Agenda item - Issues Raised by Members

To consider the following matters raised by Members:

 

(a)           Written Questions:

To consider any written questions

152.1      A copy of the questions received was circulated ahead of the meeting. Responses provided both at the meeting and in writing are as follows:

 

1.               Councillor Shanks- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Miller

 

Currently English local authorities do not have the power to introduce a tourist tax. Primary legislation in the UK Parliament would be required to introduce this power.    

We are continuing to investigate options currently available to us and look forward to the imminent launch of the Short Term Lets Registration scheme.  

We will also lobby government to consider how the taxes already paid by tourists in the UK can be better spent to support and promote the visitor economy, and to consider the introduction of a visitor levy scheme in England, similar to the Visitor Accommodation Scheme currently being considered in Wales. 

  

2.               Councillor Shanks – Targeted Budget Management (TBM) 202/245: Month 9 (December) 

 

Response from Cllr Daniel

 

This is a potential option that is being considered whereby the council could procure minibuses and take over some routes. However, this needs careful consideration of the costs including lease or financing costs of the vehicles, employment of drivers, and vehicle maintenance, insurance and fuel expenses versus the current contract prices. 

  

3.              Councillor Shanks- Targeted Budget Management (TBM) 202/245: Month 9 (December) 

 

Response from Cllr Williams

 

Under the council’s approved Capital Strategy, all council properties are effectively ‘offered’ to housing for consideration first. The council has a strong track record of taking these opportunities for example developing homes in the former Oxford Street Housing Office.   

Palace Place is a current example where we are delivering 11 high quality sustainable homes whilst preserving a historical structure and reducing urban blight. Decisions as to whether or not to take a site will depend on suitability for housing, i.e. high complexity or contaminated sites would be far too expensive to develop and could not be financed. Similarly, very high value properties or sites are unlikely to meet the statutory ‘best consideration’ test and would therefore be outside of the affordability of the HRA, which must be self-financing. 

 

4.               Councillor Meadows- Visitor Economy Strategy for Growth 2024-2034 

 

Response from Cllr Miller

 

VisitBrighton is the official tourism organisation for Brighton & Hove and is part of the council’s new Cabinet Office team; it has always been and remains part of Brighton & Hove City Council. It plays a unique role, working with a wide range of private sector businesses in the city and across Sussex through the VisitBrighton partnership.  

The budget savings relate to some of the marketing activity of VisitBrighton being brought back in house, into the VisitBrighton marketing team, instead of being contracted out. This will not have any direct impact on taxpayers. 

 

5.               Councillor McNair- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Pumm

 

The Community Infrastructure Levy has a number of elements. Some of the levy is collected and applied to strategic citywide projects while other elements are provided for neighbourhood improvements, whilst some can be applied to meet administrative costs. The strategic element of CIL can be used for the wider development of the community or place and the intention here is to use a small element to protect key community and voluntary services that form part of this city’s infrastructure. This will not impact the use of CIL for neighbourhood programmes. 

  

6.               Councillor McNair- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Williams

 

Households will be sensitively supported, to move to more affordable housing outside of the city boundaries when they choose to do so, this will optimise opportunities to access a greater range of housing. This policy will be attractive for some people, for example where they have friends or family, opportunities for employment or support in other locations. 

 

7.               Councillor Meadows- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

 

Response from Cllr Muten

 

Thanks for your question, Cllr Meadows. In short, no. 

 

8.               Councillor McNair- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Robins

 

The proposed sale of timber from both Ash Dieback and Elm Disease tree removals will be restricted to only those purchasing that can ensure the timber will not either be used for log wood (ash) or be stored/processed within an area which could result in any viable beetle habitat material finding its way back into the city (elm). Ash trees sold for use as biomass direct to power stations is only used for that purpose however this is dependent on the facilities being open to sales at any given time.    

Elm timber sale could only be to those which can ensure that the material is both stored and processed outside the city’s Elm Disease control zone for suitable construction purposes and is far enough from the city to mitigate the potential for any off cuts re-entering as log wood. Should this not be possible to ensure for any piece of elm timber upon felling, then timber will be disposed of in the usual manner. We will not risk further Elm Disease spread within the city through timber sales nor can we store elm for later sale. 

 

9.               Councillor West- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Allen

  

The uplift announced by the government earlier this week in the Public Health grant for 2025/2026 has enabled the administration to review of the proposed saving across the Public Health budget. Following constructive feedback from the People Overview & Scrutiny Committee last week, I am very pleased to say that we have removed this saving proposal, and I will be tabling an amendment to that effect later in this meeting. 

  

10.            Councillor Hill- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Taylor 

 

Thank you, Councillor Hill, for your question. It's an interesting question. I would say that I agree with you in my concern. As you have observed both in the rise of the far right or the right wing.

In this country and other countries, and to an extent.

People losing faith in the overall political process, I would also probably agree with you if we were to have a chat about it on the sources of breakdown in the belief of democracy over not just the last 14 years, but the last 50 years for all sorts of reasons, the lowering of memberships and trade unions and community organisations in our country, but also, as you point out, public services being defunded particularly over the last 14 years, so I think I broadly agree with the thrust of what your question is.

I think where we slightly disagree and where we've drawn this out already, at full Council in debates is that and where I'd disagree with the Green Party both locally and nationally is I think the Green Party are responding to the budget that they thought the Labour Party would set, not the budget we actually set in the autumn statement. And again, I'm not trying to make this a political knock about between the two parties. I'm just trying to really exercise the reality of what has happened. The Green Party in the general election stood on a platform that was thought to be fiscally, massively more radical than anything that made the major parties were proposing. And in that manifesto, they aspired after four years to be getting to a place of 50 billion increased revenue from where we were starting to after four years in the first budget. The first autumn statement months after getting in, this Labour government has raised 40 billion in a single budget.

The most in real terms since certainly 1970, but I believe before that point. And so actually what this Labour government doing is dramatically turning the corner on 14 years of austerity. Now, does that mean that everything overnight is suddenly funded to the perfect level and to a level where they don't have to make savings or difficult? No, because you can't overturn 14 years of destruction of public services and not believing in public services in a single budget, but I think we've come closer to turning it around in a single budget and really changing direction that even I had hoped for. And I was suspicious that maybe the Labour government wouldn't go that far, and I think probably 40 billion in the single budget is probably the bounds at which a centre left government can raise that amount of revenue within our system of government and economy. So, I do slightly disagree with the overall Green Party analysis on the budget.

I agree with you that we need well-funded public services for a society that works and for a society that cares about people. That's what we're starting to do nationally. And I think things will improve in the years to come.

 

11.            Councillor Hill- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Allen           

 

The public health budget picked up the funding for this service some time ago when the NHS was unable to continue the funding of it. Unfortunately, this is not a service that is eligible under the public health ring fenced grant criteria and we are unable to continue funding it. 

In terms of the therapeutic needs of survivors of sexual violence, support will continue to be available through services commissioned as part of the council’s Violence Against Women & Girls, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence strategy.  This will mitigate the impact of the cessation of this funding, and we work to ensure effective signposting is in place. 

 

12.            Councillor Hill- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Allen

 

The uplift in the Public Health grant for 25/26 has enabled a review of the proposed saving across the Public Health budget lines.  The proposed £18k savings will been withdrawn via an amendment I am moving later on in the meeting.  I am clear that I want to ensure the Public Health team is well equipped to continue with its evidence-based decision making. 

  

13.            Councillor Hill- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Daniel

 

The proposal relating to Drove Road relates to a flat on site which has been leased to the NHS. The young person occupying it has been living there full time whilst an appropriate house is being adapted for his needs as a young adult.  

The budget proposal relates to this accommodation and using it for short term emergency care provision for disabled children. We would offer that to neighbouring authorities as we work together ever more closely through our regional care cooperative to prevent children being moved out of county and far from family and friends or education. We will also use the flat in the same way and indeed potentially in the situation that you outline although for very short periods such as a week or two, existing users of respite care at Drove Road may be accommodated in the main building. That wouldn’t change. Nor would this proposal in any way reduce the provision of respite care at Drove Road.  

The main barriers to ensuring agreed respite can take place at Drove Road is having sufficient staff. Recruitment of staff is under way along with a staffing structure review to ensure Drove Road can operate fully and efficiently as a respite provision. No proposals being considered and certainly the proposals in the budget affect in any way the service offer to local families and nor would we bring forward plans which would reduce the service.   

 

14.            Councillor Hill- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Taylor 

 

Any consumers who require this service can receive advice at Citizens advice bureau, there is a large consumer section on their website which includes scams and issues with purchases.  

National agencies such as the National Fraud intelligence bureau, the police and victim support can also deal with and offer support with any activities in relation to fraud. 

If the proposal proceeds to implementation we will sign post these services on our website. 

 

15.            Councillor Hill- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response: Cllr Allen

 

The savings proposals to the public health budget have had to be proposed due to the uniquely challenging financial situation the council has. 

We have protected funding to our mandated Public Health services and have had to make some difficult decisions regarding other services that are important population-based services but not mandated public health services.   

The uplift in the Public Health grant for 25/26 has enabled a review of the proposed saving across the Public Health budget lines, with a number of these being withdrawn.  We have reflected upon the feedback from People Overview & Scrutiny Committee held last week and I’m very pleased to say that we will be maintaining the Aging Well contract. 

 

16.            Councillor McLeay- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Williams

 

Households will only be sensitively supported, to move to more affordable housing outside of the city boundaries when they choose to do so. 

Should a reasonable offer be refused, we would follow the same housing options focused approach as we currently do with homeless households who refuse reasonable offers of accommodation in the city. 

  

17.            Councillor McLeay- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Williams

 

This model shares the same principles as those adopted under our former Empty Properties Grant scheme.  This operated to incentivise landlords to           lease homes to the council for temporary accommodation, in return for our investment via grants to allow for improvements to the energy efficiency of these dwellings. Advice will be sought from our Legal team before any arrangement is entered. 

 

18.            Councillor McLeay- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Taylor

 

Most of the increased investment relates to the landlord function in response to regulatory requirements and continued support for Housing ICT to deliver the required change in systems. The increases also relate to Fire Safety, LPS investment in addition to the savings being included. What I have got and I won't attempt to read it out, is a table that basically charts the difference between the previous figure and the final figure, which I will send to you, which breaks down the increases.

    

19.            Councillor McLeay- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Taylor

 

Most of the increased investment relates to the landlord function in response to regulatory requirements and continued support for Housing ICT to deliver the required change in systems. This will support a Housing Service that is compliant and promotes inclusivity and independence through improvements in accessibility. 

Improving housing quality and ensuring compliance with social housing regulations are key to delivering the Council Plan's "Homes for Everyone" priority.  Our focus is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents, visitors, and those who work on our council homes. 

The council housing stock is growing with more homes that are subject to regulatory and legislative requirements around building, fire and health & safety that have increased significantly following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.   

  

20.            Councillor McLeay- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Williams

 

I can reassure you that there is not an issue with the housing supply programmes or a failure to spend.  This is demonstrated with the month 9 the forecast that shows spend for new housing supply is over £36m which in line with the budget for the year. Some of the issues identified in the question relate to the way the budgets are profiled over a four-year period based on estimated cash-flows, in particular for projects that have received cabinet approval throughout 2024/25. Any underspends will generally be used to reduce the amount of borrowing required. 

 

21.            Councillor McLeay- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Williams

 

For 2025-26, the government introduced a new ringfence within the Homelessness Prevention Grant, to maintain prevention activities during this period. This will mean that 49% of local authorities’ funding allocation must be spent on prevention, relief and staffing activity. The 49% within this ringfence may not be spent on temporary accommodation. This proportion is based on spend declarations submitted in 2023-24, which showed that an average of 49% of total Homelessness Prevention Grant funding was spent across these three activities. There is no flex in our current allocation for 2025-26 to fund the voluntary sector to provide services in this area and the statutory prevention duty rests with the authority. 

 

22.            Councillor West- General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasury Management Strategy 2025-26 

 

Response from Cllr Muten

 

Thank you for your question, Councillor West.  

 

Our administration takes the City’s residents’ health very seriously and recognise the importance of good air quality for all. Notably, our focus is to reduce the impact on those with respiratory conditions exacerbated by poor air quality.  This is why we are committed to a strategic, planned, targeted and data-led approach to air quality and net zero improvements. Rather than being driven by an ideology that prefers to focus on a privileged few to make change at the detriment of the many who can less afford in a cost of living crisis; we seek to implement changes that enable the whole city to respond to the climate emergency and improve air quality for all.   

We are driving change through our commitment our ambitious £28M Bus Service Improvement Plan for our city, now with an additional £9.6M uplift announced by the Labour Government in the Autumn. Data shows increased bus passenger numbers and more buses on time across the city.  

We are taking targeted measures to address bus fares including the £1 Short Hop offer which data already shows has enabled many more to take the bus within their local communities. 

With some 500 city centre car parking spaces lost and 50% increase in parking fees, with more increases baked into the 2023 budget resulting in an annual income shortfall of at least £1m, the Green Party in administration had no strategy. Without alternative provision such as park and ride, a better bus service and improved active travel all in place, their response was to penalise residents – especially those on lower incomes - businesses and visitors. Cars that could once have parked close to Preston Park or on the seafront were forced to queue to get into city centre car parks off the seafront and in the North Laine, increasing congestion and worsening city centre air quality. 

Sadly, an ideology that disproportionately hit those on lower incomes the hardest, discouraged visitors, hit businesses hard, penalised residents and increased traffic congestion leading to an uptick worsening air quality after years of improvement all proved an ill-conceived approach. 

Instead, Labour commissioned a citywide parking review and are implementing a holistic strategy that works for the city, is fairer, helps our vibrant visitor economy to flourish, with targeted measures that will see much needed improvements in air quality.