Green Party councillors in Brighton and Hove are opposing an all-postal ballot for local elections next May.

The city council's policy committee is expected to apply for permission to run a pilot project.

The idea is backed by the ruling Labour group and by Liberal Democrats.

But Green Party convenor Keith Taylor said: "Naturally we want to see higher voter involvement but we have serious concerns over the threat of fraud in all postal votes.

"We don't feel there are enough efficient safeguards to protect ballot papers from misuse.

"We are also worried about removing choice from the electorate. I believe we should make it easy for people to vote by post but still run the traditional polling stations."

Coun Taylor said the pilot would cost up to £50,000 extra, money the Greens believe could be spent more effectively elsewhere.

He added: "We are planning to propose webcasts of council meetings. If people could see how decisions are made and what their councillors are saying on their behalf, I think that would make the council truly accountable."