Brighton & Hove City Council extends deadline for Better Brighton & Hove Fund

Brighton & Hove City Council has extended the deadline for residents to submit ideas for the Better Brighton & Hove Fund until the end of Thursday, 1 January.

The fund, currently worth nearly £750,000, gives communities the chance to shape improvements in their neighbourhood using money raised through developer contributions.

While the response so far has been strong, the council is keen to ensure a good spread of ideas across all wards.

Every ward has funding available, but a few areas would benefit from some more ideas for projects that could enhance council-owned spaces, improve accessibility, or provide new community facilities.

These include: Goldsmid, North Portslade, Queens Park, Round Hill, South Portslade, Westbourne & Poet’s Corner and Wish wards.

Councillor Jacob Taylor, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and City Regeneration, said: “Involving residents in decision making is a huge priority for us.

“We’ve had some fantastic submissions already, but we’d love to see lots of ideas from every corner of the city.

“This extension over the festive period gives people more time to tell us what would make a real difference in their neighbourhoods.”

The extension will not affect the overall timeline for decision-making, and councillors will review all suggestions before final decisions are made.

To submit an idea, or view the other proposals, visit the council’s Your Voice platform.

Almost £750,000 is currently available from the neighbourhood portion of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where a percentage of the money raised from certain types of new developments, such as homes, shops, and student accommodation, can be used to improve amenities in the ward.

Funding is available in every ward for schemes which improve or enhance council run/owned facilities, projects, buildings and other infrastructure. The amount available reflects the level of development that has taken place.

Local groups which lease or hire facilities owned by the council are also invited to apply but will need to complete a different application form.

All ideas will be considered before ward councillors will make the final decision on where the money will be spent.