Community Governance in Pixham

PIxham is currently not parished and is part of the Dorking North ward. Previously it was linked to Westhumble & Mickleham. Of these areas, only Mickleham has a Parish Council with statutory status and the ability to 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
  • In Pixham itself local community assets include the Pixholme Grove allotments
  • Nearby in Dorking community assets include various allotments; the Meadowbank Recreation Ground and King George V playing fields; various open spaces; Community and Day Centres, the Malthouse Youth Centre, Pippbrook House;, Dorking Halls, Dorking Library, the war memorial statues and public loos.
  • 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 or 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.
• Town or Parish Council
  • Do you want Dorking to have its own Town Council funded by a precept raised as part of Council Tax?
  • Would you prefer Pixham to be included in a Dorking Council, to create its own Parish Council or to link up with an existing Parish Council, such as Brockham or Mickleham?