The most significant change to local government in Surrey is upon us and as part of this the Government wants areas like Surrey to benefit from new Strategic Authorities — led by an elected Mayor. To do this, Surrey must first reorganise into unitary councils which will combine county, district, and borough services. The plan is to abolish all the 12 councils in Surrey by April 2027 and replace them with three or two unitaries. In light of this, the Government is consulting on proposals for how Surrey could be restructured and would like you to have your say. The consultation is open to all residents, businesses, voluntary groups and local organisations. Have your say by Tuesday 5 August 2025.

This summer will be our most exciting holiday activity programme yet, offering children and young people lots of options to get active and be creative. From African drumming to Skateboarding, you'll find multiple sessions to choose from at locations right across the borough, including our three leisure centres, local parks, and even the Town Hall. Some activities new for 2025 are filmmaking workshops, art sessions inspired by David Hockney and Andy Warhol, and a treasure hunt. PM Active will be back with sports sessions specifically designed for young people with SEND. We try to keep costs as low as possible and prices start from just £3 per session. Families in receipt of benefits or caring for a looked-after child may be eligible for a 50% discount.

An Article 4 direction to prevent the automatic conversion of ground floor commercial premises in the borough’s town and local centres into homes has been confirmed. The direction will remove permitted development rights to turn ground floor businesses like shops, restaurants, banks and laundrettes into residential properties. Instead, a full planning application will need to be made. The direction will come into force on 13 February 2026. Thank you to those who provided responses during the three-month consultation period, which ran between February and May 2025.

On Wednesday 18 June, councillors agreed to carry out a borough-wide review of the most suitable ways to represent residents at a community level. For Horley or Salfords & Sidlow, which are already served by a town or parish council, people will be asked whether the existing arrangements continue to be appropriate or if they should be updated. For other areas, the review will consider whether local communities would be better served by having a parish or town council. The first consultation phase for the Community Governance Review will start on 24 July and there will be public meetings held in advance of this date for those interested in submitting proposals. Carrying out the review now allows local people to consider parish and town councils in light of the local government reorganisation, which will see the existing two-tier arrangement of district or borough councils and Surrey County Council replaced with new unitary authorities.

The week-long festival of the arts is set to return to Redhill this October for its third year. Whether you’re an enthusiastic spectator or want to get creative yourself, Arts Takeover has something for everyone. New for this year will be an Arts Takeover Market Stall and the Redhill's Recycled Fashion Show (see events section), with the full line up set to be announced later in the summer.

Are you a small, independent business in Reigate & Banstead looking to cut costs and boost profitability? We are working with experts at Place Support Partnerships to deliver a free business cost reduction programme to small businesses across the borough. You will receive free advice on how to achieve the best value for money on essential services like electricity, gas, telecoms, merchant fees, insurance and water. Businesses will also receive a tailored savings report containing practical advice on contracts and cutting costs as well as an action plan to help you unlock real savings. While stock lasts, only 50 places available.

£500,000 has been made available to help fund urgent infrastructure projects that will support the borough’s development and its communities by 2027. Bids for a portion of this Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding are welcome by 30 July 2025. It follows an annual review and update by the Executive of our CIL Strategic Infrastructure Programme (SIP) 2024-2027, which allocates money collected from new developments. The Executive also approved £3.5 million CIL funding to support a range of infrastructure projects, including a new scout headquarters, the Harlequin and major road improvements.

The Council is taking a zero-tolerance approach to the abuse and intimidation of councillors and staff. The agreement, unanimously approved by all political group leaders at Full Council in July 2024, aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in communities and to encourage healthy debate. It is led by the Local Government Association and seeks to improve support for local politicians and officers who face intimidation and abuse in the course of performing their duties.

The Leader, Cllr Richard Biggs, has appointed new members to the Executive Committee. The development follows the election of Cllr Rich Michalowski as Mayor of the Borough of Reigate & Banstead. Cllr Michalowski was previously the Deputy Leader. 

The new Executive Committee is as follows:

• Cllr Richard Biggs, Council Leader
• Cllr James Baker, Deputy Leader, Executive Member for Community Development
• Cllr Ben Green, Executive Member for Finance, Assets and Governance
• Cllr James King, Executive Member for Corporate Policy and Resources
• Cllr Nadean Moses, Executive Member for Greenspaces and Environmental Sustainability
• Cllr Mus Tary, Executive Member for Housing and Support
• Cllr Hannah Avery, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services
• Cllr Kate Fairhurst, Executive Member for Place, Planning and Regulatory Services
• Cllr Shelly Newton, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture

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Looking for an eco-friendly way to power your home? In partnership with the Solar Together scheme, we are offering support for homeowners and small businesses looking to install solar panels and battery storage. Register  online today to receive a free offer from the Solar Together scheme!

Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of the Council, will again be available to take your questions, on Tuesday 22 July between 4pm and 6pm. If you have questions and/or ideas that you would like to put to him, this is your opportunity. Appointments must be pre-booked and can either be virtual or in-person. You have to be a resident or work in the borough to get an appointment. To book, please email: leadersurgery@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

Are you passionate about public service? Would you like to make a difference in people's lives and be part of an effective council which is committed to delivering the best for its residents? We are recruiting for: two Grounds Maintenance Skills Operatives (Sports and Gardener), a Research Officer, an Arborist, Environmental Health Apprentice, and a Reserve Driver. Please take a look at our vacancies.

Our fabulous greenspaces, which include parks, play areas, commons, cemeteries and allotments, contribute to the quality of life of more than 150,000 residents. They are also vital for enhancing biodiversity and improving environmental sustainability. Last year we asked for your views on our green spaces. Your feedback has helped shape a draft Greenspaces Strategy which sets out our long-term vision and priorities to help communities and nature to thrive. You can read the draft strategy on our website and let us know what you think by completing a short survey or chatting to us at the final park drop-in at Horley Recreation Ground on Saturday 5 July. The consultation closes on 13 July 2025.

A Notice of Proposals and individual notices on our proposed Off-Street Parking Places Order have been published on our website and we are seeking your views. Any objections and representations relating to the proposed Order, must be made in writing, specifying the grounds upon which they are made. Please email: parkingconsultation@reigate-banstead.gov.uk or submit representations by post to Reigate & Banstead Borough Council Offices, Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0SH no later than 4.30pm on 4 July 2025.

Pub in the Park returns to Priory Park, Reigate, for three days of mouth-watering dishes from top chefs and performances from artists, including Dizzee Rascal and Will Young.

This is My Theatre will be back at The Castle Grounds, Reigate on 15 August with a performance to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th anniversary year. The audience will choose which of her most treasured works to watch - will it be Emma or Pride & Prejudice? Both are packed with rivalries, regrets and, of course, plenty of romance!

Young artists, aged 25 and under, are invited to submit their work for a community art exhibition - 'This Is Me'. The exhibition is a collaboration between the Council and The Lucy Rayner Foundation, which will be hosted by the Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill from 4 to 18 October 2025 as part of the Arts Takeover. We're looking for portraits on canvas that are a celebration of identity, creativity and what is important to you. Artwork should be submitted by Tuesday 30 September.

Did you know Reigate & Banstead is home to a truly unique charity led by autistic people and people with learning disabilities? The Pro-Active Community isn’t just for people with disabilities – it’s run by them. This pioneering local group supports people to lead change, build skills, and feel part of something bigger. The Pro-Active Community campaign on local issues that matter – like better access to healthcare and inclusive transport. They also run workshops on confidence, rights and money management.; and they create space for friendships, fun and creativity – from drama groups to bake-offs!

A local charity Action for Carers has launched a new campaign to reach over 120,000 unpaid carers in Surrey who are not getting the help and support they deserve. The charity hopes the missing carers can sign up for support. It offers a wide range of entirely free services and activities, covering practical, legal, financial and emotional matters. From help with benefits forms and advice on your rights, to support groups, practical care, wellbeing events, free days out and more. You’ll find all the support you need, helping you feel less alone, more informed and hopefully more positive about the future.