This Issue
Welcome to E-Borough Insight
Introduction to the June edition of E-Borough Insight, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council's monthly newsletter.
Welcome to June's edition of E-Borough Insight, your newsletter from Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.
Have your say on the future of local government in Surrey
All Surrey residents are urged to take part in a landmark Government consultation that will help determine the future shape of local government in the county.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched its consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Surrey.
This marks the most significant change to local government in the county in over 50 years, giving residents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape how decisions are made, services are delivered, and communities are represented.
The consultation is open to all residents, businesses, voluntary groups, and local organisations. This is the only opportunity for the public to comment on these proposals — and every response counts.
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is one of nine district and borough councils who support a three unitary proposal. Our council believes that three unitary councils in Surrey would be the best way to:
- emphasise alignment with established economic areas to drive growth
- prioritise local identity and community empowerment
- improve efficiency and capacity to deliver high quality and sustainable public services, whilst meeting local needs which are informed by local views.
Find out more, and respond to the consultation, here: Local Government Reorganisation Consultation – Surrey LGR Hub
Epsom & Ewell agrees to carry out a Community Governance Review
At a meeting of the full Council last week, Councillors agreed to carry out a Community Governance Review in the borough.
The consultation will ask residents for their opinion on whether to create parish areas along with a parish council or councils in Epsom & Ewell, including options for geography, number of councillors and what councils should be called, e.g. parish, community, neighbourhood or village council.
Initial consultation with residents and stakeholders will start in July 2025: dates for the consultation will be announced on the council’s website and social media next week.
Find out more on our website: Community Governance Review | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
News
Have Your Say on the Future of Local Government in Surrey
Residents across Surrey are being urged to take part in a landmark Government consultation that will help determine the future shape of local government in the county.
Residents across Surrey are being urged to take part in a landmark Government consultation that will help determine the future shape of local government in the county.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has now officially launched its consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Surrey. This marks the most significant change to local government in the county in over 50 years, giving residents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape how decisions are made, services are delivered, and communities are represented.
The consultation is open to all residents, businesses, voluntary groups, and local organisations. This is the only opportunity for the public to comment on these proposals — and every response counts.
Councillor Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group, said:
“Residents have consistently told us that they want decisions made by people who know and understand their communities, and this is supported by over 60% of respondents to the survey that Surrey district and borough councils undertook in April who had a preference for a three-unitary model.
“We believe the three-unitary model best reflects that - delivering better services, stronger accountability, and a future that works for every part of Surrey. Whatever your view, the important thing is that you take part and make your voice heard.”
The Government is consulting on two options:
- The proposal by Surrey County Council, to create two unitary authorities;
- The other, supported by nine district and borough councils, to establish three new unitary councils.
It is recognised and understood that MHCLG will not be progressing or carrying out consultation regarding the Reigate & Banstead/Crawley proposal.
Councillor Hannah Dalton continued:
“Both models are financially viable, provided the Government addresses Surrey’s unrecoverable debt, mainly in Woking. In correspondence received from the Secretary of State, Jim McMahon MP we welcome the Government’s acceptance that, even after rationalisation of Woking’s historic assets, it is likely that the majority of the councils’ remaining debt cannot be managed locally; but wait to see what this means in terms of support after 2026/27.”
The three-unitary proposal provides a stronger long-term foundation for high-quality local government, including:
- Stronger public services designed around local needs
- Better alignment with local identities and communities
- Greater opportunities for economic growth and infrastructure delivery
- More responsive and accountable local governance.
Councillor Dalton continued:
“The Government consultation is your only opportunity to influence how your area is governed for future decades.
“We want as many residents as possible to have their say in this consultation, and we have been assured by MHCLG that every response will be treated equally. I would encourage every resident, business, local voluntary sector partner, parish and town council to complete the consultation. For more information on the proposals being considered linked to the Government’s questions, please take a look at the Surrey LGR website.”
Find out more: visit Surrey Local Government Reorganisation Hub – Surrey LGR Hub(link is external)
To take part in the official Government consultation:
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to carry out a Community Governance Review
Last week, at a meeting of the full Council, we agreed to carry out a Community Governance Review in the borough. Initial consultation with residents and stakeholders will start in July 2025: dates for the consultation will be announced on the council’s website and social media next week.
The consultation will ask residents for their opinion on whether to create parish areas along with a parish council or councils in Epsom & Ewell, including options for geography, number of councillors and what councils should be called, e.g. parish, community, neighbourhood or village council.
As part of local government reorganisation, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will be dissolved in April 2027 along with all 12 district, borough and county councils in Surrey, and two or three new unitary councils will be created. New unitary councils will be responsible for services currently delivered by both Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Surrey County Council in the borough - including waste and recycling, community support services, planning, education, social care and more. This is the biggest change in local government in fifty years.
Councillor John Beckett, Chair of the Standards and Constitution Committee, said “We believe that parish councils would provide an essential link between Epsom & Ewell residents and a new unitary council, which will be responsible for a much larger area in Surrey; ensuring that resident and community voices in Epsom & Ewell are heard and considered by decision-makers in local government in the future.
“Historically, Epsom & Ewell has had a strong local voice, with more than ninety years of continuous service on Epsom & Ewell Borough Council by the elected Residents’ Association majority group.
“We want to ensure that the interests of our residents and local communities have a platform, and that our vital local voice is not lost for future generations.”
Epsom & Ewell Biodiversity Action Plan’s five-year review ratified by Committee
On 24 June, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Environment Committee ratified progress made on the Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-2030. The five-year review also reflects legislative changes made as part of the Government’s Environment Act 2021. (Public Pack)Agenda Document for Environment Committee, 24/06/2025 19:30,- from page 29)
The Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-2030 is linked to the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan, helping the borough to meet its climate change goals.
Key successes made by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council between 2020-2025
Some of the report’s highlights include:
- Protected species are now considered as part of the householder planning application process.
- Improved grassland management across the borough’s local nature reserves, Nonsuch Park, and Epsom Downs.
- An Ash-Dieback Working Group, established by the Council’s Tree Officer, has developed a plan for managing diseased trees in order to safeguard the public and protect biodiversity.
- Improved mapping and management of veteran trees across the borough.
- New ponds created in Horton Country Park and Epsom Common Local Nature Reserves.
- New wetland habitat developed at Chamber Mead in the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve in partnership with the South East Rivers Trust.
Legislative changes
The Environment Act 2021 strengthens the legal duty for public bodies to conserve and enhance biodiversity. Legislative changes include:
- All planning permissions granted in England (with a few exemptions) are to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain and all off-site, and significant on-site habitats will need to be secured for at least 30 years.
- New biodiversity reporting requirements for local authorities.
- Mandatory spatial strategies for nature with Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS).
Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said:
“We are committed to creating and maintaining habitats that support resilient ecosystems in our local nature reserves and green spaces across the borough. Our Biodiversity Action Plan plays a vital role in tackling climate change.
This five-year review has highlighted the vast amount of work, and wide-ranging activities, that we deliver. A prime example is Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, that was awarded its 18th consecutive Green Flag Award in 2024. Also, fantastic partnership work to create wetlands is enabling the reintroduction of water voles to Surrey for the first time in over 20 years along the Hogsmill River.
Thanks to our countryside team for their passion, hard work and expertise in shaping biodiverse habitats across the borough. Also, a huge thank you to our partners and volunteers, without their support we wouldn’t be able to enjoy such wonderful green spaces.”
A new digital guide to showcase the Horton Country Park's heritage
We have just launched a new digital tour that showcases local beauty spot, Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve
The tour is available to download now via Bloomberg Connects.
We created the tour to help both first-time and returning visitors explore the history of Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve. This is the second tour to be launched on Bloomberg Connects by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council; in September 2023, Nonsuch Park went live on the app, allowing users to peruse the formal gardens at their leisure.
Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve covers 200 acres and is situated in the northern half of the borough of Epsom and Ewell. There are 14 stops along the tour, which include Pond Wood with a mention of the bomb crater which was left from an air raid in 1941; volunteering at Horton Country Park; as well as the community orchard where residents can pick apples in the summer season. It also highlights the Horton Light Railway, which once ran through the area, serving the largest hospital cluster of its kind in Europe at the time. The entire walking tour takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, but can be enjoyed at any pace, returning to the start at any of the designated turning points.
The new digital tour of Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve is packed full of information, interesting facts, photos, history and more. It is the perfect companion for those visiting this Local Nature Reserve and information is available anytime, anyplace making information much more accessible.
This tour is an important part of our Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy with one of its aims being to increase access to culture and heritage across Epsom & Ewell, allowing people to engage with our colourful - and varied - culture past in new and engaging ways.
Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee, said,
“I am delighted to support the launch of our latest free-to-enjoy digital tour about the Horton Light Railway at Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve. Showcasing the richness of our borough's heritage, the tour is a great way to spend time outdoors, learning about the importance of the railway and its vital contribution to the borough's hospital cluster."
Viewing the tour
Have your say on the Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Plan
The Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Forum's Neighbourhood Plan Consultation (Regulation 16) is open until 11.59pm on Friday 1 August.
The Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Forum prepared and submitted their Neighbourhood Plan for 2025-2019, with the purpose being to provide planning policies that guide developments in the designated Stoneleigh and Auriol neighbourhood area.
Following public consultation, the Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Plan will be independently examined.
Information on neighbourhood planning guidance can be found on the council website.
Celebrating Pride in Epsom & Ewell
Celebrating Pride in Epsom & Ewell
This month, we celebrated Pride in the borough.
Pride month is about acceptance, equality, celebrating the work of LGBTQ+ people, education in LGBTQ+ history and raising awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
The council raised the Pride flag in the Market Place and lit up the clock tower in all the colours of the rainbow.
Meanwhile, an exhibition honouring the influential figures who have shaped and inspired the LGBTQ+ community was put on at Bourne Hall.
Our Home Improvement team helping vulnerable people to stay in their own 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
Radio Teleswitch Service switch off on 30 July affecting electricity & hot water supply
From 30 June the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is being turned off. This could affect your electricity and hot water supply.
If you have an RTS electricity meter it will need to be replaced.
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.
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.
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:
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a small professional and committed team where you'll help to develop and deliver projects and initiatives that meet the needs of our community, particularly for those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged.
We are looking for a motivated, organised and goal-orientated person who ideally has a sound understanding of health and wellbeing issues that have an impact on diverse communities. The ability to empathise and confidently communicate with a range of of people is essential, and experience of drafting funding applications and coordinating and delivering varying projects that encompass physical activity would be an advantage.
If you have experience of delivering community-based projects and have the ability to communicate confidently in a variety of settings, we'd love to hear from you.
Find out more about the role here: Community Development Officer
Our Operational Services Division is looking for dedicated people to drive and supervise refuse and recycling collection vehicles, ensuring a timely, high quality, safe, friendly and efficient services for our residents. The council collects almost 120,000 refuse and recycling containers each week, over half of all collected waste is recycled.
You will be the primary driver of a vehicle up to 26 tonnes and will be responsible for its activities and crew, ensuring their safety and that all tasks are completed efficiently and within set timelines. You'll also undertake daily vehicle checks, ensuring you comply with all procedures relating to the vehicle's use, and also be aware of all COSHH regulations, keeping up to date with any new legislation.
If you are enthusiastic, can work safely on your own & methodically as part of a team, and are determined to deliver a first class service then we would like to hear from you!
Find out more about the role here: LGV Driver 1
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.
What's On
What's on in Epsom & Ewell
Find out what's happening 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:
Show your skills and win a cash prize! Register a 6-aside team or join one on the day!
Saturday 5 July
2pm to 5pm
FREE
Lifestyle Fitness, Ewell High School, Ruxley Lane, KT19 9JW
Join folk law writer Ana McLaughlin and discover the difference between myths and legends, talk about quests and voyages and figures like King King Arthur and Boudicca. Children also get to choose the winner of the World Cup of Legendary Beasts and Baddies!
Saturday 12 July
1pm to 2.30pm
£6.50 per child
Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club, Ewell KT17 1UF
Enjoy the different brands of humour from Alex Mitchell, Tom Houghton and Michael Odewale! Your MC for the evening will be multi-award winning stand-up comedian Jenny Collier.
Friday 18 July
7.30pm to 10pm
£23 tickets cannot be refunded
Epsom Playhouse, Ashley Avenue KT18 5AL
Free Family fun returns to Epsom! Includes entertainment and activities such as tea cup rides, climbing wall, caving experience, crazy golf and much more!
From Friday 25 July to Friday 29 August
12 noon to 4.30pm
FREE
Epsom Marketplace
Epsom Playhouse - July 2025
See what's on at Epsom Playhouse
Find out what's coming up at the Epsom Playhouse below.
Markets in Epsom & Ewell
Epsom Markets
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
Farmer's Market - Epsom Marketplace
This market usually takes place on the first Sunday of the month, the next market is Sunday 4 Mayl 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.
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
