Trade unions have denounced Brighton and Hove's bid to become European Capital Of Culture in 2008.
Brighton, Hove and District Trades Union Council said £150,000 being spent on the bid by the city council was being "wasted on a trendy, privileged minority".
It said the where else campaign behind the bid would have no benefit for ordinary working people or those living in poverty in the Brighton and Hove area.
General Secretary Bill North said: "At a time when council taxes are rising to an all-time high, when it is difficult to find a single toilet in the city and there is a housing crisis in Brighton and Hove, it is a criminal waste of resources to be pouring money into this bid.
"It is about time the council realised most people are turned off by these trendy glamorous projects which appeal to a tiny minority of media stars and their cronies.
"The things people want are decent housing and transport, effective services and a restoration of public toilets."
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