Second instalment of Forward Plan published

The second instalment of our Forward Plan has been published, letting residents know what decisions will be taken by Cabinet when it meets in July.

As part of our move from a committee system to a cabinet model, we have committed to publishing advanced details of what councillors will be discussing at the monthly Cabinet meetings, and what key decisions will be taken.

Publishing which decisions are coming up a full 28 days before a Cabinet meeting gives residents, opposition councillors, charities, local community groups and organisations advanced warning of important council business.

This is part of our commitment to being an open and transparent local authority.

All meetings open to the public

All Cabinet meetings are also open to the public and include time set aside for residents and councillors to contribute to the discussion.

The first instalment of our Forward Plan was published on Wednesday 29 May ahead of the Cabinet meeting taking place on Thursday 27 June, with detailed reports also published five days beforehand.

Now we can share the second instalment of our Forward Plan, outlining key decisions scheduled for debate at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday 18 July.

Key decisions listed

Each instalment of the Forward Plan lists key decisions, which are those likely to impact on two or more electoral wards or have a significant impact on the council’s budget.

Those key decisions scheduled for debate on Thursday 18 July and now listed on the Forward Plan are:

  • An Economic Plan for Brighton & Hove 2024-27. Our ambitious plan to boost the city’s economy over the next three years.
  • The King Alfred Redevelopment Project. A report outlining options for a new leisure centre in the west of the city, with Cabinet members asked to consider the site and different proposals. This section will also include options for reprocuring the contract for our leisure operator to manage sports and leisure facilities in the city.
  • Corporate Energy and Water Contracts. Councillors will look at options for the future management of our energy and water.
  • Estate Management. A look at how we manage our commercial and agricultural property portfolios.
  • Targeted Budget Management 2024/25: Month 2 (May). A report presenting our in-year financial performance to May. Cabinet will be asked to approve an approach to setting the next annual revenue and capital budget and agreement on our Productivity Plan.
  • Ageing Well Services. Outlining options for how we provide a range of community services to help older people in the city.
  • New Homes for Neighbourhoods. Cabinet will be asked to approve a necessary budget to secure contractors to build on three sites which have already secured planning permission as part of our focus on providing homes for all.
  • Housing Supply Update. Cabinet will be updated on potential acquisitions by the council.

Other items for discussion

The Forward Plan also lists other decisions coming before Cabinet on Thursday 18 July, but which do not meet the criteria to be considered key.

These include an update on our performance in 2023/24 against key performance indicators (KPIs) as well as approving KPIs for 2024/25, an annual report on education standards in the city, proposals to provide free transport to and from school for children living in Whitehawk and attending Longhill High School and plans to tackle tagging in the city.

Our Forward Plan can be viewed on our website.