THE Greens are proposing millions of pounds’ investment – funded, in part, by increased parking charges.

Under the spending plans, due to be announced today, Brighton and Hove City Council would spend nearly £4 million on transport improvements and £2.6 million to prevent cold homes and reduce carbon emissions.

The Green group of councillors plans to fund this, in large part, by increased parking charges across the city.

They also propose an increased parking cost for “high-emission vehicles”.

They say this would not apply to the poorest households or those on benefits.

Speaking about the amended budget proposals, councillor Phelim MacCafferty convenor of the Green group, said: “Our city faces monumental challenges: a spiralling climate emergency, an affordable-housing crisis and continued cuts to public services. This combination puts pressure on council spending, but failure to address each issue, separately or together, will have more severe consequences – particularly for our more vulnerable residents. Our proposals take steps to reduce poverty, enhance homeless support and improve public transport – an approach that yields both social and economic benefits for our city.

“We have also set out to protect the poorest households from any increases in costs, putting the community first.”

The group’s key proposal for the 2020/21 year include:

Investing £3.9 million, spread across 15 years, for transport improvements; investing in public transport, bus networks, bike hire, roads, electric vehicle charging; setting aside £3 million for supported accommodation for homeless people, something already agreed at a meeting of a previous budget committee.

The group proposes £2.6 million to develop a new Warmer Homes grant project for the city, which aims to prevent cold homes and reduce carbon emissions.

As well as increased parking charges, money would be generated by cost increases for households with more than one vehicle, something proposed by the Labour administration.

But the Greens also propose increasing parking fees of “high-emission” vehicles.

The Greens say the changes to community parking zones fees and high-emission vehicle costs would not apply to the poorest households or those on benefits.

Cllr MacCafferty said: “We know the poorest stand to bear the brunt of climate chaos and budget cuts. So at the heart of our approach is a strong commitment to environmental action and social justice. We have ensured our changes to fees and charges will not apply to the poorest households where possible, and put the money we raise directly towards public services, housing and combatting the climate crisis.”