OXTED may be one of the richest towns in Britain – but it's the best value parish in Tandridge.
As parish councils set the coming year's local tax rates – or precepts – the Mirror looked at the disparity between rates paid in neighbouring towns and villages.
Most expensive is Tatsfield – where the precept costs £46.14 a year for a Band D household.
In stark contrast, Oxted householders pay just £5.39 a year.
On their doorstep is a range of shops, restaurants, sports fields, a leisure centre, library, health centre and theatre.
Oxted councillor Martin Fisher said: "We are proud to charge less than other parish councils. We are a quality parish council at a good price.
"I think we have only increased the precept by about £500 a year for the whole of Oxted – and that is something to be proud of."
There are roughly 34,000 households in the town.
"We give money to local organisations and charities from our pot," added Mr Fisher. "But we also have given money towards local projects as well, like a footpath in one of the parks in Hurst Green."
All Band D households in the Tandridge district will pay the same base rate of £1,573.69 in 2013/14, to be split between Surrey County Council, Tandridge District Council and the Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner.
Town and parish councils then set their own precepts – on average £20.26 per household.
In the priciest village of Tatsfield, locals enjoy a tight-knit community with just 700 households, high on the North Downs.
"We have a lot of facilities that we maintain, such as greens and woodland," said Ian Mitchell, a Tatsfield parish councillor.
"The parish council also owns the Aileen McHugo Building, which used to house the doctors' surgery. But it is now nearly 20 years old, and it needs maintainance."
Of the total precept income, £5,000 will be made available for community grants and a further £5,000 will fund any upcoming projects.
"Although people will have to pay more, we at the parish council will be able to put money away to help the community," added Mr Mitchell.
Limpsfield residents, however, may argue that with the cheapest precept in the district at £5.41, their historic village may in fact lay claim to title of best place to live.
