If you missed the last meeting of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee earlier this month, Labour’s co-lead Cllr Amanda Grimshaw writes about some of the highlights:

The last TECC Committee was quite stressful as a lot of time had previously been spent on MHCLG (Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government) funding. Rise’s well-documented loss of funding resulted in the largest ever petition to Brighton & Hove City Council with over 30,000 signatures.

Fortunately, the committee was able to announce that Rise were receiving substantial additional funding for their LGBT+ services, which in reality meant crucial funds arrived in the nick of time to save a dedicated, experienced worker who was scheduled to leave due to lack of funds.

The Committtee was also able to announce that a mini procurement process would take place for a further £30,000 of MHCLG funding for a housing domestic violence support person post. This mini procurement process will allow Rise and other local providers to submit a bid.

Elsewhere, Labour Councillors voted in protest against the proscribed, limited palate of colours available in the Queens Park conservation area, which includes some streets which are not out of the ordinary but whose bright range of colours gives the are its own unique style which should not be lost.

And finally, Labour pushed to extend free swimming for under 16s. Saltdean Lido, for example, have received vast sums from Brighton & Hove City Council but don’t forsee themselves able to offer free swimming for under 16s. This leaves children and young people in poverty in the east of the city unable to access free swimming sessions which are so important. Our motion to explore extending the free scheme won unanimous support.

Cllr Amanda Grimshaw