Joint Commissioning Board
Ken and I are attending the meeting of the Joint Commissioning Board at 5pm this afternoon. The agenda includes items such as 'Vision for Health and Social Care Services for Older People' and 'Celebarting Age Survey - What Older People Think about Brighton and Hove'.
AIDS Support Grant Cuts - Council December 7th 2006
Members of all political groups on Brighton and Hove City Council last night unanimously agreed to support a Green Notice of Motion amended by the Conservative Group concerning cuts to the AIDS Support Grant allocation to Brighton and Hove. Members expressed concern about changes in Government grant allocation which means that government policy has changed to reflect a national increase in HIV/AIDS amongst women and children and a greater concentration of resources is now being directed towards meeting these needs. The Notice of Motion condemns the inflexibility of the national HIV/AIDS funding formula which could potentially pose a threat to the many members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community which is currently estimated to be more than 30,000 living in Brighton and Hove. Members expressed grave concern that in the city where the LGBT community contribute so much to the wellbeing and prosperity of the local economy, cut backs in Government funding could mean that necessary financial and medical support might not be readily available to those living with HIV/AIDS whenever it might be required. The Amendment put forward on behalf of the Conservative Group by Cllr. Ken Norman called for a letter to be sent to the Department of Health, calling for Government to cut back on prescribing how local money should be spent, and allow local health providers the freedom to gear their spending to local needs. We believe that local needs should be addressed by local providers and this amendment was supported by all elected members present at the Council meeting.
Planning Applications For Upper Dene Court - Update
Ward Councillors and residents have worked together succesfully to oppose Planning Application Number: BH2006/03103 for two one bedroom garden flats beneath Upper Dene Court, 2 Westdene Drive, Brighton.
The above mentioned planning application has been refused by planning officers under delegated powers. Planning officers believe that they have sufficient valid reasons for refusal that will stand up against any subsequent appeal by the applicant. This means that the application will not be considered in a public session at a meeting of the Planning Applications Sub Committee.
Regarding Application Number: BH2006/03627. Two flats in the roof space of each building of Upper Dene Court, 2 & 4 Westdene Drive. Brighton.
This application is still to be determined and we will let you know any recommendation as soon as possible and we hope a decision could be forthcoming by Christmas.