Josh is a local teacher, from a family of teachers, whose mum taught in Mile Oak. I’ve already seen how hardworking and driven Josh is and I know that, along with Councillor Alan Robins, he will be an excellent representative.
It was a team effort to get Josh elected and of course only possible because the big-hearted people of South Portslade put their trust in Labour once again.
While turnout was low, as to be expected in a by-election, a whopping 55 per cent of the electors voted for Josh.
I want to thank them for their ongoing support. I never take for granted the support we have received across the city, that secured us a majority last May and in this recent by-election.
Thursday’s by-election took place against a difficult backdrop, including the proposed closure of St Peter’s school in South Portslade.
I know this is causing real distress to some families, however, the sharp decline in our birthrate – by over 20 per cent, much higher than the national average – means our current school system is unsustainable, stretching the government’s per pupil funding so that over the medium and long term those children who most need properly resourced teaching miss out.
It also takes place against a backdrop of local budget-setting. Later this month, residents will hear about the decisions we are making to ensure a balanced budget at our budget council on February 22.
Setting a balanced budget is not only a legal requirement but something as a Labour council we take extremely seriously. We know the consequences for our city in not doing so would be dire.
The TUSC candidate in the by-election stood on a platform of opposing all cuts.
While we continue to campaign against Tory underfunding of public services, declaring ourselves bankrupt would only mean handing control of the city’s finances and decision making over to Michael Gove.
I’d rather run a marathon barefoot on our pebbly beach than do that.
As your Labour council, we will avoid a Gove takeover of our city at all costs.
But we face a challenge unlike any administration before us. Last year the Greens were asked to find £18 million of savings.
This year the task is almost double – £33 million of savings required to break even.
In this context, some have been asking why we are announcing investment in new developments and major infrastructure projects, while simultaneously proposing savings.
So I wanted to set out how these projects are funded and why it’s important we continue to invest and develop our city despite the challenges we face.
Most of the council’s services are funded by our general fund, a revenue budget that funds things like staff salaries, the costs of running our refuse and recycling vehicles, keeping our libraries open and handling the one million requests we receive each year.
Half of our overall budget is restricted by law to spend on housing benefit, council housing, public health and schools.
Major infrastructure projects on the other hand, including the new park on West Hove seafront (Kingsway to the Sea), a new leisure centre to replace the King Alfred, Valley Gardens three and our plans for a modular swimming pool at Withdean are funded through capital budgets and almost all are part-funded by capital grants from government, the private sector, capital borrowing, or bodies such as the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Capital funding is restricted and can only be spent on physical assets, which means it cannot be diverted to prop up school revenue budgets.
But capital funding is vital because it allows us to continue to invest in the wellbeing of our people.
Better quality leisure facilities, increased activities such as paddle tennis, the new skatepark and additional swimming facilities will keep our residents healthier, both physically and mentally.
These projects will also support our city’s economic growth and prosperity which in turn keeps people healthy and safer and improves council revenues to we can reinvest in our residents.
So, when the opportunity comes to bid for capital funding which aligns with our manifesto and council plan, we must do so and make the most of it.
I’m ambitious for our city and we’re determined to bring more of this type of investment into our city which is why we’ve created a new fundraising post within the council so we can get the best deal for Brighton and Hove.
Bella Sankey is Labour leader of Brighton and Hove City Council
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