So I’m regularly in touch with housing officers at Brighton and Hove City Council to highlight some of the specific problems residents have accessing affordable, decent accommodation in the city.

In fact, I’m in contact with the Head of Housing so often that they would be forgiven for rolling their eyes when another email from me lands in their inbox.

A response I received from a housing officer today reminded me of just how the housing crisis has spiralled beyond belief since the Government’s regressive economic agenda was unrolled back in 2010.

Like others up and down the country, the Local Citizens Advice in Brighton and Hove is made up of a small team of staff and a raft of highly trained and dedicated volunteers. Without people being prepared to give up their time for free, the Citizens Advice model would not be possible.

That’s why I oppose the closure of any library in the city. Whether it’s the much-loved library in Hove, the future of which will be discussed by Brighton and Hove City Council councillors at a meeting on Thursday, or smaller community libraries, like those in my constituency; Patcham; Hollingbury; Coldean and Westdene.

I’m aware that Brighton and Hove City Council is currently running a consultation on proposed changes to the local housing allocations policy.  Since housing is by far the biggest issue that residents experiencing difficulty contact me about, I’m keen to comment on some of the proposals being made.

Saturday 6^th February marks National Libraries Day. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the value that libraries bring to our communities.

It’s not just the contents of the bookshelves that hold so much importance and value, the buildings themselves are vital hubs in our towns and cities; centres that bring people together to share experiences and knowledge.

It’s been a week that has seen junior doctors take strike action for the first time in 40 years over the safety of new contracts being imposed upon them. The news about the threatened closure of 5 of the city’s GP surgeries highlights that the NHS is under attack from all angles – and that when profit is a factor in healthcare contract decisions there’s a real risk of the fallout we might see if the closures take place.

The application is seeking to turn the ground floor of a Grade 2 listed building into a Burger King fast food restaurant.
 
Brighton's economy thrives when independent and local businesses are allowed to flourish, not from multinational companies draining profits away from the city.
 
I do not believe that Brighton needs another multinational fast food chain, let alone one in The Lanes, a conservation area that is full of independent cafes, restaurants and shops.
 

Senior Constituency Caseworker for Caroline Lucas MP (Brighton Pavilion)
Salary range: £27,000-£30,000 per annum

Location: Brighton

We need an experienced caseworker to support Caroline in her work as Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion.

You will need excellent organisational and communication skills, be flexible and calm under pressure, and you should have a strong understanding of the main issues facing constituents in Brighton.

You do not need to be a member of the Green Party.

Role includes:

Decisions that frequently keep married couples apart from each other, partners separated, and children away from their parents.

I was contacted by a local resident because the application for her husband to stay in the UK was refused. She's a British national, he's a Canadian firefighter. They are understandably distraught at the prospect of being apart. They have a 6 month old child, and it really is devastating news for them all as a family.