Our refreshed Council Plan: Building a better Brighton & Hove for everyone

We’ve just approved a refreshed Council Plan that sets out our priorities through to 2027 - and celebrates the progress we’ve made together over the past 2 years. It’s all about creating a fairer, healthier and more sustainable city that works for everyone who lives, works or visits here.

To make that happen, we’re focusing on four key priorities:

• A city to be proud of
• A fair and inclusive city
• A healthy city that helps people to thrive
• A responsive and learning council with well-run services

We’re proud of what’s already been achieved. Last year alone, more than 1,000 new homes were built - and we’re aiming to deliver 2,000 affordable homes over the next five years. We’ve invested in upgrading council homes, introduced new licensing schemes to raise standards in the private rented sector, and added sustainability features like insulation and solar panels.

Our public spaces are looking better than ever. We’ve restored Madeira Terrace, created Hove Beach Park, and improved Stanmer and Preston Parks. We’ve also refurbished 45 playgrounds and welcomed the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 to the city.

We’re leading the way on environmental sustainability. Our decarbonisation pathways study is helping shape the future, and we’ve rolled out zero-emission buses and expanded our electric vehicle charging network—now one of the best outside London. Brighton & Hove remains the UK’s only accredited urban biosphere, and our beaches continue to be recognised for water quality and safety.

Children’s services have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, and we’ve expanded youth provision, boosted mental health support in schools, and strengthened our family support model. We’ve also achieved the highest national take-up of Early Years Free Entitlement for disadvantaged 2-year-olds, with academic outcomes across the city staying above national averages.

Inclusion and equity remain at the heart of everything we do. We’ve launched new strategies for accessibility, anti-racism and trans inclusion. More than 40 Afghan households have been resettled through our commitment to sanctuary, and nearly 1,000 businesses have signed up to the Brighton & Hove Living Wage. We’ve supported residents through the cost-of-living crisis with the Fairness Fund and the Thriving Communities Investment Fund.

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Brighton & Hove has incredible strengths, and together we’ve made real progress in tackling inequality, improving housing, protecting our environment and delivering outstanding public services. This refreshed Council Plan reflects our ambition to go further. 

"Over the next 2 years, we will double down on our mission to improve the look and feel of our city, build more genuinely affordable homes, drive sustainable growth and make Brighton & Hove a better place for everyone who lives, works or visits here.”

To read the full Council Plan and achievements summary, visit Brighton & Hove City Council plan 2023 to 2027 refresh 2025.