Over the last nine months, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) has been carrying out a community governance review (CGR), asking residents for their opinion on whether to create parish councils in Epsom & Ewell. The second CGR consultation ended in February this year. Following this, on Thursday 12 March at 7.30pm, councillors will meet to decide the future of the CGR.

Councillor John Beckett, Chair of the Standards and Constitution Committee, said:

“In June of last year, EEBC resolved to explore whether to change the parish council arrangements within Epsom & Ewell. This was a direct result of the recent local government reorganisation (LGR) decision. We have carried out two consultations; first, asking whether there was any interest in creating parish councils, and the second asking for views on a proposal, with details informed by responses to the first consultation, to consider the creation of two parish areas to be served by two community councils.

“This engagement process was vital, and I am very grateful to everyone who took the time to respond to the consultations.

“Responses to the phase two consultation indicate that, at this time, residents do not support the proposals that were consulted upon. The recommendation that will be discussed at full Council is that the Community Governance Review is now concluded and will not be progressed further.”   

The meeting of the full Council can be viewed online: Epsom and Ewell Democracy.