Agenda item - Written questions from members of the public

5.1           The Mayor reported that one written question had been received from a member of the public and invited Ms Paynter to come forward and address the council.

5.2           Ms Paynter asked the following question:

"Brighton and Hove City Council is willing to provide £2.7million enablement funding towards the provision of Affordable Housing at the proposed King Alfred development.

Can the Council give assurances that it is not prepared to increase that amount or contribute further towards enablement of this development now it is indicated publicly that the financial viability is shaky and if the developers come back to the Council requesting it be increased?"

5.3           Councillor Mears stated that “I welcome the opportunity to reply to your question as there is a lot of rumour and speculation about the council's position in respect of the King Alfred development.

My Cabinet would not agree to increase the enabling funding you refer to for the Frank Gehry scheme that has planning permission.  Indeed money will now need to be found by the council to cover its costs associated with keeping the leisure centre open beyond the previously planned closure date.

To put this into context, there is no doubt that the credit crunch has impacted on the project and that ING is reconsidering its position. I have called for a full options analysis and until such time that meetings with Karis and ING have taken place and the options analysis has been properly considered it would be most unwise for me or anyone else to speculate on what the council may or may not do, what any development may look like or when it will get built.”

5.4           Ms Paynter asked the following supplementary question:

“The present Administration inherited an expenditure record from the old Labour Administration concerning the entire King Alfred project and with continuation is also creating a record expenditure of its own. 

How much did the previous Administration spend on the King Alfred proposals and council expenses and what is the sum total of the council expenses to date in connection with the current King Alfred development proposals?”

5.5           Councillor Mears responded “You have actually asked a very detailed question that I cannot answer at this moment in time but I will make sure you receive a written response.”