Brighton & Hove is to be represented at a key policy board for the Local Government Association (LGA) following the appointment of Council Leader Bella Sankey to the City Regions Board.
The board represents the interests of cities across the UK. Its remit includes growth, transport infrastructure, skills and wider public service reform.
Councillor Sankey said: “I’m delighted to be appointed to the City Regions Board. As Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council this gives me the opportunity to champion our incredible city and work with other councils across the country on common issues.
“It’s exciting to represent the council and the city’s interests at a national level and contribute to the future development of local government.
“Local councils across the country are facing extreme circumstances, but there’s also so much possibility and potential.
“I strongly believe local government can be a catalyst for the positive change our communities need, as well as acting as local enablers for our residents, businesses and visitors.
“But to unlock the full potential of local government our councils need to have the powers and resources needed to help make the biggest differences to our communities, revitalising local economies and regenerating our infrastructure.
“As part of my role I’m looking forward to contributing to the LGA’s White Paper looking at developing a clear vision for the future of local government."
Councillor Sankey added: “I’m also really concerned to read each week reports in the media around how so many local authorities across the country are struggling financially with increasing costs and rising demand.
“I’ll be joining the discussions with my local government colleagues and calling for a realistic funding offer from central government. We need funding that helps us meet our statutory responsibilities and can help with local renewal.
“Councils are the backbone of the communities they serve and it’s of national importance that there is funding that can help towards resourcing essential every-day services that residents, businesses and visitors depend on.”