On the first anniversary of the Green's local election victory in 2011 in Brighton and Hove, the party's councillors have reflected on the first year leading the council and the plans for the future.

The Green administration's priorities for the year ahead include:

- Supporting local businesses by backing initiatives like ‘Riding the Wave', ultrafast broadband, and pushing forward major development projects.

- Investing in new transport infrastructure across the city to make travel safer and sustainable whilst reducing congestion.

- Continuing to support greater resident involvement in council decisions and services, by introducing devolved powers and budgets to neighbourhoods, and regular webcast discussions with senior councillors.

- Working to achieve the 'One Planet' sustainability standard, as well as bidding for Biosphere status to recognise the diverse environments in and around the city.

Councillor Bill Randall commented, "In an exciting and demanding year, Greens have protected services for vulnerable people, among them victims of domestic violence, homeless people and children in care.

"However we have also put the 'Open for business' sign back up on the city, bringing forward the i360 and reviving regeneration plans for Circus Street Market, Anston House and Preston Barracks.

"We've established a Brighton and Hove Living Wage and attracted extra money for transport, housing and the arts. With the East Sussex Credit Union and others, we're setting up a Community Banking Partnership.

"And we've successfully worked with the Albion, Universities and Police on joint projects in the city.

"These are just a few of the many things we've done in the past year to make Brighton & Hove a fairer and greener city."

Councillor Jason Kitcat added, "We are going to build on the superb work Bill has lead this year, such as bringing more empty homes into use and delivering a living wage for council staff.

"Whilst it's a very tough time for local government, I will do everything I can to deliver on our city's great potential."

Notes

For more information please contact the Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

*Today's (Thursday 17 May 2012) Annual Council meeting saw a number of changes, including the present Leader Councillor Bill Randall become mayor of Brighton & Hove, and the current Cabinet Member for Finance & Central Services Councillor Jason Kitcat become Leader of the Council.

Leading Greens will address or voice support for commemorative events in the city, including Councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty, new deputy leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Keith Taylor, Member of the European Parliament for Southeast England, Caroline Lucas MP for Brighton Pavilion and Councillor Jason Kitcat, who will take over as leader of the city council today.

Events include a community vigil in the Old Steine, this evening, Thursday, 7 - 9pm, with keynote speeches from community representatives including the newly appointed Green Leader of the Council, Councillor Jason Kitcat and a performance from the Rainbow Chorus.

Green councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty said, "IDAHOBIT is the most important day in the calendar to mark LGBT rights and equality.
"In Brighton and Hove we are showing what can be done in the fight against the institutional discrimination LGBT people still face locally, in our country and around the world.

"Let's remember the work of so many people who are fighting prejudice - for example those who are confronting homophobic and transphobic bullying in education locally, such as the Allsorts Young People project.

"Remember, also, that in at least five countries people can be sentenced to death for their sexuality and in many more countries there's still legal and social oppression. Even here in our tolerant city we have still have the scourge of hate crime."

Friday will see the release in the UK of a European Parliament Film ‘It Gets Better' at a commemorative IDAHOBIT event at the central Jubilee Library (Friday 18 May, 6pm) with an introduction from Keith Taylor MEP. Keith said, "I'm really proud to be part of this film which sends a strong message of support to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender young people across Europe .

"Being a teenager can be hard enough, but being bullied because of your sexual orientation can sometimes make young people's lives unbearable.

"Bullying and discrimination can lead to self-harm and even suicide.

"By raising awareness of the work that is being done to strengthen LGBT rights in Europe and by highlighting these issues I hope that this film will show that we can work together to put an end to homophobia and transphobia and that we really can 'make things better'."

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said, "The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia is an opportunity to celebrate the great progress made on LGBT rights, but also to remember that discrimination on the basis of gender and sexuality remains - both here and abroad.

"Here in Brighton and Hove, the Greens stand in solidarity today with all of those in our city and across the world who have struggled against bigotry and prejudice, and pledge to work together to promote a more equal, just and respectful society."

Councillor Jason Kitcat said, "I am honoured that my first engagement as the Green leader of the city council will be to attend this evening's vigil in commemoration of IDAHOBIT Day. While there is still much work to do, we as a city lead the way culturally and socially in the advancement of the rights and protection of LGBT people in the UK.

"I believe we have great opportunities with a Green-led council to take this reputation even further and to show the world what can be done to tackle homophobia and transphobia however it appears, whether as hate crime, cultural prejudice or legal discrimination."

Notes 

For more information, please contact Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Public bodies, including Green-led Brighton & Hove City Council will also fly the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi and trans) rainbow flag from public buildings to remember victims of hate crime and discrimination around the world.

Friday 18 May: the Jubilee Library event will include a panel discussion and the official release of the City Council's scrutiny panel into trans equality.
EU Parliament Intergroup on LGBT Rights Video and press release link:
http://www.lgbt-ep.eu/press-releases/european-leaders-it-gets-better

Brighton and Hove has moved a step closer to introducing a "living wage" across the city, which would tackle poverty and ensure everyone has a decent standard of living.

The Green-led City Council's Cabinet has endorsed a series of recommendations from the independent Living Wage Commission, which was asked to look into the impact of the idea on the public and private sector.

The living wage is a voluntary commitment by employers to pay a minimum hourly wage to their staff that takes into account certain basic costs of living. It would mean higher wages for the lowest paid, and employers would also benefit through increased productivity, higher rates of retention and recruitment, and less time lost to sickness.

The proposals for the council include:

• adopt the national living wage figure of £7.20 as the minimum wage in the city
• campaign to promote the benefits of the living wage for businesses, and introduce a "kitemark" scheme
• ask contractors to submit non-living wage and living wage tenders for contracts, on a trial basis
• embed the principle and promotion of the living wage into all new city strategic plans.

The council is working closely on a city-wide living wage with partners including public bodies, voluntary sector representatives, trade unions as well as the private sector, where there has been strong support for the proposals.

At a Chamber of Commerce debate 85 per cent of those present declared their support for the idea.

The Commission found that public sector bodies were in a good position to meet the rate of £7.20, and recommended that any introduction be phased in, to reduce the impact on business.

Brighton & Hove City Council Leader Bill Randall said: "Tackling inequality is one of the council's top priorities.

"A living wage for the city would be a huge step forward, but at the same time we have to stay focused on the need to promote the competitiveness of businesses that offer jobs to local people.

"The benefits of a city-wide living wage includes boosting business productivity and creating a healthier and wealthier city. We already have the backing of the business community to look at this idea."

"We are committed to tackling inequality in the city with one in every five children suffering in poverty and this is another step in that direction.

"The experience of introducing a Living Wage in London saw 3,500 families lifted out of poverty in one year alone."

Ends

For more information visit www.livingwage.org.uk or contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party on 01273 766 670.

Caroline Lucas said, "I'm hugely honoured to have served as the first Leader of the Green Party and I'm proud that during the four years of my term, we've moved Green politics forward to a higher level, with the Party by far the most influential it has ever been.

"We've seen significant breakthroughs, not only in Brighton & Hove, with our first seat at Westminster and our first ever local council, but nationally, with further breakthroughs onto new Councils in the recent local elections, which were among the most successful we've ever had, as well as establishing ourselves as the third party, ahead of the LibDems, in the elections for London Mayor.

"I look forward to continuing to do all I can in my very demanding role as the MP for Brighton Pavilion, representing and helping my constituents in Brighton and defending them against the Coalition Government's disastrous economic policies and its refusal to accept its environmental and social responsibilities.

"I will now also be able to work more on the political frontline, putting the Green case for change in Parliament and in all circles of national political debate."

The Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, Bill Randall, said, "Caroline is a tremendous asset to the people of Brighton & Hove, and to the national Green cause. As well as working tirelessly for her constituents, she's been in the forefront of proving that the Green Party is a winning force in the city and the country as a whole. As the Green Party grows, it's a great time for more Greens to join her at the leading edge of British national politics."

Councillor Darren Johnson, London Assembly Member, said, "Caroline has made a huge impact in her time as Green Party Leader and has helped shift Green politics from the margins to the mainstream of British political life.

"She will be an extremely hard act to follow but this is an ideal time to allow new talent to come forward."

Jenny Jones, London Assembly Member and recent Green Mayoral Candidate said, "The Green Party has made some massive breakthroughs in the past two years, since having Caroline as our Leader, in Parliament, in Brighton and most recently in London, where we are now the third party behind the Conservatives and Labour.

"Caroline's decision not to seek re-election at this point is entirely in keeping with Green principles: it's a strong move, allowing other talented people to come through and to take the Green Party even further forward. She has set a superb example of how to lead. Whoever is elected in her place has a tough act to follow."

Nominations for leadership candidates are now open within the Party and will close towards the end of June. The new Leader (or Co-leaders) will take up the two year post in early September. No nominations have yet been received.

Caroline Lucas added, "We're lucky to have a wealth of capability and experience in our Party.

"Now feels like the right time to step aside, to allow more of that ability to come forward and help the party to grow. I offer my very best wishes to the next Leader, whoever they may be."

Notes
The roles of Leader and Deputy Leader were established by the Green Party in 2008 to provide a public face and a strong voice for Green politics and policies. Both roles have a term of two years and Caroline Lucas MP, the Party's first Leader, will have served for two consecutive terms.

For further information please contact Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Pic: Martin Perry, Chief Executive Brighton and Hove Albion with Council Leader Bill Randall at the Amex football ground at Falmer. (Credit BH Albion FC photo).

Council Leader Bill Randall and Albion Chief Executive Martin Perry have celebrated after planning permission was approved to build extra seats at the Amex stadium last month.

Bill Randall said, "Working with The Albion to help the club with its expansion plans was one of the most important actions of my year as Leader of the Council.

"The benefits the club brings to the city are many, among them 1,000 full and part-time jobs during the recession.

"What's more, more than 90 per cent of those working at the stadium have a BN post code and many of them are younger people.

"Another 200 jobs will be created by the stadium expansion.

"The club also works closely with City College to provide on the job training in one of its restaurants for catering students, and Albion in the Community works with a host of communities in the city, in the South East and Africa, India and Kosovo.

"Through its ‘Want to Work' programme it works with 80 organisations to offer experience, training and advice for those in search of work.

"It is also a partner with the Council, City College and others in the recently opened City Skills and Job Shop in the old Albion shop in Queen's Road.

"Then there's also the small matter of football. The club enjoyed a terrific first season in the new stadium and brought a smile to the face of the city.

"We all look forward to even greater success next season."

Notes

For more information please contact Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Importantly, the adjustments seek to offer visiting day-trippers and families a more affordable day out by the sea, while meeting the main concerns of local traders and keeping the much-needed traffic management plan on track.

The adjustments include:

• A new eight hour tariff costing £15 in the seafront high zone, where there is high congestion and pollution.
• A new 'medium tariff' zone on Hove seafront from the Peace Statue to east of Fourth Avenue. This will be a maximum of £10.

These complement the existing low tariff zones on the east and the west of the seafront which offer all-day seafront parking for just £5.

Low tariff parking is available less than 10 minutes' walk from the Palace Pier.

The Green administration says there's an urgent need to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and cut down on pollution in the city.

In some areas, air pollution caused by Nitrogen Dioxide from vehicles is a serious health problem, most notably in Preston Circus, off London Road.

Throughout 2010 concentrations remained above the NO2 legal limit at roadside locations in central Brighton.

Selective increases in parking charges have been used year on year as one way to help manage demand, help cut down on traffic volumes in the city, and distribute traffic and trade more evenly around the city.

Traffic congestion also affects road safety and reduces access for emergency services and public transport.

Green councillor Ian Davey, cabinet member for transport and the public realm, said, "We've listened to businesses and residents, and acted on their concerns.

"These adjustments will make it easier for residents and day-trippers to have an affordable day out by the sea, spending more time with our traders and on our gorgeous beaches.

"These adjustments keep us on track with everything we seek to achieve in our parking plans to help make the city a better place to live and visit.

"It's vital that traffic is better managed in the city centre by distributing the parking over a wider area, which comes not only from pricing but from new inbound signage, radio traffic news and the use of Twitter and Facebook to suggest where people can most easily park.

"We have serious problems with traffic-related air pollution in the city, which damages local people's health.

"Heavy congestion, especially along the A23 main route into the city, is also off-putting to tourists and visitors, which can harm the local economy.

"The council is also working in partnership with public transport providers and has made a commitment to reinvest any surplus from parking income into schemes such as free bus travel for the over 60s, subsidised bus routes and school travel planning.

"Over time we expect this approach will improve the lives of everyone in the city, as well as helping businesses and boosting our economy."

Councillor Jason Kitcat, cabinet member for finance and central services, added, "We believe our adjustments to the seafront parking charges address some of the concerns expressed by businesses.

"This is a one-time-only modification that does not affect our strategy and we now look forward to seeing the benefits of our parking policies over the coming months."

Notes

For more information on this statement please contact Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Anston House and the land adjacent at 137-147 Preston Road have lain derelict for over 20 years.

There was outcry in June 2007 when the previous landowner illegally felled protected trees on the site.

Green Councillor Amy Kennedy (pictured on the site near some trees that the previous developers illegally cut down) led the campaign for the council to take action against the rogue landlord, and submitted a petition signed by almost 600 residents which resulted in the successful prosecution of Bridgetown Properties in September 2008.

This ground-breaking action was the first time Brighton & Hove City Council had pursued a criminal case under a Tree Preservation Order, and the offenders were handed down fines totalling tens of thousands of pounds.

Amy worked with the new landowners over the past 12 months, welcoming the appointment of renowned designers and regeneration specialists Urban Splash as principal consultants on the new scheme for the site.

Now Urban Splash are sharing their latest proposals at a public exhibition, which will take place on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 April from 11am to 4pm at the Rotunda Cafe in Preston Park, as part of their commitment to consult residents on the new plans.

Councillor Leo Littman said, "This important site, which is at the gateway to our city, has been neglected for too long.

"Ward councillors are committed to working with the developers to make sure that residents have their say on what will be a major scheme, and hopefully a landmark building."

Councillor Mike Jones added: "Ward councillors will be attending the public exhibition on Friday 27 April and are looking forward to hearing feedback on the proposals from people who live and work nearby."

Notes

For more information please contact Brighton and Hove Green Party on 01273 766 670.

Brighton and Hove City Council's efforts to reduce its ecological footprint and live and work within a fair share of the planet's resources have been recognized in Parliament today.

Responding to a question from Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas, the Government's environment secretary Caroline Spelman offered her "hearty congratulations" to BHCC for its resolution to become a One Planet Council.

The One Planet initiative, which was recently adopted by councillors, means that the Council will be run in line with ten principles of sustainability, including using sustainable procurement, and innovative waste, rewewable energy and biodiversity practices

Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said: "I am delighted that the Secretary of State has today acknowledged the great work that Brighton and Hove City Council is doing to make the city a greener and more sustainable place.

"If everyone consumed natural resources and generated carbon dioxide at the rate we do in Brighton and Hove, we would need three and a half planets to support us in the long term

"Local authorities like BHCC have an incredibly important role to play in setting an example for sustainable living, and making it easier for people to choose the greener options when it comes to key needs such as food, energy and waste."

Lucas concluded: "To help make sure that sustainability is at the heart of all policy making, departments across the Government should now follow our Council's example and adopt One Planet principles for themselves."

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party press office on 01273 766 670.

After this week's Council of Europe conference in Brighton on modifying the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) relations with treaty states, leading Greens say they are "relieved" that the Brighton summit did not result in a weakening of the powers of the Court.

In a joint statement, Caroline Lucas MP (Brighton Pavilion), Keith Taylor (Green MEP for Southeast England) and Brighton & Hove City Council Leader Bill Randall, said, "We are relieved that the delegates to the Council of Europe conference in Brighton have seen through the British government's attempts to weaken the European Court of Human Rights.

"The European Court of Human Rights is absolutely vital for the thousands of people each year across Europe who feel that their rights have not been upheld by their own countries' judicial systems and it was wrong for the British government to attempt to limit such people's access to the Court.

"Happily, the rest of Europe did not agree with (Conservative Justice Minister) Ken Clarke and colleagues.

"If the Coalition government does not want to see so many Britons going to the European Court of Human Rights, perhaps it should not try to change the Court rules but instead improve its own treatment of human rights."

"The ECHR provides an essential safety net for individuals whose human rights that have not been well served by their national judiciary.

"With only eight British cases overturned by ECHR last year out of around 900 applications this seems like a crass bid for popularity from a spot of euro-bashing, rather than any serious attempt to improve the system."

Notes

For more information please contact Brighton and Hove Green Party press office on 01273 766 670.

--

Green-led Brighton & Hove City Council could soon be joining other local councils and businesses by seeking 'One Planet Living' status.

Councillors have this week adopted a 'One Planet Living' approach to improve quality of life, the environment and the economy of the city.

The One Planet Living idea was developed by sustainable development charity BioRegional and WWF (previously known as the World Wildlife Fund), to encourage businesses, organisations and individuals to reduce their ecological footprint and live and work within a fair share of the planet's resources, using ten "One Planet Principles".

See note below and www.oneplanetliving.org/index.html

If everyone in the world consumed resources and generated carbon dioxide at the rate we do in Brighton & Hove, we would need not one, but three and a half planets to support us in the long term.

The DIY chain B&Q and the London Borough of Sutton are among organisations already using the One Planet Living approach.

The proposal being considered tomorrow is to draw up a Sustainability Action Plan to build on work already carried out, and identify where more effort is needed - particularly where there is the added benefit of cutting costs by reducing energy or water use, or the amount of waste produced.

The proposed action plan is the first step - a decision on whether to seek endorsement for One Planet Living status would be taken at a future meeting.

Green Brighton & Hove city council leader, Councillor Bill Randall, said: "A lot of work has already been carried out to make the council more sustainable.

"New energy-saving lighting at the Brighton Centre, for example, is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 23.5 tonnes a year, and save at least £41,000 a year on electricity bills, and a project to reduce the amount of water being used in the centre's urinals could save 13,000 litres a day, reducing water use by 96 per cent and cutting water bills by an estimated £9,200 a year.

"But we know things could be better and there are some big challenges to overcome to achieve One Planet Living status.

"An important part of developing the proposed Sustainability Action Plan will be looking carefully at the costs and benefits of any new schemes.

"By taking this approach, we'll be able to focus on schemes that not only improve quality of life for people and the environment in Brighton & Hove, but many of them will save us money now and in the long term."

Cabinet meeting agenda and reports: http://present.brighton-hove.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=120&MId=3231

 The 10 One Planet Principles of sustainability are:

• Zero Carbon - Making buildings more energy efficient and delivering energy with renewable technologies
• Zero Waste - Reducing and reusing waste and ultimately sending no waste to landfill
• Sustainable Transport - Encouraging low carbon modes of transport to reduce emissions and reducing the need to travel
• Sustainable Materials - Using sustainable products that have a low embodied energy
• Local and Sustainable Food - Choosing local, seasonal and organic diets and reducing food waste
• Sustainable Water - Using water more efficiently in buildings and products; tackling local flooding and water course pollution
• Land Use and Wildlife - Protecting and expanding old habitats and creating new space for wildlife
• Culture and Community - Reviving local identity and wisdom, supporting and participating in the arts and reviving local identity
• Equity and Local Economy - Inclusive and empowering workplaces with equitable pay. Support for local communities and fair trade
• Health and Happiness - Encouraging active, sociable meaningful lives to promote good health and well being

A wide range of measures have already been taken to make the city  more sustainable, including:

• Introducing pool bikes for business journeys by council staff _­­ - these have been used for a total of 1,300 miles in the first year.
• Re-tendering the council's internal waste and recycling contract, saving £50,000.
• Establishing council carbon budgets which could save as much as £300,000 per year.
• Introducing a new Sustainable Procurement policy.
• Becoming the first council in the country to achieve both 14001 Environmental Management System and BS8901 Sustainable Events policy for its venues and events on council land - this means organisers of events at the Brighton Centre and outdoor events in the city are encouraged to ensure their events are sustainable. Examples of practical measures event organisers are taking include the Brighton Marathon sending out a 28-page pack of final instructions to 18,000 runners by email, helping reduce the carbon footprint of the event.
• Successful Food Partnership and 100 local food growing projects in the city.
• An increase in the pay of lowest paid council workers and a Low Pay Campaign and Commission - due to report soon.
• An Eco Technology Show planned at the Amex Stadium in June.

Challenges that face the council in achieving One Planet Living status include:

• Establishing how the council would be powered and heated by a renewable energy supply by 2025.
• Achieving an 85 per cent recycling rate on internal operations.
• Minimising packaging from catering facilities provided or procured by the council.
• Implementing a water reduction and re-use strategy for all council buildings, including monitoring and detecting leaks.
• Improving local native biodiversity and natural habitats.
• Being a Living Wage employer and encouraging key partners to do the same.

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Town planning post-graduate students from the University of Brighton have produced a 'master plan' for the Hollingdean neighbourhood in Brighton after local councillors invited them to research residents' views on how to spruce up the area's streetscape and amenities.

The students, their tutor and a local Green councillor, Christina Summers, gathered on site to talk about the report with local journalists on Wednesday, April 11, at Moulsecoomb Station, a key transport point for the neighbourhood.

The launch of the Urban Vision report took place on the same day as a major national planning conference in the city, hosted by the University of Brighton Planning School, and attended by the Government's Chief Planner.

Christina Summers and Sven Rufus, Green Party councillors for Hollingdean & Stanmer Ward, approached Dr. Samer Bagaeen, Principal Lecturer in Town Planning at the University of Brighton, to see if his students could apply their training in public realm design and help survey residents on how they would like to see the Hollingdean neighbourhood improved.

The neighbourhood lies to the east of the Fiveways junction in north Brighton and is largely a mix of post-war public and pre-war private housing located between central Brighton to the south and the South Downs and A27 to the north.

The area also comprises some large industrial sites including the city waste and recycling depot.

Although the city council currently has no new funds to support regeneration efforts in the area, Christina believes residents should have an opportunity to have their say now on what they would like to see happen to improve their neighbourhood.

Christina said, "As a councillor, I need to be aware of residents' needs but also their future aspirations.

"So I wanted to capture the many views and ideas from local people about how to improve Hollingdean's streetscape in a more formal way, in preparation for when regeneration funds may become available.

"I contacted Dr. Samer Bagaeen, with whom I had worked some years previously on a vision for London Road, and he agreed that Hollingdean would be a great project for his Masters students.

"My ward city councillor colleague Sven Rufus and I then drew up a brief with the help of Senior Planning Officer, Alan Buck.

"Then, over a few months, the students got to work. They talked to residents, businesses and community groups and assessed the history and potential for urban improvements.

"The result is a detailed mapping of the area, of residents' ideas (from pedestrianising The Dip to improving access to Moulsecoomb train station) and options for future regeneration.

"But it doesn't stop here: this is an ongoing ‘live' project that I am determined will not remain an academic document but will bear fruit over time.

"I am so very grateful to all the students who have worked diligently and imaginatively to start the ball rolling."

Dr Samer Bagaeen said, "The students successfully pulled apart the various layers and components of the area, spoken extensively with residents and drew up detailed and imaginative solutions in a short period of time.

"In addition to public realm improvements, these included proposals to improve the quality, connectivity and use of green space throughout Hollingdean, redeveloping the Dip and improving access to the National Park.

"It is our aspiration that next year's cohort of students on the Master of Science in Town Planning will be able to take some of these proposals forward in greater detail."

Notes

For more information please contact Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Councillor Bill Randall, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, has congratulated Burmese opposition leader and Nobel Prize peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi for her landmark victory in last week's Burmese elections.

The National League for Democracy won 40 of the 45 seats available in the by-election, and Ms Suu Kyi will take a seat in the country's lower house of parliament.

Last year Ms Suu Kyi was made an Honorary Freewoman of Brighton & Hove for her tireless work fighting for democracy and human rights by non-violent means in Burma.

In 2011, Aung San Suu Kyi served as the public face of the Brighton Festival as its director.

The Festival was themed around her human rights vision and raised the profile of the Burmese campaign for democracy in the city and across the UK.

Councillor Bill Randall said, "This is an important victory for the sixty million people of Burma and provides real hope for the future.

"It is rightly being hailed as the beginning of a new era in Burmese politics."

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Pic: a well established flag to represent the trans community

A Green councillor's request for Brighton & Hove City Council's Scrutiny function to explore the needs and experiences of trans people in Brighton & Hove has been unanimously backed at a meeting this afternoon.

The proposal from Councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty was to convene a panel to look at hate crimes, health and community safety.

Phelim commented, "The council recently supported the launch of a new campaign to make Brighton and Hove the UK’s first zero tolerant city for LGBT hate crime, and we should show our commitment by taking it a step further.

“For example a disproportionately high percentage of trans people are reported as having mental health problems - much of which is down to discrimination, which causes depression and anxiety.

“Many also have problems accessing services because of prejudice and misunderstanding.

“The incredible work of FTM Brighton and the Clare Project shows us the way forward; we must show our support and our solidarity with this marginalised community in the city.”

*The proposal came forward to an Overview and Scrutiny Commission meeting this afternoon (Tuesday 27th March). The scoping report can be viewed here: http://present.brighton-hove.gov.uk/mgconvert2pdf.aspx?id=44150

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Pic: launch of the new city LGBT Community Safety Forum

A new campaign to make Brighton and Hove the UK's first zero-tolerance city for LGBT (lesbian, gay bi and trans) hate crime has been unveiled by Green city council leader Bill Randall.

Speaking at the launch of the resurrected LGBT Community Safety Forum, Bill said renewed efforts to deal with hate crime are needed as attacks on lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people persist.

Bill said, "We cannot call ourselves a civilised city unless we do all we can to stamp out LGBT hate crime.

"The forum is a new focal point for all those in the powerful partnership engaged on this work, among them the LGBT community, the wider community, the council and the police. Dealing with these pernicious crimes is high on the Green Administration's agenda, and the council will support the forum in every way possible.

"52 LGBT hate incidents and crimes were recorded by the police in the first nine months of 2011/12. While this is an improvement on the previous year, it is clearly unacceptable in our city and is only part of the picture.

"We believe many more of these crimes go unreported by the city's 40,000-strong LGBT community."

The Count Me In Too research (2006) revealed that only 25% of those people from the LGBT community who had experienced an incident had reported it.

One of the forum's first tasks will be updating the findings of this research.

"We owe a big thank you to LGBT activist Chris Cooke who is largely responsible for reviving the Forum, which will be at the centre of the new campaign," said Bill.

"Activists and councillors from the LGBT community are among those on the forum's steering group.

"They are working closely with the police who will be setting up a dedicated phone line to report LGBT crimes, and I am grateful to the Brighton and Hove Police force for all their efforts to deal with and prevent LGBT hate crime.

"The police LGBT liaison officer is also looking at how training might improve the way the police record LGBT hate crime, particularly in the case of trans hate incidents.

"I recently met representatives from the trans community who told me about the growing levels of abuse and violence they face.

"It is one of many areas where we need to do more work."

Notes

For more information please contact Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

1) In the first nine months of 2011/12 52 LGBT hate incidents and crimes were recorded by the police, 19% fewer than in the same months in 2010/11.

2) In this same period 21 crimes were detected and 17 resulted in a charge being made. So far there have been 18 prosecutions finalised at court and 16 of these resulted in a conviction (88%).

3) In response to the Count Me In Too survey conducted in 2006 almost three-quarters of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender respondents reported experience of crimes or negative behaviours towards them in the previous five years (i.e. between 2001 and 2006) because of their sexual or gender identities. (Not all of those experiences necessarily took place in our city.)

4) At the time of the "˜Count Me In Too' study only 25% of those who had experienced an incident had reported it. In 2009/10 there were 88 hate incidents and crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people recorded by the police and this number has been declining steadily since 2006/7 when there were 218 recorded. Professionals working with the LGBT community do not perceive that there has been a decrease in trust and confidence which would account for this reduction.

5) However, a level of under-reporting will still exist and the LGBT community needs to have trust and confidence in services to effectively deal with hate crime. Poor outcomes for victims will undermine trust in the whole criminal justice system and we need to continue to provide the services to victims that they require and also continue our work to encourage reporting through other means.

6) LGBT hate incidents have a significant effect on the health, wellbeing and quality of life of individuals, as well as impacting on the wider LGBT community, increasing fear of crime and undermining community cohesion. Furthermore, Count Me In Too research highlighted the disproportionate impact LBGT hate crimes and incidents can have on vulnerable, excluded or marginalised groups within the LBGT community.

7) The Count Me In Too research showed that transgender & bisexual people, as well as those who self defined in a category other than lesbian, gay, bisexual or 'queer', young people (under 26), people who are isolated, and those who live in social housing are more likely to experience certain types of hate crime. Data recording mechanisms around LGBT hate crimes and incidents across partner agencies are insufficient to allow in-depth analysis, and improving reporting is therefore a key priority.

8) Analysis of police recorded LGBT hate crimes, however, has shown that hotspots for reported crimes remain in the city centre wards, and there are late-night peaks in offences. There are a higher number of male victims, indicating a possible reluctance amongst LBT women to report to the police.

Pic: the Chancellor of the Exchequer's burgundy budget briefcase: more true blue, certainly not green.   

Some headline sell-outs

- 'Environment versus economy' rhetoric and tax breaks for oil and gas show Osborne still doesn't get it

- Coalition to bulldoze ahead with 'growth at any cost' planning reforms

- Toxic 50p tax cut for the rich exposes Lib Dem failure to dilute Tory dogma

- Budget offers little for part time workers and people on lowest incomes

The 2012 Budget will do nothing to deliver a greener or more prosperous economy - and shows the Coalition completely failing the fairness test, said the UK's Green MP today.

Caroline Lucas, leader of the Green Party and MP for Brighton Pavilion constituency, said, "This true blue budget is the nail in the coffin for this Government's 'greenest ever' pledge.

"The determination to plough ahead with growth-at-any-cost planning reforms and aviation expansion, throw money at North Sea oil and gas, and ignore the potential of green energy shows that this administration's environmental policy is blue, not green.

"The Chancellor's stubborn refusal to accept that investment in clean renewable energy and energy efficiency can simultaneously tackle the environmental crisis, stabilise the UK economy and create jobs is depriving this country of a more prosperous future."

Caroline continued, "Meanwhile, Osborne's toxic tax cut for the richest is a slap in the face for the millions of working people across the country fighting a losing battle against falling wages, job insecurity, rising living costs and severe public spending cuts.

"Having failed to secure either a genuine mansion tax or a tycoon tax to compensate for the Tories' unfair 50p rate cut, disillusioned Liberal Democrat MPs must once again be asking themselves what purpose they are serving in this Coalition.

"The fact that public sector net borrowing hit £15.2bn in February is clear proof that Osborne's destructive austerity drive is failing even on its own terms.

"And given the increasing levels of joblessness, the Government's blind belief in the private sector to compensate for huge public sector job losses - 270,000 last year - looks increasingly delusional.

"We have a youth unemployment crisis of staggering proportions and a whole section of society trapped in low paid work. While there were some positive measures to tackle this in today's Budget, it's clear that the Government needs to do far more."

The Green MP concluded, "This Budget is a regressive document from a regressive Government.

"It will do nothing to deliver a fairer or more prosperous UK economy - and it certainly won't deliver a greener one."

Notes

For more information, please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

In a motion coming forward to this Thursday's Full Council meeting, the Greens welcome correspondence from Transport Minister Norman Baker and pledge support for The Times newspaper's 'Cities Fit for Cycling' campaign.

The move comes after the city's efforts to improve cycling were recognised at a national level in a recent Westminster debate and at the recent launch of the all-party 'Summer of Cycling' campaign.

Brighton & Hove is seeing a range of significant improvements to key routes in the city, including a high quality segregated cycle lane on the Old Shoreham Road, and plans for major improvements to the Lewes Road coming forward shortly.

Councillor Ian Davey, Cabinet Member for Transport & the Public Real, said, "Momentum is growing across the country as more and more people demand cities fit for cycling.

"Building the right infrastructure is key to more people feeling safe and choosing to get onto two wheels.

"That's what we're doing in Brighton & Hove through building high quality cycle lanes on key routes such as the Old Shoreham Road an the popular Lewes Road.

"More people cycling not only relieves road congestion, improves air quality, and has health benefits, but it also makes roads and public spaces safer for everyone.

"I'm hoping that in the same spirit of cross-party working at a national level, all parties locally will be able to support the aims of The Times' campaign, and our vision of a city fit for cycling."

Notes
For more information, please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.  

*The Times' campaign, Cities Fit for Cycling, outlines an eight point manifesto to improve safety for cyclists and other road users, including among other things, a default 20mph speed limit in residential areas, training for both cyclists and drivers, sensors and other safety measures on trucks entering city centres, and increased cycling infrastructure at the most dangerous junctions. More information is available here: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/contact/.

*The All Party Parliamentary Group on Cycling launched ‘Summer of Cycling' campaign last week. The campaign seeks to double the number of cyclists by getting every person who cycles to get a ‘+1' to join them. More information available here: http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/summer-of-cycling-launched-at-parliamentary-reception.

*The text of the Green motion is as follows:

BRIGHTON & HOVE: A CITY FIT FOR CYCLING

"This council warmly welcomes the cycling campaign initiated by The Times newspaper following the collision in which their young reporter Mary Bowers was very seriously injured. The 'Cities Fit For Cycling' campaign has made a significant contribution to the national cycling debate both inside and outside government.

We would like to thank Parliamentary Under Secretaries of State Norman Baker MP and Mike Penning MP for their letter to The Chief Executive and Council Leader of February 28th which:

• Outlined coalition government actions to promote cycling

• Encouraged the city council to consider taking forward the points raised by The Times campaign

• Asked the city council to report back on its efforts so that they may be disseminated to others

• Invited the city council to the national conference hosted by the Department for Transport entitled ‘Creating a National Cycling Revolution'.

We note that Brighton & Hove already has a good record in cycling following investment in both cycle infrastructure, such as cycle lanes and cycle parking, and smarter choices activities such as Personal, Employer and School travel planning.

These initiatives, started under previous administrations and continued by the current administration, have enabled a steady increase in the number of people cycling. We also note that cycling offers people the benefits of low cost, healthy and efficient transport. Furthermore, the city benefits from an increase in cycling through reductions in congestion and air pollution, which contribute to a safer, healthier and cleaner city.

However, this council recognises it must do everything possible to make the city's streets safer for cycling to avoid unnecessary and tragic loss of life such as that of Jo Walters on the Lewes Road in 2010.

This council therefore resolves to:

• Ask the Chief Executive to write to The Times pledging our support for the ‘Cities Fit For Cycling' campaign

• Ask the Chief Executive to reply to the Under Secretaries of State thanking them for their commitment to cycling, and informing them of the measures this council is taking to promote cycling and increase safety, including the provision of high quality cycle infrastructure, reducing speed limits to 20mph in residential areas and improving road safety education - all of which are supported by the Times campaign and the Department for Transport.

• Invite the Under Secretaries of State to visit the city to see first hand the steps that we are taking to make Brighton & Hove a City Fit for Cycling and if they are able to attend the opening of the Old Shoreham Road cycle lane at the start of Bike Week 2012 on June 18th"

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas is championing a new campaign in Parliament to force the big supermarkets and food manufacturers to donate a proportion of their "waste" food to charities feeding people living in food poverty.

The Food Waste Bill, launched last week by Kerry McCarthy, the MP for Bristol East, highlights the scale of the food waste problem, and calls on the Government to act to stop businesses and public bodies from throwing away food that could be donated.

Following her visit to FareShare Brighton & Hove in the autumn, Caroline paid tribute to the local organisations already working hard to distribute good quality food that would otherwise go to waste to feed the city's most vulnerable people.

But she said it was now crucial that the Government introduce a legal obligation on supermarkets and large manufacturers to make sure that more of their waste food is saved from the bin and redirected to charities.

Caroline said: "At a time when people are struggling to feed their families, and the environmental impact of our inefficient food system is worsening, it's completely unacceptable that so much of our food waste ends up in the bin.

"A recent survey by Netmums found that one in five mums skip meals so their children can eat.

"Foodbanks serving the most vulnerable people rely on donations from supermarkets and manufacturers of food that would otherwise be thrown away. But only a tiny proportion of that food actually gets donated.

"Voluntary organisations such as FareShare Brighton and Hove and the Food Partnership in my constituency are already doing fantastic work in redistributing some of the city's waste food.

"Last year FareShare workers recovered 300 tonnes of good quality ‘waste' food from manufacturers and retailers.

"But we now need the Government to act to incentivise food donation from supermarkets and other businesses to ensure that surplus food reaches the people who need it most.

"So I welcome the Food Waste Bill as a call to arms to address the social and environmental consequences of the way we produce, consume and dispose of our food - and to create a national food policy that is fit for purpose."

Ian Chisnall at Brighton and Hove Fareshare said: "Having had the opportunity to meet Caroline at FareShare and provide her with an insight into the work we do here, I am delighted that she is now pushing for a positive change in food waste policy in Parliament.

"Food poverty is a serious concern for our city and, unfortunately, it's a problem that looks set to worsen. In Brighton and Hove alone, FareShare already contributes towards as many as 13,000 meals a week.

"We therefore welcome this cross party campaign to encourage businesses and organisations to donate far more of their food to charities who can help distribute it, rather than simply throwing it away."

ENDS

Notes

The Food Waste (Ten Minute Rule) Bill was launched on 13 March 2012 by Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East. It seeks to address barriers to food donation and ensure that more of the good quality food wasted by supermarkets and manufacturers is donated to charities feeding people in food poverty. The Bill has cross party support, and is also backed by Friends of the Earth, WWF-UK, Lorraine Pascale (author of best selling cookery books and presenter of TV cookery series), FareShare, FoodCycle and Feeding the 5000.

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party on 01273 766 670

Leading Greens from across the city joined campaigners outside the Conservative Association offices in Church Road, Hove, on Saturday 17 March, urging the city's two Conservative MPs to persuade Parliamentary colleagues to oppose the Health and Social Care Bill in its final vote next week.

Monday 19 March will see the Bill's final vote in Parliament which if passed will cause huge disruption and open the door to a privatised health service, say its opponents.

Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, and Green councillors including Rob Jarrett, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health on Brighton & Hove City Council, joined campaigners at the 'Kill the Bill' rally at 3.30, starting from Hove Town Hall, urging Simon Kirby, Tory MP for Brighton Kemptown, and Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove, to change their minds.

Caroline Lucas MP said, "Despite hollow government assurances and some cosmetic changes to the Health and Social Care Bill in recent weeks, the reality is that its main purpose - to vastly increase the commercialisation of the NHS - remains intact.

"The government has no mandate for any of this, from the voters or in the Coalition Agreement.

"We must now join together to force the Prime Minister to drop the Bill.

"I call on everyone who is opposed to it to join me at the protest outside Hove Town Hall at 3.30pm on Saturday, so that we can make our voices heard."

Councillor Rob Jarrett said, "This Bill isn't privatisation by stealth, it's privatisation in broad daylight.

"Our concern isn't for the politicians or business leaders who are pushing for a privatised NHS.

"Our concern is for the patients, carers and healthcare workers who daily make the NHS one of this country's defining institutions, and who face immense upheaval and suffering as a result of the Bill.

"We urge the city's two Conservative MPs to join Caroline Lucas in opposing the Bill for the good of the city.

"If they do, they will join eminent company including the British Medical Association, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of General Practitioners - the latter the very professionals who the Government says should be commissioning health services locally.

"We urge Mike Weatherley and Simon Kirby to think again before it is too late and put patients, carers and the country first."

Greens say the Bill proposes a much more complex NHS structure, and, rather than giving power to local GPs, it creates confusion about individual bodies' roles and responsibilities - and a crisis of accountability.

The Bill also makes provision for charging, and removes the statutory duty to provide public health services for children, smoking cessation services, alcohol and drug services and a raft of other crucial services.

Notes

For more information please contact Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

More details of rally at:

http://www.coalitionofresistance.org.uk/event/emergency-save-the-nhs-protest-kill-the-bill-march-17/

Following a misleading Argus newspaper article (13 March 2012 linked below) suggesting a direct decision will be made to invest Brighton & Hove City Council funds in Barclays Bank, the Green Party has issued the following points to clarify:

A report is going before the cabinet of Brighton and Hove City Council on Thursday 15 March, which sets out officer recommendations for safe handling of short term funds that will be used in the very near future for council expenditure.

Contrary to misinformation from other political parties, this is not about Greens 'supporting' Barclays Bank PLC in anyway.

This is about council funds that have yet to be invested and no decision has been made.

No commitment to invest in any bank

The published papers are not a commitment to invest anything anywhere, but outline possible safe institutions and the advised maximum amounts the council could put in.

This list includes six banks, six building societies and other institutions, including other local councils.

One of the banks is Barclays Bank PLC. Another is the Cooperative Bank.

Also on the list are six building societies. The full list can be seen here, on the last page:
http://present.brighton-hove.gov.uk/mgconvert2pdf.aspx?id=42412 .

The £5m figure listed in the report for Barclays is simply the maximum that could be deposited at Barclays should deposits ever be made there.

It is not an actual amount to be deposited.

By contrast, the maximum at the Coop bank is £10m.

A list of potential financial institutions - nothing confirmed

This is ONLY a list of institutions where money could potentially be deposited.

The list has yet to be approved by the cabinet. Full council approves the strategy; the cabinet are only agreeing on Thursday to send to Full Council for full approval.

The council has a duty of care to minimise all financial risk

The council has a duty of care to identify the 'safest' places to deposit taxpayers' money and the existence of certain banks on the list does not guarantee that they will ever be used.

This is about safeguarding public money already budgeted to fund services so the list must be as financially risk-averse as possible, particularly in the light of the Icelandic banking crisis of 2008 and beyond, in which some local councils were badly burned.

The council also has a duty of care to present many possible institutions and keep the list quite long, so as to minimise any future risk of ‘eggs in one basket'.

Green concerns

Greens have serious concerns about the ethical performance of many UK financial institutions, but public bodies such as local councils have a duty to treat public money with the utmost care at a time of financial instability and devastating government cuts.

Greens have been at the forefront of campaigning for tougher regulation of the banking sector and higher ethical standards but changes of this type are a national
Parliamentary matter and the Coalition Government has the power to introduce this type of legislation.

We will continue to put pressure on the Coalition to take more steps to deal with unethical banking practices. 

The council's investment policy

The council investments are governed by guidance issued by the Secretary of State that puts capital security at the forefront of all investment decisions and this is replicated in the investment limits recommended in annual investment strategies.

However the council also has an approved ethical investment statement that applies to all cash investments made by, or on behalf of, the council: institutions are advised of the statement each and every time a deposit is placed with them.

The council's ethical investment statement says:

The council has approved the following ethical investment statement that will apply to all cash investments made by, or on behalf of, the council:

Brighton & Hove City Council, in making investments through its treasury management function, fully supports the ethos of socially responsible investments.

We will actively seek to communicate this support to those institutions we invest in as well as those we are considering investing in by:

• encouraging those institutions to adopt and publicise policies on socially responsible investments.
• requesting those institutions to apply council deposits in a socially responsible manner.
• advising counterparties of the above statement each and every time a deposit is placed with them.

Other ethical investment/financial inclusion work the council is undertaking under Green leadership

• The council is launching a Community Banking Partnership, which will unify and support access to debt advice, banking facilities, affordable loans, saving initiatives and financial education.
• The council has been actively supporting the East Sussex Credit Union through internal promotion events.
• The recent recruitment drive among council staff has seen the number of savers rise.
• The council is also pushing for more ethical investment of the local pensions fund (though this is outside our immediate control), including the investment of pensions money in local community infrastructure, as endorsed by the Local Government Association recently.
• The council recently introduced a new sustainable procurement policy which will allow the council to choose providers of services and goods that meet social, economic and environmental standards.

For more information, please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Argus article 
http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/9586694.Brighton_council_invests___5m_in_bank_Greens_oppose/

Green councillors have shown their support for International Women's Day by participating in a number of events, including a ‘Walk in her shoes' charity event organised by the Brighton Women's Centre.

Green councillors' Women's champions Liz Wakefield and Ruth Buckley have also spoken about the importance of protecting women's equality from government cuts.

Councillor Liz Wakefield commented: "There are so many challenges facing women in the city and beyond, not least the effects of this government's cuts.

"Women's independence is being hacked at by the government through a combination of job losses and cuts to welfare and services.

"Recent figures show twice as many women than men lost their jobs in the last quarter of 2011.

"This is in part because the government has taken an axe to local government, where often three quarters of the workforce are women.

Councillor Ruth Buckley added, "Recent Government cuts are hitting women the hardest. The Government seems to be turning its back on supporting working families with cuts to nursery places, child support and working tax credits.

"Meanwhile the cost of childcare continues to go up above inflation resulting in nearly a quarter of mothers having to abandon careers due childcare costs.

"This inequality continues in pensions, pay, working conditions, healthcare, even car insurance.

"The promotion of women in business and politics should be of utmost importance to reflect the modern woman's needs."

Notes

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

*International Women's Day is held annually on 8th March 2012. Details of this year's international and national events can be viewed on the IWD website here: http://www.internationalwomensday.com/ .

*Councillors Wakefield and Buckley are holding a stall on Saturday 10 March promoting information about council services that are particularly relevant to women, as part of an event organised by Brighton Women's Centre. The day will be held at BMECP, 10a Fleet Street, Brighton.