Day: June 11, 2014

Mike Weatherley MP is concerned that Hove is losing out to Brighton over allocation of funding.

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has raised concerns over the allocation of funding in Brighton & Hove, which he believes is not apportioned fairly, especially when it comes to large public works projects.

He recently wrote to the Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council, Penny Thompson, to highlight his concerns about the dearth of large projects taking place in Hove and enquired what percentage of Council Tax revenue collected is raised from residents of Hove and Portslade.

Brighton & Hove City Council’s response highlighted that, once adjusted, just under 40% of Council Tax revenue comes from Hove and Portslade, but few public works projects could be named that actually took place in Mike’s constituency.

Projects Mike cited in his letter that had been completed included: New Road; Jubilee Library; London Road; The Level; Seven Dials; Seafront arches; i360; Eastern Road; Lewes Road; Brighton Station; Valley Gardens; and East Street. He has been particularly disappointed with the slow progress of the King Alfred redevelopment.

Mike said: “Brighton & Hove is a wonderful city, but as the champion of Hove and Portslade, I am concerned that funding for our part of the city has fallen short. Brighton has benefitted from a large number of expensive projects over the years, often funded in some part by the council. Residents often get in touch to complain that Hove and Portslade are missing out and so I wanted to convey to Brighton & Hove City Council that this has not gone unnoticed.”