Imminent changes to local government in Surrey WILL affect you!
1st October 2025 - Joint Statement from: Ashtead, Bookham, Fetcham and Leatherhead Residents’ Associations
Please respond to Mole Valley District Council Community Governance Review by 17th October Deadline
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/
BRA links
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Your Residents' Association
The Bookhams Residents’ Association (BRA) is a voluntary membership organisation that is open to all residents and is independent of all political parties.
The purpose of the BRA is to provide a consultative link between residents with councillors, public authorities and utility services.
The BRA also co-ordinates voluntary services such as litter picking, Tree Wardens, High Street Christmas lights and hanging baskets.
If you would like to join the team and help to keep Bookham a village for all to enjoy please get in touch.
Note: The BRA is not directly involved with the cultural and entertainment life of the village. These are provided by our colleagues at the Bookham Community Association at the Old Barn Hall.
Council & Utility Links
Report to Surrey Police
Latest Local Authority, utility and transport news
Do you have an event?
If you have a Bookham community event you wish to publicise, please complete the form below and we'll add it to the online Events Calendar. We cannot guarantee we can publicise all events or any last minute changes but we'll do our best!
If this is an event that you would like to post on our BRA Village Noticeboards, click here for more details
Quick Link Service Requests and Reporting
Not sure who to report a street cleaning request or overhanging branches or a pothole to or seen something suspicious on your video door bell?
Our Councils have multiple responsibilities and it is often a challenge to find out which Council and Council department or organisation is responsible for what. To help residents make a service request or report, just on click on the relevant button below which will take you directly to the relevant council department and reporting forms. Also included in the portal are the National Trust, Surrey Police Suspicious Activity, Surrey Wildlife Trust and emergency flooding.
The portal is for circumstances where a no crime has been reported, but the suspicious behaviour could potentially be related to a burglary, theft of a vehicle, or catalytic converter, for example.
Location grid reference: TQ 130 557
Nearest post code: KT23 3LT
Emergency Flooding - who to contact:
River flooding: Environment Agency (24 hour Floodline): 0345 988 118
Road Flooding: Surrey CC Highways: 0300 200 1003
Sewer Flooding. Thames Water: 0800 316 9800
Assistance to buy essential items (criteria apply): Citizen’s Advice Bureau: 08444 111 444
Power Cuts During Storms
Do you, or someone you know, need extra support during power cuts?
The power company has confirmed that they will provide free welfare services to customers who need extra support. To register for Priority Services support please call 105 or 0800 028 4581.
Wildfire prevention
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in the wildland vegetation, often in rural areas. Wildfires can burn in forests, grass, heaths and commons. Wildfires spread quickly, change direction and can 'jump' making them very difficult to contain. They are a danger to lives, homes, businesses and our wildlife and the impact of them is long lasting. It takes years for the land to return to its former glory.
Whilst you are enjoying the Surrey countryside, you can feedback your observations to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). We can then use the information to tailor prevention activities to educate and mitigate the risk from wildfire.
