Community Governance in Leatherhead

Leatherhead 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
  • Leatherhead currently has 7 elected councillors – 6 District Councillors and one County councillor who also represents Fetcham East but not Givons Grove or Tyrrells Wood.
  • Under a Unitary Council this will fall to 2 (or possibly 3) who would also represent Fetcham East.
  • 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 Town 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 Barnett Wood Lane and Highlands Road allotments; recreation grounds at Fortyfoot & Kingston Road and the Red House Gardens playground; Fairfield Day Centre, North Leatherhead Community Centre, Bridge Youth Club; Leatherhead Library, The Mansion, North St War Memorial, Beeches Care Home; Mansion House gardens, Park Gardens and the Riverside walk.
  • As well as the Leisure Centre, there are various sports facilities managed by clubs – Gymnastics, Cricket, Football and Padel.
  • 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 the allotments against renewed pressure for more housing?
• Discretionary Services
  • These include the Fairfield Day Centre, the employment hub in the Swan Centre and support for local charities, such as the Community Hub and 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 Leatherhead to have its own Town Council funded by a precept raised as part of Council Tax?
  • What should be the boundaries of a new Council - would you prefer it to cover just Leatherhead or the broader Northern urban area including Bookham and Fetcham?
  • Should a new Council have distinct wards which elect their own Councillors?