The Council has now reached its deadline to make improvements to its Planning Department set by the Secretary of State, Michael Gove. Calderdale Council is one of nine councils to face the threat of Special Measures, which entails stripping the Council of its Planning decision-making functions.
On April 12th, the Council's Chief Executive Office received notification from the Secretary of State, Michael Gove, that the Council's planning service performance is far below the expected threshold. This has led to the threat of Special Measures, which would result in the stripping of the Council's planning decision-making functions.
In the letter, the Secretary of State states that the performance "is indicative of a very poor quality performance to local residents and a significant deterrent to investment… I am prepared to give the opportunity to demonstrate improved performance by June 2023".
Opposite Parties were only informed of the initial letter from the Secretary of State one month after receipt, leaving two weeks until the deadline. In response, Cllr Robinson demanded the urgent development of an Action Plan from the new Labour Council Leader to satisfy the demands set by the Government.
"Action needs to be taken with extreme urgency because Special Measures would result in significant reputational damage to the Council and its Planning system. In addition, the Planning Department is an income generator for the Council, and much-needed revenue would be lost." Said Cllr Robinson.
The Labour Leadership reported that an Action Plan was produced for senior civil servants, claiming to show significant improvements. These assertions are in stark contrast to the perceptions of our Councillors and many residents of the Borough. We must now wait for the Government's response.
However, with the Council's lack of communication regarding the initial letter from the Government and their meeting with representatives, Cllr Steven Leigh (Conservative Group Leader) strongly argued against this and said, "All Party Leaders should have been immediately advised on receipt of the Government Letter. This action serves to demonstrate the Labour Leaders' flagrant disregard for the democratic process, consultation, and constitutional norms – which are the guardrails of local politics."
As the leading opposition group on Calderdale Council, we hoped the change in Labour Council Leader would usher in a new era of cooperation, mutual respect, and improved communications between the political parties. However, recent events suggest otherwise.
