Community Governance in Westcott

Westcott is currently not parished. The Village Association does not have statutory status and cannot raise funds via Council Tax.

Some issues to consider in replying to the consultation:

• Representation
  • Westcott is currently represented by 3 District Councillors (whose Ward also includes Mickleham, Westhumble, Wotton, Abinger & Ockley) and a County Councillor who covers the whole Dorking Hills area.
  • 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 it would have two (or possibly three) Councillors also covering Capel, Holmwoods & Beare Green. Westcott is the only part of that area currently without a Parish Council.
  • Would you like to see elected Parish 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 Cradhurst Recreation Ground.
  • 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
  • Various rural bus services depend on a subsidy from the County Council;
  • 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.
• Parish Council
  • Do you want Westcott to have its own Parish Council funded by a precept raised as part of Council Tax?
  • If so would you also want a Dorking Town Council to be created to protect facilities you may use there?
  • If the Review recommends all areas have Town/Parish Councils would you prefer Westcott to form its own Council, to form part of a larger Dorking Town Council or to link up with neighbouring rural Parish Councils?