Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

I really hope that I am being too dramatic about this issue...

I have had the following exchange of emails with Carlton Brand (Corporate Director) at Wiltshire Council.

The names of officers are not normally disclosed in blogs but Dr. Brand has kindly said that he is happy to be named on this occasion as it might take the pressure off me and other councillors.

 

"-----Original Message-----

From: Clark, Ernie Sent: 21 April 2017 12:51 To: Brand, Carlton

Subject: WC cabinet

Hi, I understand that the draft Development Plan Document has been put back another month now to June.

Can you please explain why as I fail to see how a WC issue can be effected by purdah at Westminster.

Ernie.

 

From Brand, Carlton Sent: 21 April 2017 13:22

Hi Ernie,

Yes I took the decision to defer this until June - in fact to defer the Cabinet meeting itself from June 13 to June 20.

Westminster Purdah applies to all public bodies including local councils. Any decision and publicity is within scope if it has the potential to influence the outcome of the election or if it gives candidates either an advantage or disadvantage.

I looked at the agenda, including the DPD paper and my assessment is that this would have been a breach of Purdah. The lawyers agreed.

Thanks and regards,

Carlton."

 

So, just how toxic is this document to the Conservative administration at County Hall and its MPs?

It has been held back until after the WC election and would now seem to be so full of bad news that it could disadvantage candidates in the General Election.

Look out for when the Cabinet agenda is published in early June and brace yourselves for the worst...