Town and Parish Councils
Have your say on the future of your community!
In preparation for the move to Unitary Councils, residents in most of Surrey are being consulted on arrangements for Town and Parish Councils; this is done via a Community Governance Review. They can propose new local Councils for their community or changes to the current arrangements. In Reigate & Banstead the consultation closed on 18th September; in Epsom & Ewell it closes on 9th October; and in Mole Valley it closes on 17th October. Local Liberal Democrats believe every community in Surrey should be represented by an elected Town or Parish Council.
These changes will affect how our area is run for the next 40-50 years. So it is really important that residents' voices are heard. Here are some of the issues we think you should consider.
Risk to community assets and local services. Elsewhere outside major cities, new Unitary Councils, facing continuing financial pressures, have relied on Town and Parish Councils to take on many discretionary services so that the Unitary Council can focus on the essential services it is required by law to provide. New Town and Parish Councils would have real powers to protect important community assets like libraries, allotments, war memorials and public toilets which might be at risk under the new Unitary Council.
Decision-making closer to home. Existing Town and Parish Councils provide the voice for communities in how their area is run. In areas without Town/Parish Councils all decisions would be taken by a remote Unitary Council covering half a million people.
Fewer councillors to help on everyday issues. The new Unitary Councils will have many fewer than at present. This will particularly hit vulnerable people and those in more deprived areas who often depend on local councillors to help them secure the help they need.
What is the cost? Town and Parish Councils are funded by a charge raised as part of your Council Tax. Each raises a different amount depending on local need. Parish Councils across Mole Valley typically charge about £1 per week for a Band D property. Horley Town Council raises a similar amount per household.
Local Liberal Democrats believe that all communities across Mole Valley should have a local elected Council:
- A Unitary Council covering half a million people cannot reflect the views of our diverse communities;
- No other area outside the big cities has a large Unitary Council without coverage of Town & Parish Councils; we should not be an experiment;
- The cost of a cup of coffee a month is little to pay for a potential “insurance policy” in case the Unitary Council has to cut back on discretionary services that are important to a community.
What should I do?
- Find out more - see Other Information below;
- Think about assets and services affecting your community;
- Think about other assets you use in the wider area;
- Discuss with neighbours and local community groups; encourage your local community organisations to respond to the consultation;
- Respond to the consultations to ensure your voice is heard.
Other information:
Links to the Official consultation
