Where Should £4m In Brighton's Unused Council Funds Go?

A Brighton and Hove councillor has called for more than £4 million in unallocated funding to be used for youth services or for its use to be decided by schools and parents.

Green councillor Raphael Hill made the call in a question to the city council after a report said that developer contributions for education totalling almost £4.3 million remained unspent.

Councillor Hill highlighted details contained in a report to the council’s Culture, Heritage, Sport and Economic Development Committee on outstanding developer contributions also known as section 106 money.

The report said that the council was reviewing demand for infrastructure improvements, including extensions and refurbishments across Brighton and Hove.

The various proposals were intended to address issues such as falling pupil numbers and provision for children with special educational needs.

Developer contributions also go towards affordable housing, supporting local jobs and training, parks and open spaces, sport and recreation, transport, environmental improvements and public art.

The funding is meant to mitigate the effects of new housing schemes on the local area.

Councillor Hill, who represents Round Hill ward, said:

"Will the council consider consultation with local schools and parents about how best to use these funds?

"Can it provide further information as to any stipulations behind this money, such as where funds need to be committed to a specific geographical area and whether or not it can be used for youth services?

"How much does the council expect to use to cover revenue borrowing costs?"

The co-chairs of the council’s Children, Families and Schools Committee, councillors Lucy Helliwell and Jacob Taylor, replied.

They said that the money could not be used for youth services unless they were part of the “educational delivery” at a school or other education setting.

Any section 106 funding would be used to invest in education infrastructure in a way that would reduce the need for borrowing.

They said:

"We have already earmarked some section 106 funding to particular projects in our schools and ensured alignment with the geographical limitations placed upon some of the funding.

"It is essential that we maximise the use of this funding for the long-term delivery of education that meets the needs of all of the city’s children.

"This is why consultation with all partners is important before all funds are allocated."

The council is looking at using the money to fund “high-needs provision” along with special grants from the Department for Education.

The two councillors said that any future extension of special educational needs provisions locally would be carried out in consultation with schools and parent representative groups.

The council is currently carrying out public consultations on proposals to close two primary schools and cut admission numbers at nine primary and infant schools.