Epsom & Ewell Borough Council set its budget for 2023/24 yesterday evening (Tuesday 14 February 2022) at a Full Council meeting.

In setting the budget, councillors have agreed a 2.99% increase to the borough council portion of council tax– this is the equivalent of 12.3p per week for the average band D property or £6.39 per year. This means that council tax for this borough remains below the average for Surrey. 

The funding for the budget comes from several sources including income generated from the council’s commercial activities, charges and fees 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, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council 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 2.99%. The Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner has set an increase of 5.07%.

The rise of under 3% for Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will allow the council to continue providing essential services, while keeping the cost to residents well below the rate of inflation. This is considered important for residents in these tough times where other cost of living increases are high.

The 10% of council tax that Epsom & Ewell Borough Council receives allows it to deliver a wide range of services for residents. Just a few examples are waste and recycling, looking after the borough’s green spaces, reducing homelessness, payment of benefits, planning and development, managing car parks, environmental enforcement, and running the Community and Wellbeing Centre, leisure centre, and culture venues Bourne Hall and Epsom Playhouse.

Councillor Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy & Resources Committee, said: “After successfully navigating through the disastrous mini budget, changes of Prime Ministers, Chancellors of the Exchequers, Secretary of States, we in Epsom and Ewell are still on a sound financial footing.

“I am sure that next year will bring plenty of new challenges and opportunities, but we have a balanced budget and a sound four year financial plan. In addition, with the appointment of Jackie King as our new Chief Executive, we are in excellent position to meet these.

“We are fortunate to have a team of dedicated and loyal staff who will continue to provide quality services to our residents whatever the future may bring.”