A civil parish is the smallest administrative division for local government in England, typically covering a village, small town, or a part of a larger urban area (Town Council). It’s a legally recognised (statutory) body with its own council or meeting, responsible for certain local services and community matters.
The name can be confusing, a Parish/Town Council is a civil elected body and has nothing to do with church parishes, which are run Parochial Church Council (PCCs).
By being the closest tier of government to communities, parish councils offer ultra-local services and act as a vital link between residents and higher authorities.
In order to function all parish and town councils have to raise a precept. This is the primary source of funding for parish councils to deliver services to their communities. While councils can also generate income from services or facilities, the precept is essential to fund their core operations and community projects.
Across Surrey a lot of areas are unparished.
What happens when Surrey become 2 or 3 unitaries?
Parish Councils are being encouraged to take part in the process
‘Parish and town councils are encouraged to actively participate in the LGR process, ensuring their communities are well-represented’. (Surrey Association of Local Councils)
Surrey County Council have said,
‘The focus on local neighbourhoods and community engagement aims to empower residents and strengthen local communities certain local services and community matters.’
How will unparished areas be represented
If large area of Surrey do not have statutory representation, how will these towns and villages be recognised as stakeholders by the new Unitary authorities?
Will the new unitary authorities know who represents these communities?
So what about Mole Valley?
Dorking, Leatherhead, Ashtead, Fetcham, Bookham, Westhumble, Box Hill, Pixham, North Holmwood and Westcott are unparished. With the loss of Mole Valley District council how will their voice be heard? Who or what will represent these areas?
Devolution information from Surrey Association of Local Councils