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Greater Brighton moves a step closer (From The Argus)
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Greater Brighton moves a step closer
8:05pm Monday 18th February 2013 in News By Tim Ridgway, Local government reporter
A bid by ‘Greater Brighton’ to boost business and create thousands of jobs has been given Government backing.
The coastal area around Brighton and Hove, from Goring to Cuckmere Haven, was identified as one of only 20 in the country as ripe for City Deal status.
Ministers billed the idea as a way of devolving powers so local leaders can “shape their future” and kick-start regional economies.
This evening (February 18) Deputy Prime Minster Nick Clegg announced that Brighton and Hove had moved through to the next stage of the bid.
City leaders, who welcomed the decision, will now enter into negotiations with Whitehall to thrash out the exact powers.
Jason Kitcat, Brighton and Hove City Council’s leader, said: “This is a major step forward, giving us the opportunity to make a big difference to the city and the region.”
All 20 cities which submitted a bid for the second City Deal stage will be invited to negotiate a final deal with ministers. Talks should be completed by the end of the year.
The Greater Brighton region includes the area covered by Brighton and Hove, Worthing, Adur and Lewes councils.
The local authorities joined with the city’s two universities, business leaders and key companies, such as E.ON, American Express, Ricardo, and EDF, to draw up a plan.
It is focused on boosting “eco tech” industries. The proposals include reviving stalled redevelopment sites such as Newhaven Port, Preston Barracks and Shoreham Harbour.
Bosses also want to have flexibility to set local tax rates and remove red tape to help smaller and medium-sized businesses.
Mr Clegg said: “A city deal will be a big boost for Brighton and Hove.”
Lewes District Council leader James Page said: “This is good news for the region and great news for Lewes.”
Adur leader Neil Parkin and Worthing leader Paul Yallop jointly said in a statement: “We are delighted that our ‘partnership’ ethos is bearing fruit for the people again.”
Hove MP Mike Weatherley said it was “excellent news”.
He added: “I am really pleased that ministers have recognised the strength of the Brighton and Hove area bid, and that we are through to the next stage.
“Despite the tough competition, I am confident that the unique characteristics of our area will shine through in the end.”
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Comments(9)
makoshark
says...
10:12pm Mon 18 Feb 13
mimseycal
says...
10:16pm Mon 18 Feb 13
george smith wrote:Hope springs eternal but I won't be holding my breath ... Blue isn't a skin tone I look well in.
any hope that this is the end of brighton as a unitary authority?
Morpheus
says...
8:32am Tue 19 Feb 13
Crystal Ball
says...
8:32am Tue 19 Feb 13
Why not use that money to improve the services and facilities instead because a name alone won't do that. Ridiculous.
inadaptado
says...
9:33am Tue 19 Feb 13
Crystal Ball wrote:It seems all you can manage is attempt to reuse an anecdote (Rottingdean WCs) to criticize the council, which is your only goal, even though I could bet a week's salary you are not worse off with them than you were before.
It seems all BHCC can manage is attempt to rename numerous places, facilities (Rottingdean WCs) and services with the residents' money.
Why not use that money to improve the services and facilities instead because a name alone won't do that. Ridiculous.
If you had bothered reading the text you would've found out It's not just BHCC behind this, but all the councils of the area as well as big companies. And if we achieved city status we could set our own taxes and cut the red tape, which would bring back business and jobs to the area.
fredflintstone1
says...
10:35am Tue 19 Feb 13
inadaptado wrote:Which planet do you live on? I look forward to spending your week's salary. Are you one of the greens' spin doctors, by any chance?
Crystal Ball wrote:It seems all you can manage is attempt to reuse an anecdote (Rottingdean WCs) to criticize the council, which is your only goal, even though I could bet a week's salary you are not worse off with them than you were before.
It seems all BHCC can manage is attempt to rename numerous places, facilities (Rottingdean WCs) and services with the residents' money.
Why not use that money to improve the services and facilities instead because a name alone won't do that. Ridiculous.
If you had bothered reading the text you would've found out It's not just BHCC behind this, but all the councils of the area as well as big companies. And if we achieved city status we could set our own taxes and cut the red tape, which would bring back business and jobs to the area.
Fact: Everyone driving through the city will be financially worse off, with the delays and 20mph limit.
Fact: Business is suffering badly in the city because of the Greens' anti-car policy. Shops are closing, reducing people's choices.
Fact: The environment is being trashed. Look at the way the Greens are intent on fencing off access to public land for sheep farming across the city, and clearing woodland at Wild Park.
So all I can presume is that you don't drive, shop or enjoy walking in our parks.
mmmm cakes
says...
11:34am Tue 19 Feb 13
fredflintstone1 wrote:right
inadaptado wrote:Which planet do you live on? I look forward to spending your week's salary. Are you one of the greens' spin doctors, by any chance?
Crystal Ball wrote:It seems all you can manage is attempt to reuse an anecdote (Rottingdean WCs) to criticize the council, which is your only goal, even though I could bet a week's salary you are not worse off with them than you were before.
It seems all BHCC can manage is attempt to rename numerous places, facilities (Rottingdean WCs) and services with the residents' money.
Why not use that money to improve the services and facilities instead because a name alone won't do that. Ridiculous.
If you had bothered reading the text you would've found out It's not just BHCC behind this, but all the councils of the area as well as big companies. And if we achieved city status we could set our own taxes and cut the red tape, which would bring back business and jobs to the area.
Fact: Everyone driving through the city will be financially worse off, with the delays and 20mph limit.
Fact: Business is suffering badly in the city because of the Greens' anti-car policy. Shops are closing, reducing people's choices.
Fact: The environment is being trashed. Look at the way the Greens are intent on fencing off access to public land for sheep farming across the city, and clearing woodland at Wild Park.
So all I can presume is that you don't drive, shop or enjoy walking in our parks.
Firstly just because you say FACT, does not make something true! Where are you statistics to justify your points....?
Im sure that shops are shutting a people have less disposable income but I very much dbout a 20MPH speed limit has anything to do with it more like stagnating wages and increasing prices
FACT - sorry I couldn't resist ;)
fredflintstone1
says...
5:24pm Tue 19 Feb 13
mmmm cakes wrote:There's plenty of evidence to support these facts. Just look at how the Council's parking revenue has fallen, as prices have risen. Fewer peple visiting the town = less money coming into the shops. Plus people running businesses such as the Sea Life Centre will tell you the same thing.
fredflintstone1 wrote:right
inadaptado wrote:Which planet do you live on? I look forward to spending your week's salary. Are you one of the greens' spin doctors, by any chance?
Crystal Ball wrote:It seems all you can manage is attempt to reuse an anecdote (Rottingdean WCs) to criticize the council, which is your only goal, even though I could bet a week's salary you are not worse off with them than you were before.
It seems all BHCC can manage is attempt to rename numerous places, facilities (Rottingdean WCs) and services with the residents' money.
Why not use that money to improve the services and facilities instead because a name alone won't do that. Ridiculous.
If you had bothered reading the text you would've found out It's not just BHCC behind this, but all the councils of the area as well as big companies. And if we achieved city status we could set our own taxes and cut the red tape, which would bring back business and jobs to the area.
Fact: Everyone driving through the city will be financially worse off, with the delays and 20mph limit.
Fact: Business is suffering badly in the city because of the Greens' anti-car policy. Shops are closing, reducing people's choices.
Fact: The environment is being trashed. Look at the way the Greens are intent on fencing off access to public land for sheep farming across the city, and clearing woodland at Wild Park.
So all I can presume is that you don't drive, shop or enjoy walking in our parks.
Firstly just because you say FACT, does not make something true! Where are you statistics to justify your points....?
Im sure that shops are shutting a people have less disposable income but I very much dbout a 20MPH speed limit has anything to do with it more like stagnating wages and increasing prices
FACT - sorry I couldn't resist ;)
It costs more to drive at 20mph, as again is well-documented, plus you can you can simply use your eyes and see the fencing going up around the city, most recently on Tenantry Down, and the scars on the landscape at Wild Park.
So QED then?
george smith says...
10:04pm Mon 18 Feb 13