THE new Green council wants increased powers to be able to raise council tax further and introduce “red routes” on roads, fining drivers who cause congestion.

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty and co-deputy leader Councillor Hannah Clare spoke about the plans in an interview with The Argus setting out the administration’s stall.

The Green leader said he hoped to lobby the Government for increased powers to raise cash and prevent local coronavirus outbreaks.

The city council currently faces a growing budget gap thought to be as much as £39 million.

The Argus: Cllr Mac Cafferty suggested the city council could impose 'red routes' in the city to raise fundsCllr Mac Cafferty suggested the city council could impose 'red routes' in the city to raise funds

“We’re taking a good look under the bonnet at the moment,” Cllr Mac Cafferty said.

“We want to challenge council officials to think creatively about the way forward.

“We’d like more freedom for our council to raise funds, perhaps to raise council tax above the current limit or introduce red routes into the city like in London, introducing fines for causing congestion.

“But it’s not just about raising money, it’s about the amount of power the council has.

“We live in a country where central government holds an awful lot of power and is quite distrusting of councils.

“We have the expertise locally. We really need to have the money and powers to be able to tackle the crisis creatively.”

The Argus: Cllr Mac Cafferty hoped to spark a 'green recovery' in Brighton and HoveCllr Mac Cafferty hoped to spark a 'green recovery' in Brighton and Hove

Current rules mean the city council cannot increase council tax by more than three per cent without holding a local referendum.

The Green leaders also spoke about their plans for a “green recovery” in Brighton.

This would include a home insulation programme, which the councillors said would create jobs and apprenticeships in the city.

“With programmes like insulating homes, we’re creating jobs, stopping our homes from being draughty and damp, reducing toxic emissions, and helping the city get to its carbon-neutral target by 2030,” Cllr Mac Cafferty said.

“We hope to provide local stimulus for green jobs, get things moving again, and take steps to reduce our carbon footprint.

“If we’re serious about tackling Covid we need to start tackling the climate crisis too.”

The councillors plan to collaborate with Labour and the Conservatives. And they hope to work with businesses and community groups, including setting up a “round table” to protect the city’s live music industry.