Date of meeting: 20 March 2025

A period of not more than thirty minutes shall be allowed at each ordinary meeting for questions submitted by a member of the public.

The following written questions have been received from members of the public:

(1) Community Infrastructure Levy– Mark Strong

Community Works welcomes the CIL proposals, especially the proposed Neighbourhood CIL process with a more equitable city-wide distribution of funds.

We note this places responsibility on Ward members to agree a schedule of local groups, to determine which projects receive Neighbourhood CIL, and possibly even submit bids.

Community Works would like more information on how this will be done fairly, consistently and inclusively, ensuring engagement with a wide range of neighbourhood groups. In particular we ask Cabinet to consider how our existing work with groups across the City could help support officers and councillors in delivering the Neighbourhood CIL process

(2) Red Routes – Laura Marshall

It is noted in paragraph 3.7 that there is an intention to apply for DfT funding for the fourth tranche of moving traffic enforcement powers i.e. cameras (July 2025). Paragraph 4.2 references the use of such cameras to enforce school streets, which are currently operated by staff and the goodwill of volunteers. Why has it taken until tranche 4 for school streets to be considered? Will the application include cameras for school streets?

(3) New England House– Zenzie Tinker

Through no fault of our own, New England House tenants now face an intolerable situation, much like the fire risk we have unknowingly been exposed to for years. With little notice and no real support from the council, we are being forced to relocate our businesses—or face closure, putting many local jobs and creative enterprises at risk. Zenzie Tinker Conservation has thrived here for 22 years, renewing our leases last year without any warning of this crisis. Will the council provide a rent-free period from November 2024 and offer compensation to cover relocation and refitting costs to prevent closures?

(4) New England House – Alexander Claber

Our businesses risk closure due to the lack of suitable premises or the cost of relocation if premises can be found in time. How will the council financially support us through compensation? The council’s Firenta 2020 report highlighted that NEH was at substantial fire risk - if this had been communicated we would have made very different plans, rather than continuing to invest in NEH and renewing our leases over the past five years.

(5) New England House – Lou Taylor

I’ve been a tenant of NEH for over 3 years, and as I understand it, the Council has been aware of the dangerous fire situation for the whole of this time. Risking the future of my business as well as the lives of myself and all other tenants in the building.

I know there was money set aside to address these issues but this money has disappeared. As far as I can tell no money has been spent at all in years to support this incredibly valuable resource to the city. Where has this money gone?

(6) New England House– Heike Roesel

What action did the council take when the fire safety report from 2020 described issues with New England Houses fire safety?

(7) New England House– Karina Stafford

As a tenant of 20 years, I am having to move from my beloved, supportive community in NEH. It is costing me a lot of money with the moving costs, re calibrating my machines and lost work. It's been emotionally exhausting too, very unstabling for my mental wellbeing.

I am moving to a place out of Brighton, having to drive further to a building I don't want to be in, so, if there is a chance of moving back, I want reassurance from the council that they will indeed give us first refusal. How will this be done?