Brighton & Hove City Council leader Jason Kitcat on a greater Brighton

Our city’s successes in 2013 are something to celebrate, but we cannot take for granted the context within which they come. These years were always going to be challenging for local councils.

With an ageing population and a baby boom, we have more demand for our 800 council services than before. This alone costs an additional £10-15m per year. Yet we also have a government not just failing to help us with that growing demand – but instead cutting our funding and making the situation worse. Unfortunately the austerity consensus supported by both Tories and the Labour Party in Westminster means that this situation is unlikely to change soon.

So what does 2014 hold for Brighton & Hove? Looking ahead, the biggest challenge is the council’s annual budget process for the 2014/15 financial year and preparations for 2015/16. There are no easy choices left for councils. But we are committed to doing the best we can for the city with whatever spending pot is left to us by the Government.

This year I hope to sign the ‘Greater Brighton City Deal’ with government, which will get our area more economic powers and funding. Clearly our residents’ lives don’t stop at municipal borders – so it’s important that we work with our neighbours to make progress together.

We’ll be completing the rollout of communal recycling and pay by phone parking in the city. We have major work to do on our seafront, balancing our local economy whilst finding the £100m cost of maintaining the rapidly ageing structures holding up the promenade.

Many challenges and opportunities lie ahead. We pledge to keep supporting people in need, and helping local businesses and charities while delivering services. Brighton & Hove has entered 2014 in a strong position, with a creative energy ready to surprise and impress as we continue to attract visitors from far and wide.