for direct service expenditure. However, this is partially offset by a use of unbudgeted earmarked reserves.
• Budgeted savings identified through the PIER programme are ongoing. Of the budgeted £429,500 opportunities, we are expecting the full amount to be achieved.
• In line with the revised reserves policy the recommended minimum balance for the General Reserve is £4m. The General Reserve balance is forecasted to be £6.4m at the year-end.

Treasury Management Update

The council noted the Treasury Management Update for 2025/26 Quarter 1. The report provided details of the treasury management activities undertaken in the last quarter and ensured that councillors are fully aware that Codes of Practice have been complied with, and that the Council's treasury management strategy remains effective.

The council resolved to approve any changes to the prudential indicators.

The Chief Finance Officer submitted the report.

Other Matters Discussed

• Land Stability: The Land Stability Project Manager provided an update on land stability in the borough, including clearance work carried out on the land between Rossetti Gardens and Etchingham Drive.
• Public Questions: A member of the public raised a question regarding Hastings Borough Council's lease of a property in Castleham Road to General Dynamics.
• Questions from Councillors: Councillors submitted written questions on various topics, including social housing and the Conquest Hospital.
• Motions: The council considered motions on housing, mayoral elections, fly-tipping, and graffiti.
• Appointment of Independent Persons: The council appointed two Independent Persons to assist the Standards Complaints Process and any disciplinary hearing against any of the Statutory Officers.
• Membership of Committees: No changes to membership of committees were proposed.