News
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:
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.
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
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:
- Are a resident in Epsom and Ewell
- Are the owner occupier of a property with a gas boiler
- Are on means-tested benefits or low income
- Live in a property with an EPC rating of D – G, and
- Have a broken or end of life boiler over ten years old.
If you meet the criteria and would like to register an interest in the scheme, please contact Action Surrey by calling 0800 783 2503 or visit Epsom and Ewell Boiler Upgrade Grant - Action Surrey
Jobs at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council
We're recruiting.
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:
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
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.
