Community Governance in existing Rural Parish Councils

Most of the rural villages in Mole Valley already have Parish Councils which can raise a precept from the local Council Tax and are subject to re-election every 4 years. They also control expenditure of the Neighbourhood element of Community Infrastructure Levy (paid by new developments).

The primary purpose of the Community Governance Review is to assess whether new Town/Parish Councils should be set up in unparished areas. But it also provides the opportunity to review the governance arrangements (such as boundaries) of existing Parishes.

Some issues to consider in replying to the consultation:

• Current Parish Council governance
  • Have changes such as new developments occurred which suggest changes to the current boundaries?
  • Would you support requests from neighbouring un-parished communities if they wish to merge and form a joint Parish Council?
• Assets elsewhere in the area
  • Do you want neighbouring unparished areas to have Town/Parish Councils so they can take control of other Council services you use, such as sports and leisure facilities, libraries, day centres, public conveniences, employment hub?
  • 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?