At the upcoming annual council budget-setting meeting, Labour Councillors are bringing forward proposals to re-allocate funding from Green Party vanity projects into restoring vital basic services and tackling disadvantage, including saving the Supported Employment service.

The national employability outcome rates for people with a learning disability and/or autism remain shockingly low, but as a result of the work of the council’s Supported Employment team, Brighton & Hove bucks the trend and employability rate is at double the national average.

Whilst Labour understands that years of Tory Government cuts combined with local Green mismanagement have made some unpalatable budget cuts necessary this year – but the Greens’ plans to axe the Supported Employment service would have a severe and detrimental effect on some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable residents in our city.

Tackling disadvantage and supporting the most vulnerable is at the heart of Labour values, which is why we are bringing forward plans to save the vital Supported Employment service so it can continue its positive work of helping those with learning disabilities and autism into the job sector.

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

“In this acute cost-of-living crisis, we must do all we can to support the most vulnerable and tackle disadvantage.

“Putting a service that helps those with learning disabilities and autism into work on the chopping block shows that this Green administration has its priorities all wrong.

“Labour’s budget amendments will ensure the city’s priorities and represented, not just the Green Party’s priorities.

Labour’s co-leader of the opposition, Cllr John Allcock said:

“The Greens finding money for vanity projects whilst slashing the Supported Employment team is irresponsible, and Labour won’t stand for it.

“We have found funds to save the Supported Employment service, so it can continue in its vital work of helping those with learning disabilities and autism find jobs.

“Removing this service would not only be unfair and unjust in targeting the most vulnerable in our society, it would cost the council more in the long-run via unemployment. We hope others will back our common sense proposals.”