Making tough decisions & helping the vulnerable

Over recent years we have had to find more than £100m to meet the twin challenges of reduced central government funding and upward costs of some council services.

We have had to take many tough decisions about how to modernise services, where to invest our limited resources and for whom the greatest additional protection is required.

Each year it is becoming tougher and the choices more stark. However we have been able to identify some small but important changes to our initial budget proposals.

Firstly we have been able to propose an additional £250,000 to establish a year round night shelter for rough sleepers. It’s important to ensure that those who end up rough sleeping have a safe place and access to the services and support that will help them get back into secure accommodation quickly. Our other plans for ensuring the availability of move on accommodation and in-house temporary accommodation continue to progress also.

We have also been able to find extra funding to avoid even a small cut to our services for those affected by Violence Against Women and Girls. In a time where families and relationships are increasingly under pressure from financial and other issues it is right that we ensure that those who too often face the direct effects are given support, safety and protection.

Lastly we have funded the development of a cycling and walking infrastructure plan. This will allow us to better understand the city’s needs for additional sustainable transport infrastructure and make sure we can better access the funding needed to deliver it.

Choosing these issues above many others which are competing for such a small pot of ‘late’ available money isn’t easy. But defending the importance of these to the city and to the most vulnerable in the city is something I am happy to do.

Cllr Daniel Yates is the Leader of the Labour Group on Brighton & Hove City Council