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
Category: Council constitution
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
Epsom and Ewell Considers New Community Councils as Local Government Shake-Up Looms
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) will meet Thursday, 26 June for an extraordinary session to decide whether to launch a formal Community Governance Review (CGR)—a move that could lead … Read More
Gatwick Diamond authority denied
Merging Reigate and Banstead Borough Council with its neighbour Crawley has been ruled out – in a decision that has left drivers behind the move “disappointed” with the Government. This … Read More
Debate Opens on the Future Shape of Surrey’s Local Government
Residents across Surrey are being asked to help shape the future of local government in what is being described as the most significant shake-up in over half a century. A … Read More
Interview with the New Mayor of Epsom and Ewell – Cllr Robert Leach
Cllr Robert Leach (RA Nonsuch) was elected Mayor of the Borough of Epsom and Ewell at the Council meeting on 13th May 2025. The Epsom and Ewell Times put some … Read More