The Ashtead Residents’ Association encourages residents to use their votes.
(Cont. from Blog)
Concerns Regarding the Timeline of CGR
A Stage 1 consultation ran from July–October 2025.
Stage 2 was originally planned to last 8 weeks but has been compressed to about three weeks.
MVDC accelerated the process so decisions can be completed before the new Shadow East Surrey Council takes some control after the Unitary Council elections on 7 May.
This Stage 2 consultation cost is estimated at £58,500–£78,500 across Mole Valley.
Outcome of Stage 1 Results for Ashtead
There were 98 responses of which 94 were from residents. This was a very low level of participation based on 11,319 eligible residents.
38.85% voted ‘Yes’ to a parish council
45.9% voted ‘No’
15 votes expressed ‘No opinion’:
Despite 7% more “No” than “Yes,” votes MVDC interpreted the results as being one of support for creating a parish.
Ashtead was the only area where the outcome of the Stage 1 consultation resulted in an “informed decision”, by MVDC, opposed to the wishes expressed in the ballot
Financial Implications of having a Parish Council
Parish councils charge a precept which is added to council tax bills to cover operating expenses
Typical Mole Valley parish precepts are about £73/year (Band D).
Most Ashtead homes are Band E or above which would result in £89/year extra a year for the parish precept.
Initially the precept will be lower if only limited functions transfer (e.g. allotments).
No Government grants are available; all parish costs are funded by the precept from the start, including premises, staff, office equipment, audit fees, etc.
Alternative to having a Parish Council
Government preference is for advisory Neighbourhood Area Committees (NACs) instead; an NAC is under trial in Dorking and Villages.
Little information is currently known about how NACs will be run or even the area they will cover, other than they will be chaired by a local Unitary Councillor.
All statutory local services will be run and funded by East Surrey Council, although there is no information on the cost of running these services.
Other Potential Council Tax Pressures on Residents
Possible equalisation of the rates of Council Tax across the district by East Surrey Council; estimated at £5.50/year extra (Band D) for Ashtead.
County Council/Unitary Council element, by far the largest, of council tax already projected to rise 4.99% annually for three years.
The Surrey Police precept is rising 4.4% in 2026-27 and will probably continue to do so.
A future Mayoral Authority precept may also apply; the Government has been vague on its intentions for a Strategic Mayor for Surrey.
Responsibilities for Services in a Parish
Many services (waste, street cleaning, potholes, street lighting, inspection and repair of playgrounds etc.) will remain under existing district/county contracts until they expire
Example of responsibilities in comparable parish (Windlesham, Surrey Heath, Population 17,000):
Handles allotments, cemeteries, play areas, parish land.
Staff of 3–4.
Band D precept £65.29.
Asset Transfers
MVDC may transfer land/buildings to parish councils at no or nominal cost under its Community Asset Transfer Policy or to “local communities” at ‘less than best consideration’ (ie at less than full market value though the undervalue must be less than £2,000,000)’.
Central Government Policy Context
The Government’s Local Government Reorganisation is intended to reduce tiers of government.
Ministers have warned against recreating an additional tier via new parishes.
Governance and Legal Cautions
MVDC’s Chief Financial Officer (S151 Officer) has warned decisions must show clear community support and not compromise the future sustainability nor fetter the future decisions of East Surrey Council.
The S151 Officer also cautioned that creating new parishes now may be contrary to the Government’s aims and may not be value for money given the financial implications for residents
CGRs are meant to be done every 10–15 years; there is no local recollection of a CGR being done across Mole Valley before.
If rejected now, residents can still petition East Surrey Council for a further review after two years.
Representation and Participation
Parish councils require residents willing to stand for election.
Many parish elections are uncontested.
Residents are encouraged to consider whether they would stand themselves?
ARA will be making “noises” about the lack of information from MVDC on the pros and cons of having or not having a Parish Council thus helping residents make an informed choice. This will extend to representations about deviating from the planned original timescale leaving insufficient time for a meaningful consultation.
Whatever your point of view it is important that you participate in this consultative ballot so that the result is truly reflective of the wishes of Ashtead residents and that there is a clear mandate for change or no change.