Angela Rayner’s ‘war on democracy’ opposed by Wiltshire Council
It's brought a rare show of collective unity at the local authority
An alleged ‘war on democracy’ being waged by housing secretary Angela Rayner faces opposition from Wiltshire Council.
The Ministry of Housing’s National Scheme of Delegation aims to strip elected councillors of the right to determine ‘small’ planning applications – which could be anything up to 500 houses – handing decision-making powers to council planning officers.
At a meeting of Full Council, Cllr Bridget Wayman (Nadder Valley, Conservative) presented a motion calling on the leader of the council to write to the housing secretary opposing the legislation.
And in a rare show of solidarity, the motion received the unanimous backing of the chamber.
Introducing the motion, Cllr Wayman described her “utter distress and fury at this new guidance, effectively disbanding planning committees and barring councillors from having very much say in what may or may not be called into a planning committee.”
She said: “Bit by bit, local democracy is being chipped away.
“Councillors and planning committees are not obstructions holding up development. Our job is to challenge officers to make Wiltshire a better place to live.
“The erosion of democracy has to be halted.”
Cllr Adrian Foster, cabinet member for development management and housing, said he “100 per cent agreed” with the motion.
“Unfortunately, the government – just like previous governments – believes it is the planning process that is holding up housebuilding,” he said.
And council leader Ian Thorn said: “She (Angela Rayner) famously said the big problem with planning is councillors.
“One of the most important roles that we can play as councillors is being part of the ‘awkward squad’ – reflecting local views and being bloody awkward, difficult, and challenging to get the best deals we can for our residents.
“Cutting democracy out of a democratic process is hugely dangerous and damaging.”
Cllr Richard Clewer, Conservative group leader, said: “What we are seeing from Government is a catastrophic erosion of that democracy and that ability for the public to have their say.
“Developments of up to 500 houses are going to be decided pretty much automatically, not coming to a committee unless officers agree.”
And Cllr Ed Rimmer, Reform UK group leader, said: “It’s a sad day for democracy when our voters lose their democratic right to have their voices heard via us.
“It’s a sad day for democracy. It’s a sad day for accountability. It’s a sad day for anyone in this country who wants to have a say about their local area.”
Cllr Kevin Asplin (Amesbury & Bulford East, Reform UK) said: “The scheme ends local accountability for the decisions that affect people’s lives and will further polarise local politics by eroding whatever public trust is left in the planning system.
“Legislation that diminishes our democracy is a mistake, and this leaves communities and councillors as bystanders in the development of their own neighbourhoods.
“These reforms are part of a wider pattern of centralisation that treats local communities as untrustworthy and contradicts genuine devolution and community empowerment.”
And Cllr Nick Holder (Bowerhill, Conservative), whose ward the government recently granted a developer permission to build 300 houses, despite the opposition of Wiltshire Council and residents, said: “That is not the right thing to do for local planning decisions.”