The debate around house affordability for Brighton’s families continued after a Labour counsellor voiced her concerns.
Jackie O’Quinn raised her issues at a Children and Young People’s meeting at Hove Town Hall when the question was raised over the matter of school places for the city’s youth.
Projections for the coming years are seen to show a fall in the number of pupil admissions as up to four secondary schools will no longer be able to admit enough students to be a financially viable institution within an eight-year period.
The majority of these falling numbers is seen to be a result of the lack of available affordable housing for parents as new builds are not aimed within a price bracket that is attainable due in part to the influx of new, wealthier residents and the constantly growing student population.
Green councillor Hannah Clare disputed this matter, with a council target of up to 1,500 affordable homes that is a focus to ensure the ability for families to remain in the city.
As part of this meeting, there was information regarding the involvement of parents in a consultation process, designed to give them the opportunity to voice any views or opinions on related matters as part of a series of events.
This would allow the council to assess ways in which they may be able to change their plans to better prevent the loss of school admittance numbers, however Councillor O’Quinn raised concerns regarding the length of the process as well as the short timescale between the publicization of the events and the commencement of the process.
There is seen to be cross-party support for the process with a reduction in numbers a huge concern for all involved.
Following discussions with headteachers as a way to understand the issue, there is not believed to be any current consensus as to the best pathway forward.
Photo Credit: James Feaver
