Agenda item - Mayor's Communications.

66.1.        The Mayor noted that the council had been informed of the sad news of the deaths of former councillor Bernie Jordan and his wife Renee whose funerals were held on 30 January.  He also noted that Bernie was made an Honorary Alderman in September 2014 in recognition of his service to the council and asked Members to stand and join him in a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for a departed colleague.

66.2.        The Mayor stated that he was aware that this was the last full Council meeting for a number of our Members, many of whom have long and distinguished service to the city and their wards.  As such he wanted to wish them well for the future and to say that he would be inviting them to a small reception in the Mayor’s Parlour to commemorate their time as councillors for Brighton & Hove.

66.3.        The Mayor then noted that he had a number of awards to present and stated that he would like to offer the Council’s congratulations to Brighton & Hove City Council Parks Project Team along with landscape contractor Gavin Jones who through a successful collaboration on The Level Restoration Project had been awarded the prestigious BALI award.  The award was recognised and prized by members of the Institute as representing quality, professional excellence and accountability.  He then invited Mr. Phil Hall from Gavin Jones, Rob Dumbrill and Claire Morgan from the City Parks Team to come forward with Councillor West, as Chair of the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee to collect the award.

66.4.        The Mayor then stated that he wanted to offer the Council’s congratulations to the Mobile Play Project Team who had won the coveted National Award for Best Playwork Team.  It was a great recognition of the valuable service they offer to children and families across the city throughout the year. Whatever the weather the team was out in community locations offering active, challenging and creative play opportunities to children.  He then invited Paul Waller, Kurt Birkenbeil, Duncan Hipkins, Carol Patten and Rose Dixie to come forward with Councillor Shanks, as Chair of the Children & Young People Committee to collect the award.

66.5.        The Mayor stated that he would like to offer the Council’s congratulations to the City Regeneration team for winning the Driving Growth Award at the Local Government Chronicle Awards.  The award was given in recognition of the work that has been done to grow the economy of the city and to secure funding for investment as Greater Brighton. He wished to thank Nick Hibberd for his work in this area and in his absence, invited the Chief Executive to come forward with Councillor Jason Kitcat, as the Leader of the Council to collect the award.

66.6.        The Mayor then offered the Council’s congratulations to the Transport Team for winning the Smarter Travel Awards 2015 for the Most Improved Journey to Work for the Lewes Road Improvement Scheme.  He invited Martin Heath and Stacey Amy to come forward with Councillor Davey, as the Lead Member for Transport to collect the award.

66.7.        Finally, the Mayor stated that he wished to congratulate Councillor Jason Kitcat on receiving the Judge’s Special Award for ‘Contribution to Local Government’ at the recent LGIU’s Councillor Achievement Awards.  He then invited Councillor Kitcat to come forward to collect the award and to address the Council.

66.8.        Councillor Kitcat thanked the Mayor and stated that, “It has been a huge privilege and honour to serve on this council for the past eight years and as your leader for these past three years. I believe I leave the city and our council are in a better condition than it was four years ago.

We don’t always agree, nor should we, it is in debating our differences that we have represented our city as the tough decisions have been made.

But I am in no doubt that you are all here because you want to make a difference. I very much hope that continues with whoever the next 54 councillors of this city will be in May. I also hope that the good grace and humour with which we usually treat each other can continue – our common passion for the city, in putting city before politics is what should unite us.

The next council faces an incredible prospect, bittersweet in many ways. Budget cuts continuing beyond what any modern councillor has experienced. No councillor would have wished to deal with such significant and unrelenting budget pressures. Yet at the same time few could have dreamed that finally devolution could be moving so quickly after such a long wait. Juggling those two changes will I’m sure be challenging, exciting and hugely important for our future.

As your leader I have had the privilege to attend a number of events and conferences in the UK and Europe which have always left me with a clear impression: Brighton is a global city, one which has a fantastically good and strong reputation around the world. Every mayor I have met knows Brighton and most have visited. Treasure this, few cities our size have anything like the reputation or recognition we do.

Also we are all fortunate to have an incredible cadre of officers working for us. True public servants who work so hard with such passion, integrity, creativity and talent. Let’s keep nurturing them and showing our appreciation.

I’m extraordinarily grateful for the privilege you have bestowed on me in being your leader these past few years. I have done my best to serve this city and the council in all that I have done. Any achievements and progress I have made for our collective endeavour has only been possible due to one person who very fortunately is here with us today: My wife Ania who through her endless love, advice and support has made me able to do what I have done. Thank you.

Colleagues, I wish you all the best, thank you once again. Good luck for the future. In me you will have a lifelong champion for the great city of Brighton & Hove.”