Major projects in Brighton and Hove could be subjected to greater scrutiny so they cannot end up delayed or over-budget.

Brighton and Hove City Council's biggest political party wants to set up a body to monitor the progress of schemes such as the King Alfred and the Brighton Centre.

The Conservatives have proposed a system with two new sub-committees overseeing major projects and finance.

A new tourism and entertainment super-group would be set up, with the existing culture and tourism sub-committee given full committee status and made responsible for sport, events and entertainment in addition to culture, arts, libraries and museums.

Group leader Brian Oxley said the changes would make the council more open and accountable, keep the public informed and help make sure big projects stuck to deadlines and budgets.

He said: "What we are saying is we need to shine a light on major projects. It is about being able to provide some communication so that there is a clarity around what is happening and where it's happening."

Commercial confidentiality would be respected. The proposal will be put before the council's annual meeting next Thursday, (May 24) when Coun Oxley is expected to be appointed council leader.

He said councillors already chairing committees or in deputy positions would head up the new committees, so the council would not have to pay out much more on expenses.

The finance sub-committee would advise the policy and resources committee on ways of saving money.

Coun Oxley said: "A key part of what we are trying to achieve is value for money in the delivery of quality services leading to lower council taxes. This requires a fundamental reappraisal of the way we manage our finances.

"The creation of a sub-committee dedicated to looking at financial matters would help us achieve this.

"The major projects sub-committee would look at the way we manage major projects so that there is greater efficiency, co-ordination and transparency.

"The council's culture, recreation and tourism functions are currently fragmented between three committees. Bringing them under one roof would rectify this anomaly and enable us to achieve a more coherent approach to these functions which are vital to the local economy and the well-being of our city."

Gill Mitchell, leader of the ousted Labour group which led the council until this month's election, said: "We are examining these proposals to see what resources will have to be found to support these extra committees. The last thing the city needs is more bureaucracy and red tape within its council."

Paul Elgood, of the Liberal Democrats, said: "We think it is a bit premature, especially when the Government is reviewing council structures fairly soon. We always thought the Tories argued for a smaller and leaner system.

"This smacks of increased bureaucracy and more unnecessary meetings."

At Thursday's meeting the parties will decide what form the council administration will take. With the Conservatives two seats away from an overall majority, Coun Elgood said the Lib Dems had been approached to form an alliance but had refused.

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