Green-led Hastings Borough Council has passed what’s been hailed as the most comprehensive and robust budget the council has seen in years.
Finance Lead Cllr Darren Mackenzie praised officers, saying, “Our new ‘zero-based’ approach has made a real difference: it shows us the reality of our situation. This is a far more pragmatic approach, allowing us to be better prepared, and take measures to mitigate risk.” Darren added, “In Year One, we’re looking at a net deficit of £29,000. Compared with last year’s net deficit of £1.6 million, that’s a big drop. A break-even budget is a huge accomplishment.”
VISION FOR A THRIVING HASTINGS
The council also passed its five-year Corporate Plan, shaping its priorities for years to come. The Five Priorities are:
1. A financially stable council that delivers high quality, responsive services in cooperation with local people;
2. Tackling homelessness and ensuring good-quality housing;
3. Tackling poverty and inequality;
4. Taking action to tackle the climate and nature crisis;
5. Encouraging and supporting a sense of pride in our town.
Julia said, “This plan sets out our vision for a Hastings that residents are proud of, where they feel safe, valued and heard. Where everyone can live healthy, fulfilling lives, no matter who they are or where they’ve come from.
“I’m grateful for comments from residents, businesses, councillors and officers alike. We will now set about our Delivery Plan, detailing how we intend to meet our goals. This administration makes no apologies for prioritising financial stability – without that, we can’t achieve any of our priorities to make Hastings the thriving town we all want to see.”
CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Julia thanked HBC’s Housing Team for their incredible efforts to stabilise temporary accommodation numbers, “bucking the national trend of a 16% rise”. Julia warned, “40% of our net budget is being spent on housing our homeless – the pressure is unrelenting. This is a national crisis situation – but the Government doesn’t even have a homelessness strategy. They have still not addressed the Local Housing Allowance, which does not meet local rents.”
Adding to the council’s financial pressure is the forthcoming imposed local government reorganisation, on which Julia said, “It is disappointing that the Government is providing no funding for us to deliver these proposals to their ferocious timeline. Their letter this week confirms they expect us to use our reserves.”
Julia added, “Despite this, we are keen to facilitate as much community consultation as we can in this process. We want to ensure residents can influence where and how their local services are run. At the very least, we should be lobbying the Government to fund their reorganisation vision.”