Community Governance in Bookham

Bookham 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
  • The area of Bookham, Fetcham & Leatherhead is currently covered by 17 elected councillors – two County councillors and 15 District Councillors. With a Unitary Council, this would be cut to 4 (or possibly 6).
  • 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 playgrounds, playing fields, war memorials, allotments and parks. In Bookham these include the Little Bookham & Eastwick Road allotments; the Chrystie, Lower Road and Old Barn recreation grounds; the Village Green; and the Chrystie Rec Tennis Club, South Bookham Space, Bookham Library, Keswick Rd Guides HQ.
  • Would you wish control of their future to be decided by a remote Council covering half a million people?
• Discretionary Services
  • These include the Fairfield Day Centre, the employment hub in the Swan Centre (both nearby in Leatherhead) and support for local charities, such as the Community Hub and Citizens Advice.
  • 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.
• Parish Council
  • Do you want Bookham to have an elected Parish Council funded by a precept raised as part of Council Tax?
  • If so, would you prefer a Parish Council dedicated to Bookham or a larger, joint Council also covering Fetcham and/or Leatherhead?
  • If you use other Council services based in Leatherhead, eg leisure centre, library, employment hub, Fairfield Day Centre, would you prefer it to also have a Town Council which could control any services that may come under threat under a Unitary Council?