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Committee minutes · Full Council · Wed 14 Jan 2026 · Hastings Borough Council

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A proposal to carry out a Community Governance Review was rejected by 5 votes to 16, with 5 abstentions; instead the council resolved to pursue Charter Trustees to preserve historic and ceremonial functions during local government reorganisation. p13p14

Full Council approved a change to the constitution giving greater transparency and public scrutiny over planning applications to fell trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order, and separately approved an amendment to the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules. p15

Full Council also voted 21 to 2 in favour of a motion calling for the council to publish a Play Strategy for Hastings, covering play facilities, green space and provision for children and young people. p22

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  • p1357. Community Governance Review Councillor Hilton proposed approval of the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Haffenden. In order to take advice from officers on the proposals the Mayor proposed the council proceed as if in committee, seconded by Councillor Rogers. RESOLVED that in order for councillors to take advice from officers, under Rule 16(14) of council procedure the council proceed as if in committee. In response to questions from councillors the Head of Community and Regulatory Services advised that a Community Governance Review (CGR) is resource?intensive, typically taking around 12 months, requiring extensive consultation, external expertise, and significant officer and councillor time. The council currently lacks capacity to undertake a full CGR, so would seek external support. Any final decision on the outcome of the review would rest with the principal authority in place at the time, potentially the future unitary authority. Charter Trustees were explained as a temporary arrangement during Local Government Reorganisation to preserve ceremonial and historic functions only. In these circumstances, only ceremonial assets may transfer, and Charter Trustees have no service delivery role. Members expressed mixed views, with some supporting Charter Trustees to protect civic heritage and manage capacity pressures, while others favoured earlier public engagement on a town council. It was confirmed that Charter Trustees do not prevent a future CGR or the establishment of a town or parish council at a later date. The meeting returned to Full Council mode. The proposal to move ahead with a Community Governance Review was rejected by 5 votes in favour, to 16 against, with 5 abstentions. RESOLVED (by 25 votes in favour, with 2 abstentions).
  • p14The council will pursue the adoption of Charter Trustees to preserve the historical continuity and traditions of a Hastings during local government reorganisation and that the Head of Community & Regulatory Services have delegated authority to agree with the LGR councillor working group. Reasons: As part of the reorganisation of local government in East Sussex, the LGR councillor working group instructed officers to explore the option of undertaking a Community Governance Review, with relation to future governance in Hastings and other options that may be available, for consideration at a future meeting of the council. The recommendations ensure that should a review be undertaken, the council would comply with the requirements of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 in relation to conducting a Community Governance Review. The Mayor adjourned the meeting for a comfort break at 7.43pm and the meeting reconvened at 7.52pm.
  • p1558. Amendments to the Council's Constitution Before proceeding the Mayor noted that although both recommendations in the report are proposals to amend the constitution, they are distinct. The Mayor therefore proposed to deal with each recommendation separately to allow councillors a full and focussed discussion on each proposal. Councillor Haffenden proposed approval of recommendation 1, seconded by Councillor Mackenzie. RESOLVED (unanimously): That Full Council approves the amendment to Part 8 of the Constitution (Standing Instructions to Authorised Officers) in relation to planning applications for consent to fell a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order. Reasons: To improve transparency and public scrutiny of planning applications relating to trees with a Tree Preservation Order. Councillor Hilton proposed approval of recommendation 2, seconded by Councillor Mackenzie. RESOLVED (by 15 votes in favour, to 7 against, with 4 abstentions): That Full Council approves the proposed amendment to the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules. Reasons: To ensure timely advice on amendments to the revenue budget and capital programme from statutory officers.
  • p2262. Motion (Rule 14) Councillor Kay proposed a motion a set out in the agenda, seconded by Councillor Barnes. RESOLVED (by 21 votes in favour, to 2 against): We call on the council to publish a Play Strategy for Hastings. Developed across all relevant council departments, it will engage proactively with the voluntary sector and reflect children and young people’s views. The strategy will: • Audit existing play resources, facilities and provision. • Identify underserved areas and communities across the borough. • Remove all ‘no ball games’ signs and similar from public land, with private landowners encouraged to follow suit. • Map smaller green spaces that could converted to play provision. • Invest capital funding for construction of new play parks and facilities in identified priority areas. • Prioritise children’s play equipment for further investment, especially in deprived areas of the town. • Improve access to nature-based play. • Ensure new developments include play provision for children and young people. • Encourage social housing providers to provide quality play facilities on developments that are open, accessible and of a standard that encourages children and young people’s engagement. This strategy would align Hastings with the government’s and Sports England’s recently-published strategies for young people, both of which acknowledge the pivotal role physical and sport opportunities play in improving young people’s physical and mental wellbeing, as well as social connections and long-term opportunities. (The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 9.40pm)

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