Opinion: What Does The General Election Result Mean for Guildford
Against all expectations the Tory’s have won an outright majority, Dave has been to see the Queen and given his victory speech, saying: “We are on the brink of something special.” Hmm.
Meanwhile the leaders of Labour, UKIP and The Liberal Democrats have all fallen on their swords.
From the result it seems that it reallyis the economy stupid. Our financial well being is most likely to be the main thing on our minds when we mark our crosses and choose our MP. Local issues, in particular, don’t seem to get a look in, just take a look at GGG’s total of just 538 votes.
Perhaps it is even worse than not getting a look in – perhaps most of us living in Guildford Borough have little idea of what is at stake locally and who stands for what. The results later today (May 8) of the local election might reveal more on that score.
Anyway, what does the result of the general election mean for Guildford? Here are my predictions for life under the next government:
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The pressure on Guildford to grow significantly in size will be maintained. A Local Plan without a high new housing number is unlikely to be approved by the Planning Inspectorate.
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Population in the borough will continue to grow, putting more pressure on our roads, health services, schools, and environment.
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The proposals for Wisley and Blackwell Farm will both be given approval in the face of all opposition.
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A scaled down version of Solum’s unpopular station development proposal will be approved. It will still increase the height of the station significantly.
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The government will fund some significant infrastructure projects to answer some of the criticism that growth without improved infrastructure equals disaster.
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Further council economies will be required as the squeeze continues on their funding.
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Guildford’s food banks will remain to fill the gaps in the welfare process – a process that could be under even greater pressure.