Inequality review panel asks residents what helps and what isn't working

Anyone in Brighton & Hove can now tell an independent panel what helps and what holds people back where they live. The Inequality and Life Chances Review survey is open on the council’s YourVoice website until midnight on Friday 13 November.

The survey was written by a panel of volunteer residents with lived experience of inequality in the city. It asks what already helps, what isn’t working, what gives hope and what could help everyone thrive. The council says there are no right or wrong answers, and you can share as much or as little as you want.

The panel will review every response and use them to draw up recommendations for making life fairer across the city.

Councillors agreed the review in October 2025. Its job is to identify and understand the inequalities that persist in the city, using lived experience alongside evidence from residents, community organisations, employers and experts.

Polly Herbert is the review’s independent chair. She has more than 20 years’ professional experience in education, and lived experience of poverty in Moulsecoomb. Five panel members work with her.

“We want to hear directly from all city residents, especially those living in areas most affected by inequality,” Herbert said on behalf of the panel. “Your experiences, ideas and local knowledge are vital.”

“There are no right or wrong answers - just honest voices from across our city,” she said.

Councillor Jacob Taylor, deputy leader of the council, said: “We know that not everyone in our city has the same opportunities to thrive. Too many residents continue to face barriers that affect their education, employment, health and future prospects.”

If you run a community group or a voluntary organisation, or you’re a local facilitator, the YourVoice page has a discussion guide you can download and use to run a group conversation with residents.