Councillors ask whether it’s too hot to work

Politicians have long debated the hot topics affecting the public and this week they are expected to take that literally with a motion on when it’s too hot to work.

Green councillor Raphael Hill plans to propose a motion on “extreme heat”, with a call for a “maximum working temperature” as the latest heatwave continues.

Councillor Hill, with the support of Brighton and Hove Independent councillor Mark Earthey, is expected to cite the Trades Union Congress (TUC) guidance Too Hot To Work.

The pair are also due to call on the Labour leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, to lobby the government for a change in the law.

A notice of motion mentioned the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves and Met Office projections suggesting that Britain could experience temperatures of 45C (113F) by 2056.

It said that, during the hot weather, France recorded more than 2,000 excess deaths last month alone, mainly among the over-45s.

In Brighton and Hove, bin rounds were cut short so that crews did not have to work in their protective clothing during the hottest part of the day.

And schools closed for two and a half days as temperatures peaked and many pupils took advantage of relaxed uniform rules to wear their lighter PE kits.

Councillor Hill’s notice of motion said: “Our housing, schools, care homes and other indoor spaces are maladapted to support vulnerable people in extreme heat.

“Many outdoor areas lack sufficient shade and water fountains.

“Extreme heat was a barrier for some people being able to vote in the Goldsmid by-election (Thursday 25 June) and is an increased risk to the democratic process.”

The council’s cabinet is asked to consider installing cooling units, such as air conditioning or air source heat pumps, in care homes and schools, powered by solar panels.

The motion is due to be debated at Hove Town Hall on Thursday (23 July). The meeting is scheduled start at 2pm and to be webcast.