POLITICIANS need to stand up and be counted.

They often have to make decisions which many of their constituents will oppose, but which they believe is the right thing to do.

So is it right that members of the Green party in Kirklees are not taking part in this important part of the local planning process.

The four-strong group has declined to take up their seat on the Planning and Highways Committee.

They say it gives them more freedom to help residents campaign against developments. They’re not bound by planning protocols other planning committee members are and they say it means they can represent their constituents “more readily.”

They are elected to make decisions and councillors, like Members of Parliament, need to do that.

Of course, it can be difficult by having their hands tied when being asked by a constituent to help and being unable to speak up for them.

But surely the best way forward would be for politicians to encourage residents’ groups to make such objections themselves.

As committee members, they can always vote to support those who do.