A lobbying organisation is urging councils to stop using the type of jargon that would have George Orwell turning in his grave.

Local authorities are notorious for their use of baffling and often meaningless phrases, the likes of which were lampooned by author George Orwell in his classic novel, 1984.

Binmen are routinely referred to by some authorities as “waste disposal operatives,” while asking people what they think is “stakeholder engagement”.

But in a move welcomed by plain English campaigners, the Local Government Association (LGA) has written to councils urging them to ditch jargon and talk in plain English.

To make sure the message gets home, The Argus has engaged in some “joined-up thinking” and written an open letter to the leaders of the three largest councils in Sussex that are using some of the worst examples.

LGA spokesman Ben Dudley said: “It’s fair enough for council people to talk to other people in central Government and the Audit Commission about things they understand and use their own words for that.

“However, if councils are going to make their words relevant to local people they have to use the language they use.

“So if someone goes out for a cracking curry, they are not going out for a positive food outcome.”

A spokesman for the Plain English Campaign said it supports the move: “We believe there is no excuse for using jargon at all. It is unnecessary.”

Among the words and phrases which the LGA want banned are “revenue streams” (money), “menu of options” (choices) and “scaled back” (cut).

Also on the banned list are “beacon” (leading light), “slippage” (delay) and “improvement levers” (using the right tools for the job).

Authorities across Sussex have received the letters from the LGA and pledged to try to cut out jargon.

Brighton and Hove City Council admitted its staff didn’t always speak in plain English.

A spokesman said: “The council would welcome any initiative that improves communication with the public.

“We are continually striving to use plain English in our dealings with residents.”

A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said: “We are committed to producing written work that is easily understood and accessible to all. A great deal of time can be wasted having to clarify information.”