The Cabinet of Rother District Council was scheduled to meet on 6 October 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including a new homelessness strategy, budget monitoring, and a potential Business Improvement District in Rye. The Cabinet was also scheduled to consider a revised policy for managing vexatious complaints, and a new data breach management policy.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy

The Cabinet was asked to consider the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025-2030, following a recommendation from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The strategy sets out the council's approach to preventing homelessness, and was developed with support from Shelter and Homeless Link.

The strategy identifies five key themes:

• Reducing homelessness via early intervention and prevention
• Increasing housing accessibility
• Improving the supply and quality of temporary accommodation
• Reducing homelessness and rough sleeping for people with multiple, complex needs
• Improving the quality and suitability of housing

The report pack noted that a consultation on the draft strategy took place between 14 April and 1 June 2025, and that 39 responses were received.

The strategy includes a number of proposed actions, including:

• Setting up a new homelessness prevention hub in Bexhill.
• Encouraging registered providers to provide tenancy support.
• Transforming hospital discharge processes for people at risk of homelessness.
• Continuing to fund the Tenant Finder Scheme.
• Reviewing move-on accommodation.

The report pack also included a draft of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025-2030, the Improvement Delivery Plan, and the Consultation Plan.

Performance Report First Quarter 2025/26

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive a recommendation from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the Performance Report for the First Quarter of 2025/26. The report includes a set of 22 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across nine service areas.

The report pack noted that performance against target would be reported by exception, with commentary from a Service Manager included when performance is significantly above or below target.

The report pack highlighted that performance had dropped regarding the percentage of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests answered in 20 days, with performance this quarter at 75% against a target of 100%. The report pack stated that mitigations were in place, along with the purchase of a new management system.

The report pack also noted that a Senior Environmental Health Officer post had been vacant, impacting the percentage of scheduled food inspections carried out, but that this post was now filled.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended that KPIs P5 and P6, relating to planning application processing times, be deleted and reconsidered once a new planning performance system is introduced by central government.

The report pack also included Appendix A, which contains the Key Performance Indicators for Quarter 1 2025/26.

Potential Rye Business Improvement District Ballot Proposal

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss a potential Business Improvement District (BID) in Rye. A BID is a defined area in which a levy is charged on all eligible business rate payers, in addition to business rates, to fund projects that will benefit businesses in the local area.

The Rye Business Improvement District Ballot Proposal outlines an overall direct investment of over £500,000 in the development, marketing and improvement of Rye businesses over the next five years.

The Cabinet was asked to agree that the Returning Officer be instructed to hold a ballot, with the final day of the ballot being 12 February 2026, subject to final confirmation being received from the Rye BID Task Group.

The report pack stated that Rother District Council's contribution through the BID levy would be in the order of £3,200 per annum, at a maximum rate of 2.5% of rateable value, over five years.

The report pack also included Appendix 1, the Rye BID Business Proposal v3 2025.

Revised Vexatious Complaints Policy and Guidance

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider a revised Vexatious Complaints Policy and Guidance. The policy sets out the council's approach to dealing with complaints that are persistent, unreasonable, or abusive.

The revised policy objectives are to:

• Define what constitutes a vexatious complaint.
• Establish a clear procedure for identifying and managing vexatious complaints.
• Protect staff and members from harassment and undue pressure.
• Ensure transparency and fairness.
• Maintain public confidence in the handling of complaints.
• Align with best practice from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and the Information Commissioner's Office.

The Cabinet was asked to approve and adopt the revised Vexatious Complaints Policy and Guidance, and to grant delegated authority to the Head of Digital and Customer Service to implement the policy and oversee training and awareness.

The report pack also included Appendix 1, the revised Vexatious Complaints Policy 2025, Appendix 2, the Equalities Impact Assessment, Appendix 3 for the Current Vexatious Complaints Policy 2022, and Appendix 4 for Vexatious Complaints Policy Improvements at a Glance.

Introduction of new Data Breach Management Policy

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss the introduction of a new Data Breach Management Policy. The policy aims to ensure that Rother District Council reacts appropriately to any actual or suspected breaches of data protection.

The new Data Breach Management Policy:

• Defines what constitutes a data breach.
• Establishes a clear process for identifying, reporting, risk assessing, responding to breaches and recovery.
• Sets out roles and responsibilities of staff and key officers.
• Introduces improved templates for reporting a breach and managing progress.

The Cabinet was asked to approve the proposed Data Breach Management Policy, and to grant delegated authority to the Head of Digital and Customer Service to implement the policy and oversee training and awareness.

The report pack also included Appendix A for the Data Breach Management Policy, and Appendix B for the Equalities Impact Assessment Data Breach Management Policy.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The Cabinet was expected to exclude the press and public from a portion of the meeting to discuss the disposal of land at Farm Lane, Camber, Rye, as this involved exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of a particular person.