As we approach the festive season, I would like to wish you, your family and friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Whilst this is naturally a time for celebration with loved ones, it is also a moment to reflect on the year gone by and the challenges facing our town and country.
Nationally, the political landscape remains difficult. The recent budget confirmed that this Labour Government prioritises ideology over economics and we cover the impact of this in more detail later in this newsletter. Their decision to defer the Mayoral election for Sussex and Brighton from May 2026 to 2028 is particularly disappointing, revealing a government making decisions based on self-interest rather than democracy.
Locally, we see a similar pattern after 18 years of Liberal Democrat administration. At the recent Scrutiny Committee, we investigated the decision to award the Bedfordwell contract to Boutique Modern, a project intended to provide 100 desperately needed homes. It beggars belief that a contract of this magnitude was awarded to a company in such a weak financial position, which has now unsurprisingly entered administration.
On a more positive note, following our intervention, the Council has finally commissioned technical experts to evaluate the Bandstand structures they had planned to demolish. This is a necessary step but one that could and should have been taken a year ago.
However, elsewhere common sense is still lacking. At November's Full Council meeting, we proposed a motion to protect "safe spaces for women and girls". Disappointingly, this was amended by the Lib Dems, although I was pleased to see a couple of their more enlightened councillors vote with us. On a related issue at Helen Garden, where the current "gender neutral" toilet provision is unacceptable, my simple request confirmed that the closed gentlemen's toilet could be reopened for just £60 per week. Their refusal to do so defies logic.
Finally, we know that crime and the fear of crime remain a significant worry for residents. I recently acknowledged this in an interview with the Express, whilst also promoting the wonderful potential of Eastbourne.
Despite these challenges, there remains much to be proud of in our town and we will continue to champion Eastbourne's future in the year ahead. For now, I hope you can put the politics aside for a few days and enjoy a peaceful and joyous Christmas.
