Surrey County Council Leader says Epsom & Ewell MP is wrong

The assertion of local Conservative MP Chris Grayling that Epsom & Ewell is always down the priority list when decisions are taken by Surrey County Council was put to Nick Skellett, the Conservative Leader of the Council by Colin Taylor jointly with the other Epsom & Ewell County Councillors, at a council meeting on 14th June. This assertion, which had been made in literature sent to voters prior to the County Council elections in May, was strenuously denied by Mr Skellett.

The county council Leader confirmed that his Executive does not operate a policy of discrimination against any borough or district, pointing to the allocation of highway maintenance budget based on need. He claimed that the Executive's decisions are based on value for money and benefit to residents, not political composition.

He also mentioned the Local Committees. These have delegated power to decide on local services, monitor the quality of services locally, engage local people in issues of concern, and influence the County Council and its Executive on County-wide plans and services in the light of local needs. He emphasised that all Local Committees have the same powers and influence, irrespective of political make-up.

The Epsom & Ewell County Councillors welcomed this positive reply, and asked if Nick Skellett would write to Chris Grayling calling on him to withdraw his remarks, which appeared to be a slur on the democratic integrity of the Conservative controlled Executive, rather than the Epsom & Ewell Councillors. However this request was denied, on the grounds that Chris Grayling was clearly not familiar with the operation of the County Council nor the role of Local Committees.

Colin Taylor commented "What exactly was Chris Grayling suggesting? Was he accusing the Executive of favouritism, or what?"