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.

Jackie 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.”

Hannah 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.