The Labour Group on the City Council are to put forward suggestions to change the way the Conservatives in charge plan to spend £1.5 million of tax payers’ money.
 
The amendments from the Labour Group will be presented by the Leader of the Labour Group Cllr Gill Mitchell and the Opposition Spokesperson for Finance, Cllr Les Hamilton who said:
“It is great news that our City will receive nearly £80 million extra in revenue and capital grants from the Government, which leaves little room for excuses from the Conservative Council for the cuts to vital services that they have proposed in the budget. The Labour Group will fight against any cuts to bus routes, children’s services and home-to-school transport and will propose that cuts are reversed and reduced.
                    
“We will also be putting forward positive suggestions to reduce household waste with discounted composters for people that want them and refurbishing sports pavilions and park buildings so that they can also support local independent businesses, like cafes or used for community activities and sports teams.”
 
The Labour Group will be proposing the following amendments grouped in to three main areas:
 
 Protecting the Environment – for a sustainable City
  * Providing discounted composters to people who want them.

  * Saving local bus routes under threat (No 21 extensions service which is used by students at City College, commuters and residents to get to the City Centre and train station).

  * Securing the Winter Maintenance (grit, clearance of snow/ice) fund for the Council to help cover the costs of this Winter and any future bouts of severe weather.

 
Young people and families – protecting and investing in the future of Brighton and Hove
  * Reducing the Tory cuts to Connexions which is a service that provides a one-stop-shop of information and advice on careers, training, health and housing for 13-19 year olds across Brighton and Hove.

  * Off setting Conservative cuts in Youth Offending Services across the City, which work with over 350 young people and their families to prevent young people being involved in crime and reducing the levels of re-offending.

  * Investing in extra funding in drug intervention work which will allow for continued work with families and individuals suffering from substance abuse problems.

  * Off setting Conservative cuts in home-to-school transport for children with special education needs, recognising the importance of supporting children of all abilities in the City.
 
Local sport and business – promoting local business and community activities
  * Funding for the badly needed refurbishment of sports pavilions and other buildings in parks and open spaces across Brighton and Hove, so that they can be leased/rented from the council by local independent businesses, community groups and local sports teams.

The final list of which sports facilities and pavilions is to be confirmed, but potential sites, buildings and sports facilities are Queens Park Bowls Pavilion, Braypool Cricket Shelters, Hove Recreation Ground Cottage, Stanmer Park football pavilion and Preston Park Rockery chalet.
 
  * Supporting £300k for refurbishing and maintaining Hove Lagoon and seafront which will promote local business and attract visitors.

For more information about Labour view:
www.brightonhovelabour.com