Category: News

Surrey’s Devolution Disagreement

On Tuesday, 7 January 2025, the Leaders of the 11 Surrey District & Borough Councils and the Leader of Surrey County Council met to discuss the English Devolution White Paper and what this would mean for the residents of Surrey.

There was acknowledgement from all the Leaders that the central government is determined to introduce sweeping changes to local government through their plans for devolution and local government reform which will see the district and county councils merged into new unitary councils.

All the Leaders of the Surrey District & Borough Councils expressed their concerns around the pace of change being imposed by central government and that such widespread and significant change needs wider consultation with the residents, stakeholders, and businesses across the County. In addition there was concern that the change, as proposed, will decrease local representation for residents of Surrey.

While the Leaders concluded that there needs to be a dialogue with Surrey County Council on the proposed changes, there was wide agreement that the County Council’s plan to write to the Secretary of State, Jim McMahon MP on Friday 10 January, requesting to postpone the County elections scheduled to take place on 1 May 2025 was not supported by the District & Borough Leaders and would be opposed if submitted.

NHS Recovery Plan Announcement at Epsom Hospital

Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell, Reacts to Major NHS Recovery Plan Announcement at Epsom Hospital

MP for Epsom & Ewell, Helen Maguire, was delighted to see Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting come to Epsom hospital (part of the Epsom & St Helier Trust) today to announce a significant blueprint to tackle the backlog of tests, checks, and treatments exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government’s ambitious plan outlines a massive expansion in capacity, aiming to reduce waiting times and improve patient care.

Lord Darzi’s independent investigation into the NHS found it to be in a “critical condition” and is failing to provide timely access to care with 7.6 million people on waiting lists for elective treatment. People are also waiting too long to secure GP or NHS dentist appointments, with over 14,000 patients across Epsom & Ewell having waited longer than 12 hours in local A&Es.

Although Maguire didn’t join the official visit, she was onsite at Epsom Hospital to intensify her campaign for urgent modernisation at Epsom Hospital and to seek the green light for the building of the much-needed emergency care hospital in Sutton, which she has been campaigning for since her election last year. St Helier Hospital, which opened in 1941, suffers from serious structural problems, which many describe as being in a state of crisis.

Helen Maguire MP Epsom & EwellHelen Maguire, MP for Epsom & Ewell said:

‘While I am delighted that the significant elective care backlog in Epsom will be reduced, we cannot ignore the fact that emergency care is in urgent need of support as well. Almost 200,000 12-hour ‘trolley waits’ have been recorded since Labour took office last July. These figures are shocking and urgent measures are needed to address this dangerous situation. Thousands of patients who are well enough to leave hospital can’t be discharged because social care is in crisis. With thousands of people waiting longer than 12 hours in hospital corridors on the Prime Minister’s watch, the need for social care reform is even more pressing. A three-year review just won’t cut it. This winter we’re seeing the consequences of inaction for our NHS yet again. After years of disastrous neglect of our health and care services under the Conservatives, patients and NHS staff deserve better.’

‘In Epsom and Ewell, the situation needs to be addressed urgently. We cannot ask our dedicated NHS staff to deliver world-class care in crumbling facilities. We must ensure that Epsom and St Helier Hospitals are at the front of the queue for necessary repairs and that the new Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Sutton is at the top of the priority list. Our community deserves modern, safe, and high-quality healthcare.’

‘The reforms announced today have the potential to begin to repair the NHS, ensuring our health care system can continue to deliver outstanding care for the next generation. Whether it’s keeping care within communities, using the latest digital tools to improve efficiency or empowering our GPs to make direct referrals- these promises must be implemented effectively to create meaningful change.’

‘‘I am committed to holding the government to its promises, and to ensuring that Epsom and St Helier hospitals, and the people of Epsom & Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead see real, tangible benefits from the discussions held here today.’

NOTE: Epsom Hospital will lose 20% of its services once the new hospital in Sutton is built in the plans agreed in 2021.

MP in constant communication with SES Water

Helen Maguire MP in constant communication with SES Water to rectify the ongoing Supply Crisis 
 
Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom & Ewell, has expressed deep frustration and concern over the prolonged water outages affecting residents in Epsom, Ewell, Stoneleigh, Sutton, and surrounding areas. Many households have been without consistent water supplies for over 30 hours, some since Monday afternoon, leaving families struggling with basic hygiene, cleaning, and laundry, as well as uncertainty in the lead-up to Christmas.
 
In a further blow to the community, Nonsuch High School for Girls was forced to close three days early due to health and safety concerns, disrupting the education of 1,500 students. According to Headteacher Mrs. Williamson-Jones, there was simply no alternative given the ongoing water issues. Parents and staff are deeply concerned about the educational and welfare implications of this unexpected early closure.
 
water Headteacher, Mrs. Williamson-Jones said:
“As headteacher of Nonsuch I had to make the decision to close the school on Tuesday 17 December on health and safety grounds of having no water for toilets, heating or cooking facilities. With no clear timeline of when things would be fixed I had to close the school for the rest of term. This has affected the education of 1500 students.”
 
Constituents have reported receiving minimal and vague updates from SES Water, despite Ofwat guidelines requiring that water companies provide clear estimated restoration times. Long queues at bottled water stations, limited access to alternative supplies, and a lack of transparency have amplified public anger and distress. Some residents have resorted to purchasing large volumes of supermarket bottled water, while others have raised concerns about recent hikes in their water bills, despite no improvement in service reliability.
 
Helen Maguire MP Epsom & EwellHelen Maguire MP said:
“It’s completely unacceptable that my constituents, have been left in the dark. Families are unable to shower, flush toilets, or do basic cleaning after more than 30 hours without supply, and now 1,500 girls at Nonsuch High School are having to be taught remotely because of this crisis.
 
Since Monday I have been in regular communication with SES Water and I spoke with the Chief Executive, Ian Cain this morning. They have explained that the ongoing water supply disruption was due to the failure of a critical valve. Their teams have been working 24/7, to resolve this complex issue and it is anticipated that water supplies will begin to be restored within the next 24 hours.
 
However, residents should be aware that it may take an additional 24 hours for supplies to return to normal as we conduct the necessary water quality checks and tests to ensure safety and compliance with standards.
 
In the interim, I have urged SES Water to continue supporting their most vulnerable customers, including hospices, hospitals, and other residents on their pre-identified list. I am glad that bottled water is being provided across four sites the details of which can be found on their website.
Beyond the immediate crisis, this outage raises serious questions about the resilience of our local water infrastructure and SES Water’s ability to ensure minimal disruption to local residents.
 
My constituents deserve a swift resolution, and a firm commitment that their concerns will be taken seriously. I will continue pressing SES Water to establish clear timelines and improved communication with residents. From families in their homes to students in our schools, everyone deserves to be confident in the resilience of our water supplies.
 
For the latest update from SES Water CLICK HERE

Epsom & Ewell Local Plan Consultation

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) has updated its Local Development Scheme, which outlines the details and timetable for the borough’s Local Plan documents, following the Government’s publication of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 12 December.

The updated Local Development Scheme states that the Regulation 19 Consultation will commence in December and the Local Plan will be submitted to the Government for examination in March 2025. The dates of consultation are confirmed as 20 December 2024 to 23:59 on 5 February 2025. This will ensure that the Proposed Submission Local Plan can be inspected according to the previous NPPF (December 2023). The public examination of the Local Plan by an independent Planning Inspector is estimated to take place in July.

On Tuesday 10 December EEBC Councillors voted to approve the Epsom & Ewell Proposed Submission Local Plan (2022-2040) and that the Regulation 19 Consultation should take place at the earliest opportunity. An up-to-date Local Plan protects the borough from ad hoc and inappropriate development and ensures responsibility for future planning decisions remains with the borough and its communities. It provides a framework for where in the borough new development should go and where should be protected.

The Regulation 19 Consultation is the final opportunity for residents to feedback on the plan before it is submitted for independent examination. During the Regulation 19 Consultation, residents, visitors, and local businesses can comment on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound. Guidance on how to respond to the Regulation 19 Consultation, will be published on the council’s website.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy CommitteeCouncillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said “We know how important it is to submit our Local Plan by the deadline set out in the Government’s revised National Planning Policy Framework. We are determined to meet that deadline and will do everything within our power to achieve it.

To help us meet the deadline I strongly urge anyone who would like to submit comments during the Regulation 19 Consultation to please read and follow the guidance provided. This feedback will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate with the Proposed Submission Local Plan and the suite of evidence base documents.”

If you would like to be updated on the Epsom & Ewell Regulation 19 Consultation, and future consultations, please visit https://epsom-ewell.inconsult.uk/ and enter your details via the ‘Register’ tab.

Final Opportunity for Local Plan Consultation

Epsom & Ewell Proposed Submission Local Plan (Regulation 19) Consultation to go ahead as soon as possible. 

Yesterday evening Councillors voted to approve the Epsom & Ewell Proposed Submission Local Plan (2022-2040) and that the Regulation 19 Consultation should take place at the earliest opportunity. The Regulation 19 Consultation is the final opportunity for residents to feedback on the plan before it is submitted for independent examination next summer.

At the meeting of Full Council, Councillors heard from a petitioner who requested that all green belt land should be removed from the Proposed Submission Local Plan except for previously developed land. This was debated by Councillors during the meeting, before the vote.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy CommitteeCommenting after the meeting, Councillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy, said “The Proposed Submission Local Plan provides a vision for our borough that strikes a balance between providing much needed homes including affordable housing, infrastructure, and support for local businesses whilst ensuring enhanced protection for biodiversity and our borough’s green spaces, and protecting the valuable local heritage and character of our borough’s towns and villages.

“It is challenging to find a path that meets the many different needs of all our communities, and not everyone may agree with every aspect of this plan. However, having listened to all the feedback, and examined the comprehensive evidence base, we feel strongly that this plan ensures that everyone in our borough, both now and in the future, is given the chance to thrive in Epsom & Ewell.

The Regulation 19 Consultation will take place at the earliest opportunity. We will announce the dates on our website and on social media as soon as they are confirmed.”

An up-to-date Local Plan protects the borough from ad hoc and inappropriate development and ensures responsibility for future planning decisions remains with the borough and its communities. It provides a framework for where in the borough new development should go and where should be protected.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council consulted on the Draft Local Plan in February and March 2023. The comments received on the Draft Local Plan, along with the local evidence base, informed the Proposed Submission Local Plan. The Regulation 18 consultation feedback summary report, which shows how the council has taken account of the feedback received, can be found here: Consultation response statement

During the Regulation 19 Consultation residents, visitors and local businesses can comment on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound, in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework. Guidance on how to respond will be published on the council’s website.

Responses collected as part of the consultation will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate with the Proposed Submission Local Plan and the evidence base documents.

Helen Maguire MP Launches Local Business Survey

Helen Maguire MP Launches Local Business Survey and Helps Out at Local Businesses Ahead of Small Business Saturday 

Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell, has launched a new survey for local businesses and will visit several local companies ahead of Small Business Saturday on 7th December.
 
As part of her commitment to supporting small businesses, Helen will roll up her sleeves and help out at three local establishments: Fatima’s Hair Boutique in Epsom, All Things Nice Café in Ewell, and Lavender Flowers in Ashtead.
 
 
During her visits, Helen will be serving customers and gaining hands-on experience to better understand the daily operations of these small businesses. This initiative underscores the vital role that small enterprises play in fostering community spirit and economic growth.
 
As a previous small business owner herself, Helen understands the challenges of running a small business. She previously ran a charity fundraising consultancy and founded her own fitness company. Her firsthand experience gives her unique insight into the dedication and resilience required to operate a small business.
 
Helen Maguire, who has launched the small business survey on her website, aims to give businesses in the area the opportunity to share the challenges they are facing and explore what needs to change to ensure their continued success. Maguire will use these insights to advocate for local businesses in Parliament.
 
 
The Liberal Democrats have been pushing for the government to scrap their employers’ National Insurance tax rise, which will burden businesses in Epsom and Ewell with higher costs at a time when many are struggling following years of Conservative financial mismanagement.
 
Helen Maguire MP Epsom & EwellMP for Epsom & Ewell,  Helen Maguire said:
“Local businesses like All Things Nice and Lavender Flowers are the backbone of our community and provide great services to people in Epsom and Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead. We should be doing all we can to support them and I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping out wherever I can”
 
“I am also excited to launch this new survey so I can fully understand just what businesses in our area need to ensure they can keep providing those great services to everyone here in our community.
 
“Our small businesses, both here locally and all over the country have been dealt too many blows. This is why it is so important that the government rethinks and scraps its National Insurance hike on our local small businesses. They have been hit with increased costs and less support. This urgently needs to change, and I will be pushing the government every step of the way to ensure it does.”
 
To take part in the survey CLICK HERE

£2.6m secured for Ewell Village improvements

Earlier this month Epsom and Ewell Borough councillors met to agree their contribution of £1.25m Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding toward the Ewell Village improvement project. This funding will match the £1.35m that Surrey County Council have committed to the project.

This is an important milestone for the Ewell Village project and will ensure the improvements go ahead as planned in 2026. The improvements, which include the introduction of new pedestrian crossings, greenery, improvements to footways and the public realm and a 20mph speed limit in the village, aim to improve safety along the High Street and make Ewell a great place to live, work and visit.

The plans were finalised earlier this year, following several public exhibitions and an online engagement, in which over 1400 responses were received from local people. The results of the engagement helped decide the way forward and plans were approved by Surrey County Council’s Infrastructure Board and Capital Programme Panel in August.

Councillor Matt Furniss, SCC Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic GrowthMatt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, Surrey County Council said, “It’s great news that Epsom and Ewell Borough Council have agreed their funding contribution to this important project. Now that all necessary funding is in place, we are in a good position to deliver this work as planned in 2026. Delivering these improvements to Ewell Village will bring about much needed safety enhancements to the High Street, whilst still allowing vehicle access. We know this was important for many local people and believe the plans deliver necessary change, whilst reflecting what the community want in their village.”

EwellCouncillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said: “I’m very pleased that we can support this substantial infrastructure project which will hugely benefit residents, businesses, and visitors to Ewell Village.

This project shows partnership working at its best. I would like to thank Surrey County Council for working so diligently with our residents and businesses to ensure that the planned improvements are tailored to their needs, and that Ewell Village maintains its unique, and historical, characteristics for many years to come, whilst improving accessibility and safety throughout the village.”

Epsom Family Secures School Placement For Son With SEND

Epsom family finally secures school placement for son with SEND after multiple failings and delays by Surrey County Council  
 
An Epsom family has finally secured a school placement for their 7-year-old son, Joshua Mayle, after nearly two years of struggle with Surrey County Council (SCC), who failed to provide the necessary support outlined in his Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).
 
Despite having an approved EHCP and a suitable placement, Joshua had been out of school for months, and the delays have taken a devastating toll on his health and wellbeing. Joshua, who at age four was starting to read, knew the alphabet and use the toilet independently, has tragically regressed. He can no longer communicate clearly, lacks any sense of danger, cannot read or write, and experiences toileting accidents throughout the day and night. This heartbreaking reversal highlights the urgent need to address continued SEND failings.
 
Joshua, diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Speech and Language Delay, and associated anxiety, had been without appropriate education and support since March 2024, even though a suitable school, St Joseph’s Specialist Trust in Cranleigh, offered him a place. However, Surrey County Council repeatedly refused to fund this placement, citing cost concerns without providing a clear reason.
 
Joshua’s father, Alex Mayle, contacted Helen Maguire, highlighting SCC’s many failures and delays. Alex outlined a host of issues, including a failure to Implement Joshua’s EHCP, leaving him without the necessary support. SCC also refused to provide home support as required by his EHCP, offering a limited 7 hours per week instead of the full support Joshua needed.
 
Independent letters, including one from Joshua’s GP, showed the rapid deterioration of Joshua’s mental health due to the lack of support and ongoing delays. After numerous complaints, formal mediation attempts, and a tribunal process, it was only recently that Surrey County Council finally agreed to place Joshua at the school his parents had been advocating for over many months.
 
Joshua’s father, Alex Mayle said:
“This has been an incredibly difficult and stressful journey for our family. We are relieved that Joshua has finally been placed in a school that can support his needs. However, it has taken almost two years, tens of thousands of pounds, and caused significant damage to Joshua’s health and wellbeing, as well as our own. Surrey County Council’s failure to meet its statutory obligations is shocking. Throughout the process we have spoken with countless parents, whose children are in the same position. Not only is it unacceptable, but it is also illegal. All children are entitled to an education, and they are being failed by a broken system, that is underfunded and under resourced.”
 
Helen Maguire MP Epsom & EwellHelen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell, said:
“It is a sad day when a family in such dire straits has to approach their MP on an issue that should have been addressed much earlier by the local County Council. No family should have to escalate matters this far, especially when their child’s needs are at stake. The voice of parents MUST be listened to, and while I am relieved that Joshua has finally received the education and support he deserves, it is deeply troubling that it took this long for the Council to act.”
“This case highlights systemic failures within Surrey County Council’s SEND services, and urgent reform is needed to prevent other children from suffering in the same way.”

Update on SEND school in Dorking

Councillor Margaret CookseyCouncillor Margaret Cooksey, Mole Valley District Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “You may remember that our most recent update on proposals for a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) School in Dorking anticipated additional information the Department for Education (DfE) wanted to submit would be with us by the end of October 2024. Had that date been met, the earliest opportunity a new application could have been considered would have been the development management committee on 5 February 2025.

“We have sought an urgent meeting with DfE and its agent since the end of October. When a meeting was established with DfE’s representatives on Wednesday 20 November, they were unable to give clarity on when the additional information will be submitted to us.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that we remain committed to making a new planning decision as soon as possible. We fully understand the importance of timely progress, however, the timeframe for bringing this application to a future development management committee meeting is entirely dependent on when the DfE provides the additional information it wishes to submit.

“It is now impossible to make a decision in February given the statutory timescales around the amount of consultation we wish to undertake on the proposals and new information from DfE. We will continue to keep you informed of the latest developments as and when we have further information to bring.”

Amanda Holden to Switch-On Christmas Lights in Oxshott

Amanda Holden from Global Heart FM to Lead Spectacular Christmas Lights Switch-On in Oxshott Village 

Get ready to kick off the festive season in style! On Sunday 24th November, Heart Breakfast’s Amanda Holden will join the community of Oxshott Village for a magical Christmas lights switch-on celebration. The event, which begins at 4:00pm, will bring together an exciting lineup of special guests, live performances, and festive fun for all ages.

A Star-Studded Celebration
In addition to the iconic Amanda Holden flipping the switch, the evening will feature an array of special guests. YouTubers Dad v Girls and social media favourites Golf Life Legends will be joining the festivities, while other surprise stars will be out to make the evening even more special.

Christmas Music & Performances
The festive cheer will be amplified by Britain’s Got Talent finalist Wayne Woodward, who will be unveiling songs from his brand-new Christmas album. His heartwarming holiday tunes will set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Magical Light Displays & Festive Fun
The streets of Oxshott will be transformed into a winter wonderland thanks to Eriera House, which is putting on a spectacular festive display across the entire High Street. Snow cannons will add a touch of magic as the village is dusted with artificial snow, creating a picturesque setting for the evening’s celebrations. For those who love to dance, former Northern Line boy band member Dan Corsi will be spinning festive tunes as DJ, ensuring the energy stays high throughout the evening.

Family Fun & Festivities
Session Music will be hosting Santa’s Grotto in the newly built Garden at The Victoria pub, where little ones can meet Father Christmas and share their festive wishes. As the celebrations continue into the evening, visitors can head inside The Victoria, a hidden gem in Oxshott, which boasts three AA Rosettes and an exceptional wine list. This year, The Victoria will be showcasing a modern twist on mulled wine, adding to the festive charm of the event.

www.thevictoriaoxshott.com / [email protected]

Support for Local Businesses

The entire Oxshott community will be joining in the holiday spirit, with all local businesses open to showcase their specialities. From unique gifts to festive treats, this event will highlight the best of what Oxshott has to offer, making it the perfect occasion for locals and visitors alike to explore and shop.

Event Details:
Date: Sunday 24th November 2024

Time: From 4:00pm, Lights Switched on at 6:00pm

Location: Oxshott Village, Surrey

Come for the lights, stay for the music, festivities, and community spirit. This is a night not to be missed!

Oxshott Christmas lights