Subject: Inequality and Life Outcomes in Brighton & Hove
Date of meeting: 13 October 2025
Proposer: Councillor McLeay
Seconder: Councillor Davis
Ward(s) affected: All
Green Group Amendment
This council notes:
1) That the UK remains one of the most unequal countries in the developed world, with child poverty rising sharply under the previous government[1] and continues to rise under the current Government.
2) That inequality is particularly stark in Brighton & Hove, with a recent Sutton Trust report highlighting that parts of our city have some of the lowest social mobility in the country.[2]
3) The steps already taken locally to tackle inequality; creating a fairness fund to directly support residents; priority school admissions for those on Free School Meals; new school bus routes and free bus passes for Whitehawk families; free school meals for those educated at home. Unfortunately, further action is hindered by a lack of central Government funding.
4)
Government’s steps to alleviate child poverty
including expanding eligibility for Free School Meals and
signals that the former Coalition Government’s two child
benefit cap will be scrapped and recognises the current Government have had over a year
to cancel the two-child benefit cap.
5) The welcome news from government of £20m for Whitehawk through the Pride in Place programme, with local residents directly shaping how funding will be invested.
This council resolves to:
1)
Request the relevant Cabinet Member to consider a formal
review of inequality in the city, and the impact the
two-child benefit cap, winter fuel benefit cuts, and tightening of
PIP eligibility rules have on life chances; drawing on
lived experience, and welcoming input from residents and experts in
a 'call for evidence'
2) Send results of this review directly to Rt Hon Briget Phillipson MP as Minister for Women and Equalities and ask for Royal Commission to look into how to end poverty.
Recommendations to read if carried:
This council notes:
1) That the UK remains one of the most unequal countries in the developed world, with child poverty rising sharply under the previous government[3] and continues to rise under the current Government.
2) That inequality is particularly stark in Brighton & Hove, with a recent Sutton Trust report highlighting that parts of our city have some of the lowest social mobility in the country.[4]
3) The steps already taken locally to tackle inequality; creating a fairness fund to directly support residents; priority school admissions for those on Free School Meals; new school bus routes and free bus passes for Whitehawk families; free school meals for those educated at home. Unfortunately, further action is hindered by a lack of central Government funding.
4) Government’s steps to alleviate child poverty including expanding eligibility for Free School Meals and recognises the current Government have had over a year to cancel the two-child benefit cap.
5) The welcome news from government of £20m for Whitehawk through the Pride in Place programme, with local residents directly shaping how funding will be invested.
This council resolves to:
1)
Request the relevant Cabinet Member to consider a formal
review of inequality in the city, and the impact the two-child
benefit cap, winter fuel benefit cuts, and tightening of PIP
eligibility rules have on life chances; drawing on lived
experience, and welcoming input from residents and experts in a
'call for evidence'
2) Send results of this review directly to Rt Hon Briget Phillipson MP as Minister for Women and Equalities and ask for Royal Commission to look into how to end poverty.