Brighton & Hove City Council
Council
4.30pm22 May 2025
Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall
MINUTES
Present: Councillors Asaduzzaman (Chair), Grimshaw (Deputy Chair), O'Quinn, Atkinson, Alexander, Allen, Bagaeen, Baghoth, Burden, Cattell, Czolak, Daniel, Davis, Earthey, Evans, Galvin, Fishleigh, Fowler, Gauge, Goddard, Goldsmith, Guilmant, Helliwell, Hewitt, Hill, Hogan, Loughran, Lyons, McGregor, McLeay, McNair, Meadows, Miller, Muten, Nann, Oliveira, Parrott, Pickett, Robins, Robinson, Rowkins, Sankey, Shanks, Sheard, Simon, Sykes, Taylor, C Theobald, Thomson, West, Wilkinson, Winder and Williams
PART ONE
1 Council Business
1.1 The mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting and stated that he intended to invite the Group Leader to introduce the newly elected councillor for their Group, who would then come forward so that he could receive them and invite them to take their seat in the Council Chamber.
1.2 Councillors Sankey then announced the new Member for the following ward:
Councillor Sankey introduced:
Councillor Sam Parrott Westbourne & Poets’ Corner
1.3 The mayor welcomed the newly elected Member to the Council and wished them well in their terms of office.
2 Declarations of Interest
2.1 There were no declarations of interests in matters appearing on the agenda.
3 Mayoral Report 2024/25
3.1 The mayor formally moved that the report on the mayoral year 2024/25 be noted.
3.2 RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
4 Mayor's Thanks and Presentations
4.1 The Mayor gave thanks and paid tribute to:
· the Civic Office and premises teams for the support provided over the Mayoral Year.
· Imam Uthman from Al-Medina Mosque and Imam Ahmad from Dyke Road Mosque.
· His Wife in their capacity as Mayoral consort for the Municipal Year.
5 Mayor's Communications.
5.1 The Mayor gave the following communications:
Bismillahir Rahim, In the name of almighty the most merciful
Assalamualiekum, peace be upon all of you
Ladies and gentlemen, Councillors, distinguished guests, family, friends, colleagues and the residents of Brighton and Hove.
I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you present here in this Council Chamber. Last year in my speech I mentioned that it marks a significant milestone for me and for the city, as I became first Mayor of Brighton and Hove of South Asian Heritage and of Muslim faith.
Serving this vibrant city, which I have proudly called home for over three decades, I have been committed to upholding and fostering our values and embracing diversity, tolerance and inclusivity throughout my tenure. I have been wholeheartedly committed to shining a light on the incredible work undertaken by our extraordinary residents, from volunteers to passionate activists. Our community is filled with individuals who selflessly devote their time and energy to making Brighton and Hove better place for all. I have been celebrating these unsung heroes, highlighting their contributions and amplifying their voices by showcasing their inspiring stories and initiatives.
Our universities are a corner stone of life in Brighton and Hove - machines of lifelong learning, creativity and innovation therefore it is especially meaningful to have multinational creative education experts participating and we must acknowledge their huge economic contribution to thriving our city.
As mentioned, Brighton and Hove is a rich tapestry of neighbourhoods, culture and social groups. The streets and seafront are testament of thriving music, arts, international food and cultural scenes in our city that has been offering tourism attractions and stimulating economic growth. Our Albion Football club has not only raised our city’s profile on a national and now internationally stage and also spirit of unity and teamwork.
It has been and incredible honour to serve this remarkable city, and I am humbled by the trust and support you have shown me throughout during my time in office. First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all residents of Brighton and Hove. Your unwavering dedication to our city and your active participation in its progress has been driving force behind in our success.
Having been Mayor for a year now, I feel really, I didn’t do enough for the city as I wasn’t realising my time is over as a mayor. I thought I could do more, but the mayor’s time is for a year which I cannot extend.
Ultimately, I have treated everyone I met at every level - from the youngest to the most senior VIPs - with the same affable and kind genuine greeting and active listening. It has not always been easy, but I can hold my head up high knowing I have given it everything for my year, the very best and to do the city proud and be all that community needed me to do.
I would like to take a moment to extend my deepest condolences for the loss of my dear friend Mr Paul Adsett who has recently passed away. The Consort and I were honoured to attend his 50th wedding reception last summer, where his generosity shone through, particularly his thoughtfulness during my mayoral year, when he and his wife Ashley selflessly requested their guests donate to the mayoral charities instead of gifts - they collected over £700! May he rest in peace.
I had the privilege of attending over 233 engagements and all full council meetings during my time as Mayor, representing Brighton and Hove.
I attended numerous events, including concerts, the Junk food project, the children’s parade to open the Brighton Festival, Woodingdean Carnival, the Legal walk raising money for low-income families, turning on the Christmas Tree lights in Palmeira Square, the veteran car rally and Brunswick festival, Patcham Duck Festival, Bangladesh welfare association, Syrian community, Hangleton and Knoll community Project, and Hove Beach Park Reception. As a mayor welcoming people to our city and giving thanks to the organiser and volunteers for their effort makes it a special day.
There are also number of ceremonial events throughout the year that I was honoured to attend. The Chattri Memorial Service, a trip to Dieppe in August to commemorate the Anglo-Canadian Raid in 1943. It was a very special event attended by the High Sheriff of East Sussex, Mayors and Chairs from the county. I had the pleasure of gifting the Mayor of Dieppe a Brighton & Hove Albion shirt!
One of the special projects that holds particular significance to me is the Undivided India Gate, a symbol of the city’s historical ties to the South Asian subcontinent. The gate as a testament to the service and sacrifice of soldiers from multifaith background who fought alongside Great Britain during the First World War and 2nd world war. I was proud to support this commemorative day of remembrance which was held on 27th October 2024. This day served as a symbol of unity, respect, and cooperation, reflecting, the values that define Brighton and Hove.
The Remembrance commemorations in November were another set of special events and I am deeply grateful to our Remembrance Committee, volunteers, service personnel, veterans and our city’s Cadet Forces.
The recent VE Day 80th Anniversary commemoration was not only a tribute to all soldier’s including approximately 2.5 million who came from Undivided India who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.
The graduation ceremonies for both the Universities of Sussex and Brighton were wonderful to attend where we must acknowledge their financial contribution in the city. I am proud that both universities are working partnership with our local authority bringing fresh talent and creativity.
It was great honour and highlight of the year to meet HRH The Duke of Gloucester during his visit to the Royal Pavilion, where he is Patron.
During my term I have attended many Citizenships Ceremonies, and I was very pleased to see many people who were very familiar to me. I have attended 29 events focusing on faith, including visits to various places of worship from synagogues, churches and mosques. The best thing ever I have made a record by visiting over 15 churches and Synagogues like Mothers Union, St Gerorge’s, St Martin, St Leonard and All Saints, and finally St Joseph’s mass to celebrate migrants.
Furthermore, I attended Ramadan Iftar at Dialogue Society. I was proud to support the Covid- 19 five-year reflection and Ramadan Iftar event, organised by The Multicultural Group of Brighton and Hove. More than 200 people attended from various communities, with multifaith leaders, and essential service providers across the city also in attendance, thank you to the Multicultural group for raising £496 for my Mayoral charities.
One thing I will be taking forward is to ensure that we have a memorial tree planted in memory of all those who died of Covid in this City.
I attended the Varndean School Duke of Edinburgh Awards and was very pleased to see so many students involved in this fantastic scheme. They faced challenges head on in the pursuit of becoming world class students. I visited many schools during the year including, St Christopher’s Prep School Woodingdean and St Joseph’s Primary Schools
I also attended the Pier-to-Pier Swimming Event and presented awards to the winners.
My priority was for Brighton and Hove to be promoted outside to the city and to participate in various events with East Sussex County Council. I have made good connections via the Sussex Mayor’s Association and attended the High Sheriff of East Sussex Judges Service in Lewes.
As a mayor I have promoted wellbeing for the city and participated in various events including a wellbeing event at Moulsecoomb Community Centre where the provided numerous services to prevent loneliness, and sporting activities,
The last few weeks of my tenure were very busy, and I addressed the Unison Black Members’ Committee Conference. Unison has long prioritised the concerns of its Black members by advocating to improve access to employment, fair pay, progression, and training opportunities for Black workers and has had real impact.
As we are here today, I think it is right to pause and acknowledge the efforts of one of our former Councillors Andy Durr. He served as a mayor back in the year 2000. He championed the Brighton Mackerel Fayre and the much-loved Fishing Quarter on our seafront. Part of his vision was to create a space that honoured Brighton’s roots as a fishing town.
Finally, last week I attended the Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour at the i360. This is a nationwide initiative to inspire more woman and girls to play rugby. Also, we planted a Rugby world cup memorial tree at Patcham.
Before concluding, I would like to express my hopes for the future, that we can do better in terms of making the council more effective and more efficient, more open and transparent, a collaborative and peaceful environment for all. Our customary approaches must be with respectful manner and more inclusive. Yes, we can, and we must do better - that should be every of each council member of staff, members, observers and stake holders. As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.’
Another legacy that I would like to work on for our city is to celebrate annually the UNESCO International Mother Language Day on 21 February each year. This Day promotes linguistic and cultural diversity and encourages the preservation of all languages. As we have a strong relationship with UNESCO through the Biosphere this would enhance our future work with this important organisation.
Let me conclude on a note of thanks. I would like to express my thanks to, first members of staff of Brighton and Hove City Council for their support, especially the civic team and democratic services. I couldn’t have done this without them supporting me.
Councillors it has been a great time working with you all and made memories for every full council. Thank you for being wonderful and mindful during my full council meetings.
All security members much thank you for looking after the building security.
I chose Imam Uthman, from Al-Medina Mosque, as my chaplain and he has been so kind during my term to conduct Full Council Prayers. Also, Ahmad from Dyke Road Mosque who stepped in to cover when needed. Present Imam Uthman and Ahmad with certificates of thanks.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Amanda Grimshaw also covered some engagements for me.
Finally, I would like to thank my Consort for being supportive and playing a very active role and she was serving with charm and care and therefore truly she earned her commemorative badge.
6 Election of the Mayor of Brighton and Hove for the Municipal Year 2025/26
6.1 The mayor invited nominations for the position of Mayor of Brighton & Hove for the municipal year 2025/26.
6.2 Councillor Amanda Grimshaw was proposed by Councillor Bella Sankey and seconded by Councillor Hewitt.
6.3 Councillor Pickett spoke on the matter.
6.4 The mayor declared that there being no other nominations, Councillor Amanda Grimshaw had been duly elected Mayor of Brighton & Hove for the forthcoming municipal year 2025/26.
6.5 The motion was agreed.
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The mayor then adjourned the meeting at 5.09pm in order for Councillor Grimshaw as the incoming Mayor to be robed and to take the Chair for the meeting.
7 Declaration of Office, Acceptance Speech and Vote of Thanks to the Retiring Mayor
Councillor Grimshaw in the Chair
7.1 Councillor Grimshaw reconvened the meeting at 5.19pm and then made and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
7.2 The mayor then thanked the Council for her appointment.
7.3 The mayor invited Councillor Sankey to move a vote of thanks for the previous Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman.
7.4 Councillor Sankey moved a vote of thanks to Councillor Asaduzzaman as the retiring Mayor for his services during his term of office.
7.5 Councillor Winder formally seconded the motion, and this was supported by Councillors Davis and McNair.
7.6 The mayor put the motion to the vote.
7.7 The motion was carried.
7.8 The mayor presented Councillor Asaduzzaman with a commemorative badge in recognition of his year of office.
7A Appointment of the Deputy Mayor for Brighton and Hove for the Municipal Year 2025/26
7a.1 The mayor invited nominations for the position of Deputy Mayor for the forthcoming municipal year 2025/26.
7a.2 Councillor Galvin was proposed by Councillor Rowkins and seconded by Councillor Winder.
7a.3 Councillor Hill spoke on the matter.
7a.4 The mayor put the nominations to the vote, and it was carried that Councillor Galvin be appointed as Deputy Mayor for Brighton and Hove for the municipal year 2025/26.
7a.5 Councillor Galvin made and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office as Deputy Mayor and was presented with their badge of office by the mayor.
8 Appointment of the Leader of the Council for 2025/26
8.1 The mayor invited Councillor Sheard to propose the appointment of the Leader of the Council.
8.2 Councillor Sheard proposed that Councillor Sankey should be appointed as the Leader of the Council for the municipal year 2025/26.
8.3 Councillor McGregor formally seconded the proposal.
8.4 The mayor noted that there were no other nominations and put the motion to the vote which was agreed.
8.5 The mayor then invited Councillor Sankey to address the council.
8.6 Councillor Sankey thanked Councillors for their nomination.
8.7 RESOLVED:
That Councillor Sankey be appointed as the Leader of the Council.
9 Council Appointments 2025/26
9.1 The mayor moved that for the municipal year 2025/26 the following appointments be agreed:
(i) Joint Deputy Leaders of the Council, Councillor Tim Rowkins and Jacob Taylor; and
(ii) Leader of the Official Opposition, Councillor Steve Davis.
9.2 The mayor also moved that for the municipal year 2025/2026 the following appointments to the positions as agreed by the various Groups represented on the Council be noted:
(i) Leader of the Labour Group - Councillor Bella Sankey;
(ii) Deputy Leaders of the Labour Group - Councillors Tim Rowkins and Jacob Taylor;
(iii) Convenor of the Green Group – Councillor Steve Davis;
(iv) Deputy Convenors of the Green Group – Councillors Chloe Goldsmith and Raphael Hill
(v) Leader of the Conservative Group - Councillor Alistair McNair;
(vi) Deputy Leaders of the Conservative Group – Councillors Anne Meadows and Carol Theobald
(vii) Leader of the Brighton & Hove Independent Group – Councillor Bridget Fishleigh
9.3 The motion was carried.
9.4 RESOLVED:
That the following appointments to the positions as agreed by the various Groups represented on the Council be noted:
(i) Leader of the Labour Group - Councillor Bella Sankey;
(ii) Deputy Leaders of the Labour Group - Councillors Tim Rowkins and Jacob Taylor;
(iii) Convenor of the Green Group – Councillor Steve Davis;
(iv) Deputy Convenors of the Green Group – Councillors Chloe Goldmsith and Raphael Hill
(v) Leader of the Conservative Group - Councillor Alistair McNair;
(vi) Deputy Leaders of the Conservative Group – Councillors Anne Meadows and Carol Theobald
(vii) Leader of the Brighton & Hove Independent Group – Councillor Bridget Fishleigh
10 Appointment of Cabinet Members
10.1 The Leader of the Council, Councillor Sankey informed the Council of the appointment of the Cabinet for 2025/26.
10.2 RESOLVED:
That Council notes the appointment of Cabinet Members and Cabinet Advisors by the Leader as set out in Appendix A.
Cabinet and their portfolios
Councillor Bella Sankey - Leader of the Council and Cabinet Chair
Councillor Jacob Taylor - Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member, Finance and City Regeneration
Councillor Tim Rowkins - Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environmental Services
Councillor Mitchie Alexander - Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Adult Social Care
Councillor Trevor Muten - Cabinet Member for Transport and City Infrastructure
Councillor Gill Williams - Cabinet Member for Housing
Councillor Emma Daniel - Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Youth Services
Councillor Jacob Allen - Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Public Realm
Councillor Alan Robins - Cabinet Member for Sports, Recreation and Libraries
Councillor Birgit Miller - Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism
Cabinet Advisors for 2025 to 26
Councillor Andrei Czolak - Community Safety
Councillor John Hewitt - Devolution & Local Government Reorganisation
Councillor Paul Nann - Homeless Hub
Councillor Joy Robinson - Procurement and Contract Management
11 Review of the Member Allowances Scheme 2025
11.1 Councillor Sankey introduced the report on the review of member allowances scheme 2025.
11.2 Councillor Sankey formally moved the Labour Group’s amendment which was seconded by Councillor Robins.
11.3 Councillor West, McNair, Hill, Meadows, and De Oliveira spoke on the matter.
11.4 Councillor Sankey responded and closed the debate.
11.5 The mayor then put the Labour Group amendment to the vote which was carried.
11.6 The Mayor put the recommendations as amended to the vote and it was carried.
11.7 RESOLVED:
1) That Council is recommended to adopt a new Members Allowances Scheme for the payment of allowances in 2025/26 with effect from the Annual Council Meeting on 22 May 2025 in accordance with the IRP recommendations as set out at Appendix 1; and subject to the amendment set out at Recommendation 2 below
2) That an additional Special Responsibility Allowance be included in the updated Members Allowances Scheme from 25/26 for the Chief Whip of the largest party, set at 15% of the Leader’s Allowance and that the Special Responsibility Allowance for the Mayor be reduced from 30% of the Leader’s Allowance to 15% of the Leader’s Allowance;
3) That the Chief Executive is authorised to issue the updated Brighton & Hove Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2024-28 in accordance with the IRP recommendations at Appendix 1 following Council approval;
4) That the Monitoring Officer is authorised to amend the Constitution to reflect the new Members Allowances Scheme accordingly;
5) That where there are any changes to any role listed as attracting a Special Responsibility Allowance under the Scheme, and the revised role is substantially the same as the previous role in terms of the nature or level of responsibility, the Special Responsibility Allowance shall continue to apply to the new role. This is subject to the Independent Remuneration Panel being consulted and agreeing that it is substantially the same role.
12 Review of Political Balance and Appointment of Committees, Outside Bodies and Partnerships 2025/26
12.1 The mayor moved the recommendations as listed in the report of the Chief Executive which had been circulated as part of the addendum papers.
12.2 Councillor Shanks, West and Taylor spoke on the matter.
12.3 The mayor put the recommendations in the report to the vote, and it was carried.
12.4 RESOLVED:
1) That Council appoints its committees with the sizes and allocation of seats between political groups as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.
2) That having received nominations to the committees from the 4 political groups, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, such nominations be agreed, and the committee places filled accordingly.
3) That those Members listed as Chair, Deputy Chair and Opposition Spokesperson of the respective committees and sub-committees in Appendix 2 be appointed to those positions.
4) That an Urgency Sub-Committee for each Committee be appointed, by that Committee, in accordance with Committee Procedure Rule 5, such Urgency Sub-Committees being politically balanced but not to be included in the total number of seats for the purpose of allocating seats.
5) That it is agreed that for the purpose of enabling Licensing Panels to be convened without disproportionate difficulty, the make-up of such Panels need not be politically proportionate.
6) The Council agrees that although the Licensing Panel has the Members referred to in Appendix 2 as the standing Members, where any of the 3 Members are not available any Member of the Licensing Committee who has received the appropriate training shall be eligible to sit on the Licensing Panel.
7) That the Head of Democratic Services be authorized to set up the Panel(s), as and when needed with the permanent Members or, where any of them is not available, by including any other eligible Member of the Council or Committee as appropriate, having regard to the need, where possible, to secure cross party representation.
8) That Council notes the arrangements set out at recommendations 2.5-2.7 relating to Licensing Panels are intended to operate as “alternative arrangements” pursuant to section 17 of the Local Government & Housing Act 1989 and Regulation 20 of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990.
9) That Council appoints/reappoints Members/representatives to various bodies as listed in Appendix 3 of the report.
10) That the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer be authorised to take all steps necessary or incidental to the implementation of the recommendations in this report and that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to amend and republish the Council’s constitutional documents to incorporate the changes.
13 The Future of St Jospeh’s Catholic Primary School
13.1 Councillor Taylor introduced the report on the Future of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.
13.2 Councillor Goldsmith, Meadows, Bagaeen, Shanks and De Oliveira spoke on the matter.
13.3 Councillor Taylor responded and closed the debate.
13.4 The mayor put the recommendations in the report to the vote, and it was carried.
13.5 RESOLVED:
1) That Full Council approves the Governing Body’s recommendation that St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School should close with effect from 31 August 2025.
14Close of Meeting
The meeting concluded at 6.54pm
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Signed
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Chair |
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Dated this |
day of
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2025 |