Community Governance in Ashtead

Ashtead is currently not parished. The Residents’ Association does not have statutory status and cannot raise funds via Council Tax.

Some issues to consider in replying to the consultation:

• Representation
  • Ashtead currently has 7 elected councillors – one County councillor and 6 District Councillors. Under a Unitary Council this will fall to 2 (or possibly 3).
  • They provide support for residents, not just in their dealings with the Councils but also with other local service providers, such as police, health, housing associations, water companies, etc.
  • Would you like to see elected Parish Councillors so that disadvantaged and vulnerable residents in our area can continue to call on a similar level of support?
• Assets in the community
  • Local community assets include the Ashtead allotments, the Recreation Ground, Ashtead Park, and the Ashtead Rec Tennis Club (run by the Ashtead Tennis Players Club), Ashtead Youth Centre, Ashtead Library & the public toilets by the Peace Memorial Hall
  • Would you wish control of their future to be decided by a remote Council covering half a million people?
• Discretionary Services
  • These include support for local charities, such as the Community Hub, Citizens Advice, East Surrey Domestic Violence.
  • A Parish Council would also control the Neighbourhood element of any Community Infrastructure Levy raised on new developments, ensuring that these funds are spent on local priorities.
• Assets elsewhere in the area
  • Do you want neighbouring areas to have Town/Parish Councils so they could take control of other Council services you may use, such as Dorking Halls, Leisure centres, public conveniences, employment hub?
• Parish Council
  • Do you want Ashtead to have its own Council funded by a precept raised as part of Council Tax?