News
Get involved and have your say to help shape East Surrey Council
East Surrey Council want to know what matters most to local communities to help shape their delivery plan for 2027-2031. This delivery plan is part of the East Surrey Council Strategy. 
You have until Sunday 15 November 2026 at 11.59pm to complete the online survey surreylgrhub.gov.uk/east-strategy. The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete.
East Surrey Council’s vision is for East Surrey to be an inclusive place where people are heard and supported, communities are strong, people are proud of where they live, and growth is sustainable.
The East Surrey Council Strategy is focused around three areas:
- People: Helping people get the support, education, housing and opportunities they need, as early as possible.
- Place: Improving local places, helping provide the homes people need, strengthening the local economy and minimising the impacts of climate change.
- Council: Making services easy to use, managing money responsibly and reporting progress openly.
You can read the East Surrey Council Strategy on the Future Surrey website surreylgrhub.gov.uk/east-strategy.
Accessible formats of the survey are available on request by calling 03456 009 009. You can pick up a printed copy of the survey by visiting your local Surrey Library.

Festive fun returns as Epsom announces Christmas Lights Switch On event
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) is inviting residents and visitors to come together and celebrate the festive season at its annual Epsom Christmas Lights Switch On.
This year's event will hold special significance as it will be the final Christmas Lights Switch On hosted by the council before the creation of East Surrey Council next year, which will see EEBC dissolved.
The switch-on will take place in Epsom Marketplace on Friday 20 November 2026. Festivities will begin at 4pm, with the official lights switch-on taking place at 6.30pm and finishing at 9pm.
Residents and visitors can enjoy a range of attractions throughout the evening, including food and drink vendors, charity stalls, live entertainment and fairground rides.
The Christmas lights will be officially switched on by The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Lucy McIntyre, joined by the cast of this year's Epsom Playhouse pantomime, Snow White.
Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said:
"The Christmas Lights Switch On is one of the local highlights of the year and a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together. Whether you're visiting with family, friends or neighbours, there's something for everyone to enjoy."
"As we celebrate the start of the festive season, we're delighted to welcome residents and visitors into the town centre for an evening of entertainment, community spirit and festive cheer. We're especially pleased to mark this year's event as the final Christmas Lights Switch On hosted by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, making it an occasion to remember.

Remembrance and Armistice Day activities 2026
We are proud to announce that Remembrance and Armistice Day services, parades and activities will take place across the borough to honour the fallen and give thanks to those both past and present who have served in the armed forces.
Formal Acts of Remembrance will include the annual opening of the Garden of Remembrance at Bourne Hall Park on Wednesday 4 November, Remembrance Sunday wreath laying and procession on 8 November and an Armistice Day Service in Epsom market place on 11 November.
Garden of Remembrance:
Wednesday 4 November at Bourne Hall Park, Ewell
On Wednesday 4 November at 10.30am, the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell and local school children will officially open the Garden of Remembrance at Bourne Hall Park in Ewell. Children will perform songs and poems before placing poppy tokens at 11am to honour and remember all those who have died in the service of their country.
The Garden will be open to the public until 29 November, giving people the opportunity to visit, take time to reflect and pay their respects.
Remembrance wreath laying and procession:
Sunday 8 November in Epsom and Ewell
At 9.30am, the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell will lay two wreaths at the War Memorials in Ashley Road, Epsom. At 10.30am, the Remembrance Day procession will begin at the Army Reserve Centre, Welbeck Close, and proceed to St Mary’s Church, Ewell. This will be followed by an Act of Remembrance, wreath laying and a church service. A Remembrance Day service will also take place at St Martin of Tours Church, Epsom, where a wreath will be laid by Councillor James Lawrence, representing College Ward.
Armistice Day Service 11.11.11:
Wednesday 11 November at the Clocktower in Epsom Market Place
Members of the public are invited to join a ceremony on Wednesday 11 November at the Clock Tower in Epsom Market Place alongside the Royal British Legion, armed forces personnel, veterans and local school children. The ceremony will begin shortly before 11am and will culminate in the nationwide two-minute silence at 11am, providing an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance.
Jackie King, Chief Executive, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:
"Each year, our Remembrance and Armistice Day commemorations give us the opportunity to pause, reflect and remember. We honour all those who have served their country with courage and dedication, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I encourage residents to join us at these events as we come together to pay our respects and ensure that their service is not forgotten."
For more information on Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Remembrance Day activities - Remembrance in the borough of Epsom & Ewell | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Bourne Hall to Spark Christmas Magic with Annual Lights Switch-On Celebration
We are inviting residents and visitors to enjoy a festive day packed with entertainment, family activities, shopping and seasonal cheer as the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On returns to Bourne Hall on Saturday 28 November.
The celebrations begin at 10am with the opening of Santa's Grotto, where families can meet Santa and receive a small treat for just £3 per child (no prebooking required on Saturday 28 November). The grotto will remain open until 5.30pm, providing the perfect opportunity for children to kick-start the festive season.
Festivities continue from 3pm, when the Christmas Lights Switch-On event gets underway. Visitors can browse the popular Local Makers Market, featuring handmade gifts, crafts and festive products from talented local creators. It's the ideal chance to shop locally and find unique Christmas presents.
There will also be plenty of family-friendly entertainment throughout the afternoon, including fairground attractions such as teacup rides, trampolines and more.
The main stage will host a lively programme of performances organised by I Play Music Collective, showcasing local singers, musicians and collective members. Audiences can enjoy festive favourites and seasonal entertainment throughout the afternoon.
As excitement builds towards the big countdown, the cast of this year's pantomime, Snow White, will make a special appearance on stage, bringing fun, laughter and festive spirit to the event.
At 6pm, the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell will officially switch on Bourne Hall's Christmas lights following a short address to the crowd. The spectacular display will mark the start of the festive season in Ewell and offer a magical moment for families and friends to enjoy together.
The festive fun continues throughout December. During the Christmas period, visitors can enjoy a range of activities at Santa's Grotto. Families are welcome to visit on weekdays free of charge, to write letters to Santa or prebook Saturday visits with Santa up until 19 December.
Visitors can also make the most of everything Bourne Hall has to offer, including its museum, library, café and surrounding grounds, making it an ideal festive day out for all ages.
Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee said,
"The Christmas Lights Switch-On at Bourne Hall is one of the highlights of our community calendar. It is wonderful to see residents, families, local groups and businesses coming together to celebrate the start of the festive season. I look forward to welcoming everyone and sharing this special occasion."

Last chance to apply for selected FREE Young Legends activities starting 2 November
Epsom & Ewell Young Legends, our free sports and creative activities programme for children and young people aged 9 to 11 who live in the borough, is designed to help children build confidence, make new friends and learn new skills as they prepare for the transition to secondary school. The programme runs from 2 November to 13 December, and there is still time to sign up for selected activities.
Places are still available on selected activities, so don't miss out.
Each child can choose up to two activities.
Applications remain open until 5 November for:
- SEN Arts & Crafts
- Musical Theatre (Song & Dance)
The following activities closed for applications on 29 October:
- Basketball
- Coding – fully booked
- Football
- Girls' Rugby
- Judo
- Scrapbooking
- Sing & Sign Choir
- Tennis – fully booked
Apply now and view the full timetable on our Young Legends webpage: www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/younglegends

Residents invited to share memories as Epsom & Ewell prepares to mark its 90th anniversary
We are inviting residents to share photographs, memories and stories from the past 90 years as part of celebrations to mark the borough's 90th anniversary.
Next year will be a significant milestone for the community. Not only will it mark 90 years since the creation of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council in 1937, but it will also be the year that local government reorganisation sees the formation of East Surrey Council.
To commemorate the end of this historic chapter, the council is developing a programme of events and activities that will celebrate the borough's rich heritage, achievements and community spirit. As part of this work, residents are being encouraged to contribute photographs and personal stories that capture life in Epsom & Ewell across the decades.
These contributions will help create a lasting record of the borough's social history, preserving memories of local people, places, events and everyday life for future generations.
Residents can submit photographs, memories and stories by emailing ninety@epsom-ewell.gov.uk(link sends e-mail).
Councillor Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:
"As we approach this important milestone, we want to celebrate the people, places and moments that have shaped Epsom and Ewell over the last 90 years.
"We're asking residents for photographs, memories and stories that capture life in our borough through the decades that can be shared on the council’s social media channels and archived at Bourne Hall Museum. Whether it's a family photograph, memories of a community event, or stories of how Epsom & Ewell has changed over the years, every contribution will help tell the story of our area and preserve it for future generations.
"As we prepare for the transition to East Surrey Council, this is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and create a lasting legacy that honours everything that makes Epsom & Ewell such a special place. We would love to hear from residents and see the memories they can share."

New visual identity for East Surrey Council

Residents, businesses, community organisations, councillors and staff have helped shape the visual identity for East Surrey Council, with a new logo and brand approved by the East Surrey Shadow Executive.
The decision was made at the Shadow Executive meeting on Tuesday 13 October following a wide-ranging engagement exercise that attracted more than 2,000 responses.
People were asked what East Surrey should represent and what makes the area special. Their feedback helped shape the final design, with themes including community, countryside, waterways, heritage and a sense of place emerging strongly throughout the consultation.
Importantly, the new logo has been created at no additional cost to taxpayers, using the skills and expertise of in-house designers from the existing councils.
The logo reflects the people and places that make East Surrey unique. Five interconnected shapes represent the five areas coming together to form one new council. Its colours and design have been inspired by the area's rivers, countryside and natural landscapes, while also symbolising the connections between people, places and communities.
The new logo is the first step in creating a wider East Surrey Council identity, which will continue to develop as the new authority prepares to launch in April 2027. The Future Surrey identity will continue to be used up until this point, to keep residents updated on creation of all the new authorities in Surrey.
Councillor Steve Wotton, Leader of the East Surrey Shadow Authority, said:
"I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views and ideas. This new identity has been shaped by the people and communities it will serve and reflects the pride people feel in East Surrey.
"My thanks also to our talented in-house designers who have created the new brand using their skills, creativity and local knowledge, making best use of existing resources, without additional cost to taxpayers.
"The logo tells the story of East Surrey. The five interconnected shapes represent the five areas coming together to create one new council, while reflecting the rivers, countryside and landscapes that connect our communities. Just as importantly, it symbolises the relationships between people, places and services that will help make East Surrey Council a strong and connected organisation.”
Phased introduction of new brand
The Shadow Executive also agreed a phased approach to introducing the new brand.
This means the new identity will be rolled out gradually, with most existing signage, vehicles, printed materials and other assets replaced through planned renewal programmes wherever possible, rather than being discarded early.
Assets that must legally display the new council's identity, or which are key points of contact for residents, will be prioritised first.
This approach will help minimise costs, reduce unnecessary waste and ensure value for money, while supporting a smooth transition to East Surrey Council.
The new brand is just one of the ways residents are helping to shape the future of East Surrey. Later this month, residents and local organisations will be invited to share their views on the new council's priorities and ambitions. Their feedback will help inform how the Council Strategy is delivered and where East Surrey Council focuses its efforts in the years ahead.
East Surrey Shadow Executive meeting
The East Surrey Shadow Executive meeting on Tuesday 13 October received the latest progress update on local government reorganisation and approved a number of Section 24 decisions, enabling key contracts and arrangements to be put in place ahead of 1 April 2027.
Together, these decisions will help ensure services continue seamlessly through the transition and that East Surrey Council is ready to operate effectively from the day it is established.
The Shadow Executive also thanked residents, community organisations and local partners who took the time to complete the recent website survey. Their feedback will help shape how the new council communicates and engages with communities as preparations continue for its launch in April 2027.

Views sought on proposed Council Tax Reduction schemes
Consultations are launching across Surrey to help shape the Council Tax Reduction Schemes that will operate from April 2027.
Residents who currently receive Council Tax Reduction (CTR), as well as people who support them, are being asked to share their views on proposals for the schemes that will operate in the new East and West Surrey Councils from April 2027.
From 1 April 2027, Surrey County Council and Surrey’s 11 district and borough councils will be replaced by two new unitary authorities: East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council.
As part of this change, a number of services and arrangements currently operated separately by the district and borough councils will need to be brought together. This includes Council Tax administration and Council Tax Reduction Schemes.
At present, each district and borough council has its own Council Tax Reduction Scheme, meaning the eligibility criteria and level of support available can differ depending on where someone lives. For people on low incomes, or who claim benefits, Council Tax Reduction reduces a household's Council Tax liability, providing important financial support.
The two new councils will each need to have a single Council Tax Reduction Scheme covering their own area. Draft proposals for the new schemes have now been agreed for consultation, following a review of the existing schemes across Surrey and the differences between them.
The aim of the consultation is to help ensure the new schemes are fair, sustainable and meet the needs of residents across Surrey. The draft proposals set out how the new schemes could operate from April 2027.
No final decisions have been made on the schemes, and existing support will remain in place while the consultation takes place. The consultation gives residents and relevant organisations an opportunity to consider the proposals and share their views before final recommendations are considered by the new councils.
Separate consultations for the draft East Surrey and West Surrey Council Tax Reduction Schemes will run from 7 October to 3 December 2026.
We particularly want to hear from people who currently receive Council Tax Reduction, as well as others who support residents who may be affected by the proposed changes.
Your feedback will be considered alongside the other consultation responses and will help inform the recommendations made before the final schemes are agreed.
Accessible versions of the consultation are available.
East Surrey Shadow Cllr Andy Burton, Portfolio Holder for Finance & Resources, said: “Council Tax Reduction is an important source of financial support for eligible residents, and I would strongly encourage anyone affected to take part in the consultation.
“No final decisions have been made, and existing support will remain in place while the consultation takes place. Your views will help decision-makers understand the potential impact of the proposals before the final scheme is agreed.”
West Surrey Shadow Cllr Leslie Rice, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: “As we move towards the new West Surrey Council, we need to bring together the different Council Tax Reduction schemes currently operated by the district and borough councils to support residents.
“We want to hear from people who currently receive Council Tax Reduction, and those who support them, so that their experiences and views can be considered before the final scheme is agreed.
“The aim is to ensure the new scheme is fair, sustainable and meets the needs of residents across West Surrey.”
More information about Local Government Reorganisation and the new East and West Surrey Councils is available by visiting the Future Surrey website: https://www.surreylgrhub.gov.uk/

Next step announced for Hook Road Arena feasibility study
We have reached a key milestone in our strategic priority to assess Hook Road Arena’s suitability for a mixed-use leisure and residential development. We have commissioned Continuum Sport & Leisure (Continuum), an independent consultancy appointed through the Sport England Framework, to carry out a Best Value Feasibility Study to explore the site's development potential.
Continuum are consulting with community sports clubs and groups in Epsom & Ewell through in-person workshops and an online survey to understand local sports priorities, and to identify the types of sports provision most needed in the borough that could be provided at the site.
Sports clubs that haven’t received a survey from their National Governing body already, can complete the survey here: EEBC Hook Road - Club Survey
We are also inviting representatives from local sports clubs to attend an in-person workshop on 2 or 3 November at 6pm. To register your interest and to attend, please email lucy@continuumleisure.co.uk

Speaking about the milestone, Councillor Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:
“The borough needs more local sports and leisure provision, so that people can easily access high-quality facilities close to home. We also recognise the need to deliver much-needed housing, including affordable homes, in Epsom & Ewell. I’m therefore pleased to be able to announce this important next step, which will help us understand how the site can best support both of these priorities.
“Local sports clubs and groups have a valuable understanding of the sport and leisure needs of our communities, and it’s essential that we hear their views. This engagement will help us build a clear picture of local needs and priorities, ensuring that any future sports provision at Hook Road Arena is informed by the views of local sports clubs and groups, in support of the communities they serve.”
Nick Trim, Director of Continuum Sport & Leisure added:
“We are excited to be working with Epsom and Ewell Borough Council on the potential development of the community sport hub at Hook Road Arena.
Our work across the country consistently shows an increase in demand for sports facilities with significant growth in many sports, not only nationally but also for Epsom and Ewell itself.
We look forward to consulting local sports clubs to understand the sporting needs in the borough and to explore options of what facilities could be part of much needed investment into sport, physical activity and wellbeing for the residents of the borough.”
More information, including FAQs, can be found on the our website: Hook Road Arena Sports Consultation
The final report will be presented to the Strategy and Resources Committee before 31 March 2027. Any future decision to proceed with development would need to be supported by a robust business case and would be subject to approval by the new East Surrey authority.
Any future planning application would be accompanied by a formal consultation, giving residents and stakeholders the opportunity to review proposals and provide their views.
Fridge and freezer collections are temporarily suspended
We will temporarily be suspending fridge and freezer collections from homes as part of our bulky waste collection service.
The suspension comes at a time when there is a national shortage of capacity to treat and recycle fridges and freezers. Across the country, there is a small network of facilities that can treat fridges and freezers, which has recently been hit by multiple operational issues. These include a processor going into liquidation, a series of fires at treatment facilities and increased demand on facilities due to recent hot weather.
As there are currently fewer treatment facilities for fridges and freezers, space at Surrey's waste disposal sites has become limited. This has led to Suez, which operates the sites on behalf of Surrey County Council, temporarily restricting the delivery of fridges and freezers from Surrey's district and borough councils.
This step has been taken alongside various other local authorities across England, which have experienced the same issues.
Fridges and freezers can still be taken to any of Surrey's community recycling centres. EEBC is also advising residents to check whether retailers offer to collect and recycle old fridges or freezers when delivering a replacement.
For more information, please visit Suspension of fridge and freezer collections | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Support a smoke-free Surrey this Stoptober
Surrey’s Public Health team is encouraging the 80,000 people in Surrey who still smoke to quit for good this Stoptober. Quitting smoking can be challenging, which is why the message is: you don’t need to do it alone. With the right support, you are three times more likely to quit successfully.
While Stoptober is an annual campaign in October, support is available all year round. In Surrey, residents can access free stop smoking support from:
One You Surrey’s stop smoking service
This service offers up to 12 weeks of quit smoking support to people who live or work in Surrey, including weekly one to one behavioural support sessions with a trained stop smoking advisor and access to free stop smoking aids.
For more information visit: One You Surrey
The Smoke Free app
Surrey residents can access the Smoke Free app with free access to pro features. This easy‑to‑use app offers daily motivation to stop smoking, with progress tracking, and practical tools to help you stay on track. The app also provides 24/7 support from a fully trained advisor, along with free stop‑smoking aids delivered to your door.
To download search ‘Smoke Free’ in your app store or download the free app.
Support for children and young people
For information on the support available to help children and young people aged 11 to 25-years-old in Surrey to reduce or stop smoking or vaping, visit children and young people's vaping and smoking service.
For more information about stop smoking support, please visit Stop smoking support | Healthy Surrey
Please support this campaign by sharing messages and assets from the social media toolkit on your channels, or sharing Healthy Surrey’s social media posts. Artwork for digital screens are also available in the Stoptober toolkit.

Annual Canvass 2026: Have Your Details Changed? Let Us Know
We are currently conducting our annual canvass.
Every year the Electoral Registration Officer for Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is required by law to carry out a canvass and contact all households in the Borough to find out if there have been any changes to who is eligible to be registered to vote at each address to ensure the register is as accurate and complete as possible.
Your household will receive one or more of the below:
- A confirmation letter on green paper sent by post. You will be asked to check the names of people living at your address. You only need to respond if you need to make a change or update the information printed on the letter.
- A canvass form sent on yellow paper by post. This form will ask you to confirm who is currently eligible to vote in your household. By law, you must respond to this form and provide the information requested.
- An email communication in relation to the above if you have previously provided an email address to Electoral Services – expected to be sent on or around 28 August.
How to respond
To confirm or update the details for a household:
If you are asked to respond to a canvass communication and don’t, we will make other attempts to get a response from you, which may include reminder forms, a telephone call or a visit to your property, so please respond as soon as you receive the information request from us.
If you have any questions about how to respond to the letter, form or email you have received, please email electoralservices@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
Further details
For more information including about the registers: Annual Canvass of the Register of Electors | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Access to Activity Bursary and Community Football for children and young people

Looking for ways to help a child or young person get active? Our Access to Activity Bursary provides financial support towards sport and physical activity costs, while our free Community Football programme offers regular coaching sessions for young people in the borough.
Access to Activity Bursary for eligible 12 to 15 year olds
Open for applications until 31 December 2026, or until all funding has been distributed
The Access to Activity Bursary helps eligible young people aged 12 to 15 access sport and physical activity opportunities that they may otherwise be unable to take part in. Eligible young people can receive up to £200 to help with sports club memberships, subscriptions or match fees.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- live in the borough of Epsom & Ewell
- be 12 to 15 years old
- are in receipt of free school meals and/or
- have parents or guardians who are in receipt of Universal Credit payments
Children who are living in care or have previously been in care are also welcome to apply.
Community Football for 10 to 16 year olds
Open until 31 March 2027
Young people aged 10 to 16 can take part in our free Community Football Initiative, delivered by Young Ones United Football Foundation (YOUfF). Sessions provide a welcoming environment to get active, develop football skills and make new friends.
Sessions take place at Court Recreation Ground:
- Mondays, 4pm to 5pm: Years 6, 7 and 8 (boys and girls)
- Tuesdays, 4pm to 5pm: Years 9, 10 and 11 (boys and girls)
- Fridays, 4pm to 5pm: Years 7 to 11 (girls only)
Children new to the programme can register online or in person.
Find out more and apply
For more information about both initiatives, including Access to Activity Bursary eligibility requirements and how to take part in the Community Football programme, visit our Getting Active webpage:
Getting Active | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
For any questions, email the Community Development team at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council: cdevelopment@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
