On Thursday 25 September, a motion proposing a vote of no confidence in Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s Leader was debated at Full Council. However, it did not receive a majority vote, meaning the current Leader, Cllr Richard Biggs, remains in post.

We've taken our first delivery of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and have started to run our fleet of 28 waste collection vehicles on biofuel instead of diesel. This switch to HVO is expected to reduce the carbon emissions of each of the 26-tonne rubbish trucks by at least 76% and to reduce our total operational carbon emissions by one quarter - which is around 500 tonnes of carbon saved each year. This will be a significant reduction in our carbon footprint while we continue to carry out trials of electric refuse vehicles, and it will improve air quality too.  

Are you ready for Redhill to be taken over by art, comedy, drama, fashion, music and more? The week long celebration of culture and community starts this Saturday, 4 October, with an action packed day of free performances, low-cost creative workshops and a market stall, including custom poems with local poet, Woodzy. New for this year will be the outdoor music stage, near the Harlequin Theatre, with performances from local bands (11am to 5pm). Other highlights throughout the week, include Redhill's first Recycled Fashion Show, a return of the hilarious Comedy Cottage, a ghostly walk, Bollywood dancing, line dancing, choirs and a Battle of the Bands for a finale on Satuday 11 October. Don't miss out, check the full listings today - some events require booking.

If you're looking for low-cost activities to keep the kids happy and healthy this half term, then look no further. Bookings are open for more than 25 holiday sessions (many with a spooky theme) that encourage young people to put down their screens. Opportunities to be active include Athletix Kids, PowerPlay indoor cricket and beginners squash. Those wanting to get creative can choose from a Shocktober Play in a Day, an Introduction to Filmmaking, an African-Caribbean creative experience, and more. It's easy to book online, so take a look and see if anything inspires you. If you are in receipt of benefits or have a looked after child you may be eligible for a 50% discount.

The company that owns and operates Langshott Manor Hotel in Horley has been fined £80,000 after a successful prosecution by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council. Utopia Leisure Ltd was found guilty of, amongst other things: failing to train and supervise their food handlers, failing to comply with a Hygiene Improvement Notice and failing to comply with food safety requirements. The court ordered them to pay a fine of £80,000 plus £21,000 in costs. Following a number of visits to the establishment by Council officers from the Food Safety Team, the hotel owners were required to make improvements to ensure compliance with relevant food hygiene legislation.  

A by-election for a Reigate & Banstead Borough Councillor in the Meadvale and St John’s ward will be held on Thursday 16 October 2025. We are getting in touch with registered electors in the area. If you will be voting in person and don’t have an accepted form of voter ID, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on 8 October. If you’re not able to vote in person, the deadline to apply to vote by post is 5pm on 1 October and for a proxy vote (someone to vote on your behalf) apply by 5pm on 8 October. Your proxy must have their own voter ID. Apply at gov.uk/how-to-vote.

We're looking for new clubs to be part of our Club Start-up Scheme that will be starting in 2026. In partnership with Better, we're offering free sports hall or studio space in the borough's three leisure centres - Donyngs, Horley or Tadworth to support new activities to promote the health and wellbeing of local people. The space is available during term time for between one and three hours a week. Days and times will be subject to availability and we're looking to support three clubs, that's one start-up at each leisure centre. Applications close on 19 October 2025.

We regularly find recyclable items placed in rubbish bins. This not only wastes valuable resources and harms our environment, but also increases costs for councils - money that could support other essential services. During Recycle Week we supported the campaign 'Rescue Me! Recycle' - reminding you how to dispose of some common items, such as aluminium foil, toilet roll tubes and plastic trigger spray bottles, that are often found in the rubbish bin when they can be recycled easily with your household collection. If you're not sure whether you can recycle an item, you can easily check using the Surrey Recycles Tool.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of the Council, will again be available to take your questions, on Tuesday 28 October 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

Time is running out to make sure your details are correct on the electoral register. Please check the details and reminders we’ve sent to your household and respond as soon as possible so you can have your say in future elections. We are required to call or visit households that are yet to reply. The annual canvass allows us to keep the electoral register up to date and invite people to register if they aren’t already. With elections for a new shadow unitary authority to replace the existing county, borough and district councils taking place in May 2026, make sure you can take part.

Would you like to make a difference in people's lives? We are recruiting for a Cook at Woodhatch Community Centre, two Streetsweepers/Drivers, a Reserve Driver of HGVs and an Aborist. Please take a look at our vacancies for details.

We are currently seeking the views of residents on our draft air quality strategy and action plan for the period 2025-2030. The strategy primarily focuses on reducing pollution from road traffic via increasing EV charge point provision and the use of hydrogen fuel cells in the bus fleet, including examining the impact of ultrafine particle pollution from aircraft on residents in Horley. A full copy of the draft air quality strategy and action plan can be found here. If you would like to make any comments on the draft strategy please email the council by 13 October 2025.

In partnership with Banstead Primary Care Network and GP Health Partners, we will be holding a Community Health and Wellbeing Event on Wednesday 8 October at Tadworth Leisure Centre from 10am to 3pm. All are welcome to drop in and discover the wide range of support available locally. The event brings together healthcare professionals and support organisations to offer advice, information and practical help. It is an opportunity to speak directly with professionals. There will also be scheduled talks throughout the day. For more information, email eleanor.parker-jones@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.

Come and celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Light, on Saturday 18 October at the Belfry in Redhill. The free event runs from 12pm to 3pm and features a lively dhol performance, dance performances, Bollywood workshop, Indian handicraft, food stalls, face painting, and more. Plus, the Mayor of Reigate & Banstead will be lighting the diya. On Wednesday 24 October, there will be a joyful and vibrant Diwali event at Horley Community Centre. For £15 you can book a delicious lunch with entertainment and activities for all – to book call 01293 772 240.

Critically acclaimed theatre company, This Is My Theatre, will be back on Friday 14 November. Audiences are invited to the Town Hall, Reigate, for a stunning one-act adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, 'A Christmas Carol'. The production is packed with charm, cheer and, of course, plenty of carols, and is sure to spread joy and warm hearts this Christmas! There are two performances (5pm and 7.30pm) and tickets are selling fast. Tickets cost £16 (concessions £14 and under 4s free).

Whether you're planning a party, special event, workshop or meeting, our community centres at Banstead, Horley and Woodhatch have the perfect space for you! We offer a range of room sizes to suit any occasion, from small meeting rooms to spacious halls, all at very competitive rates. Our venues are clean, accessible, and conveniently located - making them ideal for both one-off events and regular bookings. Importantly, we also take bookings at weekends? Get in touch today to find out more or to book your space. Visit our website or email communitycentres@reigate-banstead.gov.uk 

Energy Action Redhill and Reigate is on a mission to cut the carbon footprint of our borough one home at a time. Through their free home energy surveys they have already helped almost 600 households save energy, lower bills, and stay cosy through the winter. They've also given away thousands of pounds worth of free insulation and draught proofing materials to local residents. If you're interested in a free energy survey you can register for priority booking. Energy Action Redhill and Reigate is also looking for new Energy Champions to join them. Whether you’re looking to volunteer or take on a flexible paid role, this is your chance to make a real difference and full training is provided. The next Introductory Training Day is on 18 October in Redhill. 

Are you preparing to stop smoking so you can enjoy life without the burden of cigarettes? With the right support, you have a much better chance of quitting for good this Stoptober. One You Surrey is here with free support to help you every step of the way - from a personal Quit Plan, a smoke free app, and lots of tools, tips and advice to keep you motivated. 

From 6 April 2026 State Pension age is increasing* from 66 to 67, in incremental stages depending on your date of birth, and it is particularly important for people born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 to check your State Pension age, as the first group affected. The State Pension isn't paid automatically but The Pension Service will send eligible individuals an invitation letter four months before reaching State Pension age with instructions on how to apply.

Surrey County Council has received £13.9 million in government funding to help residents looking to make their homes more energy efficient. The Warm Homes Local Grant is now open to people living in homes with an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of D to G, and a gross annual household income of less than £36,000. The funding is available for properties on all fuel types. Eligible residents can apply online or express an interest in the scheme by emailing Surrey County Council at  energy@surreycc.gov.uk or by calling their contact centre on 01483 404505.