Community Governance in Holmwood & Chart Downs
Based on the results of the initial consultation, the Community Governance Review proposes extending the boundaries of Holmwood Parish Council to include the areas of North Holmwood and Chart Downs
Community Governance in Holmwood
Current situation
The areas of North Holmwood and Chart Downs are currently unparished. Holmwood Parish Council covers the more rural area of mid-Holmwood and South Holmwood. Holmwood Parish Council's precept amounts to £28.17 for a Band D property
Proposed change
The initial consultation showed some suggestions that the existing Civil Parish be extended to include the area currently unparished. So the proposal would extend the boundary of Holmwood Parish Council and increase the number of Parish Councillors. The new Parish Council would represent 3,300 electors, whereas the current Council represents 388.
Issues to consider
Residents of the unparished areas of North Holmwood and Chart Downs should consider the following issues:
- More elected Councillors to help support residents who need help;
- Control over the Neighbourhood element of Community Infrastructure Levy, ensuring that contributions from new developments are well targeted for the benefit of local residents;
- Ability to retain more local control of Council assets and services in the area; local facilities include the King George V playing fields, the Bentsbrook allotments, Holmwoods Park and the Inholms Clay Pit, Stanecroft Care Home.
- Ability to raise funds to meet local demand for new projects and/or additional services; these could reflect local priorities and be delivered by local suppliers who know the area.
- The Parish Council would be funded by a charge raised as part of the Council Tax and initial estimates are that this is likely to start at between £20 and £80 per year.
- Merging with an existing Parish Council would reduce the costs of becoming parished as many of the necessary structures are already in place.
Residents in the current Holmwood Parish Council should consider the following issues:
- Do the benefits of being in a larger community outweigh the loss of a local identity;
- Will the needs of their more rural area continue to be met by a Council weighted more towards the new urban areas;
- What might be the likely impact on your Council Tax;
- Will a larger Parish Council be better placed to improve local services and facilities