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

Solar panels to save £23k on council electricity bill as Brighton and Hove's Green-led council pledges to 'lead by example'

The Green administration on Brighton & Hove City Council has given the go-ahead for roof solar panels on prominent buildings in the city.

Lead councillors supported the solar power scheme at a meeting of the new council cabinet last week.

The council says it hopes to finance the scheme by earning money from the national grid.

The council could take between £40K and £160k depending on sunshine, meaning the initiative could save £23k in the council's electricity bill.

Council officers said they had explored sites across the city to find the best places for solar-powered generators.

It has listed 23 sites as potentially profitable - with 17 locations for photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.

The council wants the panels to be in place by April 2012 when rules mean solar energy may become less profitable.

Currently surplus electricity fed in to the national grid is worth 41p a kilowatt hour.

Councillor Jason Kitcat, the council's cabinet member for finance, said: "I'm delighted that one of the new administration's first decisions will be our city's largest ever roll out of solar panels.

"With this project the council will generate new funds to help offset government cuts to our budget while also reducing our carbon footprint.

"We would encourage everyone in the city to consider whether they too could use renewables to save money and reduce emissions.

"Brighton and Hove can be a hub for green industries and we plan to lead by example."

For more information please contact the Brighton & Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

12 June 2011

Patcham Place: Long Lease Sale is best option for preserving the C16 building, says Green cabinet member for finance Councillor Jason Kitcat

Patcham Place Old London Road (Wikipedia)

10 June. Patcham Place, a 16th century, Grade II* listed mansion owned by Brighton and Hove City Council, is to be offered for sale on a long lease, following approval by the Council cabinet last night (Thursday, 9 June).

Councillor Jason Kitcat, cabinet member for finance and central services, said: "We think this is the best option for Patcham Place as the council does not have the significant investment needed to bring the historic building back into use.

“Patcham Place is part of Brighton’s history and we’ve been working closely with the planning team on a brief that will ensure the building will be renovated sensitively. The green spaces around Patcham Place will remain in council control for public use.”

Patcham Place was once owned by Anthony Stapley, one of the signatories of King Charles I’s death warrant. Also included on the 1.7 acre site is a Grade II stable block, currently used as a parks depot.

A council spokesperson said: "The council-owned Patcham Place is being marketed as part of the council’s asset management process as it has been declared surplus to requirements. The capital raised from the disposal will be re-invested in the council’s capital and value for money programmes, for the benefit of residents."

"Once marketed the council will evaluate the bids and bring back a further report for the cabinet to make a decision," the spokesperson added.

Patcham Place was occupied by the Youth Hostel Association for nearly 70 years until October 2007. Since then the council has investigated a number of options for the building.

Patcham Place was one of two buildings shortlisted by the South Downs National Park for its headquarters but the new authority chose a location more central to the national park.

The council also looked at the possibility of relocating some of its services there. However, the building was not suitable and the council did not have sufficient funds to refurbish the building.