"Appalling 40% increase in air pollution under previous Conservative administration" slammed by Green councillors in Brighton and Hove

26 July 2011. Earlier today, the Green Group of Councillors in Brighton & Hove's City Council criticised the "appalling 40% increase in air pollution under previous Conservative Administration".

Green Councillor Ian Davey said: "New figures show a serious deterioration in air quality over the four years of the previous Conservative administration."

A spokesperson for the Green Group of Councillors said air quality figures for 2010 released last week, showed that parts of Lewes Road saw air pollution levels rise by 40% in the four years to 2010. The figures were released in Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) Air Quality Action Plan 2011.

Cllr Davey is Cabinet member for Transport & Public Realm in Brighton & Hove since he was appointed under the Green-led administration which came to power following local elections on 5 May 2011.

“Air quality is incredibly important for residents’ health. You don’t need to be a scientist to work out that these figures are appalling. When I raised concerns over deteriorating air quality over the last four years, the Tories accused me of being alarmist while claiming that air quality was improving.

“These figures show how irresponsible and complacent their attitude was. Rather than dealing with the problem they preferred the easy option of ignoring it.

“The Green administration will not shrink away from showing the leadership necessary to tackle the problem. We are starting with the Lewes Road where we have been successful in winning £4m from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. Our immediate efforts will be focused on getting traffic moving to prevent congestion and pollution, while working to offer people a real alternative to using private cars to get in and around the city.”

The £4m bid for the Lewes Road corridor project was made under the Tory administration, but Greens claimed credit for the idea. For more on the Lewes Road Corridor Project click here.

For analysis of the AQAP 2011 report: click here.

Brighton and Hove to publish "climate change action plan" in the autumn

A "climate change action plan" for Brighton and Hove will be published later this year, according to a report presented at a council cabinet meeting on 15 July 2011.

A spokesperson said the report outlined moves to "radically boost energy from renewable sources produced in Brighton & Hove".

Cabinet councillor for environment Pete West said: "The council is gearing up for a massive investment in sustainable energy in the city. We're leading by example by starting with the city's biggest-ever solar electricity programme.

He said this would help the local economy and open up opportunities for others to install solar electricity using the council's buying power to bring down costs.

Cllr West said: "There is no overnight fix and we don't underestimate the technical and financial challenges. But the council will be working hard to overcome them with a range of partners and agencies." 

The report was made in response to an independent scrutiny commission set up by the council in April, which called on the authority to help radically increase use of low-carbon power citywide. The council's response made on 15th June highlighted progress:

• A major installation of solar electricity panels on dozens of council buildings and schools, plus 1,600 homes. Work is expected to start this year.
• Households encouraged to participate in domestic electricity generation in the Feed-in Tariff scheme.
• Some new or refurbished school buildings are being fitted with solar hot water and electricity panels plus air-and ground-source heat pumps which cut electricity use.
• The council has undertaken to work with developers of major schemes, such as Shoreham Port, to ensure as much renewable energy as possible is included.
• A Climate Change Action Plan will be published by the council in the autumn, addressing housing, transport, industry, commerce, and sustainable energy.
• A new online tool for developers to plan low-energy buildings introduced this month by the council's planning service.
• The council is looking into setting up a Sustainable Energy Agency to co-ordinate green power initiatives in the city. The authority is also investigating how much energy could be generated by alternative sources such as wind power.
• A 'heat mapping' exercise would identify areas where high energy demand might be met from small-scale low carbon generation locally.
• There will be work done to increase training and apprenticeships in the renewable energy sector, and a campaign to spread the low-carbon message.
• A bid for £1m of EU funds is being made, aimed at setting up apprenticeships related to green energy.
• Officials will investigate funding for a scheme to help communities generate their own low-carbon power.

The Renewables Scrutiny Panel was chaired by Dr Adrian Smith, of the Science and Technology Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex. Other panel members were councillors from various political parties including Cllrs Pete West, Warren Morgan, and David Watkins.

The Panel held four public meetings, hearing from 26 expert witnesses, including council officers, representatives of city partner organisations, experts on renewable energy, sustainable energy businesses and local residents.

Greens propose small tax rise and invite public to help set budget

13 July 2011. Green-led Brighton and Hove City Council has proposed to increase council tax by 3.5% next year - up from the 2.5% increase that was planned by the previous Tory administration. The tax increases will help protect vulnerable people from the worst central government cuts - but cuts will still need to be made, and the council intends to involve the public in setting the budget, by talking to bodies such as trade unions.

The additional 1% increase proposed by the Greens presents about £13 per year on annual council tax bills of around £1,300 for a person living in a typical band C house.

The increase of 3.5% is the maximum allowed under UK law, and is less than inflation which has been running at 4-4.5% over recent months.

A council spokesperson said: "Vital services for the most vulnerable residents in Brighton & Hove will be protected under budget proposals to change the council tax increase by 1% to 3.5% next year as part of a budget that will face unprecedented scrutiny. Brighton & Hove City Council has proposed a budget that aims to protect frontline services for residents including the 9,000 older people and one in five children in the city who suffer in poverty.

"In a major revamp of how the budget is set, the public will have much greater involvement as part of a city wide consultation. In addition all political parties, the voluntary sector and trade unions will be offered the chance to play a part in setting the budget priorities.

"The council faces central government imposed cuts of about £84 million over four years. The council tax proposal will help keep services running for vulnerable residents whose lives are affected by inequality, alcohol and substance misuse as well as domestic violence.

"Savings of up £51.8 million over the next 3 years are being targeted as part of a package that proposes to increase council tax by 3.5% in 2012/13 rather than 2.5% planned by the previous administration. The change from 2.5% council tax to 3.5% generates an additional £1.2 million for the council.

"Promoting efficient use of public money is central to the budget process, as is supporting the local economy in a sustainable way by working in partnership with public, private and third sector organisations. The budget proposals will go to full public consultation in the Autumn.

Councillor Jason Kitcat, Cabinet Member for Finance & Central Services, said: “We believe this small rise is needed to help protect vital frontline services that support some of our most vulnerable residents such as older people and children who stand to suffer because of the excessive and unnecessary cuts imposed by the Coalition government. This is part of our vision to create a fairer society that meets everyone’s needs.

“The previous administration planned to increase council tax by 2.5 per cent so we think that most residents will agree that a further one per cent rise to protect some of our most important frontline services is a price worth paying.

"As it stands the city faces deep inequality with thousands of children and elderly people languishing in poverty, women suffering domestic violence as well as high levels of alcohol or drug abuse.

“Everyone has to reduce spending in this recession and the council is no different. The government is forcing us to reduce spending by £84 million over the next four years despite significant efficiency savings we have already achieved. To that end we will be reducing spending by up to 15% over the next two years. This council’s entire approach will be focussed on value for money.

“At the same time we are lobbying the government to review the current council tax system and introduce a more progressive local taxation that is fairer to everyone. In a recent meeting I have personally asked local government minister Grant Shapps MP to reconsider the cuts he is imposing on Brighton & Hove.”

The proposed council budget-setting process will go to Cabinet for approval on 14 July with the proposed budget to go to Cabinet for approval on 8 December before being considered by Full Council on 27 February 2012.

New, Consultative Budget Process

Brighton & Hove City Council’s Budget Council takes place 27 February 2012. The budget process allows all parties to put forward viable budget amendments and council tax proposals.

The proposed new consultation process will involve:
• more in-depth public consultation in September/October through a process to be agreed by all political parties;
• greater scrutiny both early in the process on particular issues and in considering published proposals in December / January;
• for the first time cross-party review and challenge of the options as they are developed within the “star chamber” process
• consultation with business rate payers;
• roundtable discussions involving all political parties, recognised trades unions and the Community and Voluntary Sector Forum
• formal and informal consultation with Trades Unions and with staff affected
• formal consultation with service users as needed

Greens win campaign for Cycle Parking at main entrance to Brighton Station: 40 new spaces at front (south entrance)

May. Cyclists locked bikes to railings outside

8 July 2011. Southern Rail today announced that a new 40-space double-tier bicycle parking facility is to be installed at the south side of Brighton railway station by September 2011.

The announcement is a reversal of the previous decision by Southern not replace cycle parking facilities at the front of the station, which were removed during renovations earlier this year. At that time, Southern said cycle parking representated a security threat in that they could not monitor bags left on cycles in the busy main entrance to the station.

The new cycle rack will be located where currently there is a small car parking area used by British Transport Police (BTP) and Southern Staff adjacent to the building that houses the BTP offices and public conveniences. It will be fenced, and monitored 24 hours a day by Southern’s CCTV Control Centre. The new facility is due to be completed by early September.  

As they once were: an estimated 100 cycles or more at station front

May: The space where the old cycle racks once were

Cyclists protested against the removal of the cycling facilities, saying no consultations were made, and that the remaining provisions were less convenient since they were at the rear of the station and required cyclists to dismount, and walk through the station onto a rear platform before they could park. As a consequence, the front railings became festooned with bicycles locked to the railings.

The cabinet member responsible for Transport in Brighton and Hove's new Green-led City Council, Cllr Ian Davey, backed the campaign to get cycle parking re-instated at the front of building. He described the move as a Green win and said: "I have been discussing the need for provision of cycling parking at the front of the station with Southern since coming into post in May. I am delighted they have listened and responded so positively. I look forward to them being opened in September.”

Cllr Ian Davey is also Brighton and Hove City Council’s Deputy Leader.

A council spokesperson said: "Southern has been working closely with Brighton and Hove City Council on plans for the station frontage including cycle parking, and following recent feedback from cyclists who use the station, installation of the two-tier rack will begin next month."

Southern’s Franchise Improvement Director, David Scorey said: “We are pleased to announce the installation of this new facility. Although we have put in over a hundred extra cycle parking spaces at the rear of the station which are very well used, some of our passengers told us they wanted parking to be available at the front. This will go some way to meeting those requirements.”

Opinion
Cycling should be made a more convenient option option, not less convenient.

In my opinion, the 40 new cycle parking spaces will barely be able to cope with the number of cycles already chained to the front of the station. It seems clear that people some people are leaving their cycles there for long term parking. Not only is there a train station and a bus terminus there, it is the gateway to Brighton's main shopping area, and dense residential areas of Queens Road, Western Road and the North Laine. If we are going to encourage cycling, we need to plan for storage for a lot more cycles. It seems a pity to waste the quadrangle in front of the Station, and Southern should play its part in promoting sustainable transport. But they do face a problem - how to deal with cycles left there long term, and even abandoned. Could they levy a small fee, as is done in some other places? Should the city provide a large cycle parking facility? Watch this space.

Sign warning cyclists not to park cycles there

Another view of railings outside the front of the station

Brighton's Lewes Road Corridor Green transport project given the go ahead with £4m of central government funding

Cllr Davey leading cycle campaign Feb 2011

5 July 2011. Brighton's Lewes Road Corridor project secured £4m funding from the Department for Transport's Local Sustainable Transport Fund, it was announced today.

The Brighton project was one of 39 sustainable transport schemes across England that were given the go ahead as part of a £155 million Government investment aimed at boosting economic growth and reducing carbon emissions.

Cabinet member for transport in Brighton and Hove City Council, Green councillor Ian Davey, expressed joy at the news. He said the scheme had been suggested by Greens during the previous Tory administration, and it was good news it was won under the new Green administration: “One of our key aims is to give the city the infrastructure it needs to be open for business. A crucial part of that is sustainable transport, enabling people and goods to move around without spoiling our streets or the air we breathe.

“This is a great opportunity for the council to work with residents and business to alleviate some of the transport problems in the area, particularly poor air quality caused by congestion.”

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesperson said: “It’s part of our ambition to make the city one of the greenest in the UK. Some 66 councils bid for a pot of £155m the government made available. 37 authorities were successful."

With external partnership and council funds, plus support from the local community, the project will be worth approximately £6 million over four years. Key partners in the bid include Southern Rail, Brighton & Hove Buses, Sussex and Brighton Universities, the Primary Care Trust, and the Engineering and Physical Research Council. 

"It will be used to help local people make more eco-friendly transport plans for themselves. Physical alterations to the road will include upgrades to public transport infrastructure, cycling improvements, traffic signal upgrades, pedestrian improvements and improved links to the new South Downs National Park.

An exact timescale for the project has yet to be fixed, but work should start this year. 

The judging panel included buses and transport expert Tony Depledge, Ian Drummond from local government body ADEPT, Stephen Joseph from Campaign for Better Transport, Adam Marshall from the British Chambers of Commerce, Lynn Sloman from Transport for Quality of Life.

Brighton Pavilion's Green MP Caroline Lucas said the news was "fantastic" and a "step in the right direction".

39 projects won funding as part of the first allocation from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. They cover eight regions and a total of 37 local authorities, with many more as partners. All have been judged to be effective against the fund’s two key objectives of creating growth and cutting carbon.

The successful schemes also include a variety of measures such as smart ticketing, the promotion of infrastructure for electric vehicles, bus and rail improvement measures, cycling and walking and are designed to link together to create a sustainable transport package that delivers economic growth.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “I am delighted to be able to fund these excellent projects.

“All the winning schemes have one thing in common – they will help build strong local economies while addressing the urgent challenge of climate change.

“We have empowered local authorities to create packages of sustainable initiatives that are tailored for their local areas, and this is only the beginning – even more funding will be announced next summer following a second round of bids.”

For details of the Brighton and Hove's bid for DfT funds, click here
http://russellhoneyman.blogspot.com/2011/05/brightons-lewes-road-63m-sustainable.html

More on this story from the DfT - http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20110705

Brighton & Hove City Council's Green leader calls for economic summit to create new, low carbon economy

5 July 2011. Brighton & Hove City Council Leader Bill Randall today called for a summit with the city’s business leaders to develop a new economic strategy for the city.

Cllr Randall is also leader of the Green group of councillors. He said: “We are working on a programme of initiatives to improve the local economy and we want to work with the city’s business leaders to strengthen our city economic strategy.

“Not only is the existing economic strategy out of date but new threats and opportunities have presented themselves.

“This summit will take into account the global recession and the massive public spending cuts we face as we look forward to the economic recovery and to safeguard our long term success.

Cllr Randall intends to broker a city-wide consensus to kick-start the council’s priorities which include making Brighton and Hove the UK ’s greenest city through sustainable economic development.

The strategy will create jobs by attracting new businesses as well as retaining and growing those already in the city. This will help forge economic recovery and help the city to make the transition to a thriving low carbon economy, attracting investment and enabling business to compete in the burgeoning climate change sector.

Cllr Randall's comments follow the State of the City report, which found the city had a strong economy that is buoyed by a healthy entrepreneurial spirit and a high number of businesses per person.

The report revealed that significant numbers of private sector jobs are being created and there is also a thriving local and organic food sector. The economy is also boosted by eight million visitors each year.

An HSBC report recently described Brighton & Hove as the 'capital of the UK 's rebellious alternative economy' and one of the seven ‘super cities that’ will lead the UK out of the recession.

The success of the city's creative industries and digital sector has contributed to the city taking this title and the role of the two universities has meant a constant supply of well-educated residents.

Cllr Randall said: “We want to galvanise the city to showcase what we have to offer, working towards development certainty and creating investment confidence.

“We aim to promote the theme of a green & low carbon city as part of the drive to make the city the UK ’s greenest.”


Cllr Randall became leader of the council when Greens became the largest group in the council after local elections in May this year.

Business Pofile
The council is committed to supporting the city’s 13,400 small businesses, of which 86 per cent employ fewer than 10 people, while responding to concerns about the impact of multinationals
Two major developments in the city include American Express’ European Headquarters and the Brighton & Hove Community Stadium – both of which will provide huge boosts to the city’s economy
The council’s Local Employment Scheme aims to increase employment and training opportunities for local people who want to work in the construction industry. It also provides support to local building firms in order to secure contracts on large developments, and to assist developers and contractors with their workforce needs.

Green MP says Government education plans will "make higher education an unaffordable luxury"

28 June 2011. Commenting on the proposals set out in the Government’s White Paper on Higher Education, Caroline Lucas, Brighton Pavilion’s Green MP, said:

“The Coalition’s reckless determination to marketise higher education and increase competition poses a serious risk to future generations of students hoping to attend our city’s universities. Just providing prospective students with more information about standards in universities will not change the fact that, for many, £9,000 per year in fees will make higher education an unaffordable luxury.

“And the idea that universities will be ranked according to graduate employment rates and salaries completely ignores the reality that many graduates take up worthwhile jobs which are either voluntary or low paid.”

Save Saltdean Lido - call by Green Councillor Geoffrey Bowden

29th June 2011. A call to secure the future of Saltdean Lido has been made by Brighton & Hove City Council's Green-led administration.

The pledge was made by Councillor Geoffrey Bowden in response to residents' concerns about the future of the iconic Grade 2 listed pool.

Residents have complained about the state of building's fabric and what they claim is the pool's sporadic opening. They are urging the council to take action taken against the current leaseholder.

The council says it has already served notices on the leaseholder and is in discussion with him about works needed to comply with the notices. The council favours continuing negotiation as a means of ensuring the building is maintained and the pool regularly opened.

The authority says the Lido is an important asset to the local community and the city as a whole.

Councillor Bowden, cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism, said he shared the residents' view that the Lido must be saved.

"The council shares everyone's passion for the Lido," said Councillor Bowden. "The argument is not about whether we save it – we all agree that we must. The debate is about how best to do it.

"Going through the courts will be expensive, slow and, ultimately, may not work.

"The situation is very complex and we have a duty to be legally fair to everyone, including the current leaseholder. However, we are determined to work with all those involved to protect and enhance the Lido for the future."

That's not cricket! Green council shows it means to be firm as well as fair with unauthorised Traveller camps

1 July 2011. On Tuesday 29 June, council officers and police removed two groups of Travellers who had recently camped in parks in Brighton and Hove.

Councillor Pete West, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, said: "Our aim is to ensure Gypsies and Travellers are treated with the same respect and consideration as any other community."

"By the same token, we expect all communities nomadic or otherwise to respect our parks and open spaces and to treat other people with respect and dignity and not to engage in anti-social behaviour," Cllr West added.

The two Traveller groups had recently set up unauthorised encampments in Greenleas Park in Hangleton and Horsdean Recreation Ground in Patcham.

A group of Irish Travellers had moved nine trailers into Greenleas Park on Saturday. Following a visit from council and police officers on Monday, the Council made a request to Sussex Police to use their powers under the Criminal Justice Act to direct them to Horsdean Traveller Transit Site where enough space is available to accommodate the six families.

A similar request was made to evict a second group of Irish travellers from the frequently used cricket pitch at Horsdean Recreational Ground, Patcham.

A council spokesperson said: "This group of Travellers had damaged the two wickets, putting the three matches planned for this week in jeopardy."

Councillor Pete West said: "We will continue to take a firm but fair approach to travellers arriving in the city and this includes taking swift action when they park in unsuitable locations or engage in anti-social manner. We will always use our legal powers and resources to tackle unacceptable behaviour in an appropriate and proportionate way."

The council is also applying for a possession order to move Travellers from Ladies Mile Open Space. Following visits from the Traveller liaison team and the Traveller education service, and completion of welfare checks, the council has decided to seek an Order for Possession of this land.  The hearing will take place on 1 July 2011.