Brighton MP criticises ‘bonkers Green council’ in Commons debate

Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby criticised Brighton and Hove City Council in a House of Commons debate yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 12 February).

The Conservative MP was speaking during a debate on local government finance when he made his remarks.

Mr Kirby wants the Green-led council to freeze council tax at its annual budget meeting on Thursday 27 February.

But a 4.75 per cent rise in council tax has been proposed which would require approval in a referendum in May.

Mr Kirby said: “The bonkers Green Brighton and Hove council is sitting on tens of millions of pounds of reserves, is spending millions of pounds on its leadership teams and is totally out of touch with residents.

“What can the minister do about it?”

The Junior Local Government Minister, Brandon Lewis, replied: “My honourable friend has done a great deal by bringing this matter to the attention of members and putting it on the record.

“What I say to councils, including the one in Brighton, is that they should do the right thing by their residents and freeze council tax to help hard-working people and families.

“We understand the pressures that all authorities face and the division of funding demonstrates that we have tried to be fair.”Brighton MP criticises ‘bonkers Green council’ in Commons debate