Imagine if there was thousands of pounds which could be spent on your local area to make improvements – big and small - like new murals, a community allotment, a new bus shelter, CCTV or a disabled toilet maybe? Or it could be that you think classes or group activities are needed – like cooking classes or other skills courses or community building activities, say for new parents or those with dementia and their carers?
Well dream no more…last week we announced a new fund of almost £750, 000: the Better Brighton and Hove Fund, which is made up of the contributions that developers make to the council when they have a project approved. Much of this contribution goes towards council infrastructure projects so that we can keep the city moving and working for everyone as new housing is built. However your Labour council has also decided to put some of this funding towards local, neighbourhood, projects and to put you in control in of making the recommendations for how and where this money is spent.
We’ve made sure that each ward in the city has a minimum of £22, 000 to spend. Some wards that have seen a lot of recent development have a lot more in the pot, for example Rottingdean and West Saltdean has £87,110, Westdene and Hove Park has £90, 898 and Patcham and Hollingbury has £35,583.
In the first phase, we have set up a dedicated page on the council’s ‘Your Voice’ website giving residents the ability to share their suggestions for neighbourhood improvements on an interactive map and to view and explore ideas submitted by others. This page also has examples of the kinds of things that the money can fund – and there are a lot of potential ideas to think about. You can also 'like' or comment on proposals to show support and help councillors understand which ideas are preferred by the community. Once ideas have been reviewed and shortlisted, you’ll be able to vote for the schemes you'd most like to see delivered.
At this stage, we’re looking for ideas and projects which could improve council run/owned spaces or projects, services, buildings and other infrastructure in your community. You may have an existing scheme in mind that could benefit from extra funding, or a new idea you’d like to get off the ground. There is no limit to the number of ideas you can submit. We’ve also prepared a schedule of costings to give an idea of how much different projects can cost. The consultation is open until the 14th December so please do make some time to have a look and have your say.
People often complain that they don’t feel politics or government – whether national or local - is truly working for them, which is why schemes like this are important. I know as an elected representative that communities often know best what improvements they need to improve their quality of life. Which is why we’ve designed this scheme as we have – putting residents in the driving seat; sourcing ideas directly from Brighton and Hove people and community groups.
The best thing I did last week was, along with your Labour cabinet, approve additional funding for the 306 affordable homes we are building, together with Hyde, on the Sackville estate. Our project was recently granted planning permission and last Thursday we decided to allocate additional funding. The scheme will include 183 council homes of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bed properties which is amazing because larger family homes are much needed and in short supply. The development includes spaces to grow food, play, build community and properties with large windows to let the light in. I am so pleased that this can now move forward and that it will bring hope and security to hundreds of people in the city.
The second best thing for me last week was being out on the doors with local Labour activists in Hollingbury speaking to residents about the council's work and listening to feedback.
It was great to see the newly resurfaced Carden Hill and Warmdene Road as well as new council homes - mid construction - on the former library site. It was also great to see so many new food caddies in use and to hear from residents how much they are appreciated! Of everything my job involves, one the things I like doing the most is knocking doors and speaking to people. It is the only way to really understand what’s going well and where we need to improve. And in a world that feels increasingly online, polarised and disconnected, I believe that direct and respectful communication is the best way to listen, understand different perspectives and gain greater insight so that solutions can be found. Thanks to everyone in Hollingbury who gave us their time.
Cllr Bella Sankey is the Labour Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council
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