We have detailed some key highlights from the Cabinet meeting, held on Monday 2nd March 2026.
Community Asset Transfer Update
Recreations grounds, allotments and playgrounds could be among 71 community assets transferred to town and parish councils in a bid to give local communities greater control over their own facilities and ease the financial pressure on Rother District Council. Following a thorough assessment of expressions of interest and business cases, Cabinet agreed the transfer of a range of community assets across the district, pending legal and financial checks. Authority was given to the council’s head of housing and strategic assets to take the transfers forward.
Cllr Christine Bayliss, Cabinet member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “This offers a real opportunity to place valued local facilities directly in the hands of the communities that use them. Transfers enable parish and town council to shape services around local priorities, strengthen long-term management of assets, and unlock opportunities for investment, partnership working, and community-led improvement. Given the financial pressures facing all tiers of local government, it is essential that we progress these transfers without delay so that communities can begin planning for the future with certainty.”
Funding of Rother Voluntary Action
Rother District Council will enter in a new agreement with Rother Voluntary Action for infrastructure support to the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector after approval from Cabinet. The agreement comes with £38,000 for 2026/27 as well as £34,200 for 2027/28, pending a review before next year’s council budget is set. A further £30,000 for 2026/27 and 2027/28 to help deliver the Rother Age Friendly Network, funded by East Sussex County Council.
Cllr Doug Oliver, council leader, said: “RVA is a valued partner in many aspects of the council’s work. The sustainability of RVA in the lead up to Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution is essential to the health and resilience of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Rother. Standstill funding in 26-27 and a reduction limited to 10 per cent for 2027/28 balances the need for the council to make savings, with the opportunity for RVA to implement its business plan and diversify its income streams.”
1066 Country Funding and Support
Cabinet unanimously agreed funding for 1066 Country Marketing to continue to boost the tourism economy and help promote Rother businesses to visitors. Grants of £50,000 for 2026/27 and £45,000 for 2027/28, pending a review next year, were unanimously agreed. Cabinet also agreed to continue to support 1066 Marketing with a project officer and management support.
Cllr Hazel Timpe, Cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Tourism, said: “The sustainability of 1066 Country Marketing in the lead into Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution is essential to the tourism industry in Rother. This two-year funding deal will give 1066 the opportunity to implement its business plan and maximise its paid membership income. We will continue to employ a project officer and provide wider organisational support.”
Published: 10th March 2026
