Green Party LGBT News

Rush to make Brighton and Hove less democratic	28 February 2008
Summary LGBT Greens condemn the rush to make Brighton and Hove, known by many as the UK's gay 'capital' less democratic in local government Review of impact of cabinet Council needed now

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"Labour legislation will end the way Brighton and Hove City Council is run.

"At this moment in time, the speciality of our Council is in its composition: committees are where the vast majority of decisions are made, often after prolonged discussion." said Phelim Mac Cafferty, National Green Party LGBT Spokesperson.

"The new system will end how committees work replacing them with a Cabinet which doesn''t even need to have other parties represented," continued Phelim, "The proposals will cut debate out of the vast majority of decisions that are made on behalf of the city's citizens. Where LGBT Greens have particular concern is how inclusive any Cabinet will be, as it will favour those with the time and exclude the voices which are not already held at the centre of decisions like single mums and dads and those who need to work.

"This will mean that over issues of contention, not only will the largest party be empowered to railroad all discussion- if it so wishes- but crucially will be able to hastily rush through decisions without the important review stages afforded by the Committee system which have allowed Councillors to debate and alter projects such as King Alfred and the development of the Marina.

"LGBT Greens understand that we are required by law to accept the new legislation but wish to extend the period of working out what will replace the committee system so that we have a Council equipped with the tools to critique and understand what is best for the LGBT citizens of the City.

"The Tories with the complicit help of Labour have seen fit to rid Brighton of the committee system which in effect will undermine attempts by the LGBT communities to seek representation and make their needs felt and understood by the local authority. This is a sad day for the under-representation of the LGBT people"."


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