Woodcote (Epsom) Residents Society

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council voted to proceed to the second stage of its community governance.

They have launched a second consultation which will run until 1 February 2026.It asks residents to let them know if they want two new community councils – Epsom Community Council and Ewell Community Council.

If created two councils would be funded through an additional council tax charge known as a pre-cept estimated at £43.52-$46.15 per year for a Band D property.

Initially the Councils would be responsible for allotments and would be statutory consultees on planning matters. They could take on responsibility for more services in the future if the new Unitary Council agrees. This could include parks, playgrounds and community centre.

More details are available here.

You can respond to the consultation here.

Epsom and Ewell Times’s report on the Council’s debate and voting is here:

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.

Under the plan, Epsom & Ewell will join Elmbridge, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, and Tandridge to form the new East Surrey Unitary Authority. The remainder of the county — Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking — will form West Surrey. Each authority will be responsible for everything from waste and planning to adult social care, highways and schools.

Elections for the new shadow councils are expected in May 2026, with the new authorities assuming full powers from 1 April 2027, once the required Structural Changes Order has been approved by Parliament.

For Woodcote and Langley Vale ward it means that we will be joined by College ward and the southern half of Town ward in forming a new electoral division for the East Surrey Unitary Council. This is the same as the existing Town & Downs electoral division for Surrey County Council represented by Cllr Steve McCormick. It is expected that our  new Unitary Council division will need to elect 2 councillors to represent us at the May 2026 elections.

If you are interested in possibly standing as a Residents Association candidate or wish to find out more we’d love to hear from you. You can e-mail us at info@woodcoteepsomresidentssociety.org or phone John Mumford on 07989086516.

Watch facebook video by local councillors here.

You have until 9 October to respond. The details can be found here

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is reviewing local governance in our borough and whether to create new parish councils, to support local democracy. Right now, Epsom and Ewell doesn’t have any parish areas or parish councils.

The review is part of the government’s devolution proposal for Epsom and Ewell Borough Council to be merged into a wider unitary authority. It will look at the potential impact that losing a more local tier of governance may have for local residents in relation to local representation, resource allocation and priority of services

The consultation is seeking views on alternative local governance structures and arrangements and what they may look like. 

You have until 9 October to respond. The details can be found here