GBC Should Follow the Government’s Example

Published on: 16 Mar, 2017
Updated on: 16 Mar, 2017

From Jules Cranwell

Following the Tory government’s U-turn on national insurance for the self-employed, on the basis that it would breach an election pledge, the Guildford Borough Council (GBC) executive has been handed a golden opportunity to follow suit.

The GBC Tories’ pledge at the last two borough elections was to protect the green belt: “GREEN BELT TO STAY”, and it now has every justification to reverse its own position which has reneged on this fundamental election promise.

They can tear up the discredited draft Local Plan, and develop a new plan which upholds their election time promises.

It is clear that they would have the support of central government in this, as they would not want to be seen upholding double standards.

The national Tory government has shown it does, “listen to the people”. GBC now has the opportunity to do likewise, given the undeniable strength of opposition to the previous plan drafts.

Let the honesty and integrity of central government devolve to our local situation.

Responses to GBC Should Follow the Government’s Example

Lisa Wright Reply

March 16, 2017 at 7:29 pm

An excellent idea from Jules Cranwell.

However, a Local Plan is required to stop central government from deciding where the borough puts houses. Three major green belt sites, Dunsfold, Effingham and Wisley have been “called in” so the government will decide whether we build houses there. That ironic debate can be left for another day.

So, we have the opportunity here to see whether the Conservative government will uphold their election pledge to protect the green belt, long before the Guildford draft Local Plan goes to the planning inspector.

I wonder what will happen then?
Bernard Parke Reply

March 17, 2017 at 7:50 am

I wonder how many people were totally misled on this election pledge to protect the green belt?

Perhaps the May elections will be a time of for reflection for all of us?
Valerie Thompson Reply

March 17, 2017 at 9:40 am

I totally agree with Mr Cranwell on this. Indeed, I was about to write a similar letter. The Tories should remember, we voted them in, but we can vote them out and if they decide to break their promises we will do just that.

Hopefully, the GGG will be putting up more candidates for the next election and those of us who are fighting to keep our corner of Surrey as pleasant and rural as it is, will be voting for them next time.