Current situation

Westhumble is currently not parished. It was previously part of a District Council ward with Pixham and Mickleham. The Residents' Association does not have statutory status and cannot raise funds via Council Tax.

Proposed change

The initial round of consultation generated a very small response with mixed views about whether the create a Parish Council, so Mole Valley decided to put the proposal for a Parish Council to residents in the second consultation. The proposal is to create a new Parish Council with 5 councillors. 

Issues to consider

• Representation
  • Westhumble is currently represented by 3 District Councillors (whose Ward also includes Mickleham, Westcott, Wotton, Abinger & Ockley) and a County Councillor who covers the whole Dorking Hills area.
  • Under a Unitary Council it would have two Councillors also covering the Eastern Rural villages in Mole Valley from Headley to Charlwood and Hookwood. Apart from Box Hill, all of these areas already have Parish Councils. 
  • Elected Councillors 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 elect 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
  • A Parish Council would be able to consider whether there is local demand for community assets such as allotments or a playground and. if so, whether it could manage them more effectively to meet local needs, rather than by a remote Unitary Council covering half a million people.
• Discretionary Services
  • Various rural bus services depend on a subsidy from the County Council;
  • Support for local charities, such as Citizens Advice, East Surrey Domestic Violence;
  • A Parish Council would be able to reflect any demand by local residents to support additional community activities and prioritise delivery by local suppliers who know the area. 
  • 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.
• Cost
  • 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

Local Liberal Democrats believe that, especially under a more remote Unitary Council, communities would generally benefit from having elected, accountable Parish Councils. 

We also note that all other English Unitary Councils outside major urban areas have ensured they have Civil Parishes across their entire area.  

Given small response to the initial consultation, it is really important that the views of as many electors as possible are considered. So we encourage all residents to review the arguments on both sides and reply to the consultation. 

Give us your views