Community Governance in Box Hill

Box Hill is currently not parished. Its Neighbourhood Council does not have statutory status and cannot raise funds via Council Tax.

Some issues to consider in replying to the consultation:

• Representation
  • Box Hill is currently represented by 3 District Councillors (whose Ward also includes Brockham, Betchworth, Buckland & Headley) and a County Councillor who covers the whole Dorking Hills area.
  • 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.
  • Under a Unitary Council it would have two (or possibly three) Councillors covering a population twice the size of the current District Ward and stretching down to Charlwood & Hookwood. Most of this area is already represented by Parish Councils.
  • 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?
• Local community assets
  • The major local asset owned by the current Councils is the High Ashurst Outdoor Centre.
• Discretionary Services
  • The 21 bus service depends on a subsidy from the County Council;
  • Support for local charities, such as 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 urban areas to have Town/Parish Councils so they can take control of other Council services you use, such as Leisure facilities, libraries, parks, public conveniences, employment hub, etc.?
• Parish Council
  • Do you want Box Hill to have its own Parish Council funded by a precept raised as part of Council Tax?