A CONSERVATIVE councillor has expressed concerns at the long-term consequences of a deal reached between the GMB and the council to end the bin strike.

Robert Nemeth, deputy leader of Brighton and Hove's Conservative group, said that while the end of the strike will be welcomed by many, the financial implications of the council's proposals on taxpayers need consideration.

He said: "In the short-term, it will come as a relief to residents that the official side of the strike is coming to an end.

"Looking ahead though, there are far reaching consequences to take in regarding future demands and, of course, the financial cost that taxpayers will now face indefinitely."

Cllr Nemeth referred to the strike as the "GMB/Labour strike", referring to allegations he made claiming the strike may have been orchestrated by Labour to undermine the Green administration.

Co-leader of the Labour group John Allcock has strongly denied these allegations and called on the Conservative group to "distance themselves from these unhelpful and unfounded comments."

He said: "Perhaps Councillor Nemeth would be better off praising the work of Cityclean staff who have been providing services above and beyond throughout the pandemic and by focussing on ways to end the dispute."

Cllr Nemeth's comments come as the GMB voted to approve a deal put forward by the council to end the ongoing bin dispute in Brighton and Hove.

Speaking to The Argus, GMB branch secretary Mark Turner said that the proposal "ticks every box and more" for the union, tackling low-pay issues within the Cityclean service.

The deal is subject to approval by the council, who will debate and vote on the resolution in a meeting of the policy and resources committee tomorrow.

Should the deal be approved by the council, residents will narrowly avoid facing a five-week long walk out by refuse workers, who were due to restart strike action on Thursday.

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