The future of Brighton and Hove will be put under the spotlight.

The sixth annual State of the City event has been announced by the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce for June 20, at the Sallis Benney theatre in Brighton.

The 90-minute Question Time-style debate will consider how Brighton and Hove is really doing, learn what businesses and residents think of the city’s progress and hear what politicians and city leaders are planning.

Now an established part of the city calendar, the evening is regarded as the best forum for discussing the state of Brighton and Hove, whether it be about parking cahrges, the benefits of the i360, the desirability of attracting more big companies or the challenges of sustainability.

Although staged by the Chamber, the event is not only open to members – non-member businesses and guests are welcome. Entry is free and questions are invited in advance by email. Chaired by Roger French boss at the Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company, the debate will be led by more than 200 business owners and citizens.

The audience will include a council officers and councillors – including council leader Jason Kitcat – and there will be a panel comprising John Barradell, chief executive of Brighton and Hove City Council; Julia Chanteray, president of Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce; Olivia Reid, marketing and events manager of Terre a Terre and Tony Mernagh, executive director of Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership.

Ms Chanteray said: “As the national economy and euro woes pose an ever-increasing threat to businesses and residents, Brighton and Hove is in the unique position of having the country’s only Green-led council and a local economy that still seems to be bucking the national trend, all of which provide a background for what should be a lively and informative debate covering almost every aspect of city life.”