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Labour deliver on pre-election commitment to engage with communities

Besi Besemar May 24, 2015

New council committees reflect the need for homes, jobs and community engagement.

Cllr Warren Morgan
Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, Cllr Warren Morgan

A new council committee has been created, as promised by Labour and Co-operative prior to the local elections, bringing together community safety with neighbourhood initiatives and equalities as part of a new structure of decision-making for Brighton & Hove City Council.

The 10-member Neighbourhoods, Communities and Equalities Committee will champion the role of communities and make it easier for local people to get involved, including the possibility of devolving power and services to neighbourhoods.

The committee will focus on increasing equality – two of its central remits are to tackle street homelessness and to introduce a Fairness Commission looking at improving equality for everyone in the city.

The Committee, to be chaired by Emma Daniel, councillor for Hanover and Elm Grove, will take on the work of the former Community Safety Forum and make decisions about investment and support to community and voluntary sector groups.

Two other committees have been renamed to indicate a greater emphasis on employment skills and the urgent need for new affordable homes.

Tom Bewick, councillor for Westbourne, will chair the Children, Young People and Skills Committee, while Anne Meadows, councillor for Moulsecoomb & Bevendean will chair the Housing and New Homes Committee.

Councillor Warren Morgan, the new leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “The new committees are designed to directly reflect the concerns and aspirations of our communities. Bringing together community safety and neighbourhood issues under the umbrella of one committee will give them the focussed attention they deserve. We’re looking forward to having a real dialogue with people and ensuring our services and decisions reflect the needs of people in their areas and in the wider city.”

Under the new minority administration Cllr Morgan will chair both the Policy & Resources Committee and the Economic Development & Culture Committee.

Leslie Hamilton, the councillor for South Portslade, will be lead member for finance and resources.

Other major forums include:

♦ Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, chaired by Cllr Gill Mitchell and the

♦ Health and Wellbeing Board, chaired by councillor Dan Yates. Councillor Karen Barford, the new lead member for adult social care, will also be a member of the Board and Cllr Caroline Penn, who has special responsibility for mental health, will be able to attend and speak.

♦ Councillor Mo Marsh will chair Licensing Committee.

♦ Councillor Julie Cattell will chair Planning Committee.

The new make-up of the council was confirmed at full council on Thursday, May 21.

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