News
Local Government Reorganisation proposal submitted to government
On 9 May, nine district and borough councils in Surrey submitted a proposal for the formation of three unitary councils as part of the Local Government Reorganisation for Surrey.
Two district and borough councils; Mole Valley District Council and Elmbridge Borough Council, and Surrey County Council favour two unitary authorities.
The nine district and borough councils who support three unitary authorities are: Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, Reigate & Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Tandridge, Waverley and Woking. This model would see Epsom & Ewell become part of an East Surrey unitary council along with Tandridge District Council, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council.
Both proposals are published on council websites and on the Surrey LGR Hub: Final proposals – Surrey LGR Hub
The proposal submitted by district and borough councils supporting three unitary councils is underpinned by the following priorities:
- supporting economic growth
- housing and infrastructure delivery
- unlocking devolution
- valuing and advocating for Surrey’s unique local identities and places
- providing strong democratic accountability, representation and community empowerment
- securing financial efficiency, resilience and the ability to withstand financial shocks
- delivering high-quality, innovative and sustainable public services that are responsive to local need and that enable wider public sector reform.
Speaking about the proposal for three unitary councils, Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group and Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:
“Today, district and borough councils have submitted a proposal for local government reorganisation in Surrey, a proposal rooted in what local government is all about: local identity, representation and economic alignment.
This is a once in a generation opportunity to shape Surrey’s future, to improve outcomes and opportunities for our residents, businesses and people across the county who rely on us most. We look forward to the government’s response to our proposal.”
Councillor Robert Leach elected as Mayor for 2025/26
On Tuesday 13 May at our Annual Meeting of the Council, Councillor Robert Leach was appointed as the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell for 2025/26.
Robert has lived in the borough since childhood, and is serving his second spell as a Residents' Association councillor, currently representing Nonsuch ward.
The office of Mayor is non political. It is the highest honour the council can bestow upon a councillor and recognises a high level of public service. As well as chairing council meetings, the Mayor represents the council at civic, social, cultural, charitable and other functions and events.
This year, the Mayor will support local charities:
- Good Company who run the Foodbank,
- Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell and
- Epsom & Ewell Phab, a club that provides inclusive activities for young disabled and non-disabled people.
Epsom & Ewell celebrate 80th anniversary of VE Day
A number of commemorative events are planned to be held across the borough to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May 2025.
On 8 May, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day where we held a number of commemorative events and activities.
Celebrations on the day itself began with a procession from the Town Hall, led by the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, to Epsom Market Place. To mark the occasion, we raised a specially designed VE Day 80 flag, provided by the Royal British Legion, and Councillor Graham Jones, Armed Forces Champion, gave the proclamation.
In the evening, we lit up the Epsom Clock Tower as a tribute and, in partnership with Go Epsom and The Jockey Club, hosted a free beacon lighting event on Epsom Downs. At the Epsom Downs Racecourse, entertainment was provided for the public, with some wonderful music performed by choirs and a brass band.
Other activities included:
- Bourne Hall decorating their café and reception area with homemade bunting with local schools designing and making the bunting.
- Land of Hope and Glory, a patriotic matinee show from Neil Sands Productions, was performed at Epsom Playhouse on Thursday 1 May, filled with more than 60 all-time favourite songs that celebrated the best of British entertainment through the decades.
- Leading up to VE Day celebrations, our Streetcare team had planted some beautiful patriotic blooms.
A huge thank you to everybody who helped to organise activities, for those who took part – there were some particularly moving and poignant moments throughout the day, and also to those members of the public who managed to join with us to mark such a significant time in history.
Community groups and organisations invited to bid for community project funding
We invite community groups and organisations to put forward your ideas and bid for funds raised by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), to deliver projects and support new developments that will benefit residents across the borough.
Please send through your applications to the team by Sunday 15 June 2025.
The bidding process is designed to be as clear as possible and the council has introduced a new online form and guidance to help make the process simpler: epsom-ewell.gov.uk/Neighbourhood-CIL(link is external)
- To receive funding, all CIL spending applications must be for infrastructure.
- Bids will be shortlisted using the criteria set out in section C of the CIL Spending Protocol (adopted March 2025).
- More information on the process and prioritisation criteria can be found in section 5 of the CIL Spending Protocol.
All bids will be examined by the CIL Member Working Group; a shortlist will be selected and presented to the Strategy and Resources Committee for approval.
Last year, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council allocated around £330,000 from the 2023/24 Neighbourhood CIL Fund for community infrastructure projects, including:
- Footpath improvements at the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve
- Street tree planting at Waterloo Road
- A new club house at Old Schools Lane, Ewell, to provide a home for community sports and an indoor space for activities including arts clubs, health and fitness groups, counselling services and the Sunnybank Trust, which supports 250 vulnerable men, women and young adults with learning difficulties.
Councillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said
“I hope that as many local community groups and organisations as possible take this opportunity to bid for funds for community projects and initiatives that can improve quality of life for residents in Epsom & Ewell.
The Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy Fund offers us the chance to deliver projects that have a real impact on our communities. By applying for this funding, community groups and organisations can help ensure that money raised through local development is spent on projects that are important to residents here in Epsom & Ewell.”
If you have any questions about the Neighbourhood CIL or the bidding process then please feel free to contact our team on CIL@epsom-ewell.gov.uk.
Promote your Pride Month event on our What's On page!
Did you know that our What's On page can help promote any event across the borough?
With Pride Month coming up, we are asking anyone putting on an event in the borough to include it on our What's On page.
Calling stallholders! Take part in our Bourne Hall Summer Festival on 14 June
Are you a stallholder? Then contact our team to take part in our Bourne Hall Summer Festival where you'll be able to showcase your amazing products to a vibrant community!
Whether you sell crafts, art or unique treasures, we want YOU to be part of this exciting event. This family-friendly event promises a day filled with fun, entertainment, and community spirit.
This Summer Festival will include: live music acts, children's games and activities and market stalls. More information will be available on Bourne Hall's events web page and on social media.
Saturday 14 June 11:00AM - 6:00PM
Bourne Hall, Ewell, Spring Street, KT17 1UF
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to connect with new customers and fellow vendors. Book your stall now and be part of the summer fun!
To find out how to book please email bhevents@epsom-ewell.gov.uk.
Our Home Improvement team helping vulnerable people to stay in their homes
Our Home Improvement Agency (HIA) works to assist disabled, elderly, and vulnerable residents to stay in their homes safely and independently. This is achieved though home assessments by the team, using the various forms of grant assistance which are available and our handyperson service.
Prevention is key and by safeguarding against slips, trips and falls, the works we carry out not only help people feel safe in their home but in turn help to prevent potential hospital admissions and reduce the need to move to a care home.
Our team have had another successful year helping residents with a variety of advice and assistance ranging from fixing a leaking tap to providing a wheelchair accessible bedroom and bathroom extension.
The revised Private Sector Housing Assistance Grants Policy of October 2023 and the promotional work that has been driven forward has had a significant impact on outcomes.
- We have supported 450 residents with the Handyperson service, an increase of 50% to last year’s 300.
- We have also supported 88 residents with DFG and discretionary grants, an increase of 33% to last year.
- Our Epsom & Ewell Boiler Upgrade Grant has to date, replaced 20 boilers for vulnerable residents.
An example of our team's work
Recently, our HIA team received an urgent referral from the Adult Social Care team. It was for a resident who was being released from the hospital but the property needed to be thoroughly cleaned before he could return home.
Under our Hospital to Home Grant, the required work was approved within a day of receiving the referral, and the contractors were instructed to proceed. The resident was able to return to a safe and clean environment to recuperate.
We were able to assist a local team, relieve an NHS bed, and guarantee that the work was completed in an efficient manner for the resident's long-term safety and wellness.
For more information on the Home Improvement Agency, please visit our website Home Improvement Agency | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Anti-social behaviour measures in place ahead of the Epsom Derby
Earlier this month, Councillors agreed to adopt a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle anti-social behaviour in the borough ahead of this years’ Epsom Derby.
This order extends the powers of a previous, alcohol-related PSPO to the whole borough and includes the following new prohibitions:
- Harassing or intimidating residents, businesses or members of the public.
- Threatening any person with violence and/or being verbally abusive towards any person.
- Wearing a piece of clothing with the intent to obscure or hide their identity for the purposes of committing crime and/or anti-social behaviour.
- Acting, or inciting others to act, in an anti-social manner, which is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person.
- Joining or remaining in a group of two or more people which is acting in a manner that is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person.
- Consumption of alcohol following a verbal warning by an authorised person to stop. An authorised person includes a Police Constable, Police Community Support Officer, a Council Officer, or any other person authorised by the Council.
It was also confirmed that the amount payable for a fixed-term penalty notice for this and for any future PSPOs is £100, discounted to £80 if paid within 10 days.
Councillor Shanice Goldman, Chair of the Crime and Disorder Committee, said:
“We know the safety of the borough is important to residents so I am pleased that the new Public Sector Protection Order has been formally adopted by the council. The PSPO is a new tool specifically for the Epsom & Ewell area which will allow police and appropriate council staff to address anti-social behaviour effectively, without immediately resorting to arrests.
“With the Epsom Derby coming up in June, I hope this order will ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone on the day, as well as a safer environment in the borough going forward.”
Councillors agree new strategic priorities for 2025-2027 at full Council meeting
At a meeting of the full Council on 6 May, Councillors approved an amendment to the Four-Year Plan, replacing it with strategic priorities for 2025-2027 and aligning resources by setting up a new local government reorganisation (LGR) reserve.
Councillors agreed that strategic priorities will no longer include a proposed office move from the current Town Hall, instead relocating to the new Town Hall building and completing works to make the newer building fit for purpose for the next two to three years.
Strategic priorities agreed by the Council are:
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Explore future local governance e.g., a Community Council
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Move the old Town Hall into the existing new Town Hall
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Investigate future options for the existing Town Hall site and 70 East Street
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Carry out a review of major assets
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Create an Epsom Town Centre Car Park Strategy/Deliver the Hook Road (Utilities site) Car Park re-development
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Strategic CIL Projects
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Consider options for the future of Bourne Hall Museum.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Hannah Dalton, the Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:
“While we work towards local government reorganisation, the Council will prioritise strategic projects that can be delivered in the time available and that offer best value for our residents. Our goal is to meet the ambitious deadlines set by government to transition to a new era of local government, whilst protecting the best interests of our local communities for the future.”
The amendment to the Council’s approved Four-Year Plan follows the directive from government to reorganise local government across the UK, abolishing two-tier councils and replacing them with single-tier, unitary authorities. New unitary councils in Surrey will likely come into effect in April or May 2027, at which time Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) will be dissolved.
Find out more here: Surrey district and borough councils submit proposal to government outlining vision for future governance in the county | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Councillor Hannah Dalton said:
“Reorganising local government in Surrey into three unitary councils would emphasise alignment with established economic areas, as well as prioritising local identity and community empowerment.
"Unitary councils in north, west and east Surrey would be the right sizes to improve efficiency and capacity to deliver high quality and sustainable public services, whilst meeting local needs informed by local views.
“The proposal is rooted in what local government is all about: local identity, representation and economic alignment.”
The agenda for the meeting can be read here: Epsom and Ewell Democracy
The full Council meeting can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/@epsomandewellBC/playlists(link is external)
Mental Health support and resources available
A key aim of our proposed Health & Wellbeing Strategy is to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of our community, with a greater emphasis on helping residents build connections with each other, be more active and take advantage of opportunities available through the council and our partners through, for example, training.
Following Mental Health Awareness Week, 12-18 May, we would like to highlight the mental health support and resources available across the borough - please click here for information about some of the different organisations, and services, available to support anybody facing mental health challenges.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who managed to feedback their comments on our proposed Health & Wellbeing Strategy, our public consultation closed on Friday 16 May at 5pm.
Cattle grazing project continues at Epsom Common
Cattle have now arrived at our Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve!
We introduced grazing on Epsom Common in 1997 to help manage and restore the wood pasture there. Since then we've seen increases in silver-washed fritillary butterflies and breeding birds, and wildflowers are flourishing along with our reptiles and insects.
To help keep the cows and visiting dogs and people safe, please close gates behind you and keep dogs under close control. Close control means that your dog is either on a fixed lead, walking to heel or will return when called.
Thanks to the Epsom Common Association, the Lower Mole Partnership and Natural England for their work on this project.
Follow this link to find out more about the grazing project on Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve - Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve Grazing Project
Help shape the future of Bourne Hall Museum
Ever visited Bourne Hall Museum? Then we need your help.
We'd love to hear your feedback to help shape and potentially improve the museum in the future.
RTS electricity meter switch off on 30 June affecting electricity & hot water - are you affected?
From 30 June the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is switching off. This could affect your electricity and hot water supply.
There are over 13,500 Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) electricity meters being used in Surrey.
RTS uses a radio signal to tell some older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates. This service is being switched off due to the equipment having reached the end of its operational life. 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
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:
Epsom Playhouse are looking for a multi-skilled and experienced individual to provide technical services that will support a programme of professional and community performances. This is a great opportunity for a highly organised individual with a proven track record of having worked in a theatre environment.
You will have knowledge of ETC computerised lighting programming and operation and will be responsible for rigging, operating and de-rigging, lighting, sound, stage and AV equipment for rehearsals and performances, duty stage management, simple maintenance of equipment, supervision of casual staff and visiting companies and community users.
The Epsom Playhouse, situated in Epsom town centre, is a receiving house comprising a 450-seat main auditorium and an 80-seat studio. Flexibility is vital as you will be required to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. You must also have your own transport as you will be required to work late when public transport is not available.
Find out more about the role here:Epsom Playhouse Technician
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.
