Investing in our city

Our goal is to develop a flourishing and inclusive local economy that attracts and nurtures businesses and talent.

Why this is important

Brighton & Hove is recognised for the strength of its small businesses, and is a hub of creativity, innovation and enterprise. These factors, combined with the quality of life in the city, creates a vibrant and resilient local economy.

An inclusive economy promotes equality of opportunity and shared prosperity in the city. We aim to increase productivity and economic growth. Supporting local businesses, growing talent and reducing barriers and disparities will make it easier for everyone to do well.

We want to build a stronger and more united city, where everyone feels included, working together for a thriving and prosperous city.

What we will do

Develop Brighton & Hove as a place where people want to live, work and learn

We will:

  • make sure that new homes for everyone are good quality and sustainable through our planning service and City Plan. We will make sure that spaces and places are designed to support and strengthen all our different communities.
  • deliver improvements to leisure facilities across the city for health and wellbeing through the Sports Facilities Investment Plan.
  • improve and maintain our green and open spaces
  • protect and manage Brighton & Hove’s unique coastal environment and invest in the seafront
  • use our UNESCO Biosphere designation to support the city to thrive

Grow a diverse and sustainable city economy

We will:

  • work in partnership to deliver a low carbon, circular economy, and create more jobs
  • attract funds from outside the city and invest in projects to regenerate our city as fast as possible
  • support and grow small and medium sized enterprises and start-ups through our Economic Strategy
  • transform public spaces to make them attractive

Promote and protect what makes Brighton & Hove unique

We will:

  • market and invest in the city as a distinctive location to visit and host major events
  • celebrate and support our creative entrepreneurs and artistic spirit
  • build people’s pride in Brighton & Hove and their sense of shared purpose in making it a better place
  • conserve and develop our unique culture and heritage

Develop talent and enable lifelong learning

We will:

  • increase use of our libraries and improve facilities and library users’ experience
  • help more people to access and make best use of technology through our Digital Inclusion Strategy

How we will measure progress

We will measure the:

  • percentage of major and non-major development applications decided within the agreed timeframes
  • percentage of people in the city who are employed
  • percentage change in the number of jobs based in the city
  • number of visitors to Brighton & Hove
  • number of attendances at council-owned indoor sports facilities