Labour manifesto for Brighton and Hove local elections

The party currently has 16 seats on Brighton and Hove city Council, making it the second largest behind the Greens.

But Labour councillors are hoping to secure a majority at the polls on May 4 by landing more than half of the 54 seats available.

To convince voters it is the right party for Brighton and Hove, Labour has released its manifesto which it says will “pull the city out of crisis”.

Cleaning up our streets

The party will explore “more efficient” ways of sharing information between relevant departments, based on details fed back from council street workers so quick action can be taken to clean our city.

Labour will wage a “war on weeds that have been allowed to grow” on our pavements, implement a reliable rubbish collection service, provide more free public toilets, increase the number of green spaces, rejuvenate the seafront and put “a real person on the phone”.

Labour wants to clean up the weeds (Image: The Argus)

Affordable homes and protection for renters

A housing strategy is at the forefront of the Labour manifesto, with the party saying it will put “new housing where it’s needed” and build more social housing.

Another big part of the plan is to tackle homelessness and get people off the streets to receive the support they need.

For renters, the party said it will take action to stop illegal evictions and support those living in substandard conditions at no fault of their own.

Labour says it will lobby the government for greater powers to regulate short-term lets, such as Airbnb listings, which it says can have a devastating impact on the city.

The party said it will create a “landlord licence” to improve the quality of rental accommodation.

The party wants to build more homes in Brighton and Hove (Image: The Argus)

Tackle climate change for a sustainable environment

Moving towards Brighton and Hove becoming a carbon neutral city in 2030 is important for Labour, which will see investment in clean energy with heat pumps and solar panels, as well and generation of wind and waves.

Council buildings will be covered in living green walls with a general move to replace concrete with plants around the city.

Employers will be spoken with about incentives for their workers to take green transport to work, while allotment waiting lists will be “managed better” to allow to people to grow their own produce.

READ MORE: Labour offer vision for 'better Brighton' in election manifesto

Improve public transport and make it green

Labour will increase the number of park and ride schemes serving Brighton and Hove, while making existing bus services in the city cheaper and more accessible.

The party is looking to simplify fare structures, protect free bus passes and provide free bus travel for all under-19s still in education.

Bringing an end to “noisy and polluting” diesel vehicles is another ambition of the party by installing more electric vehicle charging points and working with taxi drivers to develop a low emission fleet.

Labour will “explore the merits” of a car-free city centre while looking to widen the cycle pathways and network after consultations with residents.

Support with the cost-of-living crisis

As personal finances are stretched to the limit, Labour said it will work with community groups to provide support to those in need.

It will tackle food poverty by supporting schools, community groups and neighbourhood kitchens.

The party will look to set up warm spaces across Brighton and Hove, while converting under-used property for community use and create co-working spaces in the city.

Local business support and a living wage

Labour says it will work to implement a local living wage by working with local businesses to ensure they pay people for trial shifts and recognise trade unions.

The party says it will support local businesses, be they retail, digital or creative, which will benefit the people of Brighton and Hove by keeping money within the city.

Labour intends to kickstart a “major programme of local investment”.

It also wants to protect LGBTQ+ spaces and businesses and work closely with black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.

Investing in young people and education

The party will look to change catchment areas to protect schools facing closure and expand the use of school buildings out of hours.

Delivering mental health counselling is another focus in the manifesto as well as supporting adult education.

The party will protect free school dinners and recruit more local foster parents.

Labour says it will fight for young people and education (Image: The Argus)

Create a city where everyone feels welcome

Labour wants to stamp out racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia and bullying and create a city where people feel safe at night.

It will push for more police on the streets, clamp down on drug-related crime, ensure refugees are welcome and safe and improve disabled access across Brighton and Hove.