We have detailed some key highlights from the Cabinet meeting, held on Monday 2nd February 2026.

Draft Budget 2026/27 and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2026-202

Cabinet debated a report on the Council’s draft budget for 2026/27 and medium-term financial plan up to 2029.

Councillors were asked to agree a budget and council tax for 2026/27 for Full Council to make a final decision on later this month.

The proposals include a core budget of around £50m, a capital programme of £191m, and a council tax increase of 2.99%, which would, if agreed, add £6.30 extra for the year for a Band D property.

Cabinet heard that, despite significant work on council savings, it is proposed that up to £2.5m may need to be drawn from reserves during 2025/26.

Councillor Ashan Jeeawon, portfolio holder for finance, said: “This proposed budget helps us make the best use of our resources and deliver on our priorities.

“In recent years, the demand for our services has grown while the cost of delivering them has also increased. At the same time, there are ongoing financial pressures across the public sector, creating a significant funding gap.”

Cabinet approved the draft budget to be taken forward to Full Council on February 23 for final decision.

Council Plan 2025-2029

A report was presented to Cabinet proposing a refreshed Council Plan for 2025-2029. The Plan provides the strategic direction for the Council and ensures that existing and planned work is aligned with its vision for Rother.

Cabinet heard that there has been good progress made in delivering the Council’s strategic priorities over the last 12 months, but since the Council Plan was adopted, the environment in which the Council operates has changed significantly.

The Government’s White Paper on Devolution sets out its plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in England. This process will restructure local government so that communities are served by one unitary council.

Cllr Doug Oliver, Leader of the Council said: “New policies from national government, changes to local government, and other factors need to be addressed in our Council Plan. However, our own priorities remain the same – a thriving local economy, people living well locally, and Rother being green to the core.

“I’m really pleased with the successes we’ve delivered on the current Council Plan including the new welcome centre at Camber Sands, the distribution of £1.7m in Disabled Facilities Grants, and national recognition for the Council’s climate work.”

The refreshed Council Plan was approved and adopted by Cabinet.

High Street Rental Auctions

A report on High Street Rental Auctions (HRSA) to bring vacant high street properties back into use was considered by Cabinet.

Councillors were asked to consider whether to undertake preparatory work for potential implementation in Bexhill Town Centre High Streets, which would act as a pilot for other areas in the district.

Persistent high vacancy rates undermine the economic resilience of town centres by reducing footfall and diminishing commercial activity.  

Areas with significant empty premises often experience elevated unemployment and visible deterioration, including boarded-up or vandalised units, which can contribute to increased anti-social behaviour.

HSRA is a relatively new power for local authorities which gives them the power to require landlords to rent out persistently vacant commercial properties to new tenants such as local businesses or community groups.

Cllr Christine Bayliss, portfolio holder for regeneration and economic development, said: “Long-term empty units have a damaging effect on the health of our town centres. When shops and commercial spaces stand unused, they reduce footfall, weaken local trade, and create an atmosphere of decline.

“It’s essential that we take proactive steps to tackle vacancies if we want to protect the economic vitality and social wellbeing of our town centres. This initiative represents a responsible and considered approach, which is in line with the Council Plan and the priorities of the Bexhill Neighbourhood Board.”

Cabinet approved the recommendations.

Public Conveniences Update

An update report was discussed by Cabinet on the plan to lease public convenience buildings in Rother to interested businesses or organisations.

Cabinet heard that in June 2025 approval was granted to lease 11 former public conveniences to businesses that also continue to provide public conveniences.

The proposed operators of Winchelsea, Sedlescombe and Sidley have pulled out of their proposals. As a result, these are now being considered for devolution to the respective parish or town council instead; furthermore, Normans Bay and Little Common Recreation Ground are also now being considered for devolution to Bexhill on Sea Town Council due to a lack of open market interest.

This leaves six public conveniences – three in Bexhill and three in Rye – which are currently under consideration. Five are being proposed as coffee shops and one as a cycle hire shop.

Cllr Christine Bayliss, portfolio holder for regeneration and economic development, said: “This proposal provides a positive result in terms of reinvigorating predominantly dilapidated buildings and the provision of monitored public convenience services for the long-term future at no ongoing cost to local taxpayers.

“The creation of interesting amenities for the areas and the creation of new local jobs is also of real benefit to the local economy. The proposals also create a new revenue stream for the Council in comparison to what was an expensive service in the past which led to the difficult decision to close some public conveniences.”

Cabinet approved the recommendation that lease negotiations will continue and if any fall through, the public convenience is then offered to the relevant parish or town council for devolution.

Colonnade Marketing Approach

Members of Cabinet received a report to update them on progress of the repair works to the Colonnade, the proposed marketing strategy, and to seek approval for the surrender of the restaurant lease with Wingrove House Limited.

Since October 2025 the Colonnade has been undergoing repairs to remedy leaks and to carry out general maintenance and external redecoration. The works are progressing well and are expected to be completed by Spring 2026.

Wingrove House Limited hold a 25-year lease on the main restaurant unit within the Colonnade and have a further 18-years before the lease expires. The lease includes an exclusivity clause which means that no other food and beverage outlet is permitted to operate within the Colonnade.

The exclusivity clause restricts the Council’s marketing option for the newly refurbished Colonnade and prevents the Council from enabling the Colonnade to reach its full regeneration potential, to the benefit of local businesses, residents and visitors.

To this end, officers have continued discussions throughout the last year in relation to the Wingrove restaurant and have now agreed revised terms to surrender their lease.

Cllr Christine Bayliss, portfolio holder for regeneration and economic development, said: “This proposal will remove the exclusivity covenant of the lease that was agreed by a previous administration and has subsequently hindered the Council’s ability to act freely for the best interests of the Colonnade.

“As a result of this proposal the marketing strategy can now be flexible and will enable officers to seek an expanded Food and Beverage offer. This is a highly attractive proposition as it should enhance the Bexhill-on-Sea overall offer as the Colonnade will become a destination in its own right.”

Cabinet approved the recommendations.

Published: 9th February 2026