Proposals were met with a significant backlash, throwing plans for reform into disarray.
82% of respondents in the constituencies of Epsom and Ewell were opposed to the idea of introducing parish-stye community councils. The project was branded a ‘waste of time’.
When councillors met on 12th March, a formal decision was made to complete scrap the idea. This is despite widespread concerns surrounding the forthcoming local government reforms, which will see large numbers of local councils dissolved and absorbed into larger combined authorities. In this case, Epsom and Ewell will both form part of the new East Surrey authority.
Critics have suggested this could make town and county halls less accountable and accessible on a local level. An issue which the ‘community council’ ideal looked to address. Although reports from consultations suggest this was seen favourably by residents, other aspects of the plan — including the number of ward councillors, parish names, and £70,000 spend — were found to be unpopular.
Image: Sergey Zolkin / Unsplash
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