Agenda item - Public Involvement

To consider the following matters raised by members of the public:

(a)           Petitions: 

To receive any petitions presented by members of the public.

(b)           Written Questions:

To receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 8 May 2026

(c)           Deputations:           

To receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 10am on the 5 May 2026

(B)     Public Questions

1)             Working towards cleaner air for Brighton & Hove through improved smoke control areas

179.1   Rob Whittingdon read the following question:

Given that Smoke Control Area legislation specifically permits the use of significantly lower emitting DEFRA-exempt appliances and DEFRA

authorised smokeless fuels, and given the differing public messages Brighton residents have received in recent years regarding solid fuel use, how does the council intend to ensure that residents are provided with clear and balanced guidance, not only about what will be prohibited under the expanded SCA rules, but also about the lawful and lower-emission forms of solid fuel use that remain permitted?

179.2   Councillor Rowkins provided the following reply:

Thanks for coming with the question today. So our approach to this policy area has been and will remain data led. We will be communicating clearly what is and is not permitted within a new smoke control area if it is approved today and helping to ensure the residents know how to remain compliant. If we do approve this today, we'll obviously have several months to, you know, do some messaging ahead of it coming into effect for the winter season. We will, however, continue to raise awareness of the health impacts of fine particulate matter and that there is, in essence, no such thing as clean burning.