Community Governance in Westhumble

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.

Some issues to consider in replying to the consultation:

• 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.
  • 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 3) Councillors also covering the Eastern Rural villages in Mole Valley from Headley to Charlwood and Hookwood. Most of these areas already have Parish Councils.
  • 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?
• 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 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.
• Assets elsewhere in the area
  • 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.
  • Do you want neighbouring urban areas to have Town/Parish Councils so they can take control of other Council services you use, such as Leisure facilities, libraries, parks, public conveniences, employment hub, etc.?
• Parish Council
  • Do you want Westhumble to have its own Parish Council funded by a precept raised as part of Council Tax?
  • If the Review recommends all areas have Town/Parish Councils would you prefer Westhumble to link up with Mickleham Parish Council or to form part of a larger Dorking Town Council?