Our Local Future

Predicting future trends is always a hazardous business but some aspects of the near future are becoming clearer.

Our communities and landscape

The Government have strongly indicated their intention to force local authorities to build more houses and if they don’t meet the targets they will be ratchetted up. Angela Rayner said last week “We will overhaul the planning system allowing Planning officers to make more decisions to speed up the approvals process” The role of local councillors will be diminished and views of residents largely disregarded.

We do need to build more homes, but the national emphasis seems to be on the countryside rather than the towns and cities where surely most building will be needed.

There is an obvious need for more affordable homes but usually these are provided by Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), often Housing Associations. However, RSLs are short of money because of the necessary requirement to improve building safety post Grenfell and few operate in our area.

The ruling Group on Wealden Council would like to build more council housing and more high-density developments. Would this fit with the character of the Wealden landscape?

Local Government and Devolution

There are advanced plans to change the way we are governed. More details are due soon so may be available before you read This. We are in a fast-evolving situation.

The government wants to create larger local authorities probably led by an elected Mayor. One likely option would be to put East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton into one authority. County Councils would be abolished, and the future of District Councils is unclear.

This arrangement could be more efficient and the bigger authorities could be given more powers which would have some advantages. One worry is that this may lead to Councils and councillors being more remote from residents. Will this matter? I would be very interested in your views.

Social Care

Care homes and hospices are likely to be subject to the increases in National Insurance contributions. They may also be impacted by the rising Minimum or Living Wage. The County Council has joined the campaign to persuade the government to exempt care firms and charities from the NI increase.

Roads

An additional £4m has been put into the road budget and tendering for next year’s schemes is being brought forward. This money may not mean a lot to many people but I’m campaigning to include the A275 in Danehill to be included in this programme.

December 9th 2024

Roy Galley. cllr.roy.galley@eastsussex.gov.uk

01825 713018