So while all concerned play at finances and politics, I observed the rats and seagulls this morning running around and tearing at overflowing bags of refuse. Spilled over pavements and onto roads and a young mum who could not get her pushchair past the mini mountains of rubbish. This is the main road overlooking Brighton seafront

Perhaps it will become a tourist attraction soon, keep up the good work everyone, talent and competence in short supply.

An issue with politics in general is that councillors (especially of a small, newer party like the Greens) are essentially lay-people, reliant on the information provided to them by these highly paid senior executives, who more of a motive than most not to rock the boat, and to act in a way that will be ‘financially responsible’. They want to ensure that they can get an equally senior job in another part of the public sector. In this sense, senior staff are far closer to the (paradigms of) government and Westminster than the elected representatives. Lets not forget that the last Chief exec now works for City of London, a tax haven, and one of the most archaic institutions around.

I believe the gender issue has been massively overlooked in all press coverage, and by ignoring the small positive news story, GMB amongst others, are doing nothing to combat the institutional sexism at the heart of the UK’s wage system and labour market.

Having said all this, I find it abhorrent that anyone would attempt to reduce the pay of those earning less than £30k, whilst doing nothing to reduce the pay of those earning over £80k. It is a missed opportunity to reduce the large pay differential. Ironically an issue raised by JK in 2010 (http://present.brighton-hove.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=17781)

There is clearly a need for a re think. Losing any cash in this expensive city is a no no. A union will not agree that unless they see phasing or changes to other terms and conditions. If it is straight cash flow that’s the issue be creative. Look at leave. Look at training and support packages for all, look at how equality can become a positive for all no a punishment.

This stand off will not be “won” until a serious and credible negotiation happens which forgets blame and history but deals with facts. Limited resources , legal obligations, real issues for low paid workers.

@Paul unfortunately you cannot set a needs budget nowadays and go out in a blaze of glory a la Ted Knight and Derek Hatton; council officers will merely set a legal budget for you. I believe the Greens are doing their best and always try to consult widely with other councillors and residents in terms of budgeting

@Mark H I presume Jacob is referring to pay harmonisation as a whole – which has gender pay equality at its heart. It was undertaken in my workplace years ago and yes, the effect was that women’s pay was more likely to be increased, with some typically-male job roles – in our case IT services – having their pay decreased (gradually, over a number of years): because ‘women’s jobs’ have been historically undervalued.

Whilst i support increasing pay and thus equality – you can’t then may cuts to wages and then justify it.

Set a needs budget for people, take the battle out to the Tories not in on the workforce

In terms of the main article, please do not state “the Unions” are in league with Labour – that may, or may not be true of one Union – it is not true of UNISON. The significant “gains” for UNISON members, are, at best a few hundred pounds, less tax, NI, and pension – it is something, but not “significant”, after 4 years of a pay freeze.

In general terms though the main arguement that this issue is far more complicated than at first sight, is spot on.

I am a member of Lewisham Green Party and when I was first sent a link to the GMB video on Youtube accusing the Greens of betrayal I wondered what was going on, then I dug deeper and found it was the senior officers proposing the measures initially. I could never see the B&H Green councillors harming the lowest paid