Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) set its budget for 2025/26 yesterday evening (Tuesday 11 February 2025) at a Full Council meeting.

The council has agreed a balanced budget, without needing to draw from council reserves, despite a difficult climate. The council faces inflationary pressures, a rise in staffing costs owing to the increase in Employer National Insurance contributions, and the increasing demands of homelessness provisions. There has been no boost to EEBC’s financial settlement from the central government.

In setting the budget, councillors have agreed a 2.98% increase to the borough council portion of council tax – this is the equivalent of 13p per week for the average band D property or £6.75 per year. This council tax for this borough remains below the average for Surrey. 

Funding for the budget comes from several sources including income generated from the council’s commercial activities, fees and charges for certain services, business rates, government grants and council tax, which Epsom & Ewell Borough Council also collects on behalf of Surrey County Council and Surrey Police.

Of the overall council tax paid by residents, EEBC receives just 10%, Surrey Police receives 14%, and 76% funds Surrey County Council activities. Surrey County Council has agreed a council tax rise, including the adult social care precept, of 4.99%. The Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner has set an increase of 4.19%. This means the overall tax bill to residents will go up, on a Band D property, from £2,308.34 to £2,416.39, an increase of 4.68%.

The 10% of council tax that EEBC receives allows it to deliver a wide range of services for residents including: waste and recycling collections, tending to the borough’s green spaces, supporting people facing homelessness, licensing, planning and development, managing car parks, environmental enforcement, community outreach services and running and maintaining venues such as the Community and Wellbeing Centre for people aged 55+, community venue Bourne Hall and Epsom Playhouse Theatre.

Councillor Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy & Resources Committee, said:

“The prudent administration of Residents Association run Epsom & Ewell Borough Council means we can balance our budget without needing to draw on reserves or cut the essential services our residents rely on.

“We have also improved the efficiency of Bourne Hall with solar panels and are installing double glazed windows which will reduce the venue's carbon footprint.

“During last night’s meeting I highlighted the ten actions we have taken to reduce homelessness which is one of our highest risks and an issue that has a huge impact on those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without anywhere to live.

“As we prepare for local government reorganisation in the coming months, we do so in the knowledge that we are in a financially stable position, delivering real value for money for our residents and local communities.”