Labour and Conservative councillors in Brighton and Hove are not known for their collaborations, but the parties are to unite to vote down the Green Party’s plan to reject a freeze in council tax.

The Green Party announced last year their plan to increase council tax by 3.5% for 2012/13 rather than accept a government offer to fund a freeze in council tax.

Jason Kitcat, the Greens’ cabinet member for finance, has explained the motives behind increasing council tax is to avoid a shortfall in 2013 when the government ends its offer.

However, opposition groups made it clear at last night’s full council meeting that they were opposed to the plan with Labour’s leader Gill Mitchell saying residents are not convinced by the Greens’ ‘failing arguments’.

The Argus has joined opposition councillors in campaigning against the rise in council tax, although Green Party supporters have questioned the wording of a poll that suggested 68% of residents were opposed to rise in council tax.

The council’s budget will be agreed next month and the Greens may need to reconsider their proposals if it is to be interpreted that their current strategy will be voted down by Labour and Conservative councillors.