News: Jason Kitcat, Council

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Jason Kitcat on budget FAQs

Why can’t we spend the money for the i360 on services like children’s centres?

The i360 is being funded by a mix of private finance and government loans. It is not being funded with council money which could otherwise be used for services. Because we acted as agent for the loans, the council will make around £1.1 million a year for 25 years from the i360. These extra funds will help support hard-pressed council services and fund renewal of the seafront.

Why can’t income from parking charges be used to keep services going?

Income from parking charges and fines are strictly regulated. Any surplus can only be used on transport-related spend. Most of our parking surplus, around £10 million, pays the bus companies for the concessionary passes we are required to provide all pensioners and those with disabilities. Since we took office in 2011, parking charges only saw one significant change, an average 5% increase in 2012. Other than some targeted reductions such as for Madeira Drive and London Road, charges have remained frozen since. Budget council later this month will consider proposals for an average 2% increase to parking charges, from 1 April 2015. Even if agreed, this will mean parking charges have remained below inflation since 2011 which has compounded at 10% since then.

Why can’t we redirect the spend on transport improvements to other things?

The vast bulk of funding for transport works in the city are from transport only ring-fenced funds including the EU, Department for Transport and developer contributions. We have won nearly £70 million in external funding since 2011. This has brought extra money into the city, enabling improvements to happen which we couldn’t otherwise have afforded.