Subject:		Mayoral Report 2019-20
Date of Meeting:		14 May 2020
Report of:		Chief Executive
Contact Officer:	Name:	Mark Wall	Tel:	01273 291006
	Email:	mark.wall@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Ward(s) affected:		All

FOR GENERAL RELEASE

1. PURPOSE OF REPORT AND POLICY CONTEXT

1.1 This report informs Council of the activities of the Mayor, Councillor Alexandra Phillips during the civic year 2019-20.

2. RECOMMENDATIONS

2.1 That the report be noted.

3. CONTEXT/ BACKGROUND INFORMATION

3.1 The Mayor is the first citizen of Brighton and Hove and carries out a range of civic and ceremonial duties, representing the council at hundreds of events across the city and around the region.

3.2 Many organisations contact the Mayor’s office to request mayoral presence at their events. The Mayors presence helps raise profile, generates publicity and increases opportunities for fund raising.

3.3 In addition, during the year of office the Mayor supports local charities by hosting fundraising and volunteer events and assists in raising awareness of the work that the various charities do.

3.4 The Mayor of Brighton and Hove is not directly elected, holds no direct power and is politically neutral during their term of office. The role is purely civic and ceremonial.

3.5 The Mayor undertakes many different duties including:

· Chairing meetings of Full Council, including the council’s budget setting meeting;

· Supporting the main aims of the council;

· Representing the council at public, civic and ceremonial events both in and outside of the city;

· Acting as an ambassador for the city and working with a wide range of local organisations.

3.6 This year the Mayor offered her support to 20 charities. The charities were able to use the Mayoral name to promote events, raise their profile and encourage support.

3.7 During the Mayoral year (2019-20) over three hundred and fifty-nine engagements took place*. The general election in 2019 and the Covid-19 virus impacted on the overall figure of engagements.

3.8 The Covid-19 Community Champions nominations was launched on the 15 April. Over 90+ nominations were received between the 15 April-1 May. A Panel consisting of the Mayor Cllr Alexandra Phillips and three community organisers; Davinder Dhillon Chair of the Chattri Memorial Group, Bert Williams MBE Co-founder of the Brighton & Hove Black History Group and Jessica Sumner CEO of Community Works selected the successful nominees. An event will be held to recognise all those that were nominated by the public, once the social distancing rules are no longer in force. Nominees will be awarded Certificates and it is anticipated that recognition of Community Champions will continue under the incoming Mayor’s term of office.

3.9 Mayoral engagements in percentages:

· 21% Involved communities or equalities

· 13% Included young people, schools or graduations ceremonies

· 13% Related to arts and creativity

· 11% Were traditional or heritage (including commemorations)

· 10% Charity, fundraising, volunteers

· 9% Took place in the Mayor’s Parlour

· 6% Referred to aspects of health, age or wellbeing

· 5% Involved sport or sporting activities

· 5% Were meetings

· 4% Related to economy

· 3% Involved faith or faith communities

3.10 Highlights in the Mayoral year 2019-2020 include;

· Pride

· Citizenship Ceremonies

· Unveiling of Blue Plaque for Sake Dean Mahomed at the Old Ship Hotel

· Cub Scout Awards Ceremony

· University Graduation Ceremonies

· Chattri Memorial Service

· The Mid-Autumn Festival

· The Golden Handbag Awards

· The Children’s Parade[i]

3.11 The Mayor’s Parlour has been used on many occasions throughout the year, including;

· Charity events celebrating volunteer achievements

· Student visits

· Health and Wellbeing events

· Meetings of the Police Cells Museum Committee, The Mayor’s Charity Committee and the Brighton Fund

· Weddings

3.12 The Mayor’s Charities benefitted from the use of the Atrium, the Council Chamber, Committee Rooms 2 and 3 and the Mayor’s Parlour during the Mayoral Year. The Brighton Women’s Centre and Sussex Nightstop held events in the Atrium and ten of the Charities benefitted from the use of the Royal Pavilion in order to raise funds. Due to the Covid-19 the Gala Dinner due to take place in March and the Brighton2Hague Cycle Ride in May were postponed or cancelled.

3.13 The Mayor wishes to thank Anthea Ballam for her work as Chaplain throughout the year.

3.14 The Mayor wishes to recognise and thank Councillor Alan Robins the Deputy Mayor for his tremendous support and flexibility throughout the year. The Mayor also wishes to thank former Mayors Councillors Simpson, West, Theobald and Peltzer Dunn for stepping in to cover engagements during the general election.

3.15 The Mayor would like to extend particular thanks to Councillor Tom Druitt for his support as her Consort. She also wishes to thank friends, family and fellow councillors for their support.

3.16 The Mayor is grateful for the support of officers and particularly wishes to thank the staff in the Civic Office and those involved in helping to manage the council meetings.

4. ANALYSIS & CONSIDERATION OF ANY ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

4.1 As this is an annual report of the Mayor there is no need for any consideration of alternative options.

5. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & CONSULTATION

5.1 There has been no other consultation required.

6. CONCLUSION

6.1 That the information contained in the report should be noted.

7. FINANCIAL & OTHER IMPLICATIONS:

Financial Implications:

7.1 There are none arising from this report.

Finance Officer Consulted: James Hengeveld Date: 04/05/2020

Legal Implications:

7.2 There are none arising from this report.

Lawyer Consulted: Abraham Ghebre-Ghiorghis Date: 05/05/2020

Equalities Implications:

7.3 There are none arising from this report.

Sustainability Implications:

7.4 There are none arising from this report.

Any Other Significant Implications:

7.5 There are none arising from this report.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

None