Welcome to E-Borough Insight

Welcome to March's edition of E-Borough Insight, your newsletter from Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.

The way local government works in Surrey could be changing for the first time in 50 years and we want to hear your thoughts on a proposal to create new unitary councils that could shape the future of local services - find out how you can have your say. This follows Epsom & Ewell Councillors previously voting to approve the submission of the interim proposal for local government reorganisation in Surrey to Jim McMahon MP on Friday 21 March, with a majority agreement on an initial preference for three unitary councils in Surrey. 

Epsom & Ewell's Local Plan also moved along with our Planning Team submitting the Local Plan, and all supporting evidence including Consultation responses, to the Secretary of State ahead of public examination. They will appoint a Planning Inspector who will then carry out the examination to determine whether the Local Plan is sound and legally compliant. Find out more including the public examination process.

With more than 250 families from Epsom & Ewell in temporary accommodation, a further 1,336 people on the council's housing needs register, and many others looking for a property to rent or buy we have started reaching out to owners of properties that have been empty for more than two years, to try to bring them back to use. Find out how you can contact us if you have a property to let.

There are many awareness days, weeks and months that reflect our values, providing us with a focus and platform to further support our community. We hope you managed to remember and reflect with us as we marked national Covid-19 Day of Reflection which included us inviting residents to sign a Book of Remembrance and councillors laying yellow ribbon tributes on Covid memorial benches across the borough. The theme of International Women's Day was #AccelerateAction and Victoria, our Contact Centre Supervisor, and Councillor Shanice Goldman, Chair of the Crime and Disorder Committee, talked about what the day meant to them with Councillor Goldman offering advice to comen coming into politics and how society has to change. 

And finally...
Cuddington Community Primary School will be joined by St Joseph's Catholic Primary School and St Martin's Church of England Junior School in taking part in Surrey Environment Partnership's 'Reduce Waste' scheme. So far, four Surrey schools have taken home funds to help with their own environmental projects. Find out how to help local school with their own environment project - sign up today.

Keep updated on news on activities on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor and LinkedIn).

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council submits Local Plan

We have submitted the borough’s Local Plan to Government for Public Examination by the Planning Inspectorate. Submission at this time ensures that the Local Plan will be inspected according to the December 2023 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Public examination of the Local Plan by an independent Planning Inspector will take place later this year, once an Inspector has been appointed. 

The plan has been written in consultation with residents and stakeholders and is informed by an extensive evidence base. Public consultations took place in February 2023 and December 2024.

The Local Plan is a critical document in shaping the future of the borough. It covers a wide range of issues; from the creation of jobs, environmental protection and leisure development to sites for new homes, including affordable homes, and much-needed infrastructure improvements.

The council’s Local Plan Examination Webpage contains more information on the Local Plan Examination, including the documents submitted and copies of responses to the Proposed Submission Local Plan.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said:

“I am very grateful to EEBC officers who have worked diligently to reach this milestone, ensuring that the Local Plan is assessed against the framework to which it was developed. Overall, it has been a huge undertaking.

I also thank all the residents who took the time to tell us their views. I know that the plan will not please everyone. However, I believe it is a huge step forward for our borough and our communities, and if adopted it will help ensure that all Epsom & Ewell residents can enjoy the benefits that this strategic plan aims to deliver – whether their focus is on access to affordable homes, leisure facilities and green space, to jobs and economic growth.”

The public examination will include public hearings. Details about these will be published on the council’s website.

Surrey District and Borough Councils launch Local Government Reorganisation - Have your say!

The way local government works in Surrey could be changing for the first time in 50 years! We want to hear your thoughts on a proposal to create new unitary councils that could shape the future of local services. 

The survey is open for comments until Sunday 20 April.

An initial proposal for Local Government Reorganisation, which would see the county divided into two or three unitary councils, was published by district and borough councils last week, and they are now asking for the initial views of residents and local businesses.

At Epsom & Ewell Borough Council's Extraordinary Council Meeting on 18 March, councillors voted to approve the submission of the interim proposal for local government reorganisation in Surrey to Jim McMahon MP, the majority agreed on an initial preference for three unitary councils in Surrey. Read more about the Extraordinary Council Meeting.

Given that the current system of local government has been in place for the last 50 years, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change things for the better. Eight district and borough councils are therefore offering local people the opportunity to give their feedback on plans for the future governance of the county, to influence the next phase of the process.

Most district and borough leaders in Surrey support a move to three unitary authorities. They believe this would strike the best balance between efficiency and maintaining genuine local accountability, as well as maximising opportunities to support economic growth by ensuring that unitary authorities reflect the economic geography of the county. But regardless of any stated preferences, all district and borough leaders are keen that local people should have the opportunity to contribute to the debate.

The new unitary authorities would assume responsibility for the services currently delivered by Surrey County Council and the 11 district and boroughs. This transition would pave the way for the creation of a new strategic authority covering the county.

Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Residents’ Association (Majority Group) and co-chair of the Surrey Leaders Group, said:

"This is a pivotal moment for local government in Surrey. There are a number of compelling advantages to unitary councils - and cost savings is only one of them. We also need to ensure we create new organisations that can manage economic growth more effectively, and which recognise the importance of community, identity, and local democracy.

“Local Government Reorganisation provides us with an important opportunity to secure Surrey’s future prosperity, safeguard high-quality public services and ensure that decisions continue to be made close to the people they impact.

“The voice of our residents is what really matters. We want to hear what you think about the future of your local councils. Please get involved in the survey and give us your views.”

For more information:

• Epsom & Ewell Borough Council - Local Government Reorganisation | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
• Watch the ‘Devolution explained’ video - https://youtu.be/6I-PMNBxtgA
• Surrey Matters Newsletter - Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) - Surrey County Council
• Government - Local government reorganisation: Policy and programme updates - GOV.UK

We will also keep you updated through this newsletter and our social media channels.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council reaches out to property owners to bring empty homes back into use

We are getting in touch with owners of properties that have been empty for more than two years, to try to bring them back into use.

Empty properties are a wasted housing resource, can attract anti-social activity, and can even create environmental problems.

There are currently more than 250 families from Epsom & Ewell in temporary accommodation, with a further 1,336 people on the council’s housing needs register, and many others looking for a property to rent or buy. Bringing empty properties back into use will help households facing homelessness find accommodation within the borough, closer to their schools, jobs and local support networks.

There are currently 64 properties that have been empty for more than two years in Epsom & Ewell. Homeowners still pay council tax on empty properties council tax on a property that has been empty for more than two years increases to 200%, while those empty for more than five years increases to 300%.

There are several options available for empty homeowners:

• Leasing a property to us via our Private Sector Lease (PSL) scheme for a period of 3-5 years. The homeowner receives a guaranteed rental income, and we manage the property on their behalf. Where the property requires renovation before it can be leased, we may even be able to assist with the cost of works. 
• Letting the property privately.
• Selling the property to provide residential accommodation within the borough. In some instances, we may even be interested in buying the property.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said:

“Across the country, the lack of affordable housing has put massive pressure on local authorities, and Epsom & Ewell is no different. The council’s housing team work extremely hard to house people in need but supply continually outstrips demand.

“I would implore anyone with a long-term empty property in the borough to consider getting in touch with the council or letting it out privately. Not only would you be providing much needed accommodation but, by bringing your property back into use, you can avoid an additional council tax burden.”

If you have a property to let and you'd like to talk to us about how we can help, let us know by filling in this form: Do you have a property to let? | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

RTS electricity meter switch off on 30 June affecting electricity and water supply - take action today

The signal that controls Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) electricity meters is being switched off on 30 June 2025 due to the equipment having reached the end of its operational life. This could affect your electricity and water supply so please read below to find out the action you need to take.

RTS uses a radio signal to tell some older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates. This shutdown will affect energy consumers that have an RTS electricity meter in their home or business.

If you have an RTS electricity meter you will need to have it replaced. 

Visit the OFGEM website to find out what an RTS meter is, if you’re affected, and what action you need to take - Replacing your Radio Teleswitch electricity meter | Ofgem

Three schools from Epsom & Ewell are taking part in Rethink Waste

There are now three primary schools in Epsom and Ewell taking part in Rethink Waste!

Find out how your local school is planning to help their environment, sign up and get donating, to help them achieve their goals, now:

• Cuddington Community Primary School, Worcester Park – are planning to develop an eco area to attract wildlife to the school.
• St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Epsom – will buy resources to improve its old pond area and litter pickers for the children to borrow.
• St Martins Church of England Junior School, Epsom – are planning to create a reflection area in its forest school.

Already this year, four Surrey schools have taken home a total of £2,000. And now, a further £1,000 is on offer (£750 to the winner, £250 to the runner-up) in March.

Surrey residents have been signing up to Rethink Waste, completing online activities that encourage and educate them on waste reduction, which they win points for, and then donating their points to participating schools. 

All you have to do to help your local school win funds is sign up to Rethink Waste online or download the Rethink Waste app, complete some activities and donate points to your chosen school.

So far, over 12,500 households in Surrey have signed up to take part in Rethink Waste. They’ve completed over 200,000 activities and are well on their way to reducing the amount of waste produced in Surrey – a result for the planet and for Surrey councils as they will save money on disposal costs.

Fly tipper order to pay over £2,000

Fly tipping in our borough will not be tolerated. Our Environmental Health team identify and fine or prosecute anyone found to have dumped waste illegally.

Last month, the council successfully prosecuted a man for fly tipping in the World’s End area in February 2024. 

The three offences he was charged with were fly tipping, failure to provide waste transfer notes and failing to attend council offices to give assistance.  

The council repeatedly attempted to contact the perpetrator and deal with the matter by way of a fixed penalty notice, but he failed to engage, and the case proceeded to court action.

The man pleaded guilty, and was ordered to pay the fines, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £2,330.Fly tipping is anti-social and can cause pollution of the environment. It's a physical danger to animals and humans and spoils local neighbourhoods and our quality of life.

To report a fly tip please use our online form – www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/fly-tipping or telephone 01372 732000.

Be prepared - check your flood risk

Surrey County Council lead flood risk management for the county, including for the borough of Epsom & Ewell. We urge residents to take proactive steps to prepare for potential flooding especially during this time of year. With flood incidents on the rise, it is crucial to reduce risks and ensure you are safe.

Flooding can have a severe and lasting impact on lives, often catching many of us unaware and unprepared. It can be an emotional time, causing significant worry and stress. To help residents navigate these challenging situations, we have compiled essential information and key contacts.

Check your risk

Residents are advised to check their home's flood risk, visit check the long term flood risk for an area in England or calling the Floodline (24-hour service) on 0345 988 1188. There is also the opportunity to register for flood alerts and warnings.

The latest information on flooding in Surrey can be found on the Flood Warning Information Service page or by phoning them on 0345 988 1188. You can also sign up to receive flood warnings.

Know how to Prepare.Act.Survive

There are simple steps you can take to prepare for flooding which can help keep you and your family safe, and save you thousands of pounds in damages and disruption. Learn more about what you can do to plan ahead for flooding.

If there is a risk of flooding, we have advice on how to be prepared for a flood.

Protecting your home from flooding

It is your responsibility to protect your home in the first instance. If you think your home is at risk of flooding then you may want to look at using suitable flood defence products.

The National Flood Forum is a charity set up to support those affected by flooding. They have a list of available flood protection products on their Blue Pages website.

Report flooding

Find out how and who you can report different types of floods to on this flooding webpage.

During a flood

Flooding events can be devastating, leaving lasting impacts that are both financial and emotional for residents and business owners.

During a flooding incident, you should focus on the safety of yourself and others and stay out of floodwater. We have put together some advice on what to do should an incident occur.

• Flooding in your home
• Flooding at your business
• Flooding on roads, pavements, or land

If there is danger to life, call 999 and follow advice from the emergency services.

After a flood

Once the flood waters have subsided and you've returned to your home or business, we have put together some practical advice and resources to support you through the necessary steps for recovery after a flood.

Get support

If someone has concerns about their own or others' mental health, they can visit their GP or call NHS on 111, who can help identify further sources of support.

NHS Every Mind Matters guidance also has advice on how to deal with stress or anxiety as well as information about where you can access further support.

NHS services is a good source of local health information, including local mental health services.

Helplines, such as Samaritans, can provide support to anyone in emotional distress or struggling to cope. The Samaritans free helpline is available 24 hours a day on 116123.

If you, or someone you know, is vulnerable, requires additional assistance or has additional communication needs then you can sign up to the Priority Services Register and contact your utility providers. It is free and can help you or a loved one to stay safe, warm and independent at home.

Useful contacts

For general advice, call the Environment Agency's 24-hour Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

To report roads and drains, call Surrey County Council on 0300 2001003.

Further Epsom & Ewell Borough Council information

• Flooding and Adverse Weather | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
• Emergency planning | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Free Boiler Upgrade

Earlier this year, in partnership with Action Surrey, we launched a free boiler upgrade scheme for residents who meet the following criteria:

Jobs at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council

Our small but ambitious authority offers you the opportunity to become involved in a wide range of varied and interesting work. That, together with an enviable array of staff benefits and a rewarding and challenging career, is our unique offer to you.

If you have the passion and the drive to make a real difference, we really want to hear from you. View a list of all current vacancies at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council. 

Our latest vacancies include:

Tree Officer

Are you passionate about trees? We're looking for a Tree Officer to join our team. Taking a lead role in all tree related matters, including assessing trees for protection, processing applications and appeals, and providing related specialist advice and guidance to planning officers, enforcement teams, the public, and Councillors; you will also lead on improving processes relating to Tree Preservation Orders and Tree Replacement Notices. Find out more about the role here: Epsom & Ewell Tree Officer

Benefit Officer

Are you an ambitious benefits professional looking for a new challenge? This is an exciting opportunity to join our small and dynamic in-house team where every day is difference and there is a variety of work for you to utilise your existing skills and develop new ones. We're looking for an all-rounder to be involved in all aspects of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support assessment with proven experience in these areas within the last 12 months.

At Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, we are passionate about maintaining an inclusive workplace for all that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of our community particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and those with hidden or visible disabilities.

We are committed to ensuring all our staff – regardless of gender, age, religion, sexuality, ethnicity or disability – can thrive and succeed whilst working with us.

Together, we make a difference - Community Services Driver & Technician

We strive to do the best for all our community our stories continues to highlight the great work that our people and partners carry out that help to make a difference.

Tracey works in our Community & Wellbeing Services Team, helping to deliver a friendly and supportive service for the over 55s, elderly and the more vulnerable people in our community. They ultimately help residents live as fulfilling a life as possible, support others to live independently and provide respite for those who need it.

The team provides a range of community support services including: a meal delivery service; door-to-door assisted transport for personal trips; personal alarms; assisted bathing and more. We also have a Community & Wellbeing Centre for the over 55s and also have a Dementia Hub that provides specialist respite care for those living with memory loss and dementia.

Tracey is a Community Services Driver & Technician and has worked within the team for nearly 6 years. She helps deliver our door-to-door assisted transport service, installs personal alarms and delivers meals.  

Tracey said:

“I love meeting people, being busy and making a difference where I can. Whether contacting a client at the start of the day to help them prepare for my arrival or simply keeping them informed during their journey, I want each person to feel safe, cared for and know that they can trust me to help them reach their destination so they can carry out their everyday tasks.”

I’m truly proud to be able to play a part, no matter how small, that helps the more vulnerable people carry on with their daily lives, and in doing so help them feel part of our community.”

For more information about the Community Support Services available - Support Services | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.

Other stories showing how we make a difference can be found here - Together, we make a difference | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

What's on in Epsom & Ewell

Find out what's happening in Epsom & Ewell in the coming months; take a look at the events page on the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council website. 

Here are a few highlights: 

Easter Egg Trail for Age Concern Epsom & Ewell

Book online to secure a place on this Easter Egg Trail at Rosebery Park. Find the clues hidden around the park to reveal a mystery prize, one prize per completed entry card.

Saturday 5 April 2025
10am to 2pm
Tickets are £3 - this event is for under 12s, all children must be supervised at all times

Plague and Fire 1666

Hear our Samuel Pepys re-enactor tell the story of the Great Plague and Great Fire of London, by far the largest city in Britain and the third largest city in the western world by the 1660s.

Saturday 12 April 2025
1pm to 2.30pm
Tickets are £6 per child

Good Friday Drama in Epsom

This story about Jesus starts at 10.30am near the pond in Rosebery Park and moves to Epsom Marketplace near the Clocktower for the final acts. All are welcome.

Friday 18 April 2025
10.30am
Tickets are free

Bluebell Walk

Take in the beauty of spring with this walk around Horton Country Park with a member of our Countryside team.

Sunday 27 April

2pm to 4.30pm - meet at the car park for 2pm

Tickets are £5 per adult, £2.50 for under 16s

Epsom Playhouse - March 2025

Find out what's coming up at the Epsom Playhouse below.

For the latest and most up-to-date list, please visit the Epsom Playhouse website.

• Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of The Dubliners
  Tuesday 1 April 2025
  Direct from the West End and following their successful world tour, The Story of the Dubliners is the ultimate feel good show.

• Bobby Davro: Everything is funny... if you can laugh at it
  Thursday 3 April 2025
  Bobby Davro hits the road for his first tour in over a decade following a series of sell-out shows at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival last summer.

• The Drifters
  Saturday 5 April 2025
  The Drifters are back on tour in the UK performing all their classic hits including 'Saturday Night at the Movies', 'Come on over to my place', 'Kissin' in the back row' and many more!

• Crazy for You presented by the Epsom Light Opera Company
  Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12 April 2025
  Filled with mistaken identities, comedic mishaps and classic Gershwin songs like 'I Got Rhythm' and 'Someone to Watch Over Me', Crazy for You is a feel good romantic comedy that celebrates the magic of musical theatre.

• Puss in Boots presented by Let's All Dance Ballet Company
  Wednesday 16 April 2025
  Treat your children to the magic of live, professional dance. The Let's All Dance Ballet Company brings to life a new version of Puss in Boots about a friendship between a magical cat and a young man with a talent for music.
  

• Aled Jones - Full Circle
  Saturday 26 April 2025
  After 40 years in the business, Aled Jones looks back on a remarkable, and varied, career with a one-man show that will feature never-before-heard music. Meet n' Greet ticket holders, please arrive at 5.45pm.

Markets in Epsom & Ewell

Regular markets in Epsom Marketplace take place on Thursday and Saturday.
For information on the weekly markets at Epsom Marketplace take a look here: Epsom & Ewell markets

Artisan Market - Bourne Hall 
Come along to see a gorgeous selection of handmade jewellery, local honey and jams and lots more. 
First Saturday of the month, 10am - 2pm.  The next market is Saturday 5 April 2025.

Farmer's Market - Epsom Marketplace
This market usually takes place on the first Sunday of the month, the next market is Sunday 6 April 2025.
9.30am - 1.30pm.

Find out more at www.surreymarkets.co.uk/event/epsom-market

Explore Epsom and Ewell

Get closer to nature and enjoy the outdoors with our various guided walks. Explore local nature reserves, discover your borough's history and boost your health and wellbeing too.

Visit the walks page on our website to discover a range of walks that take place across Epsom and Ewell.  

Epsom & Ewell also has several beautiful open spaces which are great for cycling, including Epsom Downs, Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, Nonsuch Park, Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve, and Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve. You can find cycling routes for all these places on our website.

Epsom Common Association (ECA)

ECA supports the preservation and protection of Epsom Common local nature reserve and site of special scientific interest. ECA works in partnership with the Council, the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project and English Nature to contribute to the long term management and conservation of the Common.

Nature walks
ECA organises a number of walks on the Common each year which are led by local natural history experts. The subjects that are usually covered each year include birds in early spring, wildflowers, butterflies, invertebrates particularly bush crickets, bats and fungi. 

The EcoVols
If you care about the Common and enjoy its wildlife and beauty why not join the EcoVols, the volunteer group of the ECA. EcoVols carry out a variety of conservation projects on the Common throughout the year in association with English Nature, the Council and the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project. You don’t need any special skills or experience just your enthusiasm and time! For more info and the 2020 EcoVols programme see: Conservation on Epsom Common

April council meetings

The following meetings of the Council will be held in the coming month.

• Wednesday 16 April, 7.30pm - Standards and Constitution Committee
• Thursday 24 April, 7.30pm - Planning Committee

The agendas, reports and details on how to view the council meetings are published seven days before the relevant meeting on the website links above.

Meeting dates are subject to change. When looking for details of a particular meeting, please contact the relevant officer to confirm that the meeting is going ahead as scheduled.

The calendar of Council meetings can be found here: democracy.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/Calendar

You can subscribe to updates in order to receive information via e-mail regarding arrangements for particular committee meetings.

Community Notice Boards

There are community notice boards, known as Borough Boards, in various locations across Epsom & Ewell. The Boards are for local community use and form a vital information point for those who are not online.  They are used for timely information and events; they are not used to advertise businesses. 

Submitting a poster

If you have a poster you would like placing on the boards, please email communications@epsom-ewell.gov.uk with an electronic copy of the poster, so the team can double check it is appropriate for the boards. Once the team have confirmed the poster is suitable, please print and deliver 25 posters (one for each board) into the postbox outside the main entrance at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Town Hall, clearly marked ‘Borough Boards’, or ask your Ward Councillor to do so on your behalf.

Please submit your posters as far in advance as possible, to allow plenty of time for posters to be checked and put up on the boards.

Content Rules

Posters should advertise timely local information and events. The following will not be accepted:

• Overt advertising of businesses or services
• Any discriminatory language or suggestions, including hate speech and profanities in the text or via images
• Promoting a religious cause only, with no event or activity taking place
• Any political inferences.

Poster content should be easy for everyone to read and respond to. All posters must:

• Be a maximum of A4 in size
• Consider accessibility - they should be easy to read, in colours that are contrasting and not using fonts that may be tricky for those with visual impairments to read
• Posters should include a working phone number wherever possible.  A poster that only points to a website / email for more information will not serve those members of the community who are not online.

We reserve the right to select which posters can be featured. 

We will insert posters that meet the content rules above on a first submitted, first served basis, until all the spaces are allocated, and to remove any that are out of date in a timely manner.