The Residents’ Associations of Ashtead, Bookham, Fetcham and Leatherhead recognise that Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) is conducting a Community Governance Review and we urge residents to take part in the consultation.  However, we wish to make it clear that in view of the imminent abolition of MVDC and the creation of a new Unitary Authority covering our district, we do not think it is appropriate at present to impose more change on residents and warn that the process is premature, potentially undemocratic, and will lead to increased Council Tax. 

The consultation, which closes at 5pm on 17th October 2025, seeks public input on how communities wish to be represented democratically in the future.

This review comes at a pivotal moment, as the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2024–25 will bring sweeping changes to Surrey’s local government. By April 2027, Surrey County Council and its eleven District and Borough councils will be replaced by two or three Unitary Authorities, overseen by a newly formed Strategic Authority led by a Mayor. We do not exclude the possibility that after local government reforms have taken effect, that residents may then wish to consider whether the creation of additional Parish and Town Councils may be of benefit.

Why This Matters

The Residents Associations warn that decisions made now could have long-term financial and democratic consequences:

• The structure and boundaries of the new authorities are not yet finalised.

• Premature creation of new Parish or Community Councils will result in additional costs to residents through precepts to their Council Tax.

• Surrey’s councils currently face a combined debt of £5.5 billion, which may impact future service delivery.

Options for Local Representation

Under the new system, local representation could take several forms:

• Residents Associations (already active in Ashtead, Bookham, Fetcham and Leatherhead)

• Parish Councils 

• Community, Neighbourhood, or Village Councils

• Town Councils (only possible post-creation via resolution)

Call for Democratic Process

The ARA, BRA, FRA and LRA strongly advocates:

• A vote or referendum on any new local democratic structures.

• That such a vote be held after the new authorities and boundaries are in operation.

• Ensuring decisions reflect the majority will of residents, not a small number of online responses.

Act Now

Residents are encouraged to respond to the MVDC CGR consultation to ensure their voices are heard. The Residents' Associations stress that ignoring this process may result in increased costs.

Please respond to MVDC’s Community Governance Review at: www.molevalley.gov.uk/cgr/