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Committee minutes · Full Council · Wed 24 Sep 2025 · Hastings Borough Council

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It also renewed the appointment of two Independent Persons to assist with the council's Standards process, for a further term to 31 March 2028. p14

Full Council resolved to write to the government seeking an urgent review of Local Housing Allowance rates and a funding mechanism for social housing, and asked the Leader to seek assurances from Orbit and Southern Housing about tenants, in a motion passed with 12 votes in favour and 17 abstentions. p18p19p20

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  • p1432. Appointment of Independent Persons Councillor Barnett proposed approval of the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Edwards. RESOLVED (unanimously): 1. To renew the appointment of John Baker and Amanda McIntyre as Independent Persons for a further term from 1st November 2025 to 31st March 2028. Reasons: 1. The Localism Act 2011 requires the Council to appoint at least one Independent Person to assist with the Standards process. 2. Legislation requires an Independent Person to be involved in any disciplinary action against any of the three statutory officers, those being the Head of Paid Service, the Chief Finance Officer and the Monitoring Officer. 3. Both Independent Persons are experienced in their roles and familiar with the Council’s Standards procedures. Reappointing both Independent Persons ensures the Council has consistency and experience up until the conclusion of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process.
  • p1836. Motion (Rule 14) Councillor Cannan proposed a motion as set out in the agenda, seconded by Councillor Batsford. Councillor Haffenden proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Smith, as follows: Amend point d) to read: Prioritise the passing of the Renters’ Rights Bill that seeks to improve standards and regulations across the private rented sector to better protect tenants. Amend paragraph 3 to read : In order to address the housing emergency described above this Council will commit that we will work with Housing Associations and others to deliver a pipeline of new affordable homes, and bring back into use empty homes, prioritising social rent and genuinely affordable tenures that meet our local need . Councillor Cannan rejected the amendment. The Mayor proposed suspending Rule 16.6b, seconded by Councillor Smith. RESOLVED : that Full Council suspends Rule 16.6b of the Constitution to permit the original motion and any proposed amendments to be on the table and open for discussion at the same time. Councillor Beaver proposed under Rule 16.10 that the question be now put, as the Cabinet were due to meet shortly. The Mayor replied that the Council will continue with the debate on the motion. The amendment was agreed by 17 votes in favour, to 6 against, with 6 abstentions. The Mayor called a vote on the motion as amended. RESOLVED (by 12 votes in favour with 17 abstentions): Full Council notes: The worst cost of living crisis since the 1950s is coinciding with a national housing crisis. The result of this will be an increasing number of our residents deprived of one of the most fundamental pillars to a healthy and happy life – a secure, stable, and affordable home. There is a Housing emergency in Hastings. We have made improvements (such as the purchase of up to 200 homes) but there aren’t enough affordable homes. Rents are too high. Many homes are in poor condition. Too many people are homeless or living in temporary housing.
  • p19There are 3000 people on the waiting list for housing and 1000 people in temporary accommodation. The Labour Government has stated they are prioritising house building, aiming for a new-build target in Hastings of a further 282 new homes that will now be required to be built each year, in addition to the 490 existing homes target identified by the previous government. The lack of availability of land within Hastings means this target will be impossible to reach. So, the crisis continues to affect those who are homeless or living in substandard housing, as well as those facing eviction due to inability to afford rent increases. The LHA rate, which determines the amount of housing benefit received for those eligible, fails spectacularly to reflect the increase in rents and house prices in Hastings. The two major Housing Associations in Hastings are Orbit and Southern Housing. Both face constant demand to improve their services in terms of: Repairs and maintenance Play provision Reduce the number of empty properties and stop selling off housing This is evidenced by the extensive caseload of local councillors Both Housing Associations have responsibility for estates requiring regeneration i.e. Clifton Court and Earl Street (Orbit); The Four Courts (Southern Housing) Southern Housing have refused to recognise the tenants association which has been set up by the tenants themselves – Hastings Area Southern Housing Tenants’ Association (HASHTA), and refuse to engage with them. Full Council believes that: The LHA rate is in urgent need of review to ensure housing benefit is sufficient to support those on benefits into housing and prevent homelessness. Housing Associations need to reassure the residents of Hastings that they have solid plans in place to guarantee replenishment of their housing stock. Southern Housing should formally recognise HASHTA .
  • p20The Government needs to create a fund to enable 100% social housing development where needed and the local plan needs to prioritise social housing. Full Council resolves 1. Write to the new minister for the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government asking them to a. As a matter of urgency, review the process determining LHA rates with particular examples of the disparities in Hastings which mean benefit claimants simply cannot afford to pay the rent on a suitable home. b. Commit to a funding mechanism that enables Local Authorities and housing developers to build 100% social housing where needed. c. Legislate a no winter evictions guarantee to protect private tenants from homelessness through the most challenging period of the cost-of-living crisis d. Prioritise the passing of the Renters’ Rights Bill that seeks to improve standards and regulations across the private rented sector to better protect tenants. e. Lobby for rent controls and a review of the local housing allowance in Hastings. 2. The Leader of the Council will write to Orbit and Southern Housing seeking assurances that: a. Any tenant(s) asked by them to relocate, who are holding a permanent tenancy agreement, will be guaranteed this is transferred to their new home. b. Southern Housing recognise HASHTA. 3. In order to address the housing emergency described above this Council will commit that we will work with Housing Associations and others to deliver a pipeline of new affordable homes, and bring back into use empty homes, prioritising social rent and genuinely affordable tenures that meet our local need

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