We have detailed some key highlights from the Cabinet meeting, held on Monday 26th October 2026.
Draft Budget Challenge Proposals 2027/28 – Reference from Overview and Scrutiny Committee
The public will be consulted on proposals for the 2027/28 budget after agreement from Cabinet.
With the council’s general reserves standing at £2.72m, to deliver a balanced budget the council will need to increase discretionary fees and charges, increase council tax, and make savings.
Before any decisions are made Cabinet agreed to consult staff and the public and, for the first time, formally consult individual organisations that will be affected by possible savings decisions.
Cllr Doug Oliver, Rother District Council Leader said: “It’s important that we make an informed decision and it’s the right decision to extend our consultation activity to include outside bodies that will be affected by the decisions we may make.
“Factfinding and feedback, as well as comprehensive reports from our officers will guide the decisions we make, enabling us to take into the account the views of communities across Rother.”
The consultation period is due to run throughout November and December and details of how people can take part will be shared before the consultation goes live.
Community Asset Transfer Update
Two sites in Bexhill could be transferred to the town council after Cabinet agreed to add them to the Community Asset Transfer process.
Councillors agreed to add the Manor Barn Gardens public toilets and Galley Hill Bottom car park and adjoining land to the list.
Cllr Christine Bayliss, portfolio holder for Economic Development and Regeneration, gave her support to the two sites being included in the Community Asset Transfer programme.
She said: “Together with those assets that have already been agreed, these transfers help Parish and Town Councils manage services based on local needs, improve long-term care of community assets, and create opportunities for investment and partnership working. With all levels of local government facing financial pressures, it is important to complete these transfers as soon as possible so communities can plan with confidence. Finalising the process quickly will help maintain services, support local decision-making, and deliver the benefits of community-led management for residents.”
As well as agreeing the inclusion of the two sites, Cabinet members also noted an updated list of assets and their status.
Public Space Protection Order – Dogs
A public consultation on dog controls in the district was given the go ahead by Rother’s Cabinet.
The current Public Space Protection Order for dog control, which covers dog exemption areas, dog fouling keeping dogs on leads in certain areas of the district, expires in January 2027 and a new order has to be made.
Whilst the recommendation was to extend the existing order for a further three years, councillors asked that a requirement for dog owners to carry poo bags when walking their dogs be added.
Details of the consultation will be shared when confirmed.
Procurement of Adaptation Support Service
Rother District Council is looking for a company to carry out an ‘invaluable’ support service helping people navigate the complex process of applying for disabled facilities grants and arrange adaptations to their homes.
Cabinet were asked to agree to tender for the service which can also help prepare drawings and specifications for work, manage approved contractors to tend for work, supervise on site and liaise with external agencies on behalf of the resident.
Cllr Susan Prochak, Deputy Leader, said: “I think this is such a good scheme. More and more people just want to stay in their homes for longer and not go into care. These adaptions can actually change people’s lives. Rother has the highest proportion of older people living alone and one in three people are aged 65 or over here in Rother, so the need is definitely there.”
Although Rother District Council and Hastings Borough Council currently have in place an adaptations support service, the new contract would be in place for all East Sussex authorities.
Cabinet agreed that a suitable organisation be identified through the East Sussex Procurement Hub and delegated authority to the head of service to secure the contract.
Bexhill Neighbourhood Board – External Spend
Cabinet members praised the success of partnership working as they agreed to using funding from the Pride in Place programme budget to replace the Bexhill seafront fountain and splashpad.
Partnership working between Bexhill Neighbourhood Board, Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council and Rother District Council has moved the scheme forward to the procurement stage with the aim of identifying a suitable contractor to deliver the project.
Cllr Hazel Timpe, portfolio holder for neighbourhood services, said: “The Bexhill Fountain is a much-loved community asset and an important part of the town’s seafront identity. Its loss to residents and visitors over many years has been keenly felt, and replacing it provides an opportunity to restore a valued feature at the heart of Bexhill’s public realm.
“A new fountain will be a major community asset for all generations, supporting families, improving the seafront experience and helping to attract more visitors into the town.”
Councillor Timpe highlighted the lengthy journey to restore the fountains, from their failure in 2018 to the Neighbourhood Board’s proposal in October 2026. Having campaigned for their reinstatement for nine years, she thanked the Neighbourhood Board for listening to local residents and for committing to this welcome investment in Bexhill.
Published: 29th October 2026
