Green councillor Simon Williams cannot have it both ways. At the same time as complaining "councillors have to work alongside their responsibilities", he likens the workings of Brighton and Hove City Council to a "smoking club" for a privileged few.

Surely the important thing is for the make-up of the council to reflect the broader community of residents in our city.

That does of course mean we need to encourage more people with jobs, as well as those from different communities of interest and backgrounds.

We need to communicate better with employers about councillors' roles and areas of activity so that they are more willing to recognise the value of public service and to free councillors up sometimes during their working hours to be able to fulfil their duties.

Councillors develop many new skills representing their residents and working for the good of the city.

-Councillor Sue John, deputy leader, Brighton and Hove City Council