‘I don’t believe I am a political person’: Surrey leader reflects
As Surrey heads into the new year, the mood at Woodhatch Place, the county council’s head quarters, is one of reflection and quiet apprehension for the year ahead. For Tim … Read More
Category: Council constitution
Surrey to have a Mayor?
Surrey will get a mayor despite months of uncertainty and a lack of solid confirmation from the government, the county council leader has insisted. Tim Oliver said he is “confident” … Read More
Public of Epsom and Ewell to be asked if they want two new Councils
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has voted to continue exploring the creation of two new community councils—one for Epsom and one for Ewell—following an often heated debate at the Full … Read More
Do Epsom and Ewell Borough’s allotments need their own elected Councils?
Epsom and Ewell Borough Councillors will meet on Tuesday 9 December to decide whether to progress the next stage of creating two new parish councils for the borough before the … Read More
Neighbour Area Committees in Surrey
As Surrey prepares for major local government reorganisation, the County Council has been trialling a new model of community involvement known as Neighbourhood Area Committees (NACs). These committees, currently operating … Read More
Epsom and Ewell Council transparency disputes revisited
The Audit and Scrutiny Committee of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council met on 13th November, with long-running disputes about transparency once again overshadowing its agenda. Questions from the public and … Read More
Surrey resident’s views on County split ignored?
The Government has been accused of ignoring Surrey residents’ views on how to dissolve and merge the county’s councils after it emerged there was a clear preference for three unitaries … Read More
Government Casts Doubt on Surrey’s Mayoral Devolution Promise
No promises have been made that Surrey will get full devolution and a directly elected mayor – despite it being the “entire purpose” of the lengthy and arduous process of … Read More
Epsom and Ewell to Go East in Surrey shake-up
The Government has confirmed plans to abolish Surrey’s two-tier system of local government and replace it with two single-tier unitary councils — East Surrey and West Surrey — in what … Read More
Surrey County Council LGR leaflet misleading claim
Claims of potential corruptions of due process have been levelled at key figures linked to Surrey County Council’s local government reorganisation (LGR) plans. The charges were put in a letter … Read More
Where do we stand on local government reorganisation in Epsom and Ewell and the County?
The future shape of local government in Surrey is moving into its final stage, with national and local plans converging on the abolition of all borough, district and county councils … Read More
Epsom and Ewell Council CEO contests ‘culture of secrecy’ claim and outlines fixes
Audit & Scrutiny grills council on transparency Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Audit & Scrutiny Committee on 30 September 2025, chaired by Cllr Steven McCormick (RA Woodcote and Langley), devoted … Read More
Caterham’s parochial battle…. a sign of things to come?
Caterham could soon be governed by a single town council after a majority of residents backed the idea – but the proposal has split opinion among councillors and locals. At … Read More
LGR and CGR, what’s the difference for Epsom and Ewell?
Two sets of initials could soon reshape local democracy in Surrey – and in Epsom & Ewell in particular. LGR – Local Government Reorganisation – is the national government’s plan … Read More
Absence of CEO on audit Red Flag causes an outrage
The Audit and Scrutiny Committee of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council met on 17th July. Cllr Chris Ames (Labour Court) expressed his outrage that the Chief Executive of the Council … Read More
Guildford going for new Town Council? Whither unitary authorities?
Guildford could soon have its own town council for the first time in the hopes it would bring more local decision-making to its urban centre. The driving force behind this … Read More
New Epsom and Ewell Parish? Cherish or perish the thought?
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council consults residents on new parish councils Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is asking residents and stakeholders for their view on whether to create parish areas, … Read More
Parishing Epsom and Ewell is unholy?
I enjoyed your write-up of the latest meeting of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, where you asked “Will the doomed Epsom and Ewell Borough Council rise from the ashes in … Read More