Green Party-led council to mull referendum on 4.5% council tax rise

The Green Party that leads Brighton and Hove Council in a minority administration is to propose a referendum on a council tax increase of 4.5%.

If the proposal were to go ahead, it would be the first referendum since the Localism Act 2011 introduced a requirement for one to be held in cases where the council tax is to be increased by more than 2%.

In its initial proposal the Green Party had suggested a 2% rise.

It said the move was “a response to central Government cuts”, adding that the extra money would be used to fund adult social care services, including care for the elderly, and grants to third sector organisations.

Cllr Jason Kitcat, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “The coalition’s cuts mean we cannot deliver the services we were elected to provide and which our consciences say we should provide. We have no choice but to seek the views of local people on funding these services through a tax increase.”

He added: "We have so far been successful in saving tens of millions of pounds but we can no longer find enough efficiencies to absorb all the cuts. Without today's proposal, I fear for the serious impacts on the most vulnerable in our city from the coalition's cuts."

The proposal for a referendum will be considered in February. If the green light is given, a ballot would then be held on 22 May.