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Kemptown Liberal Democrats score big win for local residents.

Robert Brown leads successful campaign to reopen Black Rock toilets.

Kemptown Liberal Democrat's Robert Brown led the campaign to reopen the toilet facilities at Black Rock which were closed down by Southern Water. After many months of campaigning, including raising a city wide petition the Council and Southern Water have refurbished the toilets and reopened them to the public. It would have been better to have opened them to the public at the start of the holiday summer season and not at the start of the winter season (October). But this represents a win for the Liberal Democrats and follows on from their stronger profile in local and national elections.

Queens Park By-Election

Rüdi Dikty-Daudiyan made his mark in the recent Queen’s Park by-election increasing the Liberal Democrat share of the vote by nearly 50%. Rüdi who is a freelance translator is proud to have made his home in the Queen’s Park and has pledged to continue his work in the ward, although not elected, and looks forward to again meeting the many supporters and well-wishers he met in his recent campaign. 

Rüdi says, “I couldn’t be happier to have made Brighton my home, but like many of our residents, I’m concerned about how it’s being run. The current Labour council has a massive majority, and yet, we’re not seeing the results we deserve. The recent by-election is the sixth to have being held since Labour came into office and in this era of financial cuts and council tax increases places a greater burden on the city's strained resources. It's money that could have been spent on improving pavements, dealing with bins and recycling and anti-social behaviour.

In his spare time, Rüdi plays for the Queen’s Park Tennis Club and volunteers for the Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association. He lives in the ward with his husband and their dog Emma.

B & H Liberal Democrats condemn the council intention to close 3 valuable community libraries. 

City Council to deprive local children and communities of access to internet and learning facilities so that they can continue to spend on vanity projects.

Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats strongly condemn the way in which Brighton and Hove City Council has approached the requirement to make savings of £210,000 to the library service. The Council put out to consultation in April the idea of closing three libraries – Rottingdean, Hollingbury and Westdene - and to reduce the opening hours at Jubilee and Hove libraries. 

Despite saying that no decision has been made the Council has asked residents for alternative suggestions for running libraries as community hubs without local government funding. This obviously suggests that the decision has already been taken to close the libraries and the council is just going through a meaningless consultation. 

Libraries are at the heart of our communities. They are particularly important for children so that they develop and nurture a love of reading. For those on low incomes they are a lifeline. It is a place where those without access to the internet at home can come and use a computer with free Wi-fi. 

This consultation closed on 10^th October, and a final decision will be made in December, after which the libraries will probably close. Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign, alongside other groups, against closure.

Council Chamber Monitor

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The goings on in and of our City Council

City Hall Politics from a Liberal Democrat perspective.

• Labour council now seeking major change to how our city is run without first consulting the people it is responsible to, ‘The Voter’. Once again the Labour administration shows its contempt for the people of the city or the democratic process.
• As the Council faces the prospect of a £36 million shortfall in its budget next year it continues to waste money on the Valley Gardens project which it is estimated will cost £6.5 million. A project that no one voted for and which the transport providers have said will only make it more difficult for services around that area.
• With the proposal to introduce cabinet government to the city we ask how will the checks and balances be introduced and will they be enough to ensure good decision making?
• How will the people of the city have a say in the management of their city once their councillors are deprived of their voice as valuable committees disappear?
• Why has consultation not taken place properly? Were you asked about the proposal? There are lots of claims but no evidence that councils are better for introducing cabinet government.
• A Freedom of Information request has disclosed the cost of changing to a Cabinet form of administration for the City is expected to cost £80,000 and that is without any cabinet councillor allowance increases. As government cutbacks dig deeper into local authority finances all this Labour administration can do is seek further ways to waste more council tax payers' money.
• Despite overwhelming opposition to the Valley Gardens extension the council insists on going ahead with the £6.5 million project. One more example of how little Labour listens to the voice of those who live and work in the City.

Pothole in the city causing you a problem? Contact the council and tell them about it https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/travel-and-road-safety/roads-and-highways/pavement-and-road-repairs