READERS have urged the council "not to forget the ordinary people" ahead of a new budget next week.

Last week, The Argus revealed that the poorest in the city will have their council tax cut by 82 per cent as part of new budget proposals by the council.

Those on low incomes will have their bills slashed if the Green Party plans for the 2021/22 budget go ahead next week.

Increased parking fees in zones across the city will also not apply to the poorest households, with hardship funds also raised to help people in an emergency.

Ahead of the meeting, readers have criticised the Brighton and Hove City Council plan that "focuses on survival".

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Writing on The Argus website, one reader said the authority hasn't done "one thing" to support business revenue.

They said: "This council has done anything but focus on survival.

"Their childish inept policies appear anti-business and anti-tourism.

"I believe tourism accounts for circa ten per cent of Brighton's business revenue.

"I can't think of one thing they have done to support this sector. In fact quite the opposite, making it more difficult and unappealing to attract tourists."

The Argus: The proposed sign similar to that in Amsterdam The proposed sign similar to that in Amsterdam

Another commented that the huge signs spelling "Brighton" and "Hove" proposed by the Conservatives may encourage tourism.

They said: "Yes, Brighton is a popular place. But how much more popular would it be if tourists were more welcome?

"Perhaps if there were enough tourists, the i360 would be making money."

Approval of the idea was echoed by others, including one commenter who said the signs would look "smart".

They said: "They actually look very smart, I've seen them in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma Majorca, they also have one over a road in Marbella too, and they do give those places a modern air even though the Marbella one has been there for years."

A third reader said the budget plan should read "the Green council has caused an enormous financial shock."

In a comment addressed to the leader of the council, one reader urged Phelim Mac Cafferty not to "forget the ordinary working people".

They said: "Dear Phelim, please don't forget the ordinary working people, don't forget the disabled, families with young children, the frail and elderly.

"Indeed anyone who cannot ride a bicycle, don't forget neighbourhoods blighted by badly run so-called "temporary emergency" accommodation hostels owned by unscrupulous landlords who BHCC is so keen to line the pockets of with eye-watering amounts of our money."

The budget, along with a number of Conservative proposals will be debated at a major meeting on Thursday, February 25.

However, if the budget is approved, residents will face a 4.99 per cent rise in council tax, including a three per cent adult social care precept.

Together with tax base changes, the council plans to generate resources of £5.367 million. To balance its books, the local authority will need to save £10.644 million.