Letter: Why Not Streamline The Whole Council, Not Just The Planning Committee?

Published on: 12 Mar, 2017
Updated on: 12 Mar, 2017

From Bernard Parke

Hon Alderman and former Mayor of Guildford

May I say that I enjoy the new addition to The Guildford Dragon NEWS of The Guildford Quiz.

This week it was interesting to be reminded that Guildford Borough Council has as many as 48 councillors in addition to our county councillors.

I notice that the number of councillors on the Planning Committee is expected to be reduced from 23 members to 12 or 15, apparently to streamline the planning process.

I wonder if consideration may now be given to streamline the system even further by reducing the number of borough councillors to one councillor per ward.

This perhaps would not be such a hardship as we have fully trained officers who are professionals and are well skilled in the affairs of local government.

Responses to Letter: Why Not Streamline The Whole Council, Not Just The Planning Committee?

Jim Allen Reply

March 12, 2017 at 11:18 pm

What is Bernard Parke suggesting? Does he want a clique of councillors requiring unelected officials to do their bidding? Is that not communism or a dictatorship?

I like the ability to rattle 48 councillor cages all at once; just one might be listening and make a sensible change.

Or does Alderman Parke support the secrecy culture of the current deaf Executive and unelected planning officials?