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Epsom & Ewell Council Final Annual Report

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council publishes final Annual Report

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has published its 2025/26 Annual Report, marking the authority’s final annual report before local government reorganisation and reflecting on almost 90 years of service to residents.

The report showcases both the council’s achievements over the last financial year and key moments from its history since the Borough of Epsom and Ewell was established in 1937.

The council will be 90 years old when it is dissolved ahead of East Surrey Council’s Vesting Day on 1 April 2027.

The report highlights key achievements over the past year, including:

        • setting a balanced budget for 2026/27 without cuts to services
        • allocating more than £1.6 million to Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) projects supporting local infrastructure and community organisations
        • determining around 94% of planning applications within statutory timescales, including 100% of major applications
        • progressing the borough’s Local Plan through Public Examination, helping to shape how future development is managed while protecting the borough’s green spaces, heritage and character
        • progressing the council’s Climate Change Action Plan through energy-efficiency improvements and renewable energy investment
        • preventing or relieving homelessness for 525 households and supporting vulnerable residents through housing and home improvement services
        • launching new health and well-being initiatives for young people and families across the borough.

As well as highlighting the council’s work during 2025/26, the report celebrates 90 years of local government in Epsom & Ewell, featuring notable milestones from the borough’s history, including the creation of the borough in 1937, the establishment of Bourne Hall and the council’s support for residents through national events including the Second World War and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Image of Jackie King Epsom & Ewell CouncilJackie King, Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:

“This Annual Report is a particularly significant one, as it will be the last published by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council before the authority becomes part of the new East Surrey unitary council in April 2027.

“While the report highlights the achievements of the past year, it is also an opportunity to reflect on almost 90 years of public service and the people who have made that possible.

“Over nine decades, generations of councillors, officers, volunteers and community partners have helped shape Epsom & Ewell into the thriving borough it is today. As we enter a period of significant change for this borough and Surrey as a whole, this report recognises the lasting legacy they leave behind.

“It has been an honour to serve this borough and I hope residents will enjoy looking back on the council’s history as we prepare for the next chapter of local government in Surrey.”

surrey Epsom EwellHannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, added:

“This report is an opportunity to reflect on 90 years of service to our communities and the lasting contribution the council has made to life in Epsom & Ewell.

“Since the council was established in 1937, it has been led by the Residents’ Association, with a strong focus on local priorities and community values. As we prepare for local government reorganisation, I am proud of what has been achieved by generations of councillors, officers and community partners working together on behalf of residents.

“While this chapter is coming to a close, the legacy of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and the strong sense of local identity that defines our borough will endure.”

The report is available on the council’s website at: Epsom & Ewell Annual Report 2025/26 | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.

Epsom and Chantilly Celebrate 30th Anniversary

Epsom and Ewell Mayor leads delegation to Chantilly to celebrate 30th anniversary of twinning

Epsom and Ewell enjoys a robust, and mutually beneficial, twinning arrangement with Chantilly in France and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the close fraternal ties between the two historic horse racing towns. To commemorate the occasion a 14-strong delegation from Epsom and Ewell, led by the Mayor, Councillor Lucie McIntyre, made the journey to Chantilly for a packed programme of events.

The party from Epsom and Ewell also included representatives from Nescotand the Jockey Club, four current borough Councillors, three former Mayors and other members of the twinning association, all with varying abilities in speaking and understanding French. The participants met the cost of the trip individually from their own resources.

This was Mayor Lucie’s first visit to the historic twin town, and she was able to meet her opposite number, Benedicte De Cacqueray, and several Maires-Adjoint (Deputy Mayors), presenting the Chantilly Mayor with an engraved salver to celebrate 30 years of twinning. She received a striking equine-themed vase in return. The two mayors also joined forces to plant a tree in the grounds of the Marie (Town Hall).  There was a certain poignancy to the visit in that Lucie will be Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s last-ever Mayor following local government reorganisation and the precise future of twinning arrangements between the two towns is still under review.

Of the programme of events provided by the French hosts over the weekend of September 11th-13th, four were horse–related, and some not without incident.  A morning visit to the training stables of Alessandro and Ilaria Botti was followed by a drive deep into the forest which is crisscrossed with world-class all-weather training runs.  Just as the delegation arrived, a jockey fell from a galloping horse, but thankfully neither was harmed.  Marin Lecour-Grandmaison, Director of France Galop, showed the delegation round the Chantilly racecourse which operates 11 months of the year with 55 race days.  Other equine-related highlights included a visit to the Living Horse Museum and the presentation by Mayor Lucie of prizes at the Polo Club de Chantilly, a facility big enough for seven playing pitches. 

The Epsom and Ewell delegation also visited the town’s Lace Museum, home to some exquisitely beautiful pieces, one of which for example took 20 people one year to produce, as well as the Tennis Club of Chantilly. The agenda also included a trip to the historic St Peters Church, which has strong ties with the anglophone community in Chantilly, and a chance to see a new film on the wartime life of De Gaulle, including his time in the UK.

No trip to Chantilly would be complete without a visit to the fabulously beautiful Chateau and a chance to make Chantilly creme – a task that the Mayor excelled at!

Epsom and Ewell Mayor leads delegation to Chantilly to celebrate 30th anniversary of twinningMayor of Epsom & Ewell Councillor Lucie McIntyre says, “I was delighted to join the Epsom and Town Twinning Association in celebrating this milestone and thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality provided by our French hosts as well as the chance to see so much of the wonderful town of Chantilly.”

While the 30-year anniversary celebrations are taking place in 2026, it was in fact on 30th September 1995 that the Mayor of Chantilly signed the Twinning Charter. However, a similar ceremony followed in Epsom in March 1996, signed by our then Mayor, Councillor Cyril Frazer, and this completed the formalities. The Epsom and Ewell Twinning Association was subsequently appointed by the Borough to develop and run twinning, which it has done ever since.

Association chair, Nigel Collin, adds,”Over the years we have been able to facilitate and support numerous visits to and from Chantilly by individuals, interest groups, schools and musicians. We hope that our partnership with Chantilly will endure, and the Association looks forward to being part of the next chapter in the story of twinning. It was lovely for the two mayors to exchange gifts, which will be treasured, and also for our delegation to distribute special commemorative  30th anniversary lapel pins to  our French counterparts to mark this auspicious  occasion.”

For more information on Epsom & Ewell Twinning CLICK HERE

NESCOT Students enter the Dragons’ Den

Four Business students at Nescot College in Epsom recently joined Peter Jones at a charity day, following their success in the national Tycoon Enterprise Competition. As part of their course, the students created a business concept and presented it Dragons’ Den style to five local business leaders. Their product impressed and generated enough income to secure them third place in the national competition.

Students on the Nescot Business and Entrepreneurship course had to create a business, research the market, launch a product and try to make as many sales as possible. The winning students – Reem Abid, Johnny Connolly, Nathan Dean and Mattie Ray – created The WalkBottle, a 3 in 1, double insulated dog water bottle with two detachable bowls for food, water, or to carry treats.

Earlier in the course, a variety of local businesses supported the competition and the college by offering up ‘dragons’, to review each group’s business idea and pitches, giving feedback on each one. Matt Thomas – CEO and Founder of Matthew Thomas Garden Design, Andi Drishi – Director and Owner at HICL Builders, Jon Skinner – CEO and Founder at Glow Homes, Lance Harris – National Sector Lead at Ministry of Justice UK and Vanessa McCormack – Hub Manager at the Epsom and Ewell Hub all gave up their time to help motivate and encourage the students as they competed not just with their coursemates, but also against groups nationwide.

Securing third place in the national Tycoon Enterprise Competition saw the team invited to the Peter Jones Foundation Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot earlier this month at the prestigious Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds. They were able to meet Peter and run a promotional stall during an afternoon showcase, to present their products, branding and entrepreneurial journey to guests.

NESCOT students enter the Dragons’ Den and secure Tycoon Competition successJulie Kapsalis MBE, CEO and Principal at Nescot College said “I am so proud of our students, who pushed themselves out of their comfort zone and created a credible business, which beat hundreds of others across the country. I want to thank the Peter Jones Foundation and the local businesses who supported them by offering up their experienced, inspiring leaders to act as ‘dragons’ in our Nescot den. Our students learned a huge amount and could absolutely be tycoons of the future. We’ve provided a launchpad and I’m looking forward to seeing them fly.”

Peter Jones CBE said: “My Foundation has been helping to empower young people for over 20 years. With so many challenges facing school leavers, it’s more important than ever to provide young people with support to help them fulfill their potential. Charity days allow us to raise vital funds – every pound raised will support the Foundation’s work to transform the lives of young people and particularly those at disadvantage, giving them the skills, confidence and opportunities to dream big and build brighter futures.”

Samantha Carey, Curriculum Manager for Catering, Business and Travel at Nescot, said: “This was an incredible opportunity for our students, and I’m hugely grateful to the Peter Jones Foundation, as well as the dedicated employers who generously gave their time to support them. Experiences like this not only help students develop their confidence, skills and professionalism, but also provide valuable networking opportunities, enabling them to build connections with industry professionals and gain insight into future career pathways. Seeing our students grow in confidence and realise their potential is incredibly rewarding, and it’s exactly why I chose a career in teaching.”

Students on the business course can now enter the National Entrepreneur of the Year competition, also run by the Peter Jones Foundation, which allows 16 – 21-year-olds to launch or scale a business.

The Business and Entrepreneurship course hones maths skills, teamwork, communication and critical thinking. It also promotes confidence and resilience as students take on the presentations, networking and promotion.

 
Nescot offers a range of courses for school leavers and adults, including Motor Vehicle, Animal Care, Hair & Beauty, Computing and IT, Performing Arts, Childcare and Health & Social Care. To find out more about studying at Nescot call 020 8394 3038, visit www.nescot.ac.uk or email [email protected]
 
The WalkBottle can be bought on Ebay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/thewalkbottle
 

NESCOT Students enter the Dragons’ Den

 

Reigate St Mary’s Nursery to welcome babies from six months

Reigate St Mary’s Nursery to welcome babies from six months with new year-round provision

Reigate St Mary’s is expanding its Nursery from Spring 2027, welcoming children from six months and introducing year-round care. Set within the school’s 15-acre green site in Reigate, the expanded provision will combine flexible care with a nurturing, school-based environment. Eligible families will also be able to access 15 and 30 funded hours.

Reigate St Mary’s is expanding its established Nursery from Spring 2027, welcoming children from six months old and introducing year-round care for local families.

The new provision will extend the school’s much-loved Nursery to younger children for the first time, while giving parents the option of year-round care as well as a term time offering.

Set within Reigate St Mary’s 15-acre green site in the heart of Reigate, the expanded Nursery will provide a nurturing environment for babies and young children, with plenty of space to play, explore and spend time outdoors as they grow.

The changes have been designed to give families greater flexibility, particularly those looking to combine high-quality early education with care that works around busy working lives. Eligible families will also be able to access 15 and 30 funded hours.

While the provision is expanding, the approach will remain very much that of Reigate St Mary’s: children will be known individually, cared for by an experienced team and gradually introduced to the wider opportunities of school life as they get older.

Reigate St Mary’s Nursery to welcome babies from six months with new year-round provisionNick Oakden, Head of Reigate St Mary’s, said:

“We have been welcoming young children and their families to Reigate St Mary’s for many years, so it is really exciting to be able to extend that care to babies from six months old. We want to give families the flexibility they need, but without losing the warmth, individual attention and sense of community that parents value about our Nursery. Children will have the time and space to grow in confidence, explore and learn, while becoming part of school life naturally as they get older.”

For older Nursery children, the school’s extensive grounds become an increasingly important part of their experience, with outdoor learning and Forest School providing opportunities to explore the natural environment and develop confidence and independence.

Children can continue from Nursery into Reigate St Mary’s School, providing families who choose it with a natural progression into Reception and beyond.

The expanded Nursery will open from Spring 2027, with places available for babies and children from six months old. Families interested in finding out more are invited to join Reigate St Mary’s at its next Early Years Open House on Saturday 10 October, where they can meet the team and explore the Nursery and school.

Places can be booked by visiting www.reigatestmarys.org/admissions/visit-rsm

Alternatively, parents can contact the Admissions team for more information or to arrange a visit. [email protected]

St Christopher’s Nursery to offer year-round care.

St Christopher’s Nursery in Epsom will offer year-round care from January 2027 for children aged 2+, open around 46 weeks a year from 7.30am–6pm. Eligible families can access 15 and 30 funded hours.

St Christopher’s School & Nursery in Epsom is extending its nursery provision from January 2027, offering year-round care for children from the age of two.

The established and much-loved Nursery will be open for around 46 weeks of the year, including throughout much of the school holidays, giving local families greater flexibility while continuing to provide the same nurturing, school-based education for which St Christopher’s is known.

With extended hours available from 7.30am to 6pm, the change has been introduced in response to the needs of local families, particularly working parents looking for high-quality early years education alongside care that fits more easily around family life.

Children can join St Christopher’s Nursery from the age of two, with 15 and 30 funded hours available for eligible families. From January, the year-round provision will give parents the option of continuity of care beyond the traditional school terms.

As part of St Christopher’s School, Nursery children benefit from being part of the wider school community from the outset. They enjoy a broad range of experiences and specialist facilities, while the Nursery places a strong emphasis on developing confidence, independence and the skills children need as they prepare for school.

St Christopher's School & Nursery in Epsom will offer year-round care from January 2027Bronia Grehan, Head of St Christopher’s, said:

“We know how much families value the education and care their children receive in our Nursery, but we also know that family life and working patterns have changed. Extending our provision throughout the year means we can give parents the flexibility they need without changing what makes St Christopher’s Nursery special. For the children, it will still be the same familiar, happy environment, with the same emphasis on knowing each child really well and giving them the confidence and independence to thrive. We’re very excited to be able to offer that to more local families.”

St Christopher’s is part of the Reigate Grammar School Group and has close links with nearby Chinthurst School in Tadworth.

The new year-round Nursery provision will begin in January 2027.

Families interested in finding out more are invited to visit the school and Nursery and meet the team at their next open events or to contact the school to arrange a private tour

Working Open Morning – Friday 2 October

Nursery Fun Morning – Saturday 10 October

For More Information CLICK HERE

Bus Passes for Disabled People Extended to 24/7 by April 2027

Helen Maguire MP celebrates disabled bus pass win on visit to new Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey centre in Ashtead.
 
Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom & Ewell and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Primary Care & Cancer, has visited Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey at their new centre in Ashtead to find out more about the services and support available to her constituents living with sight and hearing loss.
 
They also celebrated the recent campaign win after the Government announced that from April 2027, bus passes for disabled people will be extended to 24/7, a change that will have a tangible impact on many of the clients at Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey.
The visit gave the MP an opportunity to meet the team, learn more about the charity’s work across Surrey and see its new centre following its recent move to Ashtead.
 
During her visit, Helen heard about the range of services on offer, including the practical and specialist support available to people who are blind, partially sighted, Deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind and the importance of residents knowing who they can ask for advice and support. She also discussed some of the challenges faced by local people with sensory loss, including challenges disabled people are experiencing to maintain employment, due to issues with the Access to Work scheme.
 
Helen Maguire MP Epsom & EwellHelen Maguire MP said:
“It was really valuable to visit Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey and find out more about the support available to my constituents. I was also delighted to see the charity’s new centre here in Ashtead and meet the people who provide such an important service to local residents.
“Sensory loss can have a significant impact on people’s independence and day-to-day lives, so it is important that people know what support is available to them. I’m grateful to the team for taking the time to show me around and explain more about their work.
 
“We’ve also seen some fantastic news for disabled people, after the Government has announced their decision to scrap restrictions on disabled bus passes in England. This is something I’ve long called for, and I’m delighted to see the hard work of campaigners, including my Liberal Democrat colleague Tom Gordon MP, has paid off.”
 
Clare Burgess, CEO from Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey. BusClare Burgess, CEO of Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Helen Maguire MP to our new centre in Ashtead and show her around and talk to her about the support we provide to people living with sensory loss and the Deaf community across Surrey. I was so pleased Helen showed such an interest in the issues residents with sensory loss, and other disabled people, face to secure and maintain employment due to the problems with the Access to Work scheme.  
 
“We were also delighted to celebrate with Helen the recently announced changes to free bus travel for disabled people which removes the time restrictions.  Accessible and affordable transport can make such a difference to people’s independence, helping them get out and about, stay connected and access work, volunteering, healthcare, and community activities. We were pleased to share this positive development with Helen and celebrate what it will mean for the people we support.”
 
The new Ashtead centre provides Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey with a new base from which to engage with people locally and deliver its services to communities across Surrey.
 
The charity supports children and adults who are blind, partially sighted, Deaf and hard of hearing, providing information, advice and practical assistance to help people maintain their independence, well-being and connection with their communities.

Surrey Police Back to School Safety Advice

Following a long and hot summer, most children are going back to school this week. With this in mind, Surrey Police thought it would be a good opportunity for them to share with you some top safety tips for your loved one’s return to the classroom.

Quick Tips:

  • If you can, teach your child one emergency contact number and also write it down and put in their school bag.
  • Children should be taught basic road safety such as always walking on the pavement away from the kerb and only crossing at safe places like zebra crossings.
  • If your child gets lost or approached by a stranger on their way home from school, they should always try to go back to school or to a nearby shop and ask to speak to a staff member.
  • When sharing a child’s first day of school on social media, make sure to not share too much detail. Information such as full names, nicknames, school names, teacher names and personal home information, should be strictly avoided. These details could be used by someone with negative motivations to trick your child.

For children at secondary school, Surrey Police have included some more age-specific safety advice below:

  • Keep personal data safe online by activating 2-factor authentication across all messaging accounts, emails and gaming channels.
  • A reminder that screenshots can now make any ‘temporary’ photo or message permanent and shareable. If they are worried about any explicit images of themselves on the internet, ‘Report Remove‘ from Childline can help them confidentially report any images for removal.
  • If a young person is worried about a potential crime taking place within their social group or at school, but they don’t want to call us directly, they can report completely anonymously to Fearless.

Surrey Police hope this quick summary has been useful and wish everyone a safe return to school.

Mole Valley Heritage Open Days

Fabulous and Free Mole Valley Heritage Open Days Festival this September

More than 50 uniquely fascinating guided walks, talks, exhibitions and tours led by enthusiastic and insightful volunteers can be enjoyed for free across Mole Valley from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September, as part of the national Heritage Open Days annual celebration of history and culture.

This year’s line-up will proudly showcase the district’s landmarks and buildings – many of which would otherwise not be open to the public – in addition to offering a wide range of talks on the most intriguing topics. The national Heritage Open Days theme for 2026 is ‘Everyday Histories’, exploring the stories of working lives from the past.

A listing of everything on offer in Mole Valley over the ten-day period is set out in an online brochure, with paper copies free to pick from the district’s libraries, Pippbrook House, Leatherhead Institute and reception at Mole Valley District Council’s Pippbrook offices in Dorking. The brochure sets out the events and activities requiring to be booked in advance, as spaces are limited – particularly the walks and talks.

Pippbrook House in Dorking is a Grade II* Victorian Mansion, and it is playing a central role in the Heritage Open Days programme this year. Following recent restoration work, not only will visitors be able to step inside this historic building and explore its grounds during the ten-day period, but daily tours can be booked in advance. Using stories researched from festival partner, findmypast.co.uk, new displays will bring the history of the house and its colourful occupants to life. The venue will also play host to four of the six scheduled talks.

Other highlights include separate walks through Dorking town centre to explore both its pubs – past and present – and its history as a working town (both run by Dorking Museum). You can also enjoy a hands-on experience, making your own traditional “Keymer” tile as part of a tour of the Wienerberger tile factory near Ewhurst. The Leatherhead Institute has two events planned specifically for younger visitors; a Sing & Sign Baby and Toddler Class and a free trial of performing arts run by Lisa Allen Dance & Arts School.

cllr Nick Wright Mole ValleyCouncillor Nick Wright, Mole Valley District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Community Assets, said: “We have another superb line up on offer this September for all ages to get involved in and enjoy, for free. With such a widely varied and diverse programme of Heritage Open Days walks, talks, activities and events, the ten days is set to be a treat for our residents and visitors to our district.”

Free Football Sessions in Epsom & Ewell

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council offers free community football sessions for 10 to 16-year-olds starting 24 August

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is pleased to announce that free community football sessions will be available for young people aged 10 to 16 who live in the borough, from 24 August 2026 to 31 March 2027. This programme will be delivered by YOUfF (Young Ones United Football Foundation) with monthly life lesson mentoring sessions also available for participants.

Community football sessions will take place three days a week at Court Recreation Ground, with dedicated sessions for different age groups and genders. Spaces for up to 21 participants are available in each session and participation will need to be confirmed in advance via the YOUfF Instagram Poll. New players must complete a registration form, either online or in person at the session. For more information and details on how to book, visit this page on the YOUfF website – https://www.youff.org.uk/whatwedo

Monthly life lesson mentoring sessions will take place at St Barnabas Church in Epsom.

The Epsom & Ewell Community Football Programme supports the council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which focuses on increasing physical activity, improving wellbeing and reducing health inequalities in the borough.

Ewell Epsom councillor Clive WoodbridgeCouncillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said:

“The Epsom & Ewell Community Football Programme provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to take part in regular physical activity. Sessions will also provide a positive and supportive environment in which to improve their wellbeing and build their confidence.

“As well as developing football skills, participants will experience the benefits of being part of a team, building friendships, learning to be part of a team and developing a sense of belonging.

“This programme supports our commitment to improving health and wellbeing across the borough by providing free, accessible activities for young people. Alongside the football sessions, participants will also have access to mentoring and guidance to help them develop valuable life skills and make positive life choices.

“I’d like to thank YOUfF for partnering with the council to deliver this programme, and I encourage young people aged 10 to 16, and their parents and carers, to get involved and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.”

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council offers free community football sessions for 10 to 16-year-olds starting 24 AugustYasha Tobias-Browne, Founder of YOUfF CIC said: “YOUfF was created around the belief that football can be so much more than just a game. It gives us a way to bring young people together, build relationships and create opportunities both on and off the pitch. Through Epsom & Ewell Community Football, we want young people across the borough to have somewhere they can just turn up for FREE, play football, make friends and feel part of something positive. From there they can join the monthly mentoring sessions, where they’ll learn life skills, learn about qualifications and pathways that can genuinely help shape their futures. We’re really excited to be working with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to make that happen.”

For any questions, email the council’s Community Development team: [email protected]

Helen Maguire MP criticises Thames Water

Helen Maguire MP criticises Thames Water for hosepipe ban as figures reveal they lost 569.1 million litres of water per day due to leaks last year.

With the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales declaring a drought in 8 areas of England and Wales and 7 others facing “prolonged dry weather”, including Epsom & Ewell under a hosepipe ban, the Liberal Democrats have called out Thames Water over figures recently analysed by the party which show they lost 207,721.5 million litres of water due to leaks in 2024/2025. That’s the equivalent of 227.6 Olympic-sized swimming pools every day.

As a hosepipe ban continues for residents in Epsom & Ewell, Helen Maguire MP has called on Thames Water to “urgently get its house in order” by fixing the leaky infrastructure rather than simply imposing hosepipe bans on their customers.

Helen Maguire has consistently campaigned to hold Thames Water to account over sewage pollution and the health of local rivers, including the River Mole and Hogsmill. We know there is a climate crisis, yet Thames Water’s ageing infrastructure is still struggling to cope. Helen recently wrote to Thames Water bosses demanding a meeting to understand how they are preparing for increasingly extreme weather and what they are doing now to future-proof our water network.

As the climate continues to change, and heatwaves become commonplace, Helen Maguire has demanded the Government include measures to reduce leaks in the upcoming Water (Special Measures) Bill. With 207,721.5 million litres of water (83,088.6 Olympic-sized swimming pools)lost due to leaks by Thames Water last year, tackling leaks would go a long way in improving the resilience of the water sector, and helping to mitigate future shortages.

Thames Water’s leaks for 2024-2025 are equivalent to 97.9 litres of water per customer, per day. That’s enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool 227.6 times over.

Helen Maguire MP has consistently called for better regulation of the water industry, and this revelation from data analysed by the House of Commons Library and the Liberal Democrats has only reinforced their calls.

Helen Maguire MP Epsom & Ewell

Helen Maguire MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, said:

“Thames Water needs to urgently get its house in order. They have got away with their negligent handling of our water infrastructure for far too long. It’s simply not good enough.

“Whilst residents in Epsom & Ewell have to face a hosepipe ban as well as continuing increasing bills, Thames Water continue to fail. Thames Water must stop rewarding their unaccountable bosses with bonuses and start investing in fixing their infrastructure so we can avoid this happening time after time.

“My office are getting complaints from residents who are understandably frustrated. This really does affect people’s everyday lives and is having a huge impact on local businesses and residents. Just the other day, Chessington World of Adventures had to close due to water leaks. This can’t continue. People deserve a reliable water supply, and Thames Water must start taking responsibility for the impact its failures are having.

“I’m calling on the Prime Minister to take this seriously. Government must immediately replace Ofwat with a powerful new regulator, in order to hold Thames Water to account for its persistent failures. Under the mutual model of ownership that we are calling for, infrastructure investment would be a priority for water companies, with bills reinvested into stopping leaks and preventing sewage dumping.”