Limited support for Rother

We do not currently provide detailed weekly summaries for Rother Council. Running the service is expensive, and we need to cover our costs.

You can still subscribe!

If you're a professional subscriber and need support for this council, get in touch with us at community@opencouncil.network and we can enable it for you.

If you're a resident, subscribe below and we'll start sending you updates when they're available. We're enabling councils rapidly across the UK in order of demand, so the more people who subscribe to your council, the sooner we'll be able to support it.

If you represent this council and would like to have it supported, please contact us at community@opencouncil.network.

AI Generated

Summary

The Rother Council Cabinet meeting on 10 June 2024 covered several key issues, including the setting of Hackney Carriage fares, the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for beaches, a consultation on a new PSPO to control anti-social behaviour, and the devolvement of sports pitches and ancillary facilities to sports clubs. Decisions were made to maintain current taxi fares, implement the PSPO for beaches, and proceed with consultations on anti-social behaviour and the transfer of sports facilities.

Hackney Carriage Fares

The Cabinet discussed the Hackney Carriage Fares report presented by Richard Parker Harding, Head of Service for Environmental Services, Licensing, and Community Safety. The report recommended maintaining the current maximum fares for Hackney Carriages, citing the recent reduction in fuel prices and the lack of requests from drivers for fare increases. The decision was made to keep the fares unchanged, with the understanding that future requests from drivers could prompt a review.

Councillors raised concerns about the costs associated with the mandatory installation of CCTV in taxis, which will be required from 1 October. Richard Parker Harding clarified that the costs for drivers would be £24 per month for hiring CCTV equipment or approximately £550 for purchasing it. He also noted that the requirement would be phased in as licenses are renewed.

Public Spaces Protection Order for Beaches

The Cabinet approved the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for beaches, effective from 1 July 2024 for six months. This decision followed a public consultation that highlighted significant issues with parking and camping on beaches, particularly at Herbrand Walk. The PSPO aims to address anti-social behaviour, waste, and safety concerns caused by the increasing number of vehicles and campers on the beach.

Councillor Hazel Timpey raised concerns about the impact on local businesses, such as Goose Kite Surfing and Paddleboarding, which operates on Herbrand Walk. Richard Parker Harding assured that businesses with planning permission for parking would not be affected by the PSPO.

Consultation on New PSPO for Anti-Social Behaviour

The Cabinet agreed to undertake a public consultation to gather views on a new PSPO to control anti-social behaviour, which would come into effect on 1 February 2025. The current PSPO, which includes bans on public drinking, aggressive begging, and sleeping in public places, expires in January 2025. The consultation aims to identify new forms of anti-social behaviour that need addressing and to ensure the new order reflects current issues.

Councillor Sam Coleman emphasized the importance of balancing enforcement with supportive measures, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The consultation will help determine the most effective ways to address anti-social behaviour in the district.

Devolvement of Sports Pitches and Ancillary Facilities to Sports Clubs

The Cabinet approved the devolvement of sports pitches, pavilions, and ancillary facilities to sports clubs to address a £3.8 million funding gap. This decision involves leasing or licensing sports grounds to clubs, which will then be responsible for their maintenance. The move aims to ensure the sustainability of sports facilities while reducing the council's financial burden.

Councillor Hazel Timpey highlighted that the proposals are flexible and open for discussion with the clubs involved. The Cabinet also noted that some clubs, such as Edgerton Spartan Bowls, had declined the offer, prompting discussions on alternative uses for the spaces.

Councillor Paul Osborne expressed concerns about the potential impact on public access to these facilities. Ben Hook, Director of Place and Climate, clarified that the leases would include provisions to allow public access when the facilities are not in use by the clubs.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.

Attendees

Profile image for Councillor Doug Oliver
Councillor Doug Oliver  Rother Association of Independent Councillors •  Bexhill Collington
Profile image for CouncillorSam Coleman
CouncillorSam Coleman  Labour •  Bexhill Sidley
Profile image for CouncillorKathryn Field
CouncillorKathryn Field  Liberal Democrats •  North Battle, Netherfield & Whatlington
Profile image for Councillor Ashan Jeeawon
Councillor Ashan Jeeawon  Rother Association of Independent Councillors •  Bexhill Collington
Profile image for Councillor Ruairi McCourt
Councillor Ruairi McCourt  Labour •  Bexhill Central
Profile image for Councillor Arren Rathbone Ariel
Councillor Arren Rathbone Ariel  Green •  Bexhill St Stephens
Profile image for Councillor Hazel Timpe
Councillor Hazel Timpe  Rother Association of Independent Councillors •  Bexhill Sackville
Lorna Ford
Duncan Ellis
Ben Hook
Deborah Kenneally
Richard Parker-Harding
Joe Powell
Lisa Cooper
Profile image for CouncillorChristine Bayliss
CouncillorChristine Bayliss  Labour •  Bexhill Central
Profile image for Councillor Teresa Killeen, MBE
Councillor Teresa Killeen, MBE  Liberal Democrats •  Hurst Green & Ticehurst
Profile image for CouncillorJohn Barnes, MBE
CouncillorJohn Barnes, MBE  Conservative •  Burwash & the Weald
Profile image for CouncillorTony Biggs
CouncillorTony Biggs  Conservative •  Northern Rother
Profile image for CouncillorCharles Clark
CouncillorCharles Clark  Independent •  Bexhill Pebsham & St Michaels
Profile image for CouncillorMrs Vikki Cook
CouncillorMrs Vikki Cook  Liberal Democrats •  South Battle & Telham
Profile image for CouncillorBrian Drayson
CouncillorBrian Drayson  Rother Association of Independent Councillors •  Bexhill Kewhurst
Profile image for Councillor Paul Osborne
Councillor Paul Osborne  Conservative •  Eastern Rother
Profile image for Councillor Jimmy Stanger
Councillor Jimmy Stanger  Rother Association of Independent Councillors •  Bexhill St Marks
Profile image for Councillor Richard Thomas
Councillor Richard Thomas  Liberal Democrats •  Bexhill St Stephens
Andrew Vallance

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

× Meeting image