Letter: Town Council Decision Best Left to Those Most Informed

Published on: 26 Sep, 2026
Updated on: 26 Sep, 2026

From Jack Bayliss

In response to: Results of the Town Council Consultation Should Not Be Set Aside

I would make two observations. First, the consultation was not like an election where everyone eligible to vote in the “constituency” is informed and can do so without cost, whether or not they have or use internet access.

Second, referenda seldom put before the voters all the facts or all the consequences which are likely to turn on the decision (eg Brexit).

On the issue of a Guildford Council, I do not know exactly what its power would be. Therefore my vote, without saying which way I voted, was a guess and not an informed and considered decision.

So perhaps it is best to let the final decision be made by those who are likely to be best informed of the facts.

Responses to Letter: Town Council Decision Best Left to Those Most Informed

Jeremy Holt Reply

September 26, 2026 at 1:28 pm

Does Mr Bayliss mean GBC councillors when he writes about “those who are likely to be best informed of the facts”?

If so, he omits stating that these councillors have a potential conflict of interest since a town council offers them further opportunities to cling to power.
Jim Allen Reply

September 26, 2026 at 8:33 pm

Maybe we shouldn’t even consider a town council. No one seems to appreciate that it will be a broke, shrunken borough with no statutory powers.

It can only do the jobs in town that the statutory unitary authority can’t be bothered to do or arrange under their expensive authority.

The whole things trying to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.