We have detailed some key highlights from the Cabinet meeting, held on Monday 9th December 2024.
Draft Council Plan
Cabinet discussed the draft Council Plan 2025-2026.
The Plan provides a strategic direction for the Council and ensures that existing and planned work is aligned with its vision for the district.
The Council’s three, key objectives of a thriving local economy, live well locally and green to the core are included in the Plan.
Cllr Doug Oliver, Leader of the Council, said: “The Council Plan is a key document that sets out to enhance the wellbeing of the district and drive sustainable growth.
“The Plan will direct the delivery of services through its longer-term vision and medium-term priorities, ensuring that the Council is able to meet future challenges and service demands.”
Cabinet voted to recommend to full council to approve and adopt the Plan.
Budget and medium-term financial plan
Members of Cabinet discussed the latest budget position and the Councils medium-term financial plan.
Cabinet looked at the various issues facing the authority, including use of reserves, savings, and ongoing pressures such as the rising cost of homelessness.
They also considered the uncertainties following the election of a new Government with changes in the way national funding is allocated.
Cllr Ashan Jeeawon, portfolio holder for Finance, said: “Although we have taken some big steps in meeting our savings target, the financial outlook is still very worrying.
“We are still currently facing a near £1.2m funding gap for 2025/26 and will have to take further tough decisions in order to balance the books”.
Members voted to note the current budget position.
Neighbourhood Plans for Hurst Green and Crowhurst
In two separate reports, Cabinet discussed proposals for Neighbourhood Plans for both Hurst Green, and for Crowhurst.
A Neighbourhood Plan enables a Town or Parish Council to prepare with their local community, planning documents for their area. The Plan sets planning policies that are used to help determine future development in the parish.
The Neighbourhood Plans for Hurst Green, and for Crowhurst were the subject of a public consultation which ended on 6 December 2024. All views gathered will now be considered by an independent Examiner to determine whether the Plans can proceed to a referendum.
Cllr Teresa Killeen, MBE, portfolio holder for Planning, said: “The two Neighbourhood Plans are important documents which will help shape how Hurst Green, and Crowhurst develop in the future, and gives residents direct input into the policies.
“It will also determine how development takes place in the two parishes, as well as addressing important issues identified by residents.”
Members agreed to recommend to full council to submit both reports, and supporting materials, for consideration by the Examiner.
Rye Sports Centre
Members of Cabinet discussed a report on the early exit agreement from the Freedom Leisure contract at Rye Sports Centre – and the handover to Rye Recreation and Wellbeing charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).
Members heard that due to financial pressures, it is no longer viable for Freedom Leisure to operate Rye Sports Centre under the current contract.
Seeking an early exit from the contract allows Rye Recreation and Wellbeing CIO to take over the operation and management of the Sports Centre with the support of Rye Town Council and for the benefit of the local community.
Cllr Hazel Timpe, portfolio holder for Neighbourhood Services, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for the local community to take control of the services they wish to provide for their residents.
“Led by Rother District Council, the joint working group have been successful in progressing this to an agreed way forward that will ultimately ensure the continuing provision of leisure facilities in Rye for the benefit of residents, schools and visitors alike.”
Members agreed to facilitate both the early termination of the Freedom Leisure contract and the handover to Rye Recreation Wellbeing CIO.
Published: 17th December 2024
