Residents Encouraged to Attend Town Council Meetings and Have Their Say

Hailsham Town Council is encouraging residents to take a more active role in local democracy by attending Council meetings, asking questions and seeing first-hand how decisions affecting the town are made.

As part of its ongoing commitment to openness, transparency and community engagement, the Town Council welcomes members of the public and the press to attend meetings of the Full Council and its committees, providing an opportunity to observe proceedings and raise matters of local interest.

Each meeting begins with a dedicated public participation session, giving residents the chance to speak directly to councillors, ask questions and highlight issues relating to Town Council services and responsibilities. Questions can be asked on the day, although those submitted in writing or by email at least two clear working days before the meeting are more likely to receive a detailed response.

Meetings are open to everyone, with the exception of any confidential items where the Council is legally required to exclude the public and press.

The Town Council’s committees each oversee specific areas of its work, including:

• Assets Management Committee – Town Council-owned buildings, open spaces and recreational facilities
• Communities Committee – Markets, events, town centre initiatives and Hailsham Youth Service
• Finance & Governance Committee – Budgets, policies, contracts and financial management
• Planning & Development Committee – Responses to planning applications and development proposals
• Neighbourhood Planning Committee – Preparation and review of the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan
• Post Office Committee – Management of the town’s Post Office franchise at 10 High Street

Agendas for all meetings are published in advance on the Town Council’s website and displayed on the noticeboard outside the Council offices in Market Street, allowing residents to see what will be discussed before attending.

Corporate Services Manager Karen Giddings said: “Town Council meetings are open to everyone and provide an excellent opportunity for residents to see local democracy in action. Whether you simply want to observe proceedings, ask a question or better understand how decisions are reached, we would encourage you to come along and get involved.”

“The views of our community are extremely important to us. Public participation helps councillors make informed decisions and ensures that local people have the opportunity to influence issues that affect Hailsham. We want residents to know that their voices matter and that Council meetings are there for the whole community.”

Further information, including meeting dates, agendas and minutes, is available on the Town Council’s website.