Cabinet minutes
In plain English
Decided · A decision has been taken.
Cabinet delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to finalise amendments before submission, and approved a covering letter from the Leader setting out Hastings' consultation results and concerns. p6
Show the 1 passage this is based on
- p6Councillor Hilton acknowledge financial risk with each of the proposed models, but Cabinet needs to ensure a sustainable future of Hastings, and the ‘One East Sussex’ model is where other Councils are willing to work together. Councillor Haffenden thanked Overview and Scrutiny for their helpful input, and thanked officers for their continued support. Councillor Haffenden proposed approval of the recommendations. RESOLVED (unanimously): 1. We endorse support for the One East Sussex unitary proposal but will submit all three proposals with a covering letter that will: • Emphasise that this is a central government-imposed initiative to which Hastings along with other authorities are responding, where their widespread concerns highlighted the pace at which this had been requested and is expected to be delivered with no additional resources. • Make the point that Hastings has considered other options as was set out in our original covering letter alongside submission in March. Therefore, we would request that the minister also considers these alternative options. • Highlight Hastings’ consultation results, showing that fifteen more people expressed a local preference for federated governance over the single East Sussex unitary option. With a minority support for the coastal option. • Stress that all three models carry benefits and risks, and none are viable without reform of local government finance. • Assert that any decision must recognise Hastings’ historical, social, economic and geographic circumstances. • Underscore that Hastings seeks a solution that strengthens local democracy, protects services for vulnerable residents. 2. Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and Lead Member to finalise amendments before submission. 3. Approve submission of a covering letter from the Leader of the Council alongside the proposals.