1. Purpose of the report and policy context

1.1 To receive any petitions submitted directly to Democratic Services or any e-Petition submitted via the council’s website.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That the committee responds to the petition either by noting it or where it is considered more appropriate, calls for an officer report on the matter.

3. Context and background information

3.1 To receive the following petition signed by 436 people at the time of publication:

(1) Remove the weeds and litter from our streets

We the undersigned petition Brighton & Hove Council to address its neglect of our city’s environment including the failure to tackle the out of control weed and litter situation.

Our environment is one of our community’s most valuable public goods. Like the NHS - it is freely accessible by all, irrespective of income or wealth. If looked after it can be a source of happiness for all and a force for civic pride and collective spirit. Unfortunately, as is painfully evident to all of us, Brighton and Hove City Council is failing in its duty to keep our City free from weeds and litter. As a result it is undermining our collective mental health and pride in our community. Prohibition of certain weed killers does not explain this failure and nor does absenteeism due to COVID. There are other solutions to the weed issue that do not harm the environment. And other councils continue to deliver on their obligations despite facing the same financial and other challenges arising from the pandemic. Brighton and Hove City Council must take urgent action to fulfil this most basic of duties.