Argus readers have rejected plans for a council tax increase - on the day budget plans are to be revealed.
Almost 70% of the 2,800 people who voted in our poll said they were against Brighton and Hove City Council's plans for a 3.5% hike in council tax.
Their opposition to the council tax rise has been echoed by the Prime Minister, local Government minister Bob Neill, Hove MP Mike Weatherley, the leaders of the city council opposition parties and tenant representative Stuart Gover.
We asked our readers to choose between three options for balancing the council books.
The first option, to freeze council tax and accept Government funding equivalent to a 2.5% increase in council tax, was favoured by 68% of those voting.
The Greens' planned 3.5% increase was backed by 21%. A 5% rates increase - and the resulting lessening of the impact on council services - was voted for by 11%.
Hove MP Mike Weatherley said: “It is no surprise that the overwhelming majority of Argus readers are against the Greens' plans to increase council tax and turn down the Government money.
“It's completely bonkers to think about increasing council tax at a time when everyone is struggling.
“I have yet to see any particular projects the Greens will be funding with this money and it seems they just want a buffer zone. That is not a good enough reason to target hard-working taxpayers.
“They should take on board the reaction of Argus readers and find areas where cuts can be made without affecting services residents rely on.”
City council Conservative group leader Geoffrey Theobald said: “I congratulate The Argus on this poll, which shows decisively that the people reject this crazy idea of increasing council tax and turning down £3 million of Government money.
“The Greens should take this on board and act on what the people have said.”
Jason Kitcat, the Green cabinet member for finance, said: “I welcome the Argus' contribution to the debate.
“We'll consider the results along with the many other aspects of our extensive budget consultation plans. If Mr Weatherley can suggest savings for the council then we'll consider them along with all the other ideas, but so far he has yet to make any positive contributions.”
Today the Greens will reveal details of the 2012/13 budget for the first time.
The administration has confirmed this will include details of £1.3 million to be raised through hikes in parking charges.
Read The Argus tomorrow for a full report on the budget proposals.
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