Brighton & Hove City Council
Cabinet
10.30am 15 October 2026
Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall
MINUTES
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Present: Councillor Sankey (Chair) Taylor (Deputy Chair), Alexander, Allen, Daniel, McGregor, Muten, Robins and Rowkins. |
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Other Members present: Councillor Sheard
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PART ONE
63 PROCEDURAL BUSINESS
63.1 The Chair welcomed those present and advised that the meeting was being webcast. Apologies for in-person attendance were received from Councillor Williams, who joined remotely.
63.2 Councillor Robins declared an interest in Item 56 Royal Pavilion Gardens Restoration Project.
63.3 Cabinet agreed that the reports listed in Part Two of the agenda should remain exempt and that the press and public would be excluded if those reports were considered in private.
64 MINUTES
64.1 RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 September 2026 be approved as a correct record.
65 CHAIR'S COMMUNICATIONS
65.1 The Chair highlighted the Council’s progress against its environmental priorities, including a reported 7% increase in the city’s recycling rate, proposals for 500 additional electric vehicle charging points, the development of a heat-pump training campus in East Brighton, progress with Valley Gardens Phase 3 and the A259 active travel scheme, and enhanced street cleaning and neighbourhood maintenance.
65.2 The Chair referred to support for residents facing cost-of-living pressures, including free bus travel for care leavers, the £1 Whitehawk bus fare initiative, a planned £2 cap on single bus fares from January, expanded free-school-meal entitlement and additional government funding for adult social care, homelessness prevention and rough sleeping.
65.3 The Chair marked Black History Month, referring to events involving the Council’s Black and Minority Ethnic Workers Forum, the contribution of Black residents and staff, and the civic leadership programme with Operation Black Vote. The Chair then outlined the principal business to be considered, comprising the Royal Pavilion Gardens, advertising and sponsorship, Black Rock, the street lighting contract and the Month 5 budget monitoring report.
66 CALL OVER
66.1 All items on the agenda were reserved for discussion.
67 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
(a) Petitions
67.1 The Chair reported receipt of a petition containing 51 signatures requesting that the Council review and reverse changes to parking restrictions on Hallyburton Road, Hove. As the petitioner, Cate Grundy, was unable to attend, Cabinet agreed that a written response would be sent.
(b) Public Questions
67.2 There was one public question.
1.
Daniel Harris - Targeted Budget Management (TBM) 2026/27 Month 5
(August)
Daniel Harris asked: Would the Council explain
Housing Revenue Account expenditure on Large Panel System (LPS)
consultancy, including £1.2m of reprofiling, fees,
procurement and resident consultation; provide details of the
£10.587m Homes and Homelessness savings programme; and
identify operational procurement responsibility and safeguards in
light of staffing vacancies?
Reply from Councillor Taylor (on behalf of Councillor Williams): The Housing Revenue Account was ring-fenced for housing landlord functions. The LPS budget had been approved in March and July 2025, and the £1.2m reprofiling changed the anticipated timing rather than the total approved budget. The Council’s procurement controls continued to apply notwithstanding vacancies and specialist appointments were subject to applicable procurement legislation and governance arrangements. Councillor Taylor added that tenant and resident engagement sessions in autumn and winter 2026 would help inform the 2027/28 HRA budget and that the Homes and Homelessness savings programme was detailed in the Budget report approved on 26 February 2026.
(c) Deputations
67.3 No deputations were received.
68 ISSUES RAISED BY MEMBERS
68.1 The Chair reported that 12 written Member questions had been received and that 15 minutes had been allocated to the item.
68.2 The following questions were put and answered at the meeting:
1. Councillor West - Advertising and
Sponsorship
Councillor West asked: Would the Council ensure that
increased advertising on council-owned assets did not adversely
affect residents’ mental health and wellbeing, in light of
the intrusive character of outdoor advertising and restrictions
adopted by other councils?
Reply from Councillor Allen: The proposed policy contained
public health, ethical and regulatory safeguards, including
compliance with advertising standards and restrictions on harmful
advertising categories. It was underpinned by governance, approval
and review arrangements.
2. Councillor Sykes - Royal Pavilion Gardens
Restoration Project
Councillor Sykes asked: What was the status of the proposal
for a sculpture commemorating Hindu, Muslim and Sikh soldiers who
served in the First World War, following the recommendation of the
Heritage Task and Finish Group?
Reply from Councillor McGregor: Officers had brought
together the Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust and the community
group to discuss the proposal. A planning application had been
deferred while the Gardens restoration was progressed, and the
group intended to undertake further development and fundraising in
2027.
3. Councillor Sykes - Targeted Budget
Management (TBM) 2026/27 Month 5 (August)
Councillor Sykes asked: Was the Administration considering
requesting additional Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) beyond
the £45m already requested?
Reply from Councillor Taylor: The report concerned the
existing £45m request, of which £15m had been approved
and the further £30m remained subject to approval. He did not
rule out a future request if necessary to bridge financial
pressures pending wider reforms.
4. Councillor Sykes - Targeted Budget
Management (TBM) 2026/27 Month 5 (August)
Councillor Sykes asked: What was the balance of EFS drawn
down against successful asset disposals and the amount on which the
Council was effectively paying interest?
Reply from Councillor Taylor: The £15m of EFS approved
was apportioned to the collection fund deficit, reserves,
contingency and budget shortfall. Any interest attributable to
EFS-related borrowing could only be calculated at outturn, based on
realised capital receipts and the final budget position.
5. Councillor Strong - Black Rock Future Vision
and Meanwhile Use
Councillor Strong asked: Would the sustainability assessment
thoroughly address carbon impacts during both construction and
operation, and consider mode-share targets to avoid increased car
use on Madeira Drive?
Reply from Councillor Taylor: Sustainability and sustainable
travel would be assessed through the detailed design and planning
process, including potential traffic impacts on Madeira Drive and
appropriate measures and targets relating to travel choices and car
use.
6. Councillor McLeay - Royal Pavilion Gardens
Restoration Project
Councillor McLeay asked: Would an alternative public ice
rink be provided in Brighton & Hove in winter 2026/27 while
construction works prevented the traditional rink returning to
Pavilion Gardens?
Reply from Councillor McGregor: It had not been possible to
identify and secure a suitable location for winter 2026, despite
discussions with the organisers. The ice rink was expected to
return for Christmas 2027 at Old Steine.
68.2 The Chair advised that a written question from Councillor Shanks had been received by the deadline but had not been seen by officers in time for a considered reply. Cabinet agreed that a written response would be provided.
69 MATTERS REFERRED TO THE EXECUTIVE
69.1 No matters were reported as having been referred to Cabinet for consideration.
70 REPRESENTATIONS FROM OPPOSITION MEMBERS
70.1 Councillor Sykes made a representation on Item 60, Targeted Budget Management (TBM) 2026/27 Month 5 (August). He criticised the scale and trajectory of the forecast General Fund overspend and identified additional risks, compared the Council’s reported position with other authorities, questioned financial control and delivery of savings, and said the report would be called in for scrutiny. He invited Cabinet to provide assurance on the financial position and the response being taken.
71 ROYAL PAVILION GARDENS RESTORATION PROJECT
71.1 In line with his declaration of interest, Councillor Robins left the chamber before the item was introduced.
71.2 Cabinet considered the report seeking approval of a revised project budget and authority to enter into the principal restoration works contract for the Royal Pavilion Gardens. Councillor McGregor reported that the Gardens were on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and that the project followed long-standing partnership work with the Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust. The works would restore historic features, improve biodiversity and accessibility, provide better public toilets including a Changing Places facility, and support education, volunteering and safer use of the site.
71.3 Councillor McGregor highlighted the support of external partners and funders, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England. She advised that an Historic England grant application had received approval for a sum just under £500,000. The proposed increase of £1.600m would take the total project budget to £8.038m, with no additional direct Council contribution proposed. The safety benefits included proposals for marshals at higher-risk times and associated support for vulnerable people.
71.4 Councillor Rowkins welcomed the proposals but sought reassurance about the impact of construction inflation on future costs. Councillor McGregor said the intention was to progress the works without delay and expressed confidence in delivery within the available budget and timetable. Councillor Muten highlighted the connection with Valley Gardens Phase 3 and the opportunity to improve views of the Pavilion. Councillor Allen referred to improvements in safety and the public realm on New Road, including better visibility and the proposed boundary treatment.
71.5 The Chair thanked officers, the Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust and external funders and observed that the proposed refurbishment of the public toilets could reduce ongoing Council costs.Cabinet agreed the recommendations in the report.
RESOLVED –
1) Cabinet agrees a budget increase of £1.600m funded by National Lottery Heritage Funding, Historic England Grant and RPMT donations. This takes the total project to £8.038m for the delivery of the restoration project works.
2) Cabinet delegates authority to the Corporate Director – City Operations, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, to enter into a contract to appoint a Main Contractor to carry out the restoration works to the Royal Pavilion Garden within the project cost plan. Subject to receiving approval of additional £0.500m funding from Historic England.
72 ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP
72.1 Cabinet considered a report proposing an overarching Advertising and Sponsorship Policy. Councillor Allen explained that the Council sought a coordinated and proactive framework to generate income from appropriate use of its buildings, public spaces, publications and other assets, whilst maintaining a clear approvals framework and ethical restrictions. The proposed exclusions included advertising related to fossil fuel production, gambling, tobacco, weapons, exploitative financial products and harmful or discriminatory content, alongside existing restrictions on unhealthy food advertising.
72.2 Councillor Taylor supported opportunities to raise revenue to protect services and emphasised the need to assess commercial income opportunities alongside financial pressures. In the ensuing discussion, Members welcomed an approach that could generate income without compromising Council values and recognised the importance of ensuring advertisements met regulatory and public-health requirements.
72.3 Members discussed policy safeguards and the Council’s ability to scrutinise individual proposals and remove unsuitable advertising. Councillor Robins emphasised case-by-case assessment. The Chair welcomed the proposed gambling advertising restrictions and the intention to join the Coalition to End Gambling Ads. Cabinet agreed the recommendations.
RESOLVED –
1) Cabinet approves the Advertising and Sponsorship Policy in Appendix 1, including the safeguards, prohibited and restricted categories, governance arrangements, approval levels and review provisions set out in the policy.
2) Cabinet notes the intention to undertake an initial pilot, identifying 3-5 low-risk sites for advertising wraps, banners and hoardings to test demand for advertising space, the application of the policy, and secure early income. Insights from the pilot will be used to refine future delivery in line with the Council’s learning framework.
3) Cabinet agrees for the Council to join the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA) and authorises the Director of Public Health and Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement to complete the membership arrangements and prepare appropriate communications activity.
4) Cabinet delegates authority to the Director for People and Innovation, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, to make minor amendments to the policy and supporting guidance that do not change the substantive purpose of the policy or the prohibitions agreed by Cabinet.
73 BLACK ROCK FUTURE VISION AND MEANWHILE USE
73.1 Cabinet considered the Black Rock Future Vision and proposed meanwhile use. Councillor Taylor explained that the Council sought to bring activity to a prominent but underused seafront site, while retaining a longer-term ambition for major regeneration of the eastern seafront. The short-term arrangement was intended to attract private investment and generate rent without requiring speculative Council capital expenditure.
73.2 Members welcomed the prospect of activity at Black Rock and considered how the site could link with Madeira Drive, the Marina, other seafront destinations and the wider cultural and leisure offer. Discussion covered transport, the existing parking provision, cycling, public transport connections and how the longer-term vision would be developed. Members also reflected on the importance of retaining flexibility for future regeneration.
73.3 The Chair sought assurances about affordability, accessibility and community benefit from the proposed meanwhile use. Councillor Taylor explained that, although the operator would charge for some activities, the Council would seek suitable affordable and community offers through negotiations, including opportunities for schools and local residents. Accessibility, parking and travel arrangements would be considered through detailed design and the planning process. Cabinet agreed the recommendations.
RESOLVED –
1) Cabinet notes and endorses the Black Rock Future Vision and approves the Council’s phased approach to site activation and long-term regeneration.
2) Cabinet approves Bidder 1 identified in the part 2 report as the Council’s preferred bidder for the Black Rock meanwhile-use opportunity, subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence and the negotiation of acceptable commercial, legal and operational terms.
3) Cabinet approves Bidder 2 identified in the Part 2 report as reserve bidder should satisfactory terms not be capable of being concluded with Bidder 1.
4) Cabinet delegates authority to the Corporate
Director City Operations to, in consultation with the relevant
Cabinet Member, to:
a) undertake all necessary due diligence;
b) negotiate and finalise Heads of Terms;
c) enter into all lease agreements and ancillary legal
documentation necessary to implement the recommendations contained
within this report.
5) Cabinet agrees that any lease agreement
should:
• be limited to a maximum five-year term;
• contain appropriate break and termination provisions;
• require removal of tenant infrastructure at lease
expiry;
• require the site to be returned in a condition substantially
equivalent to that existing immediately prior to occupation, at the
operator’s expense, unless otherwise agreed by the
Council;
• include agreed social value commitments and monitoring
arrangements.
74 STREETLIGHTING CONTRACT EXTENSION
74.1 Cabinet considered the proposal to extend and vary its existing street-lighting contract. Councillor Muten explained that the extension would maintain continuity of this essential service while the Council developed the specification and procurement for its longer-term arrangements. He emphasised the importance of reliable lighting for safety, accessibility and evening journeys.
74.2 Councillor Robins welcomed the responsiveness of the street lighting service and emphasised the value of a well-run contract. Members discussed the need for robust key performance indicators, efficient fault reporting and timely repairs, energy-efficient lighting and appropriate standards in conservation areas and residential neighbourhoods. Councillor Allen referred to the responsiveness of the lighting team and the differing requirements of historic and modern street lighting; other Members stressed that reliable lighting helped people feel safe using the public realm after dark.
74.3 The Chair supported using the extension period to develop a robust specification for the next long-term contract, highlighting the importance of lighting to personal safety, particularly for women travelling at night, and encouraged engagement with relevant Cabinet Members in that work. Cabinet agreed the recommendations.
RESOLVED –
1) Cabinet agrees to extend the existing Street Lighting Contract with Colas Limited for a period of up to 12 months commencing on 1 November 2026, with an estimated value of £1.3m.
2) Cabinet agrees to delegate authority to the Corporate Director, City Operations, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Parking and Public Realm, to take all necessary steps to give effect to the contract extension and variation, including the execution of a Deed of Extension and any associated contractual documentation.
75 TARGETED BUDGET MANAGEMENT (TBM) 2026/27 MONTH 5 (AUGUST)
75.1 Cabinet considered the Targeted Budget Management report for Month 5 (August) 2026/27. Councillor Taylor highlighted a potential General Fund forecast overspend of £23.835m, together with £18.862m of additional identified risks outside that forecast. He reported that 71% of service budget savings were being delivered, but that these were being overtaken by increases in demand, complexity and cost, particularly in adult social care, children’s services, homelessness and special educational needs, including increased Education, Health and Care Plans and associated transport costs.
75.2 Responding to the representation by Councillor Sykes, Councillor Taylor said that comparisons between authorities required consideration of differing local circumstances and budget assumptions, including use of EFS. He referred to housing costs and temporary accommodation pressures in Brighton & Hove and argued for a medium-term programme of transformation that would protect valued frontline and non-statutory services rather than relying on immediate service closures. He said he would provide Councillor Sykes with a written response to the comparative figures raised.
75.3 Councillor Muten supported a medium-term approach and asked how the city’s attractiveness and housing market affected service costs. Councillor Taylor explained that housing supply constraints, the cost of property and wages, and demand for accommodation and care made local comparisons difficult. The Chair outlined regular financial monitoring by Members and officers, the need to accelerate transformation savings, challenges with forecast parking income and growing demand for Education, Health and Care Plans. The Chair stressed that financial pressures were being closely monitored and that national reforms and additional funding would be important to a sustainable position. Cabinet agreed the report recommendations.
RESOLVED –
1) Cabinet notes the forecast risk position for the General Fund, which indicates a potential forecast overspend risk of £23.835m
2) Cabinet notes the additional risks of £18.862m included in the table at Appendix 2 which are not included in the forecast figure above.
3) Cabinet notes the forecast overspend risk for the separate Housing Revenue Account (HRA), which is an overspend of £1.145m.
4) Cabinet notes the forecast overspend risk for the ring-fenced Dedicated Schools Grant, which is an overspend of £7.368m in year resulting in a cumulative deficit of £9.130m.
5) Cabinet notes the progress of transformation programmes shown in Appendix 6 and the delivery of savings as detailed at 3.8 and 3.9 of the report.
6) Cabinet notes the Treasury Management update at Appendix 3.
7) Cabinet approves the addition of new projects to the capital programme totalling £0.357m as set out in Appendix 4.
8) Cabinet approves the capital budget variations of £0.717m and reprofiling of £20.094m set out in Appendix 5.
9) Cabinet notes the forecast position on the Capital Programme at Appendix 5.
10) Cabinet notes the aged debt position shown at Appendix 7.
PART TWO
76 BLACK ROCK FUTURE VISION AND MEANWHILE USE (EXEMPT CATEGORY 3)
76.1 As per Part One minutes.
77 STREETLIGHTING CONTRACT EXTENSION (EXEMPT CATEGORIES 3 AND 5)
77.1 As per Part One minutes
78 PART TWO MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
RESOLVED –
That the Part Two minutes of the previous meeting be approved as a correct record.
79 PART TWO PROCEEDINGS
RESOLVED –
That the items listed in Part Two remain exempt from disclosure to the press and public.
Meeting concluded at 12:12pm
Signed ______________________________ Chair
Dated this ______ day of __________________ 2026