At Thursday’s Budget Council meeting, Labour Councillors will be bringing forward proposals aimed at tackling disadvantage and supporting those struggling to get by during this cost-of-living crisis, as well as plans to restore basic council services that the administration have been failing to deliver for residents.

With plans to extend free swimming for young people, abolish library charges for children, maintain the bulky waste service discount for those on low incomes, reverse proposed cuts to youth services, secure funding for food provision, local community organisations and more, Labour intends to help protect the most vulnerable in this time of acute financial pressure.

Labour’s proposals to employ more street cleaners, improve public toilets, roads, parks and public safety aim to address ongoing problems with the delivery of basic council services that residents are right to be frustrated about.

Combating the climate crisis and fostering a healthy, active city, is also at the heart of Labour’s budget proposals, with plans to freeze parking charges in parks and ensure sports and leisure facilities are more accessible to residents.

Labour Councillors also welcome various aspects of the administration’s overall budget proposals, including vital funding for projects the Labour Group have been lobbying hard for, such as an ethical lettings agency and landlord licensing to support renters, and drink spiking kits and other measures to help address women’s safety.

Co-leader of the opposition and Labour’s finance lead, Cllr Carmen Appich says:

“With the double whammy of energy bills spiralling and the Government’s incoming VAT hike, coming after a decade of austerity, rising housing costs and compressed wages, we are acutely aware of the cost-of-living crisis our residents are facing.

“That’s why we are bringing forward constructive amendments to Thursday’s Budget Council meeting that will help tackle disadvantage and support those struggling to get by.

“By extending free swimming to under 18s, abolishing library charges for children, employing more street cleaners, securing funding for food provision, improving  public facilities and reversing cuts to youth services and concessionary support, our plans will help to protect the most vulnerable, whilst delivering the improvements to basic council services our residents expect and deserve, and continuing efforts to combat the climate crisis and transform Brighton & Hove into a city of health and wellbeing front and centre.

“Ultimately, we want to see a budget that builds a fairer city with a sustainable future, and we believe our amendments will help deliver that, so I hope they will win the support of all Councillors.”