Community Governance in Dorking

Dorking is currently not parished. None of the local representative groups has statutory status and they cannot raise funds via Council Tax.

Some issues to consider in replying to the consultation:

• Representation
  • Currently Dorking has 6 District Councillors and 2 County Councillors who both cover wider areas.
  • 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 this is likely to be cut to 2 (or possibly 3).
  • Will this allow residents (especially the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our area) to get the same levels of support?
• Assets in the community
  • Local community assets include the allotments at Coldharbour Lane, Ranmore & St Pauls; the Meadowbank Recreation Ground and King George V playing fields; open spaces in Cotmandene, Deepdene Gardens, Community Orchard, Glory Woods and The Nower; Goodwyns Community Centre, Hampstead & Mayflower Day Centres, Malthouse Youth Centre, Pippbrook House; Dorking Caves, Dorking Halls, Dorking Library, Meadowbank Bandstand, various statues, The Green Room, Dorking Cemetery, South St War Memorial, Meadowbank Soft Play & Café, Men’s Shed, South Street toilets.
  • As well as the Sports Centre, there are various sports facilities managed by local clubs – Meadowbank Football Ground, Pippbrook Bowling Club, Pixham Lane Sports Ground, Ranmore BMX course and Dorking Golf Club;
  • Would you wish control of their future to be decided by a remote Council covering half a million people? Could you trust it to protect them against renewed pressure for more housing?
• Discretionary Services
  • These include support for local charities, such as Citizens Advice.
  • A Town 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.
• Town Council
  • Do you want Dorking to have its own Town Council funded by a precept raised as part of Council Tax?
  • If so what should its boundaries be? Should it include any or all of Pixham, Westcott, Westhumble, Chart Downs and North Holmwood?
  • Should a Dorking Council be split into wards each of which would elect its own Councillors?