Budget discussions
Rye Town Council’s budget for 2026/27 is being discussed at the town hall on Monday 2 February at 6.30.
Councillors will debate the Rye precept, the supplementary charge on council tax for Rye, and a potential 56% increase. The agenda notes have this detail, “Based on the (adjusted) Rye 2026-27 Council Tax base of 2,013.18 the proposed precept of £453,898 produces a RTC Band D Council Tax of £227.95pa (£4.34pw) – £1.56 (+56%) per week more than 2025-26.”
The agenda notes also highlight worries about the council’s reserve funds. “The forecast General Reserve as at 31 March 2026 is a cause for significant concern. At £13,071 it is believed it would be at its lowest level.”
Rye News will have a report next week. The full agenda is here.
Staying at the town hall, the closing date for applications to be the next Rye Town Clerk is on Sunday 8 February.
It’s the second attempt to fill the post, replacing Richard Farhall, who leaves in March after 26 years’ service.
You can find more details about the role here.
A warm welcome
Reverend Nathanael Hayler is now officially the new rector of Winchelsea, Icklesham and Pett after a packed ceremony at St Thomas’s on Wednesday 28 January.
Pett Parish joined with Winchelsea and Icklesham in 2022 when the then rector became priest in charge. A new benefice of Winchelsea, Icklesham and Pett has since been created with Nathanael Hayler becoming its first rector during this week’s service.
Rye News will have a full report in next week’s paper.
More consultation
There’s a chance to have your say on Rother District Council’s Local Plan. Online consultation runs until 23 March and focuses on potential sites for development across the district.
The Government has set new housing targets requiring councils nationwide to plan for significantly higher housing numbers than in previous years. At present, the plan provides for 8,427 new homes to 2042 across the district, or approximately 500 homes a year.
Significant employment floorspace is also proposed to help provide employment.
You can view the draft proposals here
Rye has its own Neighbourhood Plan which is currently being updated.
Meet the police
Sussex Police are holding drop in sessions to meet officers in Peasmarsh and Broad Oak in coming weeks.
A spokesperson said, “We are inviting residents and businesses to come and speak with their local policing teams. These events are a great opportunity to raise concerns, ask questions, and hear about the work being done to keep your community safe.”
Masks no longer needed at Conquest
East Sussex Hospital NHS Trust says with fewer people facing flu and respiratory illness they have stepped down enhanced mask wearing measures for patients, visitors and staff at the Emergency Department at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.
A spokesperson for ESHT said, “Patients and visitors who wish to wear masks are still welcome to do so if they wish. Routine NHS procedures for wearing masks as part of regular PPE when delivering care to patients and in areas with high risks of transmission remain in place.”
Image Credits: James Stewart , Natasha Robinson , Sussex Police , Geograph/Julian P Gruffog https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3132519 CC https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.