In reply to Peter Poole's comments (Letters, May 4) about the lack of local democracy and the continued feeling that deals have yet again been done behind closed doors, the new improved committee system takes effect starting this month.

Mr Poole is right to say there has been too little public consultation on how this should work. All we had was a survey in the Press.

Sadly, it fell to voluntary groups, mainly Our Power, to sample public opinion at a day-long conference on the issue.

The Greens wanted Brighton and Hove City Council to do more but, remember, the ruling Labour group holds the purse strings.

Similarly, it is wrong to accuse Greens of going grey over internal council democracy.

We have continually argued for a more representative urgency sub-committee, local area forums in due time and other democratic improvements. We won some concessions but not all.

If people want a more democratic council, it is essential they vote next May - but not for parties that seek to control their members so strongly that diverse opinion is crushed and the iron will of the leader prevails.

-Coun Rik Child, Islingword Road, Brighton