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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 launched its consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Surrey. This is 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:
Have your say on whether to create parish councils in Epsom & Ewell
Last month, at full council, we agreed to carry out a Community Governance Review in the borough. The initial consultation with residents and stakeholders started this month.
The consultation asks 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 11 district and borough councils, and the county council, 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 - 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.”
Have your say: Community Governance Review - Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Consultations
The consultation will close at 23.59 on 9 October 2025.
New provider to manage leisure services at Rainbow Leisure Centre from 1 October 2025
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is pleased to announce that Places Leisure has been appointed as the new operator of the Rainbow Leisure Centre.
We are pleased to announce that Places Leisure has been appointed as the new operator of the Rainbow Leisure Centre. The contract will run from 1 October 2025 for 10 years with an option to extend for a further five years and was approved by both the council’s Community & Wellbeing and Strategy & Resources committees at special meetings held on 17 June 2025. 
Residents will continue to receive high-quality leisure, health and wellbeing services and this council-owned leisure centre will continue to be financially sustainable.
Places Leisure, part of the PfP Group the UK’s Leading Social Enterprise, will invest its own capital into the leisure centre upgrading the gym, studios, swimming changing rooms and more.
They will also offer a wider range of health and wellbeing-related activities, delivered both inside and outside of the leisure centre, including:
- An Active Communities programme, including exercise referrals for falls prevention, cardiac rehab and weight management; community wellbeing walks, as well as programmes such as ‘move through menopause’ and Health MOTs, which will support local people in an inclusive way and enable the community to thrive.
- New leisure centre programmes targeted at under 16s and the elderly: including LES Mills exercises classes and Saturday Night Project activities for the under 16s and new EGYM and walking sports to help older adults be more physically active.
- Social value initiatives: such as work placement opportunities including for unemployed and disabled people; leisure industry careers advice and curriculum support; and supporting the local economy by keeping spending within the local supply chain.
Places Leisure will continue to invest in the environmental sustainability of the centre, this will be overseen by an environmental coordinator.
Councillor Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy & Resources Committee said:
“The Rainbow Leisure Centre is a key community facility due, in no small part, to the great work of Greenwich Leisure Limited, and we would like to convey our deep thanks for their hard work and efforts in operating the leisure centre over the last 22 years.
"As this is a significant contractual arrangement for the council, the operator of the centre is a key strategic partner. It was therefore important to us that for the foreseeable future, any operator could meet our core health and wellbeing service delivery requirements as well as our financial criteria.
"We carried out a transparent, compliant and competitive two-stage procurement process and are very pleased to welcome Places Leisure as the new operator of the Rainbow Leisure Centre. Their bid not only provided substantial investment to improve the building, upgrade areas and equipment, but also clearly showed how they will build on the current service.”
Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee said:
“I would like to welcome Places Leisure as operator of the Rainbow Leisure Centre, and we look forward to working together to deliver more holistic health and wellbeing services to meet the needs of residents.
"The leisure centre is a vital community space and part of Places Leisure’s offering is that they will provide an inclusive and robust active communities programme that will continue to address the council’s health and wellbeing priorities.
"This exciting new approach will benefit residents as it means that services can be delivered both at the leisure centre itself as well as in the community, supporting all our residents, including the young and the elderly and those with a disability or illness. We look forward to our residents benefitting from this balanced and more comprehensive approach to health and wellbeing in the borough.
"Finally, I would also like to offer my thanks to Greenwich Leisure Limited for their diligence and hard work including through challenging times such as Covid. They leave a positive legacy on which we can build.”
Dan Walker, Business Development Director at Places Leisure, said:
“A healthy community cannot exist without the facilities that enables it to thrive. Rainbow Leisure Centre is the beating heart of this community, and we look forward to a successful partnership with Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, local stakeholders, and of course the colleagues who deliver the services to the local community.
“Our primary goal is to support the local community to create more active places and empower more healthy people, which is why within the first year of our contract we will invest c£4.7million in a series of projects including a new fitness suite, studios and changing facilities. Our commitment will further boost community activities, inspire people of all ages to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, whilst generating over £5million of social value each year.
Epsom Town Centre Masterplan wins regional planning award
On Thursday 3 July, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council was awarded “Best Plan” at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s South East Awards for Planning Excellence for its Epsom Town Centre Masterplan.
On Thursday 3 July, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council was awarded “Best Plan” at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s South East Awards for Planning Excellence for its Epsom Town Centre Masterplan.
The Masterplan, which underwent two public consultations and was approved by the council’s Licensing and Planning Policy Committee last September, was shortlisted alongside Mole Valley’s Local Plan and Levitt Bernstein and Gravesham Borough Council’s Design for Gravesham Supplementary Planning Document. The Masterplan sets out clear and comprehensive guidelines for the development of Epsom Town Centre.
Judges praised the team’s strong desire to make Epsom a better place. They noted the commitment to a participative approach and high standard of engagement, utilising digital consultation tools, and their recognition as being a national trailblazer in the digital planning space. The judges were also impressed with how the planning team ensured that there was sustainability at the plan’s core.
Councillor Peter O'Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said:
“This award is reflective of the hard work and expertise the council’s planning policy team put into developing and delivering the Epsom Town Centre Masterplan. The future of Epsom town centre is of great importance to our residents, the number of responses to the consultation and the high percentage of respondents who took part in a council consultation for the first time, are testament to this fact. The desire to improve the town centre, encourage growth and make Epsom an even better place was at the heart of the plan and I’m glad the judges recognised that.”
The Royal Town Planning Institute’s South East Awards for Planning Excellence’s judging panel said:
“Epsom Town Centre Masterplan was considered by the judges to be an excellent entry demonstrating the Council’s commitment to taking a plan lead approach which aims to bring together stakeholders and create a vision for the town centre’s future.
“The judges felt it demonstrated excellence from the initiation of the project, as a non-statutory plan the driver for the initiative arose not from a requirement, but a strong desire to make a better place. Addressing a significant issue that was important to local residents, businesses and for the town’s night time economy.
“The Council’s commitment to a participative approach ran through the whole project. A collaborative non statutory masterplan project born out of a desire to progress development of the town centre in the absence of an up to Local Plan.
“The judges were impressed with how the planning team ensured that there was sustainability at its core, it enabled a high standard of engagement, utilising digital consultation tools, eventually being recognised as a national trailblazer in the digital planning space. More importantly, the project resulted in roughly double the national average (approx. 1% of a borough's population according to a Royal Town Planning Institute’s blog), taking part in the consultation (nearly 2,000 people), with over half saying they'd never taken part in a planning consultation before.”
As a winner of the “Best Plan” category in the region, Epsom Town Centre Masterplan will now automatically be entered as a National Awards for Planning Excellence finalist. This expected to be formally announced on 16 October and the ceremony will take place on 26 November.
Public Consultation helps shape Epsom & Ewell’s 2025-2028 Health and Wellbeing Strategy
On 8 July, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Community & Wellbeing Committee approved its 2025-28 Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
On 8 July, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Community & Wellbeing Committee approved its 2025-28 Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The strategy was formed in consultation with residents and stakeholders, following a public consultation that ran for 6 weeks this spring: (Public Pack) Agenda Document for Community and Wellbeing Committee, 08/07/2025 19:30
Over 90% of people who responded to the public consultation, agreed with the aims of the council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy which is to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of all residents through:
- improving access to physical health activity in the borough.
- creating health and wellbeing opportunities for residents of the borough, and
- supporting residents to connect with others.
The strategy is designed to support all residents, with particular attention given to children and young people, older adults, individuals whose health is affected by broader social and economic factors and those whose personal circumstances may disproportionately increase their vulnerability to poor health and wellbeing.
The strategy also includes specific references to those who are disproportionately impacted by isolation, disability, digital exclusion and people with long-term health conditions.
A part of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy the council will host its very first Epsom & Ewell Young Legends activities programme this autumn. More information on this will be announced this summer, on the council’s website and social media.
Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee said:
“Thanks to everyone for feeding back your comments on our draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy, helping us in our aim to help improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of residents.
To ensure our strategy is truly focused, meaningful and effective, it was vital to engage with as many residents as possible - so it reflects the real needs of our community, and the everyday challenges people face.
Thanks to the various venues, including several GP surgeries, for helping make the information, drop-in sessions, and consultation as accessible as possible.
We’re also grateful to our partners for helping spread the word. We look forward to continuing working with the local voluntary sector and other organisations to deliver better outcomes for our community.”
For more information about the Health and Wellbeing Strategy including the public consultation results – click here.
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.
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 June 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.
Save money on your energy bills by registering for Solar Together Scheme, deadline 8 August
Looking for an eco-friendly way to power your home? In partnership with the Solar Together scheme, we are offering support for homeowners and small businesses looking to install solar panels and battery storage.
Looking for an eco-friendly way to power your home? In partnership with the Solar Together scheme, we are offering support for homeowners and small businesses looking to install solar panels and battery storage. 
Register online to receive a free, no-obligation offer for a solar panel system before 8 August 2025 - Solar Together | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Solar Together" is a group-buying scheme designed to help homeowners install solar panels and battery storage. The initiative simplifies installing solar systems by pooling together interested homeowners, which allows vetted installers to bid competitively for the installation work. This not only ensures high-quality installations but also helps participants save money by securing lower prices.
Solar Together uses a group buying model where trusted, vetted installers can offer high-quality heat pump systems to residents at a reduced cost. This helps residents access professional and affordable solar system installations from reputable installers.
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:
The Epsom Playhouse, situated in Epsom town centre, is a receiving house comprising a 450-seat main auditorium and an 80-seat studio.
We are seeking a multi-skilled and experienced individual to provide technical services to ensure the successful presentation of a wide programme of professional and community performances. You 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, and supervision of casual staff, visiting companies and community users.
Read more about the role here: Playhouse Theatre Technician
At Epsom & Ewell, we aspire to deliver high quality services to our residents. We might be small, but we have big plans to serve our population of 80,000 residents. We are investing in our future, increasing strategic capacity, and exploring new ways of working.
The Council has undergone a review of its structure to bring together a range of related disciplines under one Place Making service, including Economic Development, Climate Change, Planning and Countryside services. We are investing in our future, increasing strategic capacity, and exploring new ways of working.
Find out more about the role here: Planning 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
We are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate and friendly individual to join our Wellbeing team at the Community and Wellbeing Centre. You will lead on supporting the team of Wellbeing assistants whilst engaging with the members and being creative with activities.
The focus of this role is to encourage independent living, whilst planning and undertaking administrative duties and reporting on general building maintenance. You will also take part in assessments of clients alongside other Wellbeing Coordinators.
Find out more about the role here: Wellbeing Daycare Co-ordinator
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.
