Stalemate as Brighton and Hove councillors agree only to delay setting council tax

A six-hour meeting to set the budget and council tax for Brighton and Hove City Council ended in stalemate this evening (Thursday 27 February).

The Green Party’s proposal to put up council tax by 4.75 per cent from April was voted down by opposition Conservative and Labour councillors.

But the three parties were unable to agree on two rival proposals – whether to put up council tax by just under 2 per cent or whether to freeze it.

The meeting at Hove Town Hall was adjourned at 10.30pm with councillors expected to reconvene – probably next Thursday (6 March).

They have until Tuesday 11 March to set the budget and council tax or face government intervention.

A statement issued by the Green group of councillors last night said: “We are the largest party and the administration – we believe that our carefully considered proposals for a 4.75% council tax referendum to protect social care services should be allowed to pass by the smaller opposition parties.

“We recognise and appreciate that there were productive negotiations in the adjournment this evening, but they weren’t enough. We strongly believe the people of the city should have their say in whether to help protect social care services with a referendum.

“Greens will not let a budget be imposed on this council by the government, so we are committed to working with all parties to agree the best budget possible for our residents.”

Conservative group leader Geoffrey Theobald said: “Frankly it was a shambles. This really is no way to run a Council. We have been clear and consistent in arguing for a freeze all the way through – everyone knew our stance.

“The Labour Group played politics tonight – for the sake of just 0.1% of the Council’s Budget they have made a tactical decision to vote against a freeze despite constantly banging on about a cost of living ‘crisis’ – this is the height of irresponsibility.”

Labour group leader Warren Morgan said: “No winners from tonight’s utter shambles.

“If proof were needed, the Greens proved beyond doubt tonight they are neither fit nor capable of holding office.”

He added: “Councillors have a duty to set a budget. As it stands neither Greens or Tories prepared to compromise. City deserves better.”