I was recently informed by a local resident that on 29th March 2017 a documentary was uploaded to YouTube by a group of local university undergraduates entitled ‘The Town Run by Scientology’. The documentary features serving Councillors and is currently being shared on social media. Whilst I feel the overall accuracy of the documentary can be challenged on a number of levels, I do not wish to comment on this particular aspect, but felt it appropriate to address a couple of elements directed at the Council/Councillors and their conduct. It is suggested in the documentary, that there is the perception that the Council is ‘far too easy’ on the Scientologists and in terms of its lack of contribution to the documentary is ‘keeping quiet because it is in its best interests to do so.
The documentary refers in particular to the number of charitable donations Councillors have accepted on behalf of good causes in the town, and the perception that because these donations are received, the Council turns a blind eye to anything the Scientologists do for fear of upsetting them which is categorically untrue. The Council has no jurisidiction over the conduct of the Church of Scientology or any other organisation in the town it can only address concerns as and when they apply.
Councillors are duty bound by a code of conduct – a set of principles of public office known as ‘The Nolan Principles of which there are 7 – Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership. The principles of Selflessness (to act solely within the public interest) and Honesty (to declare any interests as and when applicable) apply here and are wholly adhered to when any Councillor receives a donation for a good cause close to his or her heart and it is important to be aware that a number of these causes would not survive in this town without such charitable donations, as there are very few funding opportunities through more traditional channels.
The documentary also featured a scene depicting works being carried out at a Scientology owned property within the Saint Hill Green Area. It went on to imply that it was a regular occurrence for the Church of Scientology to disregard the Planning process. The property featured is subject to planning application DM/16/3611 which was originally submitted in September 2016 and initially refused by the Town Planning Committee. It returned again on the 23rd January 2017. As Chairman of Planning, I have personally addressed the many concerns of local residents particularly relating to the level of impartiality that could be expected. They were invited to attend the meeting and sit in the public gallery, to witness first hand the thorough scrutiny by the committee members and clear impartiality of process in an open and accountable manner – in line with the very principles already outlined. The committee were not in support of its retrospective nature, nor the impact any approval would have upon the immediate community in terms of loss of amenity and road safety and as such the application received a further recommendation for refusal and is now waiting to be scrutinised again at the District Council before a final decision is reached.
There is often a vast chasm between the public perception and the actual reality in terms of the day to day running of the Council, and documentaries such as this are one sided, misinformed and unhelpful to say the least. In order to obtain the true perspective of how well run this Council is by its officers and how dedicated its elected members are, rather than choosing to perceive, I would urge the residents of this town to attend the many public meetings held – of which there are at least 35 a year – to witness for themselves the significant contribution that 19 Councillors make on behalf of the townfolk. I would remind you that Councillors are volunteers and the taxable £1000 annual allowance, which can be claimed, hardly covers the expenses of being a councillor and is no way a remuneration.
It is without question that the good causes of this town do receive financial assistance from the town’s largest resident and like any charitable donor this is acknowledged in the appropriate way. Perhaps more important to acknowledge is that our Town Council is not run by the Church of Scientology, it is run solely by the Officers who are employed and instructed by the Elected Members who in turn are voted in by the town people – that is the reality.
Cllr Jacquie Russell
Leader East Grinstead Town Council
