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Subject: |
Mayoral Report 2020/21 |
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Date of Meeting: |
20 May 2021 |
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Report of: |
Chief Executive |
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Contact Officer: |
Name: |
Minna Robertson Mark Wall |
Tel: |
01273 291225 01273 291006 |
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Email: |
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Ward(s) affected: |
All |
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FOR GENERAL RELEASE
1. PURPOSE OF REPORT AND POLICY CONTEXT
1.1 This report informs the Council of the activities of the Mayor, Councillor Alan Robins during the civic year 2020-21.
2. RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.1 That the report be noted.
3. CONTEXT/ BACKGROUND INFORMATION
3.1 The Mayor is the first citizen of Brighton and Hove and carries out a range of civic and ceremonial duties, representing the council across the city and around the region. The Mayor of Brighton and Hove is not directly elected, holds no direct power and is politically neutral during their term in office. The role is purely civic and ceremonial.
3.2 The Mayor selected the IFCG (Interfaith Contact Group) as his Chaplaincy for 2020/21. The IFCG work together to promote understanding between people of different faiths and their communities within the city.
3.3 The Mayor supported five charities this year, Brighton Fringe, Leo House at Home, Off the Fence, the Sussex Heart Charity and Together Co. Online virtual events took place with a sold-out virtual theatre night held on the 27 February 2021.
3.4 In having regard to the impact of the pandemic, the Mayor has decided to keep the same charities for the Mayoral year of 2021-22 and plans for the coming year include a charity health walk, guided tours focusing on women behind the blue plaques, tea in the Pavilion Gardens, a film screening and a choir evening at All Saints Church, subject to Government guidelines related to Covid-19.
3.5 Many organisations contact the Mayor’s Office to request a mayoral presence at their event.
3.6 All the planned events and engagements in 2020-21 were curtailed due to Covid-19. Most engagements were virtual. 145 engagements took place, representing approximately 40% of the Mayoral engagements of the previous year (359), that were also affected by the lockdown from the 23 March 2020 onwards. A breakdown of the events is below:
3.7 The Mayor undertakes many different duties including Chairing meetings of Full Council, supporting the main aims of the Council, representing the council at public, civic and ceremonial events both in and outside the city, acting as an ambassador for the city and working with a wide range of local organisations.
3.8 Highlights of the year include:
· Brighton University Film and Screen Studies Degree show
· Skills Training UK Kahoot Quiz
· Baha’i Holy Day celebration
· Opening of sustainable energy company offices in Brighton and Hove
· Socially Engaged Art Salon exhibition to highlight Refugee Week
· Christmas day food deliveries with the Methodist church
· Theatre night with the Southwick Players in aid of my charities
3.9 Use of the Mayor’s Parlour, Council Chamber, Committee Rooms 1 and 2 during the Mayoral year were curtailed due to Covid-19, although the Mayor’s Parlour was used to conduct socially distanced interviews and recording good will messages.
3.10 Acts of Remembrance across the city took place but were reduced in capacity, with the AJEX (Association of Jewish Ex Service Men and Women) service cancelled, due to Covid-19.
3.11 The Mayor spent time connecting with Brighton & Hove City Council’s workforce attending virtual team meetings.
3.12 HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh passed away on the 9 April, with Operation Fourth Bridge being implemented. Due to Covid-19, a commemorative service was recorded and made available on the Council’s website on the 16 April, rather than a public service taking place.
3.13 The Mayor wishes to thank the IFCG for their work as Chaplain throughout the year. Their support has been much appreciated.
3.14 The Mayor would like to extend a thank you to his Consort Val Cawley for her support.
3.15 The Mayor is grateful for the support of officers and the Civic Office team and those involved in helping to manage the council meetings.
3.16 The Mayor would also like to thank the Deputy Mayor Cllr Mary Mears for her support.
4. ANALYSIS & CONSIDERATION OF ANY ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
4.1 As this is an annual report of the Mayor there is no need for any consideration of alternative options.
5. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & CONSULTATION
5.1 There has been no other consultation required.
6. CONCLUSION
6.1 That the information contained in the report should be noted.
7. FINANCIAL & OTHER IMPLICATIONS:
Financial Implications:
7.1 There are no direct financial implications arising from this report
Finance Officer Consulted: Peter Francis Date: 6/5/21
Legal Implications:
7.2 There are none arising from this report.
Lawyer Consulted: Abraham Ghebre-Ghiorghis Date: 06/05/21
Equalities Implications:
7.3 There are none arising from this report.
Sustainability Implications:
7.4 There are none arising from this report.
Any Other Significant Implications:
7.5 There are none arising from this report.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
None