Decision - Inequality and Life Outcomes in Brighton & Hove

This council notes: 1) That the UK remains one of the most unequal countries in the developed world, with child poverty rising sharply under the previous government. [1] 2) That inequality is particularly stark in Brighton & Hove, with a recent Sutton Trust report highlighting that parts of our city have some of the lowest social mobility in the country. [2] 3) The steps already taken locally to tackle inequality; creating a fairness fund to directly support residents; priority school admissions for those on Free School Meals; new school bus routes and free bus passes for Whitehawk families; free school meals for those educated at home. 4) Government's steps to alleviate child poverty including expanding eligibility for Free School Meals and signals that the former Coalition Government's two child benefit cap will be scrapped. 5) The welcome news from government of £20m for Whitehawk through the Pride in Place programme, with local residents directly shaping how funding will be invested. This council resolves to: 1) Request the relevant Cabinet Member to consider a formal review of inequality in the city, and the impact it has on life chances; drawing on lived-experience, and welcoming input from residents and experts in a 'call for evidence' [1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tackling-child-poverty-developing-our-strategy/tackling-child-poverty-developing-our-strategy-html [2] https://www.suttontrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Opportunity-Index.pdf

The Green Group Amendment highlights inequality and poor social mobility in Brighton & Hove, alongside local measures intended to support residents and families. It recommends reviewing the effects of benefit and eligibility changes on life chances and sending the review findings to the Minister for Women and Equalities to seek a Royal Commission on ending poverty.