News
Surrey councils make progress with Local Government Reorganisation transition
A key milestone in the reorganisation to two new councils for Surrey has been reached, with local councillors coming together for the first time as committees to lay the foundations for the transition.
The government announced last year that Surrey County Council and Surrey’s 11 district and borough councils should reorganise into two new unitary authorities – West Surrey Council and East Surrey Council.
In May, residents will elect councillors who will serve on the new councils, which will initially be ‘shadow authorities’ tasked with setting up the new organisations. Then from April 2027, they’ll officially take over delivering all local services in each area. Until then, district and borough councils and Surrey County Council will continue to deliver their current services with existing councillors.
New Joint Committees
Due to the scale, complexity and timescales of work to be delivered, the new committees, made up of existing councillors from the borough, district and county councils, will start the initial work.
The East Surrey Voluntary Joint Committee met on Thursday 15 January at the Surrey County Council office in Reigate, and the West Surrey Voluntary Joint Committee met on Friday 16 January at Woking Borough Council.
Both committees agreed to the development of an for the new councils, including the implementation team made up of council officers, chairs of the committees and the process to agree some of the key officer roles that will support shadow councils on an interim basis until the permanent recruitment takes place.
Both committees will now meet monthly and will rotate around their areas, until the shadow authorities are formed after the elections.
Terence Herbert, Senior Responsible Officer for the Surrey Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Programme and Chief Executive of Surrey County Council said: "This is an important milestone for LGR in Surrey and I’m grateful that councillors have agreed to come together on a voluntary basis to get this vital work underway.
“At the heart of this programme is ensuring that residents continue to receive the services they expect from their local councils, both under the existing arrangements and under the new unitary authorities. As a collective group of councils, we are well prepared for change and committed to ensuring a smooth transition for residents and staff.”
Government is also clear that simplifying local government ensures a strong foundation for devolution and that they are committed to working with partners across Surrey to establish a strategic authority for the area. The ambition is to bring further devolution to Surrey and there are ongoing discussions between local officials and Government on this.
We ask residents to have their say on two new community councils
We are consulting on whether to create two new parish areas served by two community councils, Epsom Community Council and Ewell Community Council. The consultation runs from 16 December 2025 to 1 February 2026. This is the second and final consultation to take place as part of the council’s Community Governance Review (CGR).
Would you like to find out more about the CGR phase two consultation on whether to create two community councils in Epsom & Ewell? See the full event list here:
Community Governance Review Events | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Councillor John Beckett, Chair of the Standards and Constitution Committee, said:
“Local government is changing. Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, which has represented and served its residents for almost 90 years, will be dissolved in April 2027. The borough will be served by a new, unitary council responsible for the whole of East Surrey – some 545,798 people. The number of Councillors who represent the residents of Epsom and Ewell will fall by some 75% from 40 Councillors to 10 new unitary Councillors.
“Epsom & Ewell is currently an unparished borough which means there will be no lower tier of local government below that of the new unitary council. New community councils would help support local democracy and ensure that, in the future, residents’ voices are heard by decision-makers in local government.
“The initial idea is to put into place the infrastructure needed to start up the new community councils. The councils would be a statutory consultee on planning matters, would manage the borough’s allotments and could work with East Surrey Council in the future to undertake any services which it is agreed may be better run at a local level, such as parks, open spaces and community buildings etc.”
If created, the councils would be funded through an additional council tax charge known as a precept, estimated at £43.52–£46.15 per year for a Band D property. Any future additional services undertaken by the community councils would require additional precept.
The CGR consultation asks:
- whether to create two parishes (Epsom and Ewell) served by two community councils, with the associated precept, and if they should be named Epsom Community Council and Ewell Community Council
- about proposed warding arrangements for the new councils, which is for them to remain the same as for Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, meaning eight wards for Ewell Community Council and six for Epsom Community Council
- whether there is agreement on the proposed number of Councillors, which is two for each ward.
Councillor Beckett continued: “Community councils would provide a platform for residents to exercise greater control over local issues and services. They would be a transparent, accountable elected body – giving communities a stronger voice to the new unitary authority.
Residents – you have a choice, and you have a voice. Make sure you’re heard - respond to the consultation today.”
The consultation can be completed online on the consultation website: Community Governance Review - Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Consultations(link is external) or by completing a paper consultation questionnaire. Paper consultations can be found in Epsom Town Hall, in Bourne Hall, in local libraries across the borough and in the Community & Wellbeing Centre, Longmead (during normal opening hours).
A timeline and frequently asked questions about CGR can be found on the council’s website: www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/CGR. Information about Councillor events, where residents can ask questions about the CGR, community councils, the precept, and more, will be announced on the council’s website and social media.
Festival of Friendship - Ukraine
You might have read in our last issue about the Festival of Friendship - Ukraine (which started on 27 January this week).
We are delighted to be working in partnership with Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network, Epsom Library and Epsom Picturehouse to host the first-ever Festival of Friendship – Ukraine.
The week-long festival celebrates traditional Ukrainian crafts and cultural heritage as well as the friendships that have built up between Ukrainian nationals who have come to the borough and been assisted and befriended by the local community.
Festival of Friendship – Ukraine will include exhibitions, workshops, films, music and more, all with a focus on sharing Ukrainian culture within the local community.
Workshops and exhibitions are free of charge; places are limited so please arrive early to ensure you get a space. See the timetable below to see what activities will be taking place this week.
For film screenings, please book online with Epsom Picturehouse(link is external).
Festival of Friendship - Ukraine: Timetable
Thursday 29th January
Epsom Library
13:00 Ukrainian Wool Craft Workshop: Dolls and Birds*
14:30 Ukrainian Embroidery Workshop*
Picturehouse Epsom
19:15 Renaissance Choir perform before film screening
19:45 Screening of Rocky Road To Berlin. Book tickets via Epsom Picturehouse website(link is external).
Friday 30th January
Epsom Library
11:30 Ukrainian beading workshop*
Saturday 31st January
Epsom Library
10:00 - 11:00 Children’s Entertainment including Facepainting and Paddington Bear.
11:00 Children’s Paper Cutting Workshop, 7 years plus*
Sunday 1st February
Picturehouse Epsom
12:30 Music from Yuliia, Ukrainian Bandura.
13:00 Screening of Sanatorium and Home For Ukraine. Book tickets via Epsom Picturehouse website(link is external).
*All workshops are free of charge, places are limited so please arrive early to ensure you get a space. All materials will be provided.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Safer Epsom & Ewell: Partnership efforts pave way for safer communities
A festive-period crackdown on crime took place in Epsom at the end of last year, laying the groundwork for continued partnership as part of a new scheme in the town.
Safer Epsom and Ewell, a partnership initiative launched by us and Surrey Police aims to tackle serious and organised crime, and anti-social behaviour issues impacting the local community.
When surveyed earlier this year, members of the public from the borough said they saw drug use and drug dealing as a major issue. 75.9% of those surveyed believed drug use and drug dealing was an issue across the town, and 63% said anti-social behaviour occurred daily. Of those surveyed, only 26.4% of people said they believed Epsom & Ewell was a safe place to live – and the partnership set out to change that.
Throughout December, officers from the Epsom and Ewell SNT took part in a month of intensification – aptly named Operation Jingle – which saw a sustained period of high-visibility patrols throughout the town centre. The aim was to reassure the public of the continued commitment, and that theft, drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated in Epsom. Additional police officer presence, in addition to your usual Safer Neighbourhoods team and emergency responders, led to some great results: a rate of 45% positive detections for theft offences, compared to the national average of less than 20%. The other 55% remain under investigation, so the positive outcomes may increase. Furthermore, officers conducted 18 stop-and-searches in which drugs were found, with arrests & community-based disposals.
Outside of the festive crackdown, proactive work has been taking place over the last six months and has seen great results, with more than 150 arrests made. Through tactics such as warrant activities, proactive stop checks and patrols, teams across Epsom and Ewell have shut down ten county lines and made 16 arrests related to county lines offences. Around £20,000 of Class A drugs have been seized, along with eight knives and £20,000 in cash.
Borough Commander for Epsom and Ewell, Inspector Tommy Pearson, said:
“The community of Epsom and Ewell has the right to feel safe in the area they call home, and this partnership represents a long-term commitment to that principle.
“Policing action over the last six months has sought to target our prolific offenders, disrupt drug county lines and reduce the harm caused by criminality for members of the community. Residents were keen for action in the town, and I am hopeful, along with the fellow officers on my team, that this is evident in our efforts so far.”
But the work doesn’t stop there. Through concentrated efforts alongside Nescot, Surrey County Council and Town & Country Housing, we seek to make lasting change through various partnership projects.
Councillor Alan Williamson, Chair of Crime and Disorder Committee said:
“Building on the fantastic work of our partners at Surrey Police, the council will continue to work closely with the Police, other partner organisations, charities and schools to prevent anti-social behaviour and serious organised crime taking root in our community. These issues do not develop in a vacuum, only by tackling the underlying causes will we be able to create a safer Epsom and Ewell.
“Along with our partners, the council will be focusing on activities in six key areas, which are housing, anti-social behaviour, improving the local environment, increasing access to opportunities and resources to help women and girls, promoting the voice, influence and participation of young people the community and employability in the borough.
“The council has already worked with local students from Nescot on a mural project to instil pride and reclaim a public space that had fallen into neglect and crime and, by working with various partners, we expect more successes going forward.”
Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, worked with partners from Epsom and Ewell to fund the initiative, contributing £20,000 from her dedicated Serious Violence Duty fund and helping to secure and allocate the £1million granted to Surrey by the Government to support hotspot policing.
The Commissioner said:
“Offenders who commit crimes in Epsom and Ewell should be very worried. The message is clear – we are coming for you.
“Safer Epsom and Ewell uses intelligence and data to crack down on place-based harm. I believe it will leave a lasting legacy of safer streets, stronger communities and excellent partnership working, and I am delighted to help fund the initiative.
“I wish Surrey Police’s officers and staff, as well as our brilliant partners across the borough, every success as they continue their journey.”
Find out more on our website here: Safer Epsom & Ewell | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Air quality milestone and carbon savings featured in latest climate action update
On 20 January 2026, our Environment Committee noted the progress achieved over the past year in delivering its second Climate Change Action Plan (2025–2029). Updated annually, the plan sets out the steps being taken toward the council’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2035. Latest figures show a 19% reduction in operational emissions since 2019/2020. (Public Pack)Agenda Document for Environment Committee, 20/01/2026 19:30
The figure reflects revised full year electricity data for council venues including Epsom Town Hall, Bourne Hall in Ewell and Epsom Playhouse for 2019/20 and 2020/21.
Ewell High Street’s Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), a designated zone where pollution levels previously exceeded national air quality standards, was formally revoked earlier this year—an important milestone reflecting sustained, significant improvements in nitrogen dioxide levels and the success of efforts to tackle pollution previously linked to road traffic.
Other major achievements included:
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Bourne Hall windows replaced with double glazing, with expected annual savings of 20 tonnes of carbon emissions.
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Epsom Playhouse stage lighting converted to LEDs, with expected annual saving of 4 tonnes of carbon emissions.
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Green Your Home Guide was launched, offering residents practical, easy-to-follow advice on how to make homes and gardens more environmentally friendly.
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Partnership initiatives supporting residents through programmes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Warm Home Grant and Solar Together group-purchasing scheme.
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Rainbow Leisure Centre had 177kWp solar PV system installed onto its roof - partial-year figures show that annual savings will be over 30 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said:
“We’re proud that our Climate Change Action Plan continues to drive meaningful action across the council and within our community. It provides a strong platform for the changes we need to make and is pivotal to everything we do—from the way we deliver services to how we shape policies and long-term strategies.
“A clear example of this progress is the formal revocation of Ewell High Street’s Air Quality Management Area, which shows how targeted, sustained actions can bring about real environmental improvements. This achievement reflects the dedication of our teams and the strength of our partnerships—particularly with the Highways Authority—in tackling the root causes of poor air quality and reducing traffic related nitrogen dioxide levels.
“We remain committed to ensuring our community continues to benefit from climate positive actions. I would like to thank our staff for their tireless efforts, and our partners for their invaluable support, as we continue to build on the progress we have already made.”
Local government reorganisation in Surrey
On 28 October 2025, the Government announced that by May 2027, all current county, district, and borough councils in Surrey will be replaced by two new unitary authorities, East Surrey and West Surrey, who will be responsible for all local services.
Over the coming months our priority is the continued delivery of high-quality local services without interruption.
We will continue to work collaboratively with neighbouring authorities and government bodies throughout the reorganisation process to make sure all residents continue to receive the services they depend upon.
To find out more about local government reorganisation in Surrey, take a look at the Surrey LGR hub: Future Surrey – Surrey LGR Hub
We will share any updates in our email newsletter, on social media and on the LGR hub.
Green Your Home: A practical guide to help you make small climate-conscious actions
Our Green Your Home Guide is designed to help residents take simple, everyday steps to contribute to a healthier environment and help combat climate change.
The guide offers practical advice and tips for making small changes that collectively make a big difference.
From reducing waste and conserving energy to choosing sustainable transport and supporting biodiversity, the guide highlights how everyone can play a part.
The Green Your Home Guide is being rolled out as part our Climate Change Action Plan 2025-2029.
Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee, said:
“This guide is about showing people they don’t need to make radical changes to their lives to make a difference. Simple, ongoing changes—whether building on existing efforts or starting something new—can have a meaningful, long-term impact. From making homes more energy efficient, to planning wildlife-friendly gardens, and investing in systems that reduce reliance on fossil fuels, every step counts. We want residents to feel confident and motivated to take action, and we hope the guide supports their decision-making along the way."
For more information - Green Your Home Guide | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Do Good. Feel Good. Encouraging under 25s to volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to feel more connected, learn new skills and gain experience. It can also provide opportunities to improve our mental wellbeing, and practice all the Five Ways to Wellbeing - connect, keep learning, be active, take notice and give.
The Surrey Five Ways to Wellbeing are an easy way to think and plan what you can do to boost your wellbeing, improve how you feel, strengthen relationships and connections with your local community, and reduce the risk of poor mental health. You can do this for yourself, your friends, or your team or organisation.
This autumn and winter, Surrey’s Public Health team is encouraging young people under 25 to consider getting involved in volunteering - with opportunities ranging from arts, sports, music, caring for animals and much more.
For more information please see the web page Volunteering guide for under 25.
Other ways to volunteer
Residents can search for volunteering opportunities in Surrey and find information if you only have limited time to volunteer.
Free access to Epsom & Ewell Warm Welcome venues this winter
Many millions of UK residents will be affected by high energy bills, rising mortgage costs unable to keep their home warm.
Warm Welcome venues are inclusive spaces that are free and open to everyone, offering a safe and warm place for all residents during the colder months. Whether you are young or old, live alone or with your family, feel like you are struggling or just managing to get by - a Warm Welcome awaits you.
All you have to do is show up! Come inside, warm up, enjoy a hot drink with help support and advice if needed and much more.
Last winter, 2.6 million visits were recorded at these venues around the UK, with 70% of people feeling less isolated and 87% reporting improved mental wellbeing. There are currently over 80 Warm Welcome venues across Surrey in a variety of community spaces including community and church halls, libraries and leisure centres.
Find your nearest Warm Welcome
To find your nearest Warm Welcome visit Warm Welcome venues | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council - some venues will also be offering additional services such as social and creative activities, community fridges and advice cafes.
Flu and Covid Vaccinations Autumn/Winter
Winter Ready Flu and Covid Vaccinations.
It’s that time of year again and winter is fast approaching. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s winter vaccination campaign.
Getting the flu vaccine
Each year, flu can cause serious illness - especially in vulnerable groups. Getting vaccinated helps:
- Protect individuals at highest risk
- Reduce flu-related hospitalisations and severe illness
- Prevent transmission in the community
- Supports children and those in care homes
Flu strains change each year, so a new vaccine is needed annually. This year’s programme runs from 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026.
Who Can Get the Flu Vaccine?
From 1 September 2025, the following groups are eligible:
- Pregnant women
- Children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2025
- Children aged 6 months to under 18 in clinical at-risk groups
- All primary and secondary school children (Reception to Year 11)*
*School-aged children will mainly be vaccinated by the School Immunisation Service, though parents may request vaccination at the surgery if preferred.
From 1 October 2025 the following groups will also be eligible:
- All adults aged 65 and over
- Adults aged 18–64 in clinical risk groups
- Care home residents
- Carers and main care providers
- Close contacts of people who are immunocompromised
- Frontline health and social care workers
This winter toddlers aged 2-3 will also be able to get a flu vaccine at their local community pharmacy.
Housebound Patients and Care Homes
Flu vaccinations for housebound patients and those in care homes will be delivered by local GP Practices and Primary Care Networks.
Autumn Covid Vaccinations
Covid vaccination eligibility is different from the flu vaccine. Those who can get Covid vaccinations are the following:
- Adults aged 75 and over
- Individuals in a specific high-risk clinical group
- Residents in older adult care homes
What Happens Next – Booking an appointment
Some GP Practices will contact you directly if you are eligible to book an appointment at one of their flu clinics. If you are pregnant, you may be offered a vaccine by your maternity clinic.
From 1 October, flu vaccines will start being rolled out to anyone eligible, with people encouraged to book an appointment with a pharmacy or their GP via the NHS App online or by calling 119. After 1 October people will be able to use the pharmacy finder to find walk-in appointments.
If you're eligible for the winter COVID-19 vaccine, you can book an appointment online via the NHS App or by calling 119. You can also book a vaccination appointment for a child aged 5 years or over if they are eligible.
For more information about vaccinations, please visit Surrey Heartlands Vaccinations
Let’s stay healthy this winter. Get vaccinated. Protect yourself. Protect others.
Network Rail launches Digital Lineside Notification tool
Network Rail tries to be a considerate neighbour by letting residents know when there is planned maintenance or engineering works that might be noisy or cause disruption.
Currently, the way lineside neighbours are notified of planned works is by Royal Mail post – emergency, late notice and moving worksites are usually not notified at all. It is not a cost effective or environmentally friendly way of communicating and doesn’t give us the capability of notifying for emergencies or last minute changes.
To help address this issue and to improve the way we communicate and engage with lineside neighbours, Network Rail has introduced a new digital notification tool which will inform neighbours digitally of upcoming planned works, last minute changes to planned works, emergency works and ad hoc updates/news about current projects.
Sign up through the following weblink: - https://www.networkrail.co.uk/sign-up/
Epsom & Ewell Jobs Fair
Looking for career opportunities?
The Epsom & Ewell Jobs Fair is back on
Thursday 9 April 2026 at NESCOT in Ewell - save the date!
This year's Epsom & Ewell Jobs Fair will run from 10am-3pm and looks to be a great day planned for local jobseekers.
Last year was another huge success with many great matches made between jobseekers and employers.
The event will be at Nescot again this year, which is a great space and the venue is well known and easy to find so we expect a great turnout. There are free workshops planned too, all designed to help job hunters of any age to find a new career.
The event is FREE to attend, so why not come along and meet 40+ local employers - this could be the start of a new career for you.
Residents in Stoneleigh and Auriol: Neighbourhood Plan Referendum – 12 February 2026
In June 2025, the Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Forum produced a Neighbourhood Plan to shape planning policies and guide developments for the Stoneleigh and Auriol neighbourhood areas for 2025-2029. Following two rounds of public consultation, an independent examination took place. In December 2025, our Licensing and Planning Policy Committee agreed to the independent Examiner’s proposed modifications to the Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Plan.
Residents in Stoneleigh and Auriol are invited to take part in the Referendum on Thursday 12 February. Polling hours are between 7am to 10pm.
The Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Plan referendum asks the question: “Do you want Epsom and Ewell Borough Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Stoneleigh and Auriol to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”
Registering to vote
Residents are entitled to vote in the referendum on 12 February 2026 if:
- they are entitled to vote in a local government election in the referendum area; and
- their qualifying address for the election is in the referendum area.
Note: A person’s qualifying address is, in relation to a person registered in the register of electors, the address in respect of which he or she is entitled to be registered.
Poll cards for those eligible to vote in this referendum
Those residents already entitled to vote should have received a polling card – anybody who has registered after 5 January 2026 will receive their polling card around 30 January 2026. The card provides information about polling hours and address of the polling station.
Postal and proxy voting for those eligible to vote in this referendum
If you are not able to vote in person on 12 February 2026 you can either have a postal vote or appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf. Information on how to apply for postal and proxy votes is available here - Who can vote and how?
- The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
- The deadline to appoint a proxy is by no later than 5pm, Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
Voter ID
It is now a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting in person at a polling station at elections. Information on what photo ID is accepted and how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate can be found here - Voter ID at Elections. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm, Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
More information can be found here:
The impact of Local Government Reorganisation in Neighbourhood Planning across East Surrey
The Government has confirmed its final decision on the future of local government in Surrey, approving a move to a two-unitary model. This means that, from April 2027, the current county, district, and borough councils will be replaced by two new unitary authorities, East Surrey and West Surrey, responsible for all local services.
It is understood that Neighbourhood Plans that have been ‘made’ (formally adopted) will continue to apply. This means that if the Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Plan receives a positive referendum result and is then formally adopted by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, it will continue to be used when making planning decisions—even after the new East Surrey Council is created. The amount of weight given to any Neighbourhood Plan in decision‑making will depend on how closely it aligns with the adopted Local Plan, any adopted Spatial Development Strategy, and national planning policy.
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:
As Food & Beverage Manager, you’ll be responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of our bar service, ensuring high standards of customer experience and operational efficiency.
Find out more about the role here: Food and Beverage Manager
The role of the Lead Community Services Driver Technician is to support and lead the Driver Technician team. The role includes raising the department invoices and ensuring Health & Safety protocols are followed. Training will be provided.
Find out more about the role here: Lead Community Services Driver / Technician
The role of the Community Services Driver Technician is to support the team by delivering Meals at Home, transporting residents on our Transport from Home service and installing Community Alarm and Telecare. Training will be provided.
Find out more about the role here: Community Services Driver / 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.
