Council                                                           Agenda Item 3

Subject:                    Mayoral Report 2023/24

Date of meeting:    16 May 2024

Report of:                 Chief Executive

Contact Officer:      Name:  Ria Blanchflower

                                                  Elizabeth Culbert

                                    Tel:       01273 291225

                                    Email:  Ria.Blanchflower@brighton-hove.gov.uk

                                                  Elizabeth.Culbert@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Ward(s) affected:   All

FOR GENERAL RELEASE

1.         PURPOSE OF REPORT AND POLICY CONTEXT

1.1 This report informs the Council of the activities of the Mayor, Cllr Jackie O’Quinn during the civic year 2023-24.

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 Peter Wells from the Brighton & Hove Interfaith Contact Group to act as her Chaplain.

3.3 The Mayor supported the following charities during her Mayoral year: Impact Initiatives, RISE, RSPCA Sussex North Brighton Branch and Together Co.

3.4 The Mayor attended 353 engagements and events during her term in office (for a breakdown please see appendix 1) with support from the Deputy Mayor Cllr Mohammed Asaduzzaman.  

3.5 The Mayor undertakes many different duties including Chairing meetings of Full 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.

3.6 Highlights of the Mayoral year included:

· Chattri Memorial Service to honour the Indian soldiers that fought during the First World War

· Pride Festival

· The Raid on Dieppe

· University Graduation Ceremonies for the University of Brighton and University of Sussex

· Citizenship Ceremonies

· Remembrance Services across the City

· Civic Advent Service at St Nicholas of Myra Church, Brighton

· Children’s Parade triggering the start of Brighton Festival

3.7 The Mayor hosted receptions and meetings in the Mayor’s Parlour and Council Chamber, for the Scouts, Animal Welfare charities, the Mayor’s charities, Veterans, Refugees, the Trans Community, school children and Faith Leaders.

3.8 Acts of Remembrance across the City took place with big crowds gathering again this year for both Brighton and for Hove. The last service of the day attended by the Mayor was hosted at the Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation in their newly built Synagogue and organised by the Association of Jewish ex Service Men and Women (AJEX).

3.9 The Mayor wishes to thank her Chaplain Peter Wells and the Committee Members of the Brighton & Hove Interfaith Contact Group for their support throughout an exceptional year.  

3.10 The Mayor would like to thank her Consort Rachael O’Quinn for her support throughout the year.   

3.11 The Mayor is grateful for the support of officers, the civic office team and those involved in helping to manage the council meetings.

3.12 The Mayor would like to thank the Deputy Mayor Cllr Mohammed Asaduzzaman for his support in attending engagements.  

4. ANALYSIS & CONSIDERATION OF ANY ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

4.1 This is an annual report from the Mayor for information and there are no alternative options for consideration.

5. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & CONSULTATION

5.1 No further consultation has been required for this report.

6.         CONCLUSION

6.1 That the information contained in the report be noted.

7.         FINANCIAL & OTHER IMPLICATIONS:

Financial Implications:

7.1 There are no direct financial implications arising from the recommendation of this report.

            Finance Officer Consulted:     James Hengeveld                        Date: 08/05/24

Legal Implications:

7.2 There are no leal implications arising.

Lawyer Consulted: Elizabeth Cubert                                            Date: 070524

Equalities Implications:

7.3 There are none arising from this report.

Sustainability Implications:

7.4 There are none arising from this report.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Appendices:

1. Type of Mayoral engagements pie chart

Types of Engagements:	Number of:	Percent of:
Arts & Creative	23	7%
Charity, Fundraising or Volunteering	31	9%
Parlour Meetings & Receptions	17	5%
Faith Communities	18	5%
Aspects of Health, Age or Well-being	16	5%
Sporting Activities	22	6%
Traditional, Civic or Heritage	73	21%
Meetings	42	12%
Young People, Schools & Graduations Ceremonies	53	15%
Economy & Business	11	3%
Communities & Equalities	41	12%
Interviews	6	2%